12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption mains_H_2.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Think of the caravan outlets as a single multi box Mains electricity & your caravan, for dummies Wayne Rravelich I have been an industrial electrician since the mid-70s, 30 years ago I spent a couple of years re-wiring State houses, so I know how house wiring works. Since I retired about 6 years ago, I have been doing a lot of electrical work on caravans and motorhomes, so have a relatively fair idea on how they work. You do not need to be an electrician to understand the basics of caravan electrics. We are only going to discuss the mains supply power, the 240Volt stuff, the BIG stuff, the stuff that can kill you if you get it wrong. We will talk about how to use the mains power, not how to work with it, if you need something fixed, get a qualified sparky to have a look, never play with mains power. Down to basics. Your caravan has mains power outlets, the three pin wall socket just like in your house. That is where the similarity ends. They both supply 240Volt AC for your appliances BUT the supply of power is different. The house is supplied by a 16mm cable from the street that carries heaps of power. Your caravan is supplied by a fancy extension lead, 1.5mm or, more commonly, 2.5mm from a controlled caravan supply. The caravan lead will never carry the same amount of power as the supply to your house. Something to remember. The power points in the caravan work just like the ones in your house but if you load them all up at the same time you will overload the controlled supply, and it will trip/ turn off. The caravan lead has a 16amp blue plug/socket and is controlled by a 16amp circuit breaker. This gives you about 3.5kWatts, a lot less than your home supply. You can still run you 2.5kW kettle, the 2kW fan heater, the hair dryer and the toaster, but not at the same time. TIP: Think of the caravan outlets as a single multi box. Don’t overload the supply. Boil the jug on the hob (don’t put the electric kettle on the gas ring, a friend did by mistake, and it was not a good outcome). Cook the toast under the grill or with a good gas toaster (see p33)and leave the hair dryer at home; you are on holiday after all. 🏕️ Wayne Ravelich is the APCNZ President and a retired sparky Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 17

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Labour weekend at Mangawhai Cheine Matheson Four poptoppers in attendance at the Labour weekend gathering. All very different set-ups, a great group of people and lots of stories and ideas floating around. Much like myself, everyone had their own special touches on their poptops that made them their own. Only 2 of us brought garden ornaments and started competing. Unfortunately the Flamingos took out my Chickens — I was too under-prepared for someone just as competitive as myself! (It’s the next get together that I’m looking forward to — already I have purchased more, haha!) Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 6

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption doc-coro-stingray-bay-hero_mw.webp doc-bridge-karangahake-gorge-1920_mw.webp doc-heaphy-track-biking-jono_mw.webp doc-hectors-dolphin_mw.webp doc-hump-southern-rata-in-bloom-hero-1920_mw.webp doc-pike29-memorial-track-near-junction-with-paparoa-track-1920_mw.webp doc-southern_mw.webp doc-tac-summer-1920_mw.webp DOC update DOC Photo: Stingray Bay, Coromandel. © Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons Above image: Stingray Bay, Coromandel. © Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons Coromandel seaside campsites reopen for summer, but… …there are changes after Cyclone Gabrielle. Some have reduced capacity and some have reduced facilities. In an effort to reduce the stress on the gravel roads some sites have reduced capacity. Port Jackson down to 185 people (from 250), Fletcher Bay down to 200 (from 300), and Fantail Bay 60 people (previously 80). Booking is advised. Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay are now a “backcountry standard” instead of a “standard”. It seems they chose “backcountry” so they can charge a fee (the “basic” campsite with the same facilities (or lack thereof) is free). There are warnings: DOC recommend 4WD for the remote camps, making sure you have, and know how to change, your spare wheel. Carry spare fuel. Watch weather forecasts as weather may compromise the roads. Conserve water. Be aware of and obey fire bans. Carry everything you need: don’t assume you will have access to anything, including food, water, fuel or emergency supplies. ckw.nz/doc-coro | ckw.nz/doc-camps-fees Have you seen Hector’s dolphins in the Firth of Thames? Two Hector’s dolphins have been spotted in the Firth of Thames, prompting DOC to call on people to report more sightings of the animals. It’s just the third time in 60 years the species has been spotted here.  Image: Hector’s dolphin. Steve Smith | © DOC ckw.nz/doc-hectors Kaimai tracks Some Kaimai tracks are reopening, while others stay closed to protect the kauri from Kauri Disease. ckw.nz/doc-kaimai Karangahake Gorge, in Kaimai Mamuka Forest. Stefan Marks | Creative Commons Book in and protect the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Visitor numbers on the Crossing are putting consistent pressure on the conservation and cultural values of the area, as well as the infrastructure. Booking is not compulsory, but please do. Tongariro National Park has Dual World Heritage status for its cultural and natural heritage values. ckw.nz/doc-tongariro Image : Steep descent from Red Crater to Emerald Lakes on loose rock | © DOC The Heaphy Track has reopened Over 11,600 bednights have already been booked between October and June ‘24. ckw.nz/doc-heaphy Heaphy track. Jono | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Pike29 Memorial Track opening in February The Pike29 Memorial Track is opening on 17 February ‘24. The 11.6km dual mountain biking and walking track will connect the Paparoa Track Great Walk to the Pike River Valley. There is also an easy 15-minute walk from the Pike Valley carpark leading to twin bridges within the forest. The track rises 880m from the Pike River Valley floor to the Paparoa Range ridge line, making it a challenging walk or ride in a spectacular landscape, from alpine scrub through to luxuriant forest. As you walk it you are introduced to the story of what happened at the Pike River Mine. No dogs Carpark to Paparoa Track intersection, 11.6km, 3-5 hours. Once the memorial work is completed, vehicle access to the start of the track will be via Logburn Road (which leads into Pike Valley Road) off Atarau Road northeast of Blackball. ckw.nz/doc-pike29-about | ckw.nz/doc-pike29 Image: Pike29 Memorial Track near junction with Paparoa Track. Stewart Nimmo | © DOC Many Southern tracks open, but caution advised Tracks, bridges and huts have been affected by the Sept ’23 and Feb ’20 weather events. Where there are large washouts or bridges down, DOC has closed tracks until repairs or remediation can take place. Other tracks are still open but require extra caution. Always check the weather forecast, look at the DOC website or contact their nearest visitor centre for up-to-date information on track conditions. ckw.nz/doc-southern Image: A slip which caused a dam to form above Freeman Burn hut in Fiordland. | © DOC Hump Ridge Track upgrade to a Great Walk is delayed The track is already open and in use, managed by the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Charitable Trust. Bookings are still open during construction, with public access given priority ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book . The hope is to reach ‘Great Walk’ status in October ‘24. The Hump Ridge track is 61kms and takes about three days. It is an alpine environment with soaring limestone tors, uphill sections through coastal forests, expansive beaches, historic viaduct bridges, old timber settlements, and the longest tramway sleeper walk in the southern hemisphere.  ckw.nz/doc-hump-ridge Image: Southern rata in bloom at the Hump Ridge Track. | © DOC Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 31

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption a safe place to park up I really like the Waiouru Army Museum joymareephotography I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. ◊ ©2024 joymareephotography@ckw.nz Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 17

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lake Pukaki September 2024 ©2024 M Richardson I can’t get enough. Lake Pukaki Miriam Richardson Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 3

Events for people who camp. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up EVENTS — Festivals and Shows Up Editor These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend or you can overnight nearby. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. DECEMBER Caroline Bay Carnival 26 Dec–7 Jan, Tues. Timaru 13 days of free entertainment with concerts at 2 & 7pm. New Years Eve, midnight: Pub Charity Fireworks Display. FB | Eventfinda JANUARY Waipukurau Vintage Fair 2024 2 Jan, Tues, Waipukurau, Hawkes Bay Three days of adventure shopping through a wonderful variety of stalls, selling vintage ware & collectables. There is a campground in the town. Campground | Eventfinda Egmont Country Music Festival ‘24 5–7 Jan, Fri, Bell Block, Taranaki Round up the family, friends, and lets kick the New Year off with this fabulous festival. Coming to you off the back of a truck, under the stars. Bring a chair if you like sitting out, or use our seating in the marquees. Food and drinks available on-site. A fun-filled weekend of music and dance. Motorhome parking available. FB1 | FB2 Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival 13 Jan, Sat, Katikati, Bay of Plenty Expect great food, the best wines, lively entertainment, excellent company, product displays, kitchen demonstrations and children’s attractions. There are free camping places around Katikati, and NZMCA self-contained vehicles can park at the primary school. katikatiavofest.co.nz | Eventfinda NZ Spirit Festival South Island ‘24 18–21 Jan, Thu, Charteris Bay, Canterbury Experience the powerful convergence of art, music, and holistic practices as they create a unique atmosphere for healing and growth. Camping on-site. Family friendly. No dogs, no fires. Orton Bradley Park, Charteris Bay Rd, Charteris Bay, Banks Peninsula nzspirit.com | FB | Eventfinda Marton Country Music Festival 19–21 Jan, Fri, Marton, Rangatikei 3 days of extraordinary music, dancing and friendship. Motorhome and caravan parking on-site. martonfestival.com | FB Blackcaps V Pakistan - T20i 19 Jan, Fri, Christchurch Friday 19th 7pm and Sunday 21st 1pm. Hagley Oval, South Hagley Park, Riccarton Ave, Christchurch. Christchurch allows 2 nights CSC overnight camping, outside the central city, on the roadside. Eventfinda | Chch camping Waihi Art and Street Festival 26–27 Jan, Fri, Waihi, Bay of Plenty The Waihi Art and Street Festival provides a free family festival in Waihi — the town with a heart of gold. Eventfinda | FB Turakina Highland Games 27 Jan, Sat, Turakina, Rangitikei A full day of family fun and entertainment at NZ’s oldest festival of sports, music & dance. Highland dancing, solo bagpiping, solo drumming and pipe band competitions. Traditional Scottish field events for everyone to try. Free on-site parking and low-cost camping is available: there’s aa quiet and a not-so-quiet camp site. turakinahighlandgames.co.nz | Eventfinda FEBRUARY Katikati A&P Show 4 Feb, Sun, Katikati, Bay of Plenty It’s shaping up to be an amazing 99th show — with lots to see and do for all the family. There are several free camping sites around Katikati. Eventfinda Camp Fest 9–11 Feb, Fri, Bulls, Rangatikei A family camping event bringing together campers from all walks of life. You are welcome with tour tent, campervan, caravan, bus, house truck, teardrop, poptop, camper or 4WD. There will be craft and trade stands, a public market on Saturday followed by music in the evening. We have workshops and discussions planned too: it’s shaping up to be a great weekend. campfestnz.org | FB South Island Motorhome Show ‘24 10 Feb, Sat, Ashburton, Canterbury New and used motorhomes or caravans, accessories or look at ‘what’s new’ in the marketplace. Socialise with like-minded people —social campers are welcome. Ashburton A&P Showgrounds. Eventfinda | southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz Marlborough Wine & Food Festival ‘24 10 Feb, Sat, Renwick, Marlborough Sample local wines and meet the people who make them and enjoy live music. Motorhome parking is available, and there are buses to and from Blenheim. marlboroughwinefestival.com | Eventfinda | Waihopai APC camp Art Deco Festival Napier 2024 15–18 Feb, Thu, Napier, Hawke’s Bay One of the great festivals of the world. Celebrate the magnificent Art Deco Capital, built after the 1931 earthquakes. It’s an unforgettable festival experience, brimming with energy, optimism and all that jazz ! artdecofestival.co.nz | Eventfinda Taranaki Country Music Festival 15–18 Feb, Thu, Waitara, Taranaki Bringing you country music — notable international and national artists and encouraging the up and coming. Self-contained motorhomes and caravans can camp at the local school. taranakifestival.co.nz | FB | Eventfinda Twizel Salmon and Wine Festival 24 Feb, Sat, Twizel, Mackenzie Country On the shores of Lake Ruataniwha, a festival for lovers of salmon, wine, food and more. The best from the Mackenzie District. There are free camping spots within range. Eventfinda | twizelsalmonandwinefest.com MARCH North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 3 March, Sun, Waipara Eventfinda | ncwineandfood.co.nz Cruz’n the Bayz 8–10 Mar, Friday: Paihia, Northland Cruise Northland with like-minded classic/hot rod/muscle car and bike enthusiasts. Eventfinda | cruznthebayz.nz WOMAD New Zealand 2024 15–17 Mar, Fri, New Plymouth, Taranaki Rediscover the world of music and dance with performers from around the world and across Aotearoa! There’s a tent campsite and a motorhome campsite. womad.co.nz | Eventfinda | camping Northland Fritter Festival 2024 9 Mar, Sat, Whangarei Local cafes and restaurants compete, iconic kiwi artists provide entertainment. Bus services. Free camping in Whangarei. Eventfinda Up Up fest-art-deco-3_mw.webp fest-ashburton-bg_mw.webp festival-egmont_mw.webp fest-art-deco-3_mw.webp 1/20

We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up You have to be here… Up Miriam Richardson We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled. We headed to Clyde to test out our gear and our selves, to buy a passport and take some starting-out photos.Three of us had electric bikes, one was muscle-powered. Mocha in his Buddy Rider We all had motorhomes or vans, and our route was planned so that we rode to a mid point then back, moved to the next park up, returned to the mid point then home to our vans again. Effectively we were riding the trail in both directions at once. We were not very fit, so the daily rides had to be under 25km, a planning challenge ably met by our intrepid leader Sue. Mocha, Sue’s companion, travelled in his “buddy rider.” 152 km to cover; twice. We were in no rush: we took a leisurely 11 days. The track surface was mostly good, with some uncomfortable, poorly-repaired places, and though it was never steep, it felt like it at times. Electric bikes are very good for not overworking muscles, but sitting on a bike seat requires its own kind of fitness training; even with our relatively short daily rides the sitting was a challenge. We woke to a flock of sheep and a closed gate at the free camping spot by the river in Omakau (photo, right), just over the bridge from the town. The overnight fee at Haye’s Engineering, Oturehua gave us entrance to their intriguing exhibits. Eight days in, we were at Waipiata, one of my favourite spots: a lovely domain with free camping (donations welcome), a pub, with superb pies (one now and two for later) a historic village to wander through, and various rail sculptures and memorabilia especially for rail-trailers. It was here we realised how well we had jelled as a group. Three of us ready to go, standing with our bikes, while our 4th was still making her morning cuppa. She looked out her window, oops — the time is now! We were happy while we waited. Enjoying the morning. No hurry. No sideways looks. Four relative strangers enjoying our journey. 1943 Hyde memorial It was quintessential NZ to meet a school friend at the Hyde railway accident memorial on our lunch stop. She is now a Wellingtonian and school was over 50 years ago. Middle of nowhere, “ fancy meeting you here … ” That’s NZ. The sky, the clouds, the hills, the vista changed as we travelled, but always vast and uplifting. We struggled sometimes, we had some glitches with our electric bikes. Our muscle-powered companion kept pace, right until the very last stretch, when the threat of rain had her disappear into the distance leaving us way, way behind. I really lovely ride, well worth the effort.   Sue and Mocha at the finish gate. Our overnight parks Alexandra; Chatto Creek at the tavern; Omakau, a free camp by the river (above); Oturehua at Hayes Engineering; Ranfurly NZMCA park; Waipiata in their beautiful domain; Tiroiti a free camp (below), and finally Middlemarch at the campground. Viewed from the trail, the Tiroiti free camp, above, is a stretch of firm parking alongside a quiet side-road. You have to be here; you have to feel the deep slow surge of the hills, the cloak of before, the wrench of beyond. From ‘Van Morrison in Central Otago’ by Brian Turner Up Up Click on the gallery for a full size view Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (RailTrail_5604) Clyde, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5305) railtrail-oturehua_5482_mw.webp ©2023 M Richardson Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (RailTrail_5604) 1/29

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption My stew is bubbling Franziska My stew is bubbling on the fire and I’m contemplating getting a bit more level. I’m on a bit of a lean and my carrot went rolling off the bench LOL. Franzisca ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 15

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption staying-safe-H.webp Staying safe as you travel Editor Roads Check out the road before you travel. NZTA provides maps with current road closures, dangers, warnings, road works. ckw.nz/highways Weather Get a weather app on your phone: NIWA and the Met Service both provide weather warnings as well as forecasts. (Pictured, the Windy.com app on a phone) Fire danger NIWA gives regional guides on the current fire danger. Check before you strike the match. fireweather.niwa.co.nz Electrical warrants Required by campgrounds, these warrants also ensure there is no electrical danger to you or your family. Renewed every 4 years. More Gas safety check These are not required, but recommended every 2 years. With the vibrations of travel even well constructed gas setups can develop leaks over time. Some people have gas sniffers so they can check their own space as they travel Fire safety Have a fire extinguisher, and be mindful where it is placed. Shake it up every month. A fire blanket works for different kinds of fires (more). Can you break a window to get out if there is a fire? With what? Alarms • Smoke, • Sudden heat, • Carbon monoxide, • LPG. Get the right ones in the right place with the right batteries / power. Check them regularly:perhaps as daylight saving changes. Personal Locator Beacons Stay safe when out in the wilds. More on p25 Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 38

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Looking west, uphill Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking up the valley to Carricktown Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking down on Cromwell and Lake Dunstan beyond. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking east, downhill. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Dump station Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Wind. There is wind. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson a windy and dramatic spot with wonderful hosts STOP and STAY Scottland Motorhome Park Miriam Richardson On the top of a ridge looking down on Cromwell one side, and towards Carricktown the other. It’s a windy spot with dramatic views, dramatic weather and the history of the valley is dramatic as well. Read the handout at the registration shed. No tents, children or dogs. Must be self-contained. Bill and Jenny set up their POP (Park Over Property) to have all the things they want when they are travelling, so it includes, water, a photo-worthy dump station for cassettes (left), a washing machine and 2 clothes lines (use your good pegs; it sure is windy), rubbish and recycling as well as a bucket for chook scraps. For grey water, they appreciate it being delivered to their trees, up here in the dry. Also, plugs for e-bike charging, and e-bikes for hire. They have a produce stall at the gate with fruit, eggs, jam, honey and fruit leather, depending on the season (greengages! blackboy peaches! yum!). Activities: walking and cycling, near the Lake Dunstan Trail, and Carrick tracks; wineries, historical sites, galleries. Bill & Jenny 34 Quartzville Rd, Bannockburn 0274 331 761 | 0274 317 101 jenny@xtra.co.nzscottabgood.info $10 a night. NZMCA discount. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 39

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption FIshing boat coming in I watched a fishing boat come in through the heads the other evening, a skein of gulls in attendance; then the dusk light on the harbour. Its a glorious spot.© 2023 M Richardson ckw.nz/ngati-toa Porirua Harbour Night view across Porirua Harbour Camping under the macrocarpas There is an area under macrocarpas were camping vehicles of all kinds (including long vehicles) can overnight for up to 3 nights. STOP and STAY Ngati Toa Domain:Stop and stay Miriam Richardson The loveliest freedom camping spot before the Cook Strait ferries is at Mana, between Porirua Harbour and State Highway 1. There are sports- and play-grounds and an area under macrocarpas were camping vehicles of all kinds (including long vehicles) can overnight for up to 3 nights. Sadly, tenting is not allowed and you must be self-contained. There is a public toilet. It is walking distance to the train, a supermarket and a pizza place. I watched a fishing boat come in through the heads the other evening, a skein of gulls in attendance; then the dusk light on the harbour. Its a glorious spot. ckw.nz/ngati-toa Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around the top of NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 33

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Tapotupotu Tapotupotu DOC campsite Tapotupotu Tapotupotu Matauri Bay Matauri Bay Hitting the Northland beaches — Stop and Stay Gary Stoneley Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around the top of NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org Heading up to the top of the North Island to see Cape Reinga is on most people’s bucket lists. For those who enjoy a bit of camping, finding that perfect spot to stay is an added bonus. Finding two such places is something special. Tapotupotu DOC campsite Situated only a couple of km’s south of Cape Reinga the Department of Conservation, Tapotupotu camping area is well worth the drive down into the secluded bay. Very popular over the Christmas and January period it is recommended that you book through DOC if you are wanting to stay during that period. For the bulk of the year you can just roll up to the camp and choose your spot. The camp is located on the foreshore of a small bay and lagoon suitable for swimming. For hikers there is the coastal walkway to explore. To get to the camp it is an easy drive down a short winding metalled road, suitable for all vehicles. Camping sites are flat with several different areas. There are multiple, vault toilets on site but you need to take your own drinking water. ckw.nz Tapotupotu Campsite Camp near a lagoon suitable for swimming and kayaking. Visit Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua only 5 minutes drive away or 3 hours via the walking track. Instead of driving up to the Cape and back in one day why not stay overnight at this special place and see the cape at first light or sunset. Standard DOC charges apply.potu Erratum: In our printed magazine we incorrectly showed this camp asTaputaputa, another Northland campground. taputaputa.nz Matauri Bay Holiday Park Thirty kms north of Keri Keri is Matauri Bay. It’s a steep, tarsealed road down to the campground and reserve but a relatively easy climb back out, even with large vehicles. A large, flat, campground with all amenities plus store and gas station is situated in a wide sandy bay. Which is a shell collector’s paradise. A very picturesque bay, the water is warm, safe and popular for swimming and with a moderate surf. The location, view and peacefulness is such that it is hard to pack up and leave when it’s time to go. Prices are very good, including full facilities, and non-powered sites are just slightly more than DOC camp fees. For a bit more you can have a powered site. This camp comes highly recommended as fantastic value for money, beautiful surroundings and terrific hosts. matauribayholidaypark.co.nz Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 37