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  • au-naturel

    7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Swimming www.gonatural.co.nz Camping au naturel www.gonatural.co.nz Camp au naturel gonatural.co.nz There are many ways to have a summer camping holiday, and everyone has their own reasons for choosing where they camp, how they camp and who they camp with. Some like the resort style camping holiday where everything is laid on for both adults and kids, while others choose to go bush, where they have peace and quiet and can get right down to the basics of camping. And some folk choose to go where they can shed their clothes along with the stresses and worries of every day life. Do you remember those halcyon days as a child when you could run around the house or back yard without clothes and no one thought anything of it. When Mum would strip your togs off at the tide’s edge to rinse the sand off and you’d do the mad dash to the car laughing all the way. As a teenager, that first midnight skinny dip at the beach, just because you could. Ahhh if only we could relive those carefree moments, when it didn’t matter that you were as naked as the day you were born. Well, there are several places around New Zealand where you can camp au naturel , in the buff, clothes-free. Where you can sit out in your camp chair with a good book and feel the breeze on your skin, all of your skin. Where you can lie in the sun for that all over tan and no one is going to bat an eyelid. Where you can go for a swim in the pool or a dip in the hot tub free of the clinging of togs then lie out for a gentle breeze and the sun’s rays to dry you off. Interested? Sounds like it’s too good to be true, but it isn’t. If you want the ‘shed it all’ holiday you’ve got a few choices in New Zealand. There are two commercial naturist campgrounds along with several naturist clubs that are well set up for camping holidays or if you’re lucky enough to find that really isolated spot with no else around to see what you are or are not wearing. There are also several beaches, some close to campgrounds and holiday parks that are frequented by naturists regularly. In fact you can be naked on any beach in New Zealand if you choose to. There is no specific law in New Zealand that prevents anyone from being naked on a beach or anywhere for that matter. Provided you are not engaging in offensive or disorderly conduct, obscene or indecent exposure anyone can go for a skinny dip or get that all over suntan. So why would you want a naked camping holiday? Why not? For starters there are the health benefits of sun exposure and vitamin D. Keeping in mind you still have to be sensible and use sunscreen or cover up when it gets too hot. Creating a positive body image is not easy in today’s world. Self-esteem is greatly enhanced in the naturist lifestyle and our own self-esteem increases when we accept ourselves for who we really are. However, it isn’t until a person gives it a try, that they can experience that concept for themselves. Latest research shows that vitamin D may play an important role in mental health. The recent Mental Health foundation annual awareness week was themed ‘Nature is Key’. We all know that getting out in the fresh air and sun just makes us feel better and all the more so if you are clothes-free. Having a camping holiday without the need for clothes brings a whole new meaning to the word holiday. For starters there is only half the amount to pack. Just imagine getting home and there is only a load of towels to go through the wash and not a mountain of dirty clothes. Get caught in the rain, there are no clothes to try and get dry in the tent or caravan. The kids won’t be rummaging through bags and drawers looking for their clothes every morning, they will be up and gone. And swimming without togs, once you’ve tried it you will never want to wear togs again. The number of different interests and hobbies that one can participate in these days is as wide and varied as the people who go camping, so why not include these within your camping holiday. If you are a seasoned naturist or just think you might like to dip your toe into the world of naturism there are multiple opportunities to include it while you’re camping. For more information check out www.gonatural.co.nz GO TO Celebrating Summer shed your clothes along with the stresses of every day life Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 35 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

  • but-i-am-not-fc

    10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Pohangina Valley Looking over the Pohangina Valley from a freedom camping spot on Valley Rd. Manawatu ©2024 M Richardson GO TO Springing Each council makes its own choices But I am not freedom camping… Miriam Richardson We are in a time of transition, as councils try to work out how to apply and enforce the new freedom camping laws. They are each doing it in their own way, so there is no consistent advice for campers around the country as a whole. The law gives councils no criteria to judge what counts as a ‘ day-trip excursion ,’ ‘ temporary and short-term parking ’ or how a person can establish they have ‘ driver fatigue ,’ all of which are, the law says, not feedom camping. There is also a new offence, ‘ making preparations to freedom camp ’ in a place where freedom camping is not allowed. The law says that this means to “ park a motor vehicle to use it for freedom camping ” or to “ erect a tent to use it for freedom camping. ” (Freedom Camping Act 2011, 20, 1 (f)(g), & 2) The impossible thing with this, is that there is no way to know a person’s intentions. Are they parked to freedom camp, or are they parked on a day-trip, which is not freedom camping? They often look identical in real life. Each council makes its choices when it trains its enforcement officers: what criteria determines ‘freedom camping’ or ‘preparing to freedom camp’; how to recognise a ‘day-trip excursion’ vs ‘preparing to freedom camp.’ There is no way for the traveller to know in advance what criteria any particular council is using. What to do if you fall foul of a council’s criteria? First, write in to the council and explain your actions and intentions. If they still assert you were freedom camping or preparing to freedom camp, seek support from camping/motorhoming groups such as All Points Camping or NZMCA. Their support may make a difference as you decide between the personal costs of fighting vs the dollar cost of the fine. ◊ Next issue we will explore these issues in more detail. I would love to hear about your summer experiences: editor@campingthekiwiway.org Image: Looking over the Pohangina Valley from a freedom camping spot on Valley Rd. Manawatu ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 2

  • summer-22, wild-wairarapa

    2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up The Wild Wairarapa Coast Allan Henderson Up We spent a few days on the coast out from Martinborough, Te Awati camping area and then back to North Tora Reserve, some very rough coastline. When we arrived it was beautiful, stunning and no wind. We enjoyed a beer or 2 under our awning, giving respite from the sun’s heat… Well ,that lasted for several hours and then the southerly wind hit us, full side-on and was moving our slide-out in with its gusts. We pulled anchor and swung about, tucking ourselves in a more sheltered area and facing the wind head on… Eventually we had to move our slide-out in part way, which meant we had to climb over the bed to use the bathroom in the night. The next day started out fine, no wind and our world was at peace. Had a great day, bit of a walk and explore and chilled. Our night slowly started rocking as a fresh Northerly wind bashed into the rear of our camper. Again we battened down the hatches to ride it out. TEventually we moved camp to Tora and enjoyed another beating from the wind. Time to head inland. We had a great time out there. The wind and the ocean are brutal, Mother Nature at its finest — but what a blast (pun intended)! Yes, we would go back but would be very mindful of the weather. This area is beautiful, the roar of the ocean, the battered rocks, and the hills are stunning. The road is very doable. We have an 8.5m motorhome with a toad, and generally had a smooth trip in, considering the length of gravel road. One section was very steep, a patch up after a slip — we bottomed out our tow bar on the way in and out. We have an Iveco rear wheel drive with good ground clearance; beware any front wheel drive and or low-to-the-ground rigs. Photos © 2022 Allan Henderson Up Up © 2022 Allan Henderson Wairarapa Coast We spent a few days on the coast out from Martinborough, Te Awati camping area and then back to North Tora Reserve, some very rough coastline. © 2022 Allan Henderson Wairarapa Coast We spent a few days on the coast out from Martinborough, Te Awati camping area and then back to North Tora Reserve, some very rough coastline. © 2022 Allan Henderson © 2022 Allan Henderson 1/7

  • terako-downs

    10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing I’ve met a nice group of friends, who mix happily and include everyone STOP and STAY Teeming at Terako Downs Julie Adam — the Kite Lady Not bothering much about the forecast warning for rain over Labour Weekend, I loaded up the camper, with clothes, food and my two dogs, and off we went to Terako Downs. The roaring rivers on the drive up through the Amuri region suggested that there had been quite a bit of rain in the mountains, but the sun was shining and it was going to be a long weekend with gorgeous views and good people. Terako Downs is situated in North Canterbury on the Inland Road between Waiau and Kaikōura. This is one of my favourite drives. There are no villages or shops en route, just mixed-use farmland, braided rivers and mountains. From Waiau, the road is a little hilly and windy with some tight corners, but well signposted — as long as you know 25kph means go really slow! After Mt Lyford, the scenery opens up, with views across big open river valleys, before arriving at the coast just south of Kaikōura, where the sea goes out to the horizon. Terako Downs is only 18km from Waiau, just south of the Mt Lyford Village. If you’re coming from Kaikōura, the trip is 64km, which takes about an hour. I hadn’t been to the Terako Downs site before, and was really looking forward to it. It is clearly signposted on the road, with a gate leading into a rambling grassy site (no hard stands, but good firm ground, even after all the rain), with trees, quirky fences and bridges over a drain to navigate. It’s not all level, but there’s plenty of level ground. There’s bush and birdsong around, as well as chickens and, to my dogs’ delight, feral rabbits! Below the campsite is a river with a swimming hole, which would be fabulous in summer — but we weren’t ready for that this Labour Weekend. Robins ©2024 Debbie Tutton ©2024 Tony Knights. Vans, motorhomes and people of all shapes and sizes arrived over the Friday, and, after setting up camp, we all gathered under the shade of a large gazebo and outdoor covered area by an old corrugated iron barn, which was the campsite ‘clubrooms’. Exploring inside this building was a delight, with a kitchen area (microwave and electric kettle), plenty of armchairs, table and chairs, and a big log burner keeping the space very toasty. There was a door leading through to another bigger space. The building, inside and out, was filled with an eclectic collection of memorabilia, creating a fun museum — clearly reflective of our wonderful hosts’ (Fritz and Debbie) personalities and lives. ©2024 Jo Robinson As the sun went down, the fairy lights in the trees and on fences came on, creating a fun and colourful outlook in the darkness — although most of us were gathered around the fire inside, where the chatter and stories went on until bedtime. Saturday brought rain, so most of us gathered around the fire again or laid low in our own spaces doing the things we like to do. A few brave souls with dogs attached the leads, and went off along the road, or down through the paddocks to explore. Some campers even headed off to Kaikōura for the day to check out the shops and restaurants. Back at my camper after our morning walk, the dogs dried out on the bed and watched the other campers through the windows (Dog TV!), while I spent time with an audiobook and knitting. On Saturday night, there was music. People brought guitars, ukuleles, tambourines, shakers and song sheets. A stage and sound system was set up and the extroverts performed — some even trying out a bit of line dancing. We all joined in and the rain on the roof kept up the rhythm. Sunday morning, and the sun came out glorious and warm — and to show a new river had appeared, where the day before there had been a dry drainage ditch running through the campsite. This provided a bit of entertainment as our host took off her trousers to get in and clear grass clippings blocking a pipe under one of the wee bridges to let the water clear. Out of the water, at least, the temperature wasn’t freezing! But the rain came back in the afternoon, and we retreated again to the fire. A screen and projector were set up where the music had been, and we were able to pick from a good variety of DVD movies. A great excuse to snuggle into a comfy chair with a blanket and sit back, knit and relax. The following morning brought sunshine again, and after a session under the gazebo to talk about our weekend and make our farewells, we all packed up at a leisurely pace and headed on to our next adventures, or to home. The All Points camping weekends I’ve attended so far have all been really friendly and laid back. I feel I’ve met a nice group of friends, who mix happily and include everyone. There’s always snacks and drinks shared and no time pressure. Linda seems to manage to include an extra treat, whether it’s a cream tea, or a pot luck meal, and ensures everyone is made welcome. I’m looking forward to the next one — and should be dried out by then! ◊ Trevor, a Cairn Terrier, trying to decide whether he needs to go out in the rain. ©2024 Julie Adam See the gallery for more images. Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 35

  • all-points

    11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption New Year gathering at Waihora, Motukarara, Canterbury. ©2023 Linda Butler GO TO Here & there last summer Join the club All Points Camping ALL POINTS CAMPING CLUB of NZ We are proud to sponsor this issue of Camping the Kiwi Way Brought to you by NZ’s inclusive, friendly, camping club, for your reading pleasure. Family membership to the All Points Camping Club gives you: ✶ Membership support ✶ Friendly, inclusive camping events ✶ Nationwide savings ✶ Lobbying support for campers’ rights. You don’t have to have a self-contained vehicle to join. You don’t have to be a member to come to our events. It’s more than just a club, it’s like one big family. Come along to one of our events near you.Bring the tent, bring the kids. Image: ©2024 Margaret Earle Join now only $35NZ’s national camping club Join here: www.allpointscampingnz.org ✶ When the benefits far exceed the cost you’d be crazy not to take it up. ✶ Our values: compassion, inclusion, support and encouragement Top image: Motukarara, Canterbury. ©2022 Linda Butler. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 40

  • stop-stay-spring22

    1 Spring 2022 Stop and Stay: Lake Rotokare & Pakawau Beach Up Editor Each issue we feature a couple of places Recommended camps and stopovers e.g. country pubs, private properties, cottage crafts, caravan parks, reserves and more. Go to stopandstaynz.org to find your next campsite. FEATURED THIS SPRING Lake Rotokare in Eltham, Taranaki and Pakawau Beach Camp in Golden Bay. Lake Rotokare, Eltham, Taranaki Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome. • BYO water. • A cash donation to support the work is appreciated. Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39 : Benny! After a bumpy start to life, Benny was safely hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and brought to her new home at Rotokare. The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare project has been working to establish 40 kiwi as founders in the reserve, permanent breeding residents for the population. At number 39, Benny’s got us inches away from our goal! "Thank you to all the responsible campers at Rotokare this summer for: - Checking their vehicles and watercraft for stowaways and invasive weeds before entering Rotokare - Taking their rubbish away with them — Using our toilets and facilities kindly and considerately. We are a freedom camping site largely maintained by our amazing volunteers! If you have enjoyed your time at Rotokare, please donate to our Givealittle page to support site maintenance and ecological restoration at our beautiful sanctuary." ‘We loved camping there recently. Saw fernbirds, heard kiwi, and discovered that pateke are active at night. So cute.’ ‘I camped there overnight recently. There were quite a few motorhomes and about 4 campers. I took cash for the donation box especially, as I read that on the website.’ 365 Sangster Road, Eltham, Taranaki 06 764 8500 www.rotokare.org.nz Pakawau Beach Camp, Golden Bay Only 10 minutes to Farewell Spit and 20 minutes to Takaka, this beach-side camp is a great base for exploring Golden Bay. There is golf, a restaurant, a salmon farm, a distillery as well as great fishing for snapper close by. 1112 Collingwood-Puponga Main Road, Pakawau www.facebook.com Pakawau Beach Park 03 524 8308 Stop and Stay Go to stopandstaynz.org to find your next campsite. The online directory is hosted and maintained by the All Points Camping Club. Add your recommendation — fill out the online form Want your property considered? Fill out the online form (there is no charge).
 Send us an email if you find any errors. info@allpointscampingnz.org Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Pakawau and Lake Rotokare Lake Rotokare Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome. Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39: Benny! Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39: Benny! 
 After a bumpy start to life, Benny was safely hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and brought to her new home at Rotokare. The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare project has been working to establish 40 kiwi as founders in the reserve, permanent breeding residents for the population. Pakawau Beach Camp Looking through my windscreen at Pakawau Beach Camp. Only 10 minutes to Farewell Spit and 20 minutes to Takaka, this beach-side camp is a great base for exploring Golden Bay. Lake Rotokare Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome. 1/3

  • Back at Motukarara | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Back at Motukarara Gary Hitchcock Back at Motukarara under the lovely trees on a hot day. Just chilling. Gary Hitchock ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 27

  • r-r-orton-bradley

    1 Spring 2022 Just a little R&R Up Gary Hitchcock Just a little R&R at Orton Bradley Park. Great weather. Who would have thought I would need my sun hat this time of year? Not a breath of wind; 20 degrees. Orton Bradley Park is a great place. Autumn. Canterbury. Gary HItchock. Photos ©2022 Gary Hitchcock Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS R&R at Orton Bradley Park R&R at Orton Bradley Park 1/1

  • game

    8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold how many have you visited> Game: DOC campsites, 2 Rhonda Marshall There are more than 200 DOC sites throughout New Zealand, 28 in the area shown in the map. In the grid below, fill in 12 DOC sites from the list below. One site will run vertically and the others will run horizontally across the grid. Map: © doc.govt.nz The puzzle does not have gaps between the words., eg., Te Pakau > TePakau. Anaura Bay Arohena Boulders Hot Water Beach Humphries Bay Kakaho Kaniwhaniwha Lake Okareka Lake Tarawera Outlet Makau Landing Manganuka Matataa Mid Okahu Road Ngaherenga Omahuru Orangihikoia Pahautea Hut Piropiro Rerewhakaaitu (Ash Pit Road) Rerewhakaaitu (Brett Road) Rosie Bay Sanctuary Te Pakau (Eight Acre) Te Taita A Makoro Verns Waikeramoana Holiday Park Whakaipo Whitikau View the solution Download the game as a pdf: game-8-06-24-CKW .pdf Download PDF • 1.34MB Download the solution as a pdf: game-solution-8-06-24-CKW .pdf Download PDF • 157KB Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 44

  • Festivals & Shows | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Festivals & Shows Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 35

  • ferry-reserve

    11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Ferry Reserve ©2025 Wayne Ravelich STOP and STAY A night at Ferry Reserve Wayne Ravelich A night at Ferry Reserve on our way to Morisons Bush. ©2025 Wayne Ravelich Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 11

  • battle-hill

    6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption battle_20230218_074430_mw.webp battle_20230218_125924_w.webp battle_20230217_191709_w.webp Battle Hill Farm Forest Park: A great Summer camping spot Bette Cosgrove STOP and STAY Pauatahanui, Paekakariki Hill Road, Wellington Regional Park This super affordable camp ground close to Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kapiti is situated on a former farm and a significant historical site. In a sheltered valley, it caters for everyone on a pay per person basis with online reservation and payment services at the gate. It’s a lot like freedom camping in that you simply register and park up wherever there’s a suitable spot, either near the stables, river or forest. There are plenty of natural spaces for everyone from pup tents to large RVs. There’s always a wide variety of campers enjoying this camping spot. We love the masses of eels to feed, day hikes and night walks to search for glow worms; there are safe fire-pits too and a little swimming hole for hot days. A basic flushing toilet block and water facilities are provided, with the only restriction being that no dogs are allowed. Big vehicles stick to the southern road access. MORE Pauatahanui, Paekakariki Hill Road, Wellington Regional Park. STOP and STAY Where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. Stop and Stay is a free resource for NZ campers and travellers, brought to you by campers for campers. It might be a country pub for a meal, a rural property, a council reserve, a DOC camp; it might be a commercial campground or a unique day-stop or cafe. Please add your recommendations to the list. Anyone one can access the list or make recommendations. It’s free, too, for property owners to be on the list. Remember to always check with hosts first — phone numbers are provided on most listings, and keep in mind that some properties have restrictions. Dog-friendly properties are indicated on each listing, as are wheelchair accessible properties. STOP and STAY | Add a place to Stop and Stay Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 33

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