9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Teresa Hall THe Fix-a-Potty™️ installed ©2024 Teresa Hall THe Fix-a-Potty™️ showing how the lower cassette can be removed. ©2024 Teresa Hall Showing how the Fix-a-Potty™️ works ©2024 Teresa Hall Fix-a-Potty™️ installed ©2024 Teresa Hall The Fix-a-Potty™️ bracket ©2024 Teresa Hall It was disheartening to see everyone discarding their small portable toilets. Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ Teresa Hall I’m a Kiwi with a small family, and have a deep passion for exploring New Zealand. My interest in the NZ campervan community has grown significantly over the past year and a half. After purchasing a campervan for our travels, I quickly realised how expensive it was to maintain, so I began renting it out to offset the costs. The success of that venture led me to purchase a second campervan, allowing us to use our one more frequently. When I needed to get my campers self-contained, I found it incredibly challenging to find accurate information on the process. Determined to understand it fully, I educated myself around self-containment. As my knowledge grew, I noticed how many others were struggling with the same issues, so I decided to create a website — a one-stop resource for all the information people need. Then, when the regulations changed, I saw people with small campers equipped with oversized toilets because the only fixed options on the market had capacities for four or more people. It was also disheartening to see everyone discarding their small portable toilets, which felt like an environmental disaster. That’s when Fix-a-Potty™ was born! Throughout this journey, I’ve learned a lot about creating and selling products. It’s not as straightforward as it seems. From building a website, setting up e-commerce, and handling accounting; to dealing with pricing, approval, patenting, trademarking, copywriting, packaging, logistics, production, design, marketing, and customer correspondence… The list is endless. My respect for anyone who sells products has grown immensely. In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer. We are New Zealand owned and operated and all our products are made here in Aotearoa by awesome New Zealanders. And you know what! If I spot one of my brackets in your campers I will be really chuffed. ◼️ Website: more details or to buy: fixapotty.co.nz Facebook: ckw.nz/fb-fixapotty Images ©2024 Teresa Hall Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 23

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The Jim Nimmo Bridge, Waiohine DOC campsite, Wairarapa. © 2025 Jessica Mae Bajet The Jim Nimmo Bridge Waiohine DOC campsite, Wairarapa. © 2025 Jessica Mae Bajet Looking up at the Jim Nimmo Bridge Waiohine DOC campsite, Wairarapa. © 2025 Jessica Mae Bajet Signs Waiohine DOC campsite, Wairarapa. © 2025 Jessica Mae Bajet The shelter. Waiohine DOC campsite, Wairarapa. © 2025 Jessica Mae Bajet an adventure-filled campsite! Waiohine Gorge Jessica Mae Bajet Just got back from an adventure-filled Waiohine Gorge campsite! Honest payment system: $10 per adult, $5 child. Flush toilets. Picnic tables. Ample spots for camping. No mobile network signal. Total fire ban. Dogs on a leash only. No dump station in the area. Great swimming and rafting. DOC campsite. ckw.nz/waiohine 18km NW of Greytown. The road in is gravel with rough, narrow, and windy sections. There are two forded stream crossings. n The Jim Nimmo Bridge Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 23

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Then our nightmare started. Buyer beware Anonymous I have chronic persisting back pain. I cannot last more than about 5 minutes doing any chores before pain sends me to a chair. Sometimes I can do the supermarket run easily, other times it’s agony. When we go camping I can only sit and watch others go exploring when really I would prefer to join them. It is another form of a horrible cruel, disability. Buying the caravan meant we could travel with my mobility scooter inside the caravan. This meant not only could I get involved on walks with our camping group, it also meant we didn’t need to sell our car to buy a van which would have meant that I couldn’t take our young granddaughters camping with us. I know the caravan is classed as a toy hauler, but we didn’t want to use it for toys, rather as a means to improve my life. The caravan was only 9 years old. We pawed over the photos, checked questions asked, relieved to read it was water tight when asked about leaks and damages. Measurements seemed to work for holding my scooter. It had an awning which we could use to store the scooter in at night which meant we could access the bathroom area at night. So we made a phone call to the owner to discuss it further. I asked, if they kept it, what would they do to improve it. They said nothing needed doing. We asked if they could hold it for us until the following weekend however they were not keen. We were going away south that weekend and they were going away for a week. We were concerned someone local to them would look at it before we got to view. it So after considering all the information we had, and as they had answered everything in a positive manner, we chose to trust them and made an offer which was accepted. We pressed Buy Now. Vintage Wagon at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024. ©2024 Margaret Earle Why we didn’t do an inspection at pickup The few days before we went to collect the caravan, hubby was recovering from having put his back out. We almost cancelled the drive to collect it. We travelled the day prior to the pick up so as to break our trip. On the day we collected it, rain was coming in waves. We could only carefully follow them around the caravan as they showed us how things worked. Hubby asked if the roof was in good condition . He said yes and offered us to go up on a balcony to look, but we chose to trust him as it was a sloped section and we couldn’t afford either of us to upset our backs. I did attempt to walk up a small sloped driveway to see what I could, but it was not high enough. So, we were pleased he confirmed it was in good nick. After sheltering from a rain shower in their garage, we loaded and left. Then our nightmare started. Big leak We stayed at a riverside camp on the way home because hubby was struggling with his back. We decided to leave the caravan attached to the car, even though it meant the back of the caravan was higher than the front. It was only for one night. It poured with yet another rain shower. Then I glanced up and noticed a line of water about 10 cm wide, flowing past the shower door, past the hand basin area, reaching the toilet door. Approx a metre long. It was no small trickle. I wish we had taken a photo before we grabbed a towel to mop it up. On closer inspection, the outer corner of the caravan was soft and full of water. I had noticed a smell when we first entered the caravan, but I thought it was because the caravan had been shut up and needed a good clean and airing. We, fortunately, are not used to musty smells. We are now! The awning was stored in that part of the caravan which will be why we didn’t notice that damp corner. First thing Monday, I called a local specialist and booked it to be looked at. We had to wait til the end of the week. I burst into tears when they told us what they found. The roof was soft and is probably the main cause of water down the sides of the caravan. There were signs of repairs in many places. It has had ongoing prolonged water ingress. It will need stripping before they can see the extent of damage done. We were guttered. They took 39 photos. We also discovered earlier in the week that the awning was not the right style for the caravan either. The awning had rounded corners, (and two big rips), whereas the caravan had square corners. I contacted a firm that dealt with this style of caravan and they said the manufacturer did not recommend using this style of awning but a “pull out” model only. Warning At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer. Victims don’t seem to have many rights these days. There is lots of protection for the seller though. Good and bad ones. So, do get your vehicle checked so no one can pull the wool over your eyes. More On investigation we discovered that not many firms want to do a pre-purchase inspection anymore. If anything is missed or not able to be seen (come on, they can’t take it all apart!), the firm takes the hit — purchasers try to make it a financial one to avoid having to pay for it themselves. So I guess we can’t blame them for not wanting to do inspections. I heard this from a number of firms I contacted. Google ‘caravan pre-purchase inspection’ for someone near the seller. The best advice I was given was don’t buy it before seeing it. If the owner won’t hold it— there could be a reason… ◼️ The writer has chosen to be anonymous. See page 20 What you need to look for… for a checklist from Collyn Rivers. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 21

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption So long as they could see us and we could see them, they were free to play TIPS Camping with preschoolers Rachel Taylor We started our camping trips over this past summer with a then 3yo and 4yo (and two large dogs). We found the best thing when travelling was to limit how much time was spent travelling. We found they could do 4 hours at a time without too much hassle. Sometimes our destination was a 2 day trip. We always had snacks in the car that they could eat easily and a song playlist to sing and dance along too as well as all the other usual car games. Also had a device in case they just needed to zone out for a wee bit too. Actual camping etc was no problem. Gave them some ground rules (eg don’t go near water without a parent, stop and look before crossing the road or driveway into the camp ground, don’t harass others etc) but otherwise, so long as they could see us and we could see them, they were free to play. Took about a week, all up, to get them into our ‘camping routine’ but really easy with them now. Good luck and have fun! We can’t wait for warmer weather again to get back out there. BY: Rachel Taylor PHOTO: ©2022 M Richardson Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 30

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption A multi-generation caravan and ... a great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A great great grandchild Bette Cosgrove A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 14

BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption More for councils and government, Issue 5 Editor 4 Editorial 4 Freedom camping & self containment status, Spring 2023 4 Freedom camping: who does what 10 Building a connected NZ camping and tourism industry 18 Update: Self-containment and freedom camping changes 26 This is the story of three types of self-contained vehicles … Camping in action 8 The Homestead, St Bathans 11 Lake Monowai campsite 12 Why not stop and stay a while? Introducing Stop and Stay. 15 Pros and Cons of full time family travel 23 Small town: Waiau 25 A small paint kit, a few good brushes… 30 Around my own back yard Up Up , p 2

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

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Early start. ©2025 Marty Ireland Picton marshalling yards. ©2025 Marty Ireland Welcome aboard ©2025 Marty Ireland Our first parking spot on board, ©2025 Marty Ireland Breakfast on board ©2025 Marty Ireland Breakfast onboard ©2025 Marty Ireland South Island from the North Island. ©2025 Marty Ireland On the other side ©2025 Marty Ireland Was it worth it? First time on the ferry Marty Ireland As Mainlanders, living in Blenheim we decided, part way thru 2024, to try a ferry crossing with car and caravan and go to an APCNZ event in the North Island. We visited the events tab, both on APCNZ website and on the Facebook pages, with a final decision to go to the Whanganui Vintage Weekend January 2025. After several attempts to make the booking thru both the Bluebridge website and the link on APCNZ website, we made the booking with the appropriate APCNZ discount code and saved over $400 on the return trip for the 5m car, 6m caravan, and 2 passengers,. We were first time ferry travellers with spouse, car and caravan (sadly now no longer with a pet, as was supposed to be, at the outset). The marshal yards either side of the strait were an easy layout, with easy check-in and a coffee cart on the Picton side (you had to leave the yards and cross the road in Wellington), or use your caravan or camper to rest up while you wait. The facilities on the Bluebridge (Strait Ferona) were comfortable and varied and the onboard cooked menu options were a delightful treat served on real crockery with stainless steel utensils. The faster, busier pace straight off the ferry in Wellington was a little stressful after enjoying a slower calmer pace both in the top of the south and the South Island in general. Was it worth it? Indeed. Would we do it again? Looking forward to it. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 18

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Almadale Bulls: heading to CAMPFEST Editor Be sure to phone and / or check each place before you rely on it. The February cyclone has put some out of action. Also check arrival times, spaces, cost, pets etc before you arrive. A BULLS TO TAIHAPE Gumtree Motorhome Park, Taihape Very quiet and picturesque setting. $ , power, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/gumtree Mangaweka Campground, Mangaweka Beautiful camp by the river with spectacular water. Fill your tank here. $ , power, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/mangaweka Awastone, Mangaweka Has cafe coffee, a bar and a hot tub. $ , Power. http://ckw.nz/awastone Flat Hills Cafe & Tourist Park, Mangaweka Lovely grounds and good food. Very family friendly. Wifi. $ , Power, e-bike charging, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/flat-hills Queens Park, Hunterville Mature trees. Tents are ok. Beside SH1. Toilets, dog friendly. FREE Tricky for large vehicles. http://ckw.nz/queens Putai Ngahere Domain / Vinegar Hill, Hunterville Huge grassy area, tents and vehicles. Bush walks. Bird song. Flood warning sirens. FREE in the off season, no dogs between Labour Day and Easter. http://ckw.nz/vinegar Marton You can freedom camp anywhere in Marton except on the reserves. B Bulls to Mangaweka Awastone, Mangaweka Has cafe coffee, a bar and a hot tub. $ , Power. http://ckw.nz/awastone Mangaweka Campground, Mangaweka Beautiful camp by the river with spectacular water. Fill your tank here. $ , power, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/mangaweka Āpiti Tavern, Apiti Park up on the former tennis court. Costs? Power. http://ckw.nz/apiti-tavern Āpiti Domain, Āpitii Lots of grassy space and quite flat. Short walk to the tavern. FREE , toilets. http://ckw.nz/apiti Londons Ford Reserve, Kimbolton Beautiful peaceful place with easy access and lots of level ground. Allows tents. FREE , toilet open to end Mar, dogs allowed (under control). http://ckw.nz/londons Bartlett's Ford, Kimbolton Great spot; spacious. Swim in the river. FREE , toilets to end Mar, dogs allowed (under control). http://ckw.nz/bartletts Heritage Park Rhododendron, Kimbolton A quiet place to stay with beautiful surroundings. $ , pet friendly, self-contained. http://ckw.nz/rhodos Kimbolton Hotel, Kimbolton Parking out the back. Walk into the town. $ donation, e-bike charging, pet friendly, self-contained, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/kimbolton-h Kimbolton Domain, Kimbolton Plenty of room and very quiet. Walk to town. FREE http://ckw.nz/kimbolton-d Cheltenham Hotel, Cheltenham Parking out the back. FREE , showers cost, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/cheltenham Almadale Almadale Recreation Reserve, Cheltenham A little gem of a spot beside the babbling Oroua River. Beautiful little bush walk across the swing bridge. FREE , toilets, self-contained, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/almadale Menzies Ford, Fielding Gravel access. FREE , self contained, possibly no large vehicles or caravans. http://ckw.nz/menzies Feilding Holiday Park, Fielding A lovely setting with beautiful trees. $ , dump station, power, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/fielding-hp Victoria Park, Fielding Sports area, so avoid on Saturday. FREE , toilets, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/victoria Timona Park, Fielding Gates lock at dusk. A quiet park with big trees and walking trails along the river. FREE , dump station, toilets, self-contained, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/timona Coach House Museum, Fielding Gates close at 4pm. Home to an outstanding collection of rural New Zealand Heritage. Walking distance to town. $: pay to visit the museum and stay overnight. Pet friendly, self-contained, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/coach-house C Bulls to Pohangina Pohangina Base Campsite, Pohangina Valley Dry weather only. $, toilets, dogs on leads. 
 http://ckw.nz/poha-base Piripiri campsite, Pohangina Valley DOC. Short steep, gravel, difficult access. FREE , dog on leads, self-contained. http://ckw.nz/pirpiri Totara Reserve Regional Park, Pohangina Valley Beautiful. Native bush, bird song. Bush walks. Closes at Easter (reopens Labour Weekend). $ , power, no dogs, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/totara From the Pohangina Valley look out. ©2023 M Richardson Pohangina Valley Lookout, Pohangina Panoramic views of the Pohangina Valley. FREE , self-contained. Pohangina Domain, Pohangina Valley Parking for about 3 vans, surrounded by fields. FREE , self-contained. Raumai Reserve, Ashhurst Beside the river in the Pohangina Valley. Large grey cliffs are a dramatic backdrop; trees and shrubs offer shade. FREE , toilets. http://ckw.nz/raumai Ashhurst Domain Motor Camp, Ashhurst One of Manawatū's remnants of native bush. Bushwalking, biking, bird watching, camping, picnics, swimming or walking the dog. $ , dump station, power, pet friendly. http://ckw.nz/ashhurst-camp Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst One of Manawatū's remnants of native bush. Bushwalking, biking, bird watching, camping, picnics, swimming or walking the dog. FREE , pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/ashhurst The mural on the wall at the Campbell St campervan park. ©2023 M Richardson Campbell St Campervan Park, Palmerston North Central city. FREE . Palmerston North Holiday Park, Palmerston North Near the pool and the river. $ , dump station, power, no dogs, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/pn-holiday Ahimate Reserve, Palmerston North Gates close at 8pm. Plenty of room. Great for dogs — agility track and training area. Walkways and cycling. FREE , toilets, pet friendly, self-contained, large vehicle ok. http://ckw.nz/ahimate Sanson Domain, Sanson Beside SH1. Park at the back for less road noise. Local market on Sundays. FREE , toilets, no dogs during organised events, self-contained, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/sanson D Bulls to the sea Dudding Lake Motorcamp & Picnic Park, Marton Park by the lake. You can boat in it, fish it, walk around it. $ power, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/dudding Koitiata Motor Camp, Turakina Quiet site, close to the path to the beach. Te Araroa walkers overnight in their tents here. $ (cash only), dump station, power, pet friendly. http://ckw.nz/koitiata Scotts Ferry Motor Camp, Scotts Ferry Next to the river and not far from the beach and the forest. Lots of lovely walks. $ , toilets, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/scotts Tangimoana Motor Camp, Tangimoana Lovely camp. Great walks, 5 min walk to the cafe. $ , toilets, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/tangimoana Sanson Domain, Sanson Beside SH1. Park at the back to reduce the road noise. Local market on Sundays. FREE , toilets, no dogs when events are on, self-contained, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/sanson Himatangi Beach Holiday Park, Himatangi Nice and peaceful. A 10 minute walk to the beach. $ , dump station, power, pet friendly, large vehicles ok. http://ckw.nz/himatangi Rongotea Wear Street Carpark, Rongotea Visit one of the local gardens and pick up some freshly baked bread and a double scoop of ice cream from the local store. A quiet spot for the night. Handy to recycling. FREE . http://ckw.nz/rongotea HUNTERVILLE: SCENIC BACK ROADS An alternative scenic route (dirt) is to take Ongo Road to the west of Hunterville, and then north via Turakina Valley Road where a lot of camping opportunities beside the river can be found. You can get lost in these dirt roads, so be sure of your route. The final destination is back to Taihape. Or turn south off Ongo road onto Mangahoe Road then take Turakina Valley Road south to Turakina. If you like, turn left before Turakina on Makuhao Road and head towards the Tutaenui Reservoir where a walk around the lake can be enjoyed as well as a car park for an overnight stay (be prepared to be woken early by dog walkers and MTBs using the track). Gregory Smith Rangatikei and Manawatu Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 14

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 Gary Stoneley Up As with previous Kimbolton Sculpture Festivals the Kimbolton Rural Art committee put on a fantastic one-day festival. Together with 200 other campers, we had the opportunity to camp in the paddock at the back of the festival from Friday through to Saturday. There’s nothing like being right on the spot where all the action happens. The festival is a mix of small to very large artworks, sculptures with mainly a rural theme, put together using all manner of bits and pieces from shearing blades to bike tyres. The artworks are always impressive and it’s hard to comprehend the hundreds of hours of work that are put into creating them. This year’s sculptures had a very high quality of finish and I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t more than a few tears of frustration and exhaustion mixed with the passion and satisfaction in completing a masterpiece. Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley As well as the adult-entry competition sculptures there were competitions for local students and schools. A large number of craft and food stalls were distributed around the venue with something for everyone. There was a busy and lively vibe throughout the day that continued until a blast of rain put a bit of a damper on the event. The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. This year Regan Cooper’s winning sculpture ‘Terrybull’ (above) was well worthy of the $1,000 prize money. A great weekend, well-enjoyed by campers and festival attendees alike. We are looking forward to the next Sculpture Festival scheduled for April 2025. NEXT: April ‘25 Put it in your diary now. Up Up recycled and found materials, gems from the back of the shed, made into unique sculptures Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley 1/7 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Winter’s here… Bette Cosgrove Up Some of our most glorious times camping or doing road trips have been in the winter season when you can often have camp spots to yourselves, roads are less busy, and nature's elements bring both challenges and a deeper colour and beauty to the places you camp. Even tent camping, with the right set up, can be a richer and more interesting experience in the colder months when some sites are more likely to allow cosy open fires and there are no summer bugs or overly hot nights to disturb your sleep. We all know that sitting around a campfire under the stars can be a truly magical experience. How do you make winter camping more comfortable? Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors for enjoyable winter camping trips. It just takes a little extra preparation and the right gear. Heating ✤ On really cold nights the secret is to get nice and warm just before getting into bed. ✤ In a vehicle, you can run your engine and turn the vehicle heater on with all your thermal curtains up — about ten minutes will make your whole vehicle toasty. ✤ A diesel heater is great and so efficient you may only need it on for ten minutes to get hot. Either install one with its own separate small tank or you may be able to connect to your vehicle’s supply if you run off diesel. ✤ There are great new tent heaters on the market now that run off cassette gas bottles and pump warm air into the tent if you're under canvas. Insulation ✤ Put up front window screen thermal shade as early as possible; a lot of heat is lost here. ✤ Get large silver bubble thermal shades at any auto supplier or hardware store.Make thermal fitted shades to fit the shapes of all windows using silver foil shades and a layer of thermal drape. ✤ Line the inside of your windows with bubble wrap as an inexpensive option. ✤ Put up thermal drape curtains. Recycled curtains from op shops are great to make these. Condensation is NOT your friend ✤ Remember to towel dry the window condensation that builds up in the morning. Put this towel over your dashboard to dry when travelling in the day with a window cracked open, or dry it outside (you don’t want that moisture back inside). ✤ Get windows open in the day to dry everything out. ✤ Buy a couple of containers of DAMPRID from a hardware store and have it out at all times to soak up moisture. ✤ Don’t let wet clothing sit around in your vehicle or tent, creating moisture for condensation — find a local laundrette for fast efficient washing and drying of large loads. Being warm in bed is essential ✤ Go to an op shop and find an old pure wool blanket to put under your mattress (never mind if it has stains or some holes) and a large polar fleece blanket over-layer that tucks down all sides. Find these too in charity stores or at The Warehouse. ✤ A quality sleeping bag or a feather duvet will keep your heat in the bed. ✤ There are 12v electric blankets if you have access to power. ✤ Wear quality socks and a wool hat to bed. Find these too at second hand stores if you’re on a budget. A light merino cap is super-warm to sleep in. Or drape a wide polar fleece scarf/shawl over your head and shoulders at night. ✤ Boiling up water for a hot water bottle at night (at least 1 hottie for each person) is all you need to stay toasty in a quality sleeping bag or under a feather duvet. You can recycle hottie bottle water into tomorrow night’s hottie boil up. Keep a lid on, and the steam in, while boiling. ✤ Get a wee fluffy doggo to cuddle up to. Hot water ✤ You might like to boil up water for a thermos so you can have a hot drink first thing in the morning without having to wait in the cold for a kettle to boil. ✤ Hot thermos water might be needed to unfreeze pipes or door latches in the morning. Keep yourself warm and dry ✤ Thermal and light, natural fibre and merino layers do the trick for pyjamas; leggings and tops are perfect under your clothes during the day too. ✤ There’s usually no bad weather for camping, just poor clothing — layer up with natural fibres and get a great waterproof and windproof coat and good warm socks and gloves with the iconic gumboots. Even these are often found at opshops, if you're on a budget. Sitting around a campfire under the stars is a truly magical experience. Photo ©2023 Jono Collins Best winter activities ✤ Get rugged up and bush walk… it’s usually a very sheltered place to enjoy. ✤ Jump in an icy river, lake or beach for some cold water therapy! The best! ✤ Enjoy a good hot pancake brekky, and of course any excuse for hot chocolate making and marshmallow toasting over a fire. ✤ Star gazing, with a telescope or not, is always a favourite on long, clear winters’ nights so grab an astronomy chart or load them on your mobile device and identify the constellations. ✤ Visit small towns with great cafés, libraries and book stores. Rainy day activities ✤ Indoor games, charades, good books, puzzle books and if you have WiFi, podcasts or a movie on the tablet can fill the time on a bad weather day. Download some in advance for the trip. ✤ The ‘Getting Lost’ games — online purchased travel cards are an awesome activity if you're on the road. ✤ Take the opportunity to go to a small town cinema and enjoy a ‘big’ screen movie on a wet day. Extreme weather — keep an eye on it ✤ Choose your time to pack up and move if serious weather is on its way. ✤ Give yourself time to get ahead of it. ✤ In extreme wind take care not to camp under trees where branches might fall. ✤ Tents need serious pegs to hold them to the ground in winter wind conditions. Buy screw pegs or use tri-sided pegs especially in wet ground. See Strong pegs . ✤ Tip for parking when it might snow: lift your wipers away from the windscreen so any snow weight doesn’t damage them and so the blades don’t stick to the glass. Winter travel preparation ✤ Mind the maintenance: do a good vehicle service before a winter trip. ✤ Top up your fuel tanks regularly — you never know if you’ll get stranded. ✤ If there might be snow, make sure you have chains (and practice how to put them on before the trip). ✤ An extra groundsheet under your tent floor definitely helps with dampness. ✤ Take extra tarpaulins. ✤ Pack extra emergency food (freeze dried or Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)-style). It’s all in the preparation No matter what time of year, the benefits of being outdoors are going to improve your well-being and provide a very special camping experience. So be prepared and focus on taking the right gear with you, so that you can happily meet the challenges of the colder months and carry on camping. Up Up No summer bugs
, no too-hot nights: winter van life can be magnificent. 1/0 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Colac Bay ©2025 Tineke Harris GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Views for miles. STOP and STAY Colac Bay Tineke Harris A beautiful freedom camping spot. Views for miles. We could see Fouveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Nice clean toilets. Rubbish bins provided. 🏕️ Near Riverton, Southland. ©2025 Tineke Harris Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 9