5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption EVENTS — Camping 22–24 Sept: Test the waters: Leithfield Friday, Leithfield Beach, Canterbury It’s time to Test The Waters for those who have not been out for a while. Amberley Farmers Market, a winery, walk on the beach, ride your bike to Leithfield Village. Dogs on leads. 1pm arrive, 10am depart. Powered & non-powered. ckw.nz/leithfield ckw.nz/leithfield-rsvp 22–24 Sept: NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show Friday, Ōhaupō, Mystery Creek, Hamilton Join All Points Camping at the show. We will have a stand at the show and be staying on site for the weekend. You’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, a host of new products, an array of innovative accessories and some unbeatable deals. ckw.nz/show-mystery-creek-23 nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz 29 Sept–1 Oct: Spring Camp in Carterton Friday, Carterton Holiday Park, Wairarapa Come and join us for an early spring camp in the Wairarapa. Booking with the motorcamp is required. ckw.nz/carterton-apc ckw.nz/carterton-apc-rsvp cartertonholidaypark.co.nz 13–15 Oct: Calm before the storm Friday, Kowhai Domain, Springfield, Canterbury The weather is warming up. Grass is growing and so are the weeds. Put your feet up before it gets busy. Cash only, on arrival. Dogs on leads. Limited power sites. ckw.nz/calm ckw.nz/calm-rsvp 20–22 Oct: Foxton Spring Fling Camp Friday, Foxton Beach, Manawatu Come and join us for a family-friendly camping weekend at Foxton Beach School. This is also the weekend of Foxton’s Spring Fling in the main street on Sunday. Tents welcome. ckw.nz/foxton-spring-fling ckw.nz/foxton-spring-fling-rsvp 20–23 Oct: BOP Family Fun Weekend Friday, Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty Weekend of camping & family fun and games. Paengaroa School. ckw.nz/bop-family-fun ckw.nz/bop-family-fun-rsvp 11–12 Nov: Nelson Motorhome & Caravan Show Sat, Tahunanui Campground, Nelson Come and meet the All Points team at our stand. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park are offering a discount to those attending (RSVP to get the details). ckw.nz/nelson-motorhome-show nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz 1–3 Dec: Pre-Christmas camp at Battle Hill Friday, Pāuatahanui, Wellington Join us for a fun weekend for all ages. Battle Hill Farm Forest Park has plenty of grassy space, a creek to play in, as well as walks and local history. You can also feed the eels. ckw.nz/battlehill-dec ckw.nz/battlehill-dec-rsvp For more camps keep an eye on allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 33

Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. This article covers the basics. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up RV Fridge Basics Up Collyn Rivers Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. They also differ in their ability to cool in hot weather. The major differences in how well they work are largely due to how well they are installed. This article covers the basics. Absorption fridges (three-way) These (in RVs) are powered by the alternator whilst driving and the RV’s auxiliary battery for roadside stops. They are intended to run on grid power or LP gas at all other times. When running on LP gas an 8.5 litres cylinder typically lasts three weeks. It is not feasible to run them only from solar or battery power. RV fridge basics are such that to cool satisfactorily, three-way fridges must be installed correctly. Far from all are, resulting in poor performance. As a result, they have an undeservedly poor reputation amongst RV owners. If installed properly three-way fridges work well away from grid power. They cannot, however, rapidly freeze fresh fish. Three-way fridges cool via a liquid that has a very low boiling point. This liquid is heated until it vaporises (boils). The vapour then flows into an evaporator inside the fridge, absorbing unwanted heat. That heat is then dissipated externally. Compressor fridges These are now by far the most commonly used in RVs. They work by compressing a gaseous refrigerant into a smaller and liquid volume. This forces the gas’s molecules closer together — thereby heating them. If then allowed to expand, the (heat) energy its molecules contain is now within a larger volume of space, so the gas becomes cooler and absorbs heat from the refrigerator’s contents. That heat is then released, via external cooling fins, to where it does not matter. From thereon the Second Law of Thermodynamics ensures that things of different temperatures tend to equalise in temperature. Most fridges intended for rvs use 12/24 volt motor-driven compressors but almost all run optionally on 230 volts AC. They are thermally and electrically efficient — particularly the top of the range units made from 2018 onward (that have variable-speed compressors). These fridges run well from solar. Compressor fridge energy usage Until 2014 or so, most compressor fridges ran constantly until they reached their preset temperature. A thermostat then cut the power. The power was restored when the internal temperature rose a degree or two above the set level. In ambient temperatures of 25C or so they typically ran in a 40:60 on/off ratio. This ratio varied as the contents cooled, but could be continuous in very hot areas. Fridge vendors usually quote their product’s steady-state energy draw. A fridge’s daily draw, however, substantially relates to how long the fridge cycles on — as opposed to off. A fridge that draws 1.25 amps but cycles on for a total of 16 hours a day thus uses 20 Ah/day. Another fridge that draws 1.5 amps but cycles on for 12 hours a day, uses only 18 Ah/day. So consider only a fridge’s daily draw . Compressor fridge: energy draw At 27.5 º C ambient, and set to 4 º C, most efficient compressor fridges of 40–80 litre draw about 0.7 Ah/day per litre. This progressively falls — to about 0.5 Ah/litre/day for fridges over 150 litres or so. Compressor fridges that have variable speed motors (they run constantly, adjusting speed as needed) use about 25% less energy. Fridge-freezers, with the freezer at -14 º C to -8 º C, draw only marginally more once their content is frozen. This is because their insulation is thicker. RV fridge basics As with fridges generally, RV fridge basics dictate they increase their draw by about 5% per every 10 º C higher in ambient temperature and by the same amount if set colder. Energy usage varies slightly from brand to brand — with the variable speed units generally more efficient. Installation, ambient and set temperatures and usage all affect consumption. If freezing is not required, energy is saved by using a chest freezer (providing it can be set to +4 º C). Not all can. Many RV users prefer an electric fridge if travelling extensively and spending only a day or two at powered sites. Given space for solar modules, an energy-efficient 12-volt fridge can be used successfully for extended periods away from grid power. However, a fuel cell or a generator is advisable for energy back-up during periods of little sun. Or hook up your RV to the tow vehicle and go for a long drive. Top- versus front-opening fridges Top-opening refrigerators are marginally more efficient than door-opening units. This is because cold air is retained when opened. That lost from door opening units can be minimised by using plastic drawers to block that cold airflow. One minor drawback of top opening fridges is that water vapour condenses in the bottom of the chest and needs removing every week or so. A curiosity of RV fridge basics is that most-needed items migrate to the least accessible area. Portable fridges Many RV owners would like to have a second fridge inside their tow vehicle. This is handy when shopping (although an Esky filled with ice works just as well for short distances). Consider having a 40–60 litre compressor fridge in the tow vehicle. You can power that fridge by about 200 watts or so of solar on the tow vehicle’s roof, charging a 100 amp hour AGM or lithium battery. This enables you to run the fridge constantly from solar alone. This is not feasible if your roof carries a boat up there — but that is never a good idea anyway. If tow vehicle rooftop solar is not used, the tow vehicle fridge will need to be run from a second battery in the tow vehicle. Or have one fridge that is electric and the other fridge LP gas. RV fridge standards There are no local performance standards for RV fridges. European-designed three-way fridges, however, must meet EU Standards that include ‘Climate Classes.’ These define the ambient temperature at which the fridge must deliver its claimed performance. Climate Class: ● SN (sub-normal) is from 14 º C to 32 º C, ● N (normal) from 18 º C to 32 º C, ● ST (sub-tropical) from 18 º C to 36 º C , ● T (tropical) from 18 º C to 43 º C. Regardless of brand, Climate Class ‘T’ fridges can only be positively identified by the letter T following the ‘Climate Class’ box on their compliance/rating plate. RV Books believes the ST (but preferably the more costly T) units are the only three-way fridges suitable for travelling in the hotter parts of Australia and the northern island of New Zealand. RV fridge summary An RV fridge of 80–100 litres is likely to be ample for most RV users. Freeze-dried food is equally edible, and storable at ambient temperature. Fridge energy draw depends mostly on how well the fridge is installed and used. A correctly installed RV fridge may draw half the current of an incorrectly installed one and cool far better in hot climates. Do not overfill RV fridges (and make sure nothing can break in transit). Avoid putting in hot items. Set the internal temperature no colder than the recommended +4º C (fridge) and -14º C to -18º C (freezer). Reduce fridge power consumption by cooling them in your home fridge before a trip. If your RV has a fridge-freezer, conserve energy by overnight de-thawing any food needed the following day. Next issue: Make caravan fridges work as claimed Reproduced with permission.rvbooks.com.au . Up Up fridge-portable_mw.webp fridge-compressor_mw.webp fridge-4_mw.webp fridge-portable_mw.webp 1/6

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Caravan & Motorhome Electrics by Collyn Rivers Miriam Richardson Up This is a book for people who want to understand how their electrics work as well as for people who are designing / building / converting a caravan or motorhome. It tells you how to install, how to identify, understand and (sometimes) fix anything that does not work as it should. It will give you a good understanding of alternators, regulators, batteries and their charging and monitoring, solar energy and generators. It will help you scale what you want to do with what is possible in your particular setup. It also helps when you are talking to rv service professionals, who may be expert in vehicles but not rvs, or vice versa. Problems arise when service professionals don’t truly understand how the vehicle and RV systems differ and how they interact. You can read the table of contents ( ckw.nz/cme-contents ) and download a sample chapter from his website’s book page . His books are often in local libraries, you can buy them at book depository ($36NZ free delivery), or buy a kindle version from amazon.com.au ($AU12). Highly recommended. Links are here: rvbooks.com.au Choose > Our books. Up Up 1/1

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Camping the Kiwi Way, 12, Winter 2025 In this issue South Island caravan adventure We set off on a radiantly sunny day for two weeks down south. The trip was designed to include my little pal Frankie, the Lagotto, who at the ripe old age of13 is valiantly managing arthritis and failing joints, aided by a truckload of meds. Chilly chilly chilly out there Your camping experiences over the cold months. Now we have the power to go off grid We wanted more power. We needed more battery storage. We needed it done right. Mains electricity & your caravan for dummies 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 the power will trip/ turn off. A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 . South Island CampFest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us at Woodbury. Make a kite, Have a go at archery, buy-sell-swap, plus entertainment. Making the toast off-grid: use gas Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Front cover: Honeymoon: by the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. ©2025 Graeme Leslie More About Camping the Kiwi Way We hope this magazine will unite the many different camping groups we have in NZ to create a unified voice and energy for sustainable camping for current and future generations of New Zealanders. ISSN: 2815-8261 (Print)ISSN: 2815-827X (Online) ©2025 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson editor@campingthekiwiway.org | campingthekiwiway.org Published quarterly by All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc &NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd Order or subscribe Printed copies including postage:$44 for a year (4 issues)$13.50 for a single copy editor@campingthekiwiway.org Read it here online, get a PDF campingthekiwiway.org/issues-camping-the-kiwi-way Or subscribe for a printed copy campingthekiwiway.org/buy-or-subscribe Advertising editor@campingthekiwiway.org For sizes and prices see ckw.nz/advertising Share your stories If your group or club is promoting NZers enjoying our great outdoors, we would like to share your stories. • Tenting, caravanning, motorhoming, van camping, bike camping, hiking and more. • Camping photos and stories. • Club stories and photos. • Upcoming events that include camping. • Opinion pieces on camping issues. Photos 1mb or more in size. Email words and (separate) images: editor@campingthekiwiway.org Contributions close Feb 1 for the Autumn issue May 1 for the Winter issue Aug 1 for the Spring issue Nov 1 for the Summer issue But, for late-breaking articles talk to the editor. Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 1

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption From the rvbooks.co,au website From the rvbooks.co,au website © Barry Davidson © Collyn RIvers, rvbooks.co,au Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Buying used caravans Collyn Rivers Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Is your tow vehicle capable of towing this caravan? While many do so (but may then regret it) it is safer to keep the weight of the caravan to that of the towing vehicle. The first thing to check is the caravan‘s approximate empty weight. It’s so-called Tare Mass (i.e. weight) is likely to be shown on a plate attached to its chassis. It is unlikely to be accurate but gives you a rough idea. A typical caravan‘s fully loaded weight is usually 200–300 kg (440–660 lb) higher. The required tow ball mass is about 10% of that laden weight, Check if that is within your tow vehicle’s ability. More on p13, Towing your caravan Background & documentation Is the caravan‘s size, style and layout suitable for your needs? Who made the caravan — and when? What is the previous ownership history? Where has the caravan been kept and where has it been (if known)? Does the manufacturer still exist and are spare parts for this caravan still available? What documentation is provided with the caravan — you really need a weigh bridge certificate, gas certificate and electrical certificate. Does the caravan‘s VIN plate match with the documentation provided? Is there a service history and are instruction manuals for the caravan and major items available? Does it have a wood or aluminium frame? Is the caravan‘s condition reasonably consistent with its age? Checking the exterior Are there any signs of repairs, scratches, dents, hail damage, bowing, repainting? Is there any sealant around the windows (a give-away that there may be water leakage)? Check that all windows open and close and are in good condition. Check under the caravan for axle or suspension rusting or damage, cracks or deformation. Are the water tanks, wiring and lighting in good condition? Does the caravan look as though it has been off-road? Tyres: do the tyres have ample tread. How old are they (no matter if barely worn, a tyre’s maximum life is 7–10 years. If older, they will need replacing. Are the correct tyres fitted (refer to the compliance plate re their correct size). Is there a spare tyre? © Barry Davidson Checking the interior Is there any smell of dampness (or use of chemicals) to disguise that and/or other smells? Are there any signs of ants or other insects inside the caravan? Ants are a giveaway — they are attracted by damp or rotting wood. If there is any sign of ants the caravan timber may be rotting. Or there may be a water leak. Check walls, ceiling and bench tops carefully (especially around windows and ventilation hatches). Look for dampness, discolouration, bulges, scratches, indents, holes or evidence of repainting or repair. Cupboards: check for daylight between cupboards and walls, loose or missing screws, doors not opening or closing or broken latches. Check for any damage to beds, mattress and storage area. Is the hob/grill/oven/microwave/fridge clean and working? If there is an ensuite check that it is in good condition, e.g. is toilet/shower/hot water working? Are there any signs of leaking, mould or poor ventilation? Pop tops: check the roof can be raised and lowered easily, that all struts are in good condition and that any canvas is not damaged or discoloured. Check the door opens, closes and locks as intended. How many keys are provided? Awning: if there is an awning, check that it opens and closes properly and check its canvas condition. Be realistic about what to expect for the van’s age, but do not be afraid to ask the seller to correct any minor matters prior to sale. If the problem appears significant, look elsewhere. There are always others for sale! What to check – general A-Frame: Is the tow hitch in good condition? Is electrical wiring present and in good condition? Is the handbrake, chains, jockey wheel present and working? If it is safely possible, inspect the roof for leaks, tree/branch, solar module and TV aerial damage. Check that all electrics (including battery) are in good condition and that all lights and appliances work. Check the condition of gas bottles, regulator and piping. ◼️ Buying used Caravan – what to check has been prepared with the kind support of the Caravan Council of Australia. Reproduced with permission. Collyn has a book on buying a caravan or motorhome. Appendix 4 includes a checklist: on Amazon Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 20

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Citreon H & Pop Top at Lake Kaniere ©2025 Graham Leslie Lake Kaniere 1959 Graham Leslie Citreon & pop-top at Lake Kaniere. Stewart Leslie was a keen amateur photographer but slide film was used sparingly in 1958 or 1959 when this photo was taken. Pictured are William and Anna Leslie and Adrienne Houston (later Leslie). ©1959 Stewart Leslie Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 14

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption In a time when we should be encouraging NZer’s to be better prepared and more resilient ... Waiting on a law change Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill As this magazine goes to print we are waiting to hear the government select committee’s recommendation of the bill introduced by Stuart Nash MP. There are three parts to the proposed legislation, requiring certified self contained vehicles to have a fixed toilet, changes to the regulatory powers for camping on government controlled land and greater regulation of the certification process. Of greatest concern to NZ vehicle campers has been the draconian approach of requiring permanently fixed toilets which would unfairly penalise thousands of responsible NZ campers, in multiple types of vehicles and from all walks of life. Bringing in greater camping restrictions at a time when we should be encouraging NZer’s to be better prepared and more resilient in case of emergency has no logic. Lets hope that common sense prevails as in the words of Todd McClay MP: “This legislation has been poorly drafted and needs fixing. Labour should not misuse its Parliamentary majority to pass a poorly-written law that will unfairly restrict thousands of responsible campers.” See also What’s in a name? The power of bylaws If the law changes Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 29

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Haere ra shame we can’t stay longer Haere ra Bette Cosgrove Beautiful Sunday at Morison’s Bush. Enjoy, and haere rā everyone. Shame we can’t stay longer. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 15

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption More for councils and govt, Issue 7 Editor In the Autumn issue 4 Editorial 6 Self-containment warrant cards 8 How to manage the freedom camping transition period 10 What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? 12 Enforcement of freedom camping rules 14 ‘I am not freedom camping’ cards 16 No more freedom camping for these responsible campers 18 Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West 19 small town: Taihape: the perfect stopover 20 Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health 21 7 days a week Camping in action 5 Celebrating Summer 34 Living an endless summer 37 Three octogenarian campers 40 Events — Camping 41 Festivals and Shows Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 2

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption APC Social gathering at the Morisons, Waitangi Weekend, 2024. ©2024 Margaret Earle All Points Camping Club of NZ All Points Camping 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 m ore than just a club, it’s like one big family. All Points Camping at Morison's Bush, Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Come along to one of our events near you.Bring the tent, bring the kids. Join now JOIN only $35 (1st year) (less, after that) NZ’s national camping club Our home page: www.all points camping nz .org ✶ When the benefits far exceed the cost you’d be crazy not to take it up. ✶ Our values: compassion, inclusion, support and encouragement More from All Points Camping Read about The Whanganui Vintage weekend | The Waihopai gathering Look our for a camping event near you Join us on Facebook (open to all) Check out Stop and Stay, camping with your dog ; the full Stop and Stay listings For business services check out Camping and RV Businesses Services on NZLifestyle.com All Points Camping at Morison's Bush, Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 52

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption NZLC logo-tr.png NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification authority Gary Stoneley With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry. You do not need to be a member of a club or organisation to get your self-containment certification through NZLC but must have a vehicle that is fit for the purpose of habitation. NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of testing officers adhere to the requirements of the current NZ Standard, NZS 5465:2001, for the self-containment of motor vehicles. We are currently working with our industry partners to implement the new self-containment regulations due to take effect in December 2023. Recent legislative changes mean that while the current 4 year, NZ-wide standard remains in force, restrictions affect ‘free’ camping on public land (council controlled, LINZ land and possibly some DOC land). We remain committed to supporting all types of campers throughout NZ. For persons with camping vehicles containing portable toilets, a limited certificate can be issued which identifies your vehicle as self-contained for staying on all other land in NZ (commercial, private, club-owned) or at events requiring self-containment. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you. 
 nzlifestylecamping.com : https://www.nzlifestylecamping.com  North Is: https://www.nzlifestylecamping.com/northisland South Is: https://www.nzlifestylecamping.com/southisland Fees NZ Lifestyle Camping has a standard processing and issue fee of $45 to cover the costs of issuing the required documentation and maintaining our national network. This is as well as any fee testing officers may charge for their time. New Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board self-containment regulations are not in force yet and some time away. An additional levy of $120 will apply. We wish everyone safe travels. 
We encourage ‘Leave no Trace’ principles when camping. Kind regards,
Gary Stoneley, 
NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd
Ph 027 246 9778 
 nzlifestylecamping.com FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk of receiving a $400 fine. More on Freedom camping and self-containment: The freedom camping law needs to change Self-containment certification: which one is yours? What to do? Upgrade? Wait? Editorial — Caught in the middle Who is advocating for NZers who camp? There’s no need to rush this summer NZ’s independent national network for certification Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 23

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Sundown, Tucks Bay, Coramandel © 2024 Darryn Phayer Sundown, Tucks Bay Darryn Phayer Sundown, Tucks Bay, Coramandel. © 2024 Darryn Phayer Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 25