9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans Funnily enough, our business name ‘Cruzar’, came from our old dog! Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story Brenda Brian Funnily enough, our business name ‘Cruzar’, came from our old dog! Every time we opened a van door, he’d happily jump in and explore. Just look at that face. My partner Andy and I kicked off Cruzar Custom Campervans 5 years ago. It felt like a natural next step since we’d been converting campervans as a hobby for a few years and discovered we loved building and creating things together. Plus, we were tired of our dull 9–5 jobs and let’s just say, a change in lifestyle was calling our names! In 2019 we bought and converted a charming 1991 Toyota named Goldie (above right). We had our very first official holiday together in him. Sadly, it was also our last… haha! We started Cruzar after that, and the rest is history! Why not do it yourself? Most people come to us for two reasons: our high quality, custom-built fit-outs and superb customer service. Andy, as an expert coach builder and trained engineer, has a handle on all things conversion. I work with the build and design side of the conversions and handle all customer inquiries. In other words, I’m the happy one on the end of CCC’s phone! Our conversions are bespoke — tailored to each client’s unique wants and needs. We keep our clients involved every step of the way, always ensuring they’re happy with our progress. At the start, they share what they envision for the conversion, and we share our ideas, products and designs. Then we get to work on bringing their ideas to life! People come to us at different stages — some already with a van, others without, and others with a van that only needs a partial conversion. Sometimes we guide people in vehicle choice, depending on the budget and size they want to work with, whether it be a vehicle big enough for a family or a couple doing short trips. Changes along the way … …when the initial design is far from the end conversion? We always strive to communicate the final plan clearly in order to avoid changes during the building process. If a new idea pops up, we’re open to it, but we try to stick to the original plan as much as possible. We believe in open communication and never make changes without keeping our clients in the loop. Say we realise during the build that there is more room for the bed than first anticipated — we’d chat with you to see if you’d like to go bigger or use the space differently. We’re always very conscious of not over-capitalising on a build. If someone is looking at doing something where an alternative could be used, we’ll share that idea. Vans for rent vs vans for personal use Through our years of experience, we’ve learned a lot about what people enjoy in vans. Both for personal and rental vans, we take on owners’ feedback to ensure their fit-outs are versatile, well-spaced, and feel just right. When converting vans for rental, we take all these insights into account, striving for adaptability and smart use of space. We want everyone to feel comfortable and avoid that cramped feeling. When it comes to personal vans, it’s all about tailoring the design to what that particular person envisions. We listen closely to their ideas and build from there, making sure it’s a perfect fit! Concerns about getting a professional conversion People worry about what happens if they want to make changes during the build, given we usually buy the materials and products in advance. Changes can slow things down, and are often difficult to execute when a client has a tight timeframe. We always do our best to be flexible, but the truth is that less interruptions mean a smoother ride! People often wonder about the “by-hand” aspect. How can we guarantee great results? Reassurance and clear communication are the answers. We trust each other in each unique, custom-built journey, ensuring each van is built with care, not computer systems. Layouts and what goes into the van can be a concern. We guide our clients through this, stressing the importance of taking time to get it right. At the beginning, they usually send us photos and ideas of what they want. Then, we work with them to fill in any gaps and ensure they haven’t missed anything, like how they’re going to power the van or heat it. “Have you thought about…?” is our go-to question! Colours, themes, and interior design also worry some people. We collaborate on these aspects, assisting with colour schemes and creating a harmonious design. If they’re handy with wiring or interior design, we work with their skills, weaving everything together for a beautiful, cohesive look. Plus, we’re happy to work with clients all over the country, and even those abroad! Distance isn’t a barrier for crafting the perfect van. The process It differs, but generally it goes something like this: Inquiry and introduction. We tell the client who we are and what we offer and they decide whether we’re the right fit for them. First meet (in person if they’re near, video call if they’re remote). We take all their ideas, draft a layout and put together a plan of action. If they’re happy with everything, we organise a start date and ask for a 50% deposit. Drop off. The client brings their vehicle round. We go through the plan and tick everything off to ensure understanding both ways is clear. Conversion begins. First, we strip the van out, put down a new floor, mark out and measure the new layout. First check-in. Once that’s complete, we have the client come back / video call again to check that they’re happy with progress. At that point, any changes that they want made, we can. Conversion continues. After we’ve finalised the colour scheme, we start the building process. Regular check-ins. The beginning of the build is quite slow and unexciting with just plumbing and wiring, so we just give fortnightly updates. Then, we give weekly updates as the build proceeds. Some people like to see photos of finished van but the majority like to get a surprise and see it for the first time when they pick it up. So around two weeks prior we stop sending photos so there is a surprise. Pick-up. Clients pay their final invoice, and then arrive to do a tour of the van. We show them how everything works and reassure them that we’re available afterwards for them to give us a call if they have any questions. We understand that there’s heaps to take in when they pick it up, so it’s totally understandable that they will have follow ups! Before they head off, we always like to make them aware that because it’s a new conversion there could be some squeaks. We do a “squeak test” before they go out, but there is usually a settling in period. We have an open-door policy. People can call in and have a look whenever they like. The most common kind of builds: pros and cons One of the hottest trends right now is having a permanent bed with lots of storage underneath. People are still 50/50 on showers. Those who go for one tend to opt for an external shower for more space inside and a cheaper price. For cooking, slide-out kitchens on the passenger’s side still tend to be the most popular. People adore these because they can whip up meals under the awning, it keeps the camper’s interior smelling fresh, and it’s removable so you can easily take the cooker to the beach or a picnic table. Hot water is a mixed bag — those turning their vans into homes usually go for it, while weekend adventurers might settle for a cold splash. And guess what? Everyone’s going solar and LED and lithium batteries are the new cool kids on the block. Roxy, our favourite conversion We had a blast building a 1993 Toyota Coaster! The design, the colours, the cozy seating area, and that kitchen layout were simply fantastic, and the clients were just awesome. And then there’s Roxy, my absolute favourite project (above). I guess I liked converting her so much because I had total creative control, and was able to freely play around with colours and designs. It’s so inviting and comfy, giving you that light, open, and clean vibe. And you wouldn’t guess it, but the colour scheme all started with this one cushion from Briscoes. Having hot water, a Max fan, and a gas cooker inside is just the extra layer of luxury I wanted in a camper. It was a bit like a creative playground because we could show our clients what we’re capable of without any pressure. Fun times indeed!◼️ Cruzar Custom Campervans Ohoka, Rangiora, Christchurch cruzarcustomcampervans.co.nz cruzar.customcampervans@gmail.com facebook.com/Cruzarcustom Images ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 11

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold easy, effective and safe Diesel heating in caravans and motorhomes – 
it’s easy, effective and safe Collyn Rivers Diesel heating for caravans Diesel heating for caravans and motorhomes is easy, effective and safe because it hugely reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, Collyn Rivers reports. Diesel heating for caravans and motorhomes is also relatively affordable. Furthermore, it is easy to self-install. Fuel is readily available, safe and readily stored. LP gas versions are also made. This is the Webasto Dual-Top water heater unit. The Eberspächer (Dometic) unit is similar. Pic: Webasto. Carbon monoxide poisoning is your main risk (of heating) in a confined space. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. It forms when a carbon-based substance (coal, LP gas etc) burns without enough air. The (only minor) indications are headache, nausea, fatigue, and then unconsciousness. If you sleep, you may never wake up again. Carbon monoxide is rightly called the ‘silent killer’. It also causes brain damage at minor concentrations. Your second risk is oxygen deprivation. We need about a half a cubic metre of air an hour. We convert about 4% of that air into carbon dioxide. If you are in a confined space the exhaled carbon dioxide level rises. As a result, the remaining oxygen level falls. It is normally 21%, but symptoms (such as fatigue) set in below 15%. Brain damage consequently occurs shortly after. Oxygen deprivation is serious (or lethal) in poorly ventilated areas. It occurs whether heated or not. See Gas risk in caravans. Diesel heating for caravans and motorhomes — safety Use diesel or LP gas heating in caravans and motorhomes to avoid such issues. Both draw air from outside the RV into a tiny furnace that is sealed from the living area. Diesel oil or LP gas is injected and ignited in this furnace. Air to be heated is blown across it and ducted to wherever needed. The ‘burnt’ air expels to the atmosphere. Burning gas is thus totally sealed from the air heated within the vehicle. The units were first made in the 1930s by Germany’s Eberspächer and later by Webasto. Both are still respected worldwide. The units are similar in many ways. Some parts (such as silencers, calorifiers etc.) are interchangeable. The Snugger, a similar but cheaper unit, is sold by Diesel Heating Australia. The Snugger unit. Pic: Diesel Heating Australia. The company’s Genesis product too is worth considering. So also is the Alde Compact 3010 LP gas unit. This combines space heating and water heating. It also runs from 230 volts ac. The Genesis II provides space and water heating in one unit. Pic: Diesel Heating Australia. Truma introduced similar (LP gas) units a few years ago. The Truma LP gas space heaterPic: Truma The two main types are air heating, and air and water heating. Some are made in various sizes. Use the smallest to heat annexes, camper trailers, small caravans and motorhomes. Use the next size up to heat large RVs. Air heating The basic (soup-can size) unit is best floor mounted. A separate tiny electrically-driven pump, hose and filter connects to a separate tank. Alternatively (with motorhomes) to the vehicle’s tank. You can locate the electric control panel wherever convenient. Water heating The combined space/water heaters use a furnace unit to heat glycol. This flows through a calorifier heat exchange unit, that also stores heated water for taps and showers. In addition. small fan-powered radiators blow hot air wherever required. The calorifier is also available as a tiny unit that heats water as it is drawn. The heaters in action We used a Webasto air heater unit in our OKA in outback Australia. Temperatures there drops quickly after sun-down, often below freezing. Even on its lowest setting, it heated the OKA to 25º C. Expect to use a fifth of a litre of diesel per hour. We had a Webasto Dual-Top air and water heating unit in our Tvan camper trailer. Used too, around Australia, it worked well and reliably. Its on-line calorifier supplied hot water for cooking and showering. The water is hot within a few minutes. You must, legally, in Australia, add a tempering valve. This valve automatically mixes cold and hot water. It prevents it from exceeding 50º C. Without it, however, the water reaches a scalding 80º C. If not silenced, the exhaust is noisy outside the vehicle. It bothers nearby campers. You can reduce this by adding the (now standard) exhaust silencer. You can reduce it yet further by adding an inlet silencer. The units are still not totally silent, but unlikely to disturb others. Here is the Webasto Dual-Top water/space heater in my Tvan. Pic: rvbooks.com.au Further information on diesel heating for RVs is in Caravan & Motorhome Electrics and The Camper Trailer Book. In addition, The Caravan & Motorhome Book. You can use these units to heat rooms in solar-powered houses. My books on solar are Solar That Really Works (for cabins and RVs), also Solar Success (for homes and property systems). rvbooks.com.au ©2024 RV Books This article: onlineckw.nz/d-heater Collyn Rivers has published 6 books relating to caravans and motorhomes. Information about them & more than 150 searchable articles are included on his website: rvbooks.com.au Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 32

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption kiwi-coven_H.webp Who we are (from left to right) Christine, Carolyn Penny Kathryn, Wendy, Colleen. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Lady Penelope Six solo camping women ranging in age from 54 to 74 years old, found themselves gathered beside the camp fire one autumn evening in the Tararua District. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Myrtle Six solo camping women ranging in age from 54 to 74 years old, found themselves gathered beside the camp fire one autumn evening in the Tararua District. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Miss Abigail Six solo camping women ranging in age from 54 to 74 years old, found themselves gathered beside the camp fire one autumn evening in the Tararua District. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Around the fire pit Connecting with their sisters in the self-proclaimed ‘Kiwi Camping Coven’ around the fire pit, at the Viking Odyssey Weekend, All Points Camping Club event at Norsewood in May ©2024 Bette Cosgrove GO TO Autumn Gold six solo camping women from 54 to 74 years old Kiwi camping coven Bette Cosgrove Six solo camping women ranging in age from 54 to 74 years old, found themselves gathered beside the camp fire one autumn evening in the Tararua District. Connecting with their sisters in the self-proclaimed ‘Kiwi Camping Coven’ around the fire pit, at the Viking Odyssey Weekend, All Points Camping Club event at Norsewood in May, this happy accident was a discovery that their shared life experiences gave them a common passion. They’re all solo campers who have camped all their lives. They discovered a love of lifetime camping, once sharing this with partners, but life’s circumstances mean they now go it alone. Who we are (from left to right) Christine, Carolyn Penny Kathryn, Wendy, Colleen ✤ Christine is towing a 2 berth British caravan with no name (yet) adorned with BAT WINGS. ✤ Carolyn drives a Toyota van — with munchkin cat Jasper. Her vehicle is named Jasper’s Journeys. Formerly, she lived 10 years in a bus. ✤ Penny drives a 7.5m German motorhome named Lady Penelope (from Thunderbirds). She has a static permanent caravan in a commercial campground, to come and go from. ✤ Kathryn tows her 6.5m Swift caravan called Miss Abigail. She lives in it permanently, mostly travelling the roads of NZ. ✤ Wendy has a Toyota Hiace van named NakiLass with rag doll cat Cindy. Her home base is a cabin on rural land. ✤ Colleen tows her neat little poptop camper called Myrtle. Answering these questions, it was clear that despite their wide backgrounds and variety of life experiences, they had all found a common purpose and a joy for solo camping life. Why travel and camp alone? ✤ We meet new friends. ✤ There’s a sense of independence and freedom. ✤ To have new experiences. ✤ Being outdoors offers a greater sense of wellbeing. ✤ All of us women have met a wide variety of challenges in our lives, but we’ve coped with them by camping! What do you need for solo camping and travelling? ✤ A sense of adventure. ✤ Big girl panties. ✤ Courage and ✤ Good reversing skills. Why this activity? ✤ Get out of comfort zone, ✤ We’re all survivors of life challenges, so sitting home quietly watching TV doesn’t offer much challenge or excitement. ✤ Keeping it simple is important for solo camping life, not much clutter, minding how you use your resources like power and water. ✤ Simplicity over stress. ✤ Communication and laughter around a campfire is the best reason to come camping. The benefits of joining a group? ✤ Sharing tips and places. ✤ Enjoying the social meet ups and finding like minded travelling friends to have a good laugh with. ✤ We support each other. ✤ Joining in fun events. Tips for other women contemplating going solo? ✤ Just do it! ✤ You’ll love it! ✤ Learn from your mistakes. ✤ Getting through gateways might be difficult, practice! ✤ We’re all OK without partners. ✤ Follow your instincts… move if you need to or feel unsafe. ✤ Meet your camping neighbours if you feel insecure. Best experiences to share? ✤ The Patea All Points Camping gathering recently was just so much fun. ✤ Forgotten Highway trip, stranded in a ditch with 5 women campers when 1 woman broke her leg on a 4-day trip. ✤ A huge achievement when we made it through. You are often SO proud of what you’re doing. ✤ Chatting and laughing around the camp fire it was obvious this informal sisterhood gives strength and joy. ✤ “Every time we get together with other women solo campers we leave so happy,” Christine says. Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 29

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Fiat Ducato Motorhome Owners NZ Ian Read 
 Our very first Fiat Ducato owners rally was held at Lakes Ranch, Rotorua, November, 2022. We had 42 vans stay and a couple of day visitors. The idea was for owners to help one another with problems, issues and share experiences and knowledge. We had a couple of general chat sessions which provided answers for those with questions on all aspects of maintenance and error messages that rise. I certainly learnt plenty myself. A fabulous shared meal was held Saturday and the food variety was amazing. Lakes Ranch provided dessert. There were a couple of raffles held and it was great to see a first time rally attendee win one. There were also prizes awarded for a ‘furthest traveled to rally’, ‘shortest length of ownership’, ‘most spent in the last 12 months’, ‘highest total kms’ and ‘longest ownership’. In the free times between events people could go kayaking, swimming, hiking, play tennis, relax and chat, or head into the city. On Friday night we watched a couple of videos on the making of the Alko chassis and the construction of the habitation area. After the Saturday pot luck we all headed over to the fire pit area, sang some tunes and roasted marshmallows over the coals. A few also wandered along the Burma Trail in the dark and found the glow worms. Many stayed on an extra night and we've set the date for another rally over ANZAC weekend 2023, same venue. Find us on Facbook ckw.nz/ducato Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 32

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold The top of Dansey’s Pass Tony Kissell The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 13

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption for me, it's about the senses Why do I love camping so much? Linda Butler For me it's not the destination; yet we live in such an amazing country. So close to rivers, tall mountains, sea, the wild bush, the cities and the vast, open fields. It's not the company; and I've met some amazing, interesting characters over the years. For me, it's about the senses For me, it's about the senses. Feeling the breeze, smelling the salt air. The warmth of the sun as it's rises on a crispy cool morning. It's about listening to bird song, soaking up the visual beauty surrounding me. Its about walking in that light, gentle rain or listening to the sound of water talking to us as the currents push it on its way. This revitalizes me, refreshes me. It's about taking in the creativity we see along the way — a fancy letterbox, painted artwork on a barn wall, bras hanging on a fence and oh, so much more. Whatever takes you on the road, may you see or hear something new this year, and make a new friend along the way. Photo: Moon over Lake Ohau ©2023 M Richardson Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 10

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption NZ Fun Adventures NZ Fun Adventures Camping: camping, locations, gear, group events, ‘how to’ and more. NZ Fun Paddleboarders Join for group paddles, learn about safety, gear info, get inspired and give it a go. Life of Van — NZ Van adventurers. Adventure Rex Inflatable T-Rex racing sound fun? Join the antics. NZ Adventure Women women’s-only outdoor group for all types of adventure. NZ Night Walkers A Wellington group —start one in your area Cooking With Fire Outdoors Small Boat Camping Oztent owners local NZ See how and why people love them. Getting outdoors Jonathan Collins Get outdoors in a fun way, meet new people, try something new. NZ Fun Adventures Camping : camping, locations, gear, group events, ‘how to’ and more. NZ Fun Paddleboarders: join for group paddles, learn about safety, gear info, get inspired and give it a go. Life of Van — NZ: Van adventurers. Adventure Rex Inflatable T-Rex racing sound fun? Join the antics. NZ Adventure Women : women’s-only outdoor group for all types of adventure. NZ Night Walkers : A Wellington group —start one in your area. Cooking With Fire Outdoors Small Boat Camping Oztent owners local NZ : See how and why people love them. GO TO Celebrating Summer Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 40 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing STOP and STAY Ōtaki Rivermouth M Richardson Fishing at the Ōtaki Rivermouth. ◊ October. ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 11

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Ordinary cycle Stephen Wood Ordinary cycle Staying in Oamaru after attending a cycle event at the Waimate velodrome organised by the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 15

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption My-floats-G&M sailing 158.webp Orcas Dolphins are common companions on our journeys and one morning we woke up to orcas around our boat on Great Barrier Island. ©2024 Graham Leslie Motoring up the rive Motoring up the river to Warkworth for groceries and ice creams. Trailer sailers have a raisable keel so while they may require a 1.5 meters depth of water when the keel is down to sail, they can float in 40cm or less of water when the keel is up enabling access up rivers or into shallow anchorages. ©2024 Graham Leslie Warkworth . ©2024 Graham Leslie Quazimodo plan This is the layout of our boat showing the cockpit where the boat is sailed from, and the quarter berths underneath. The main cabin with galley and dinette berth and the front cabin that makes up to a double berth. . ©2024 Graham Leslie Pancakes Margaret making pancakes — being short has advantages in this galley. ©2024 Graham Leslie At the table The crew wait to be fed. ©2024 Graham Leslie Quarter berth Quarter berths are a bit like torpedo tubes you sleep in, that run down under the seats of the cockpit. They are more comfortable than they look and you don’t have to worry about rolling out of bed in rough weather. ©2024 Graham Leslie A swim You never need to go far for a swim ©2024 Graham Leslie Swimming You never need to go far for a swim ©2024 Graham Leslie Rafting-up "Rafting up” together with friends is fun for shared meals or even overnight. . ©2024 Graham Leslie "Rafting up” together "Rafting up” together with friends is fun for shared meals or even overnight. . ©2024 Graham Leslie Bayswater Marina Staying in a marina is a bit like staying in a campground with access to mains power, water, rubbish disposal, toilets, and coin-operated showers and laundry. ©2024 Graham Leslie Kerikeri Moored outside the Stone Store Kerikeri. . ©2024 Graham Leslie A quiet Bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Stopped for the night in a quiet bay in the Marlborough Sounds. ©2024 Graham Leslie Catching dinner Food supplies can be supplemented with fishing when your caravan floats. ©2024 Graham Leslie My-floats-P1050059.webp Waiting out a storm Waiting out a storm playing monopoly. ©2024 Graham Leslie Playing cards laying cards in the cockpit at the end of the day. ©2024 Graham Leslie My-floats-cockpit2.webp Sunblocking up Sunblocking up as we head out for a day sailing back from Great Barrier Island. ©2024 Graham Leslie You can ride anywhere A yacht is mostly sailed from the cockpit but you can ride anywhere you want on board from up on deck or still in bed. ©2024 Graham Leslie Plain sailing A yacht is mostly sailed from the cockpit but you can ride anywhere you want on board from up on deck or still in bed. ©2024 Graham Leslie Rigging Quazi Stepping the mast and setting up the boat takes time before the boat is launched. ©2024 Graham Leslie My caravan that floats Graham Leslie Our family owns a 24ft (7.3 metre) trailer sailer. It is a bit like a floating caravan and we have had many camping holidays on the water. With a boat it is easy to move on to a new site or anchorage. In fact, some mornings I have pulled up the anchor and started sailing before the others have got out of their beds. We are Wellington-based but have towed the boat north to the Bay of Islands, the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island. We have also explored Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Sounds. There are still plenty of places we are yet to explore. A trailer sailer is an affordable compromise offering us the opportunity to cruise coastal and sheltered waters (and lakes) all around the country without the need to sail it there. The boat allows us to camp (on the water) in many beautiful bays and coves not accessible by road. It offers chances of go to those special places. Most trailer sailers can be managed easily by two adults. We started sailing with our family of four when the kids were about 6 or 7 years old. As the kids grew up they took over more of the sailing. We both did a Boat Masters and a VHF radio course. Yacht clubs can offer lots of advice and support. Racing your boat at a local boat club is a great way to improve boat handling skills. We are self-contained in that we carry a porta potti and our own fresh water. Washing ourselves is mostly done by jumping over the side and swimming (solar showers are also used). We have gas cooking and electric charging from a solar panel and our outboard motor. We use the outboard as little as possible because the boat travels better under sail and sails require no petrol. It is also very pleasant sailing along at about 5 knots exploring bays and coastlines. Freedom camping on the water is much less regulated than on land — you can anchor almost anywhere. I love that we can anchor in exclusive bays with millionaires’ holiday mansions and us in the middle of the bay in our scruffy little boat. The biggest concern when anchoring for the night is finding somewhere your anchor won’t drag and it’s not too bouncy with swells or waves. Land-based campers often complain about the wind rocking their caravan at night. On a boat you are also concerned that your anchor is holding and you don’t drift across the bay or onto rocks during the night. As a consequence you sometimes sleep quite lightly. Nice, sheltered bays with good anchoring can occasionally become crowded with boats. In the Marlborough Sounds “moorings” are used extensively instead of anchors. A mooring is a permanent anchor on the sea floor (maybe a 2-tonne concrete block) with chain and a rope up to floating buoy that can be picked up and secured to your boat. On a fixed mooring you are secure for the night. Marinas offer the boating equivalent of a campground. Its somewhere secure you can tie up and step ashore. Marinas often provide access to mains power, water, rubbish disposal, toilets, and coin-operated showers and laundry. Prices in marinas are based on the size of the boat and for our relatively small boat it is generally cheaper than what we would pay in a campground. Normally we leave our car at the marina for easy access when we come into port. During bad weather, marinas make a great place to have the boat tied up and do land-based activities. This works particularly well in Auckland. You can generally continue to live aboard your boat while your boat is in a marina. Accommodation on a trailer sailer is probably more like a tear drop caravan than a regular caravan. To meet the practical sailing needs of the craft, the cabin head room typically ranges from a bit over 5 foot (1.6 metres) and then reduces down to even less as the deck and hull curve. Our model of trailer sailer is regarded as relatively roomy in the cabin; others have less room. Tidiness is an interesting concept on a boat; space is short, so gear needs to be stowed wherever there is room and be secure. Boats rock on the waves and when a yacht is sailing it can lean over as much as 45 degrees. Unsecured gear ends up on the floor, including the pantry contents, if the cupboard doors are not shut properly. Like camping, a lot of your time is spent outside on the deck and in the cockpit, and a boom tent can be added for shade when anchored. Towing yachts is similar to towing a caravan except they tend to be slightly heavier for their size (due to the need for ballast) and are quite streamlined so don’t catch so much wind. When towing I notice my boat most on the hills. Trailer sailers had their heyday during the 1970s and 1980s. They were mostly made of fibreglass and even though they are now often 40 years old they are still quite serviceable. Prices vary a lot, a bit like caravans, but can be bought for a similar price as an older caravan. The costs of owning a trailer sailor are in repairs — accidents do happen on the water and parts do wear out as you use the boat. The fibreglass hull and decks however are very repairable with minimum skill. New trailers can also be bought for old boats if the original trailer has rusted away. On reflection, holidaying on a trailer sailer may not always be as restful as regular camping but it provides an opportunity to go cruising and see a range of destinations not available by road. Sailing to get there is also part of the experience. The opportunity to raise the anchor and explore round the next headland is always a tempting proposition. n Motoring up the river to Warkworth for groceries and ice creams. Trailer sailers have a raisable keel so while they may require a 1.5 meters depth of water when the keel is down to sail, they can float in 40cm or less of water when the keel is up enabling access up rivers or into shallow anchorages. Watch the slideshow above. Click on the image to load full screen with captions. GO TO Celebrating Summer a floating caravan Not near a road so not affected by law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 26 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Game solution Rhonda Marshall game-issue10-solution .pdf Download PDF • 43KB game-issue10-solution .jpg Download JPG • 265KB Back to the game Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 44

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption butchers-pool-mnr_3508.webp GO TO as the seasons change a rock-a-bye drive to a lovely free hotpool Butcher’s Pool Miriam Richardson Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. The side road is a patchwork of deep pot holes, so its a rock-a-bye drive: up down, this side that side, fingers firmly crossed that the slow entry and exit from each hole will protect the tyres. The pool is the size of an old primary school pool, with steps and rails leading you into the water. The water was quite low, judging from the lines on the wooden walls, but still plenty deep for a standing soak among the bubbles drifting up through its floor. There was a bit of hot-pool-muck on the surface at either end, which I kept reminding myself was 100% natural, as I made sure to stay in the areas without any. There are toilets, and the car park was big enough for my 8m to turn easily. There were two cars there when i arrived and a couple of famillies arrived as others left. Others were there for a rest stop and a chin wag rather than a soak. Worth the slow 500m drive in; lovely hot water, and a lovely little nook nestled in the farmland. ©2025 M Richardson Up Up Summer 2025 , p 4