About us A magazine by and for campers — inspiring, informing, questioning, learning. Where to go, how to do it, rewards and challenges. The nuts and bolts as well as the politics. produced for for campers of all kinds, we hope we can unite the many different camping people and groups we have in NZ to create a unified voice and energy for current and future generations of New Zealanders. In each issue you will find: stories and pictures from campers, camping and festival events, ‘Stop and Stay’ places, information, advice, tips, experiences, some info on the political landscape. We have articles of interest to councils and government — comment, feedback, implications, remedi es. Share your stories Campers, and groups or clubs 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. Send us • Photos 1mb or more in size. • Email words and (separate) images: 
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A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2024 Choose which topics to show ISSUE 7 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 7, Autumn 2024 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Coddiwompling ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More The packdown In our previous years, we could never pack down in time and were always hot and bothered by the end. This year, we nailed it with time to spare! Read More Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope for a consistent, reliable freedom camping vehicle certification system, reveals an extremely stormy and very cloudy future. Read More Celebrating Summer Six pages of stories from around the country and the season. Read More We made it to Curio Bay Well we made it to Curio Bay on Monday afternoon, after an 8¾ hour drive. Read More The dogs had visitors The dogs had visitors at Knottingly Park and Arboretum camp. Read More Foray into paradise I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? What you can do with your particular warrant card. Read More Tucks Bay, Coramandel Home for the night became Tucks Bay, the overflow part of the Long Bay Campground, Coromandel Read More I could live like this forever I could live like this forever. Read More Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Read More Not FREE but truly freedom at its best SH 35 is a magical journey. Put it on your list. Read More Love Woodville Ferry Reserve Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. Read More So you want to freedom camp We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25. There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period: it could help, with so many needing to be certified by so few. Read More Hammock time Hammock time, Tokomaru Bay Read More So thankful After 21 days #vanlife freedom camping… Read More In two minds In two minds about posting this as it was so wonderful to have had it all to ourselves (the way I like it this side of Xmas!) for 3 nights! But its such a cool place I can’t not share and recommend it. Read More Enjoying the shade Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. Read More Peaceful Fortrose A beautiful peaceful place, Fortrose, in The Catlins. Read More What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? Self-containment is at the heart of the the latest raft of freedom camping changes instituted in 2023. Read More The life and times of a Ford Trader Camper truck The original camper truck in 1973 was aFord Trader . Read More Setting up at Campfest Setting up at Campfest, Bulls, Feb 24. ©2024 Tracey Davis. Read More Escape to Papatowai After the chaos of Christmas our frazzled nerves needed restoring. We threw a few supplies into the campervan and headed for the healing calm of Papatowai. Read More Eclectic bunch What an eclectic bunch of lovely people camping all sorts of ways. Read More A lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau I’ve just had a lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau in my little Wanda. Read More Enforcement of freedom camping rules Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, Knowing or not knowing you have been ‘infringed’. What information must enforcement officers give? What information are you required to give? You can be required to leave. Impounding things. Read More We had a great stay at Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. Read More Family camping… part of my DNA Family camping… part of my DNA for 60 years. Read More Two nights (again) at our local reserve Two nights (again) at our local reserve… Waitohi Bush Reserve … great place to just unwind and listen to the bellbirds. Read More Home for the next few weeks Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, 12, Winter 2025 Table of contents > Editorial > Come camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Honeymoon: by the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Camping in winter. Brrrrr. Read More South Island caravan adventure April is a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape. Read More Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) If the idea of camping via sea kayak appeals to you, meet other like-minded women kayakers in our WoW SK community Read More Love Taupō We would give the Taupō District council a 7 out of 10 for their updated Freedom Camping Bylaw. Read More Now we have the power to go off-grid Our goal was to increase our battery capacity to store more power, and we needed to look at how we charged them, and how to keep track of the power going into and out. Read More Just some more pics from Onearo Taranaki Read More Portable power stations Extra backup power for low-solar days, or for those who do short journeys: portable power. Read More Stuck! Oh no! After all the rain in the deep south the gravel track had turned to slush Read More 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 you will overload it and it will trip/ turn off. Read More SIx days in the high country June 19. June 21. June 25. Read More Campfest is coming to the South Island! Let’s show the North how it’s done! Read More The Camping Train We decided to have a camping train as there were 3 events being held during March at Havelock, Nelson and Greymouth. Read More The All Points Camping Club of NZ Membership support, Friendly, inclusive camping events, Nationwide savings, Lobbying support for campers’ rights. Read More Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level I have been working on our 17 foot caravan to bring it up to the new requirements for freedom camping. A big challenge was the toilet. Read More Self-containment warrant cards Find out what is valid for freedom camping Read More Winter camp, Portobello, June I love Winter camping. Read More Parking brakes and perils When transporting a new-to-you caravan, it is essential to stop 15 minutes into the trip and check the temperature of the wheels with your hand. Read More Rollercoaster It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride of late. Read More Winter camp Invercargill, July Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. Read More Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers Our group tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Tararua Ranges was full of first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before. Read More Winter tramping food There were some pretty yummy looking dinners getting eaten on our tramp last weekend…. This is what I’m all about. Read More A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan. Read More Weather, climate and camping: editorial Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather. Read More DOC update New licence system for Taupō trout fishery, Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive, Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes,Watch out for ruru/morepork Read More Colac Bay Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read More Warming winter food Hot soup and warm bread are a great combination in winter. Here’s a couple of simple soup recipes that I make regularly and two self-saucing puddings. Read More Making the toast off-grid – use gas Don’t use an electric toaster when camping off-grid unless you have more battery power stored than you can ever use and a large, professionally installed power inverter. Gas is a much better option. Read More Frost Woke to a -4˚ frost in Southland this morning. Slept with my woolly hat and socks on and was cosy enough. I also have a good diesel heater and a warm dog. Read More Stopping, Staying, Skiing Staying near the ski fields. Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2024 Select which topic to show ISSUE 8 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 8, Winter 2024 Table of contents Editorial Councils and government list Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Thermette. ©2024 M Richardson Read More AUTUMN GOLD Autumn stories from around New Zealand Read More Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? If you do not want to freedom camp you do not need the new green warrant. The existing blue standard and blue warrant is still acceptable for all other places that require certified self-containment (so far). Read More Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? Certified Blue before 7/7/23, and not expired. Fixed or portable toilet. Certified Blue before 7/7/24, and not expired. Fixed toilet only. Green Warrant Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification. With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers Read More The road less travelled: ten lessons learned on the road Three years ago we decided to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the open road. ©2024 Two Kids and a Caravan Read More On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Read More Folding electric bike in the middle of nowhere Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. ©2024 Stephen Wood Read More Skippers Canyon Quite happy to have taken the tour and not my truck up Skippers Canyon. ©2024 Trisha Fisk Read More What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping The seven requirements Read More Am I freedom camping? You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping Read More Longslip Station Well, how’s this for a welcome back into the Mackenzie Basin! — Longslip Station, Lindis Pass. ©2024 Shellie Evans. ckw.nz/shellie-fb Read More Fantail Martin got the winning photo of the birds last weekend. Fantail. ©2024 Martin Butler Read More Fire circle Fire circle on a still Autumn night. Magical. 
©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. Read More Clydesdales at Erewhon A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon. ©2024 M Richardson Read More Greg's Eye at Rays Rest Friday evening and Saturday morning at Rays Rest. It never disappoints. © 2024 Greg Lokes. More on FB: Greg's Eye: ckw.nz/gregs-eye Read More Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how The new regulations require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. Read More Got run off the road Got run off the road last weekend. ©2024 Vanessa Parkinson Read More Ballooning in Canterbury Today was an early start to ballooning in Canterbury. ©2024 Tony Knights. Ballooning Canterbury Read More The top of Dansey’s Pass The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Read More Rugby at Mt Somers Campers enjoying a local rugby game at Mt Somers. See p31. ©2024 Linda Butler Read More Keeping up with self-containment Articles from this issue and earlier issues on self-containment and freedom camping: changes, what to do, what to be ware of. Read More Beautiful vintage buses and trucks Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ Read More To the top of the Ahuriri Valley A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. ©2024 Tony Kissel Read More A wrap Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Read More My stew is bubbling My stew is bubbling on the fire... ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ Read More Composting and coddiwompling I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting waterless toilet in my camper van. Read More Hakataramea Pass ©2024 David Liddall Read More Only getting in 123 Watts Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. ©2024 Allan Henderson Read More MORE

Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS I NDEX ISSUE 7 Camping the Kiwi Way, 7, Autumn 2024 Up Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Coddiwompling ©2024 Bette Cosgrove The packdown In our previous years, we could never pack down in time and were always hot and bothered by the end. This year, we nailed it with time to spare! Up Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope for a consistent, reliable freedom camping vehicle certification system, reveals an extremely stormy and very cloudy future. Up Celebrating Summer Six pages of stories from around the country and the season. Up We made it to Curio Bay Well we made it to Curio Bay on Monday afternoon, after an 8¾ hour drive. Up The dogs had visitors The dogs had visitors at Knottingly Park and Arboretum camp. Up Foray into paradise I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is. Up Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? What you can do with your particular warrant card. Up Tucks Bay, Coramandel Home for the night became Tucks Bay, the overflow part of the Long Bay Campground, Coromandel Up I could live like this forever I could live like this forever. Up Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Up Not FREE but truly freedom at its best SH 35 is a magical journey. Put it on your list. Up Love Woodville Ferry Reserve Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. Up So you want to freedom camp We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25. There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period: it could help, with so many needing to be certified by so few. Up Hammock time Hammock time, Tokomaru Bay Up So thankful After 21 days #vanlife freedom camping… Up In two minds In two minds about posting this as it was so wonderful to have had it all to ourselves (the way I like it this side of Xmas!) for 3 nights! But its such a cool place I can’t not share and recommend it. Up Enjoying the shade Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. Up Peaceful Fortrose A beautiful peaceful place, Fortrose, in The Catlins. Up What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? Self-containment is at the heart of the the latest raft of freedom camping changes instituted in 2023. Up The life and times of a Ford Trader Camper truck The original camper truck in 1973 was aFord Trader . Up Setting up at Campfest Setting up at Campfest, Bulls, Feb 24. ©2024 Tracey Davis. Up Escape to Papatowai After the chaos of Christmas our frazzled nerves needed restoring. We threw a few supplies into the campervan and headed for the healing calm of Papatowai. Up Eclectic bunch What an eclectic bunch of lovely people camping all sorts of ways. Up A lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau I’ve just had a lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau in my little Wanda. Up Enforcement of freedom camping rules Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, Knowing or not knowing you have been ‘infringed’. What information must enforcement officers give? What information are you required to give? You can be required to leave. Impounding things. Up We had a great stay at Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. Up Family camping… part of my DNA Family camping… part of my DNA for 60 years. Up Two nights (again) at our local reserve Two nights (again) at our local reserve… Waitohi Bush Reserve … great place to just unwind and listen to the bellbirds. Up Home for the next few weeks Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Up View More

Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX ISSUE 10 Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 Next Double-digit highways SH32, SH45, SH60: Do you know them? Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo On the road less travelled, down double-digit highways, which wind alongside the mighty Waikato and follow the western and southern shores of Lake Taupo, I find some of my favourite freedom camping sites. Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us. South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth. Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman SH60 begins in Richmond, travels through Motueka and Takaka and ends after 117km at Collingwood. Next Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Well. There we were. Bogged. Next And people wonder why I like camping And people wonder why I like camping. Next Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Next What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Warmer than average; more days over 25°C; more dry spells… Next Camp Fest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us at the Bulls Domain for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. Next All roads lead to Camp Fest No matter which direction you are coming to Camp Fest from, there are many worthwhile, interesting places to explore and enjoy. North, South, East or West, or just a short distance from the Camp Fest venue there are some great opportunities to take a break and check out something a bit different. Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer This remote and extraordinarily beautiful part of the Pacific Coast Highway is fully open and welcoming campers for the summer season. Next Freedom camping news No end to confusion and misinformation out there about what is lawful or required to be a freedom camper. No consistency. No fair control of freedom camping. Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Check your card against these, to see whether you can still freedom camp. Next But I am not freedom camping… Each council makes its choices when it trains its enforcement officers: what criteria determines ‘freedom camping’ or ‘preparing to freedom camp’; how to recognise a ‘day-trip excursion’ vs ‘preparing to freedom camp.’ There is no way for the traveller to know in advance what criteria any particular council is using. Next A roof-top tent A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail The design behind Fix’n’Rail supports a circular economy by giving new life to portable toilets that may otherwise end up in landfills. Next What is out there It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown There are parking bylaws and nationwide reserve laws that continue to affect freedom camping in Queenstown this summer, but the years-long prohibitive bans are gone from Queenstown Lakes District. Next The Wairau After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day Next Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers offer self-containment testing for all types of campers Next Dealing with a caravan flat Have you had a flat tyre on your caravan? I have now had three and would like to pass on some experience that may help you. Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Sunday morning caravan Lego with our boys, Eddie and Boston. Next Old Blue The camp still has quite a few hardy campers on-site, it’s Labour Day weekend after all. You wait, the sun will be shining tomorrow & the fish biting! Next Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Next View More

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2023 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 4 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 4, Winter 2023 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Punakaiki. ©2023 Two Kids and a Caravan Read More Let’s go south for a few weeks’ ‘Let’s go South for a few weeks.’
‘How many weeks?’
‘Eight.’ 
‘How about six?’ 
‘OK. let’s see how it goes.’ Read More Winter’s not going to stop Mavis Winter’s not going to stop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! 
Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson Read More Small town friendly Here are some suggestions on how to go about attracting campers to your town. Read More Why we chose our Swift Sprite Quattro caravan We’ve had heaps of people have asked us for feedback on our caravan and why we chose it so here it is. Read More One hundred nights a year I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Read More Greenies on the road: Managing food scraps I’ve been turning our food scraps into compost for many a year now, and there’s no way I’m sending them to the landfill now. We chose to use bokashi buckets in our housetruck, as we already had them. A worm farm could also work, though bokashi is possibly more forgiving and takes all food waste — bones and shells included. Read More 8 degrees of harm Societal harm caused by the new self contained motor vehicles legislation. With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm. Read More Self containment changes in brief What you need to know if you are currently self-contained, currently certified self-contained, planning to be self-contained, not self-contained, or wanting to freedom camp, now the law has changed. Read More A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid Read More It was cold at Mavora Lakes It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around. I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year Read More Winter’s here… 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. Read More Pegs for tough weather A commercial and a DIY (metal) version of a peg for windy weather. Read More I am on track I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton Read More Get on Ya Bike For the novice cyclist, the historical Karangahake Gorge cycle/walking track — along the old railway embankment— is a safe and gentle way to introduce an inexperienced cyclist. Read More Two long blacks and a cheese scone No, this is not about 12 weeks of coffee tasting around the South Island in a small van by a couple of over 80s Read More I did it! My very first solo camping and tramping trip! 
Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Read More Gold miner Wattie Thompson I came across this derelict house built by Wattie Thompson who had panned the river for gold for over 50 years. Read More Before the cyclone: Freedom Camping, Eastern Hawke’s Bay, Winter 2022 We feel so privileged and fortunate to have made this journey a year ago, gathering such beautiful memories of the landscape as it was. Read More Winter at Nokomai Station Winter at Nokomai Station on the way to Queenstown. ©2023 Dallas Hibbs Read More CampFest — Bulls, 2023 Several hundred campers, locals and visitors met at Bulls Domain in March for the first CampFest. An inclusive camping event for all types of camper with live music and market stalls. Read More Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track, Mavora Lakes Many trampers have vouched that Kiwi Burn Hut is a popular and great option for families, so we thought we’d check it out and put it to a true family-friendly test. With my toddler (and his dada) in tow, we set out to do the full Kiwi Burn Loop Track and spend one night at the hut halfway through. Read More Waikato west coast road trip We headed to Raglan along some back country roads. Read More Camping as a young family Our story begins in December of 2022 shortly after the birth of our second child, we decided that now was as good of a time as any to dip our toes into the world of caravanning. Read More Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp Looking for a one stop camp for the family with the dog as well ? Then Quinneys Bush is the place to go. Read More Our morning view, heater on Our morning view, heater on. Ruapehu. Hoping for warmer when we get to Kimbolton today. ©2023 Helen Garthwaite Read More Vege nachos: Recipes for camping This recipe is easy to make. It uses mostly tinned foods so is a great meal to make when you are running low on fresh foods or if you have no fridge. Increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients depending on how many people you are feeding. Read More Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 The annual 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. Read More Fill in the grid: campers in winter Each of the underlined words below should be recorded into the list on the left. Place each word according to the number of letters in the word. Then transfer the words into the Fill-it-in-grid. Read More Halfway through my 73 days traveling Left Auckland 34 days ago, halfway through my 73 days traveling the South Island. Now in Cromwell then Arrowtown on the weekend. Noticed that it’s getting colder. Now I appreciate my diesel heater. ©2023 Roland Jones Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Topics in any issue Select a topic BUY TOPICS INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Read More As the seasons change Love spring road trips. I was going to walk to the end of the valley… On a wild beach. Four of us went camping. Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Home for the next week. Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo Read More A short trip to some big country — Route 52 A beautiful and remote part of the country. Our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head back into this fascinating area. Read More Road trip for a mid-winter meal It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed. Read More Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there. Read More The hospital visit for my bus In March my bus went into the Rigs’n Things hospital for some major surgery. The operation was done by Dr Chris with the utmost care and to a very high standard. Read More Water water everywhere On a recent club camp I did a wee survey of the parked vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, buses and others to observe the water supply and disposal systems. Read More A simple camp shower Our friend Jean Roger said she used old plastic milk bottles to make a simple solar shower. We have just tried this on our sailing holiday and it works brilliantly. Read More Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours Spring and summer bring a great array of fresh vegetables. Ingredients like fresh ginger, lime, sesame oil, red curry paste and lemon bring fresh flavours to curries, salads and side dishes. Read More Lightning risk in RVs Lightning frightens, but lightning risk in RVs is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further. Read More On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Read More Travels around the South Island I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things. Read More No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More Buyer beware update: We won! We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. Read More Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Read More Windy Pack Down Tips One of the hardest things to do is to know when enough is enough, and when it’s time to pack up and leave. The very best time is just before the weather event hits. Read More Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Read More It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Read More Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Read More View More ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 9 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX ISSUE 8 Camping the Kiwi Way, 8, Winter 2024 Table of contents • Editorial • Councils and government list • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Thermette. ©2024 M Richardson Up AUTUMN GOLD Autumn stories from around New Zealand Up Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? If you do not want to freedom camp you do not need the new green warrant. The existing blue standard and blue warrant is still acceptable for all other places that require certified self-containment (so far). Up Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? Certified Blue before 7/7/23, and not expired. Fixed or portable toilet. Certified Blue before 7/7/24, and not expired. Fixed toilet only. Green Warrant Up Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification. With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers Up The road less travelled: ten lessons learned on the road Three years ago we decided to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the open road. ©2024 Two Kids and a Caravan Up On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Up Folding electric bike in the middle of nowhere Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Skippers Canyon Quite happy to have taken the tour and not my truck up Skippers Canyon. ©2024 Trisha Fisk Up What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping The seven requirements Up Am I freedom camping? You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping Up Longslip Station Well, how’s this for a welcome back into the Mackenzie Basin! — Longslip Station, Lindis Pass. ©2024 Shellie Evans. ckw.nz/shellie-fb Up Fantail Martin got the winning photo of the birds last weekend. Fantail. ©2024 Martin Butler Up Fire circle Fire circle on a still Autumn night. Magical. 
©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. Up Clydesdales at Erewhon A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon. ©2024 M Richardson Up Greg's Eye at Rays Rest Friday evening and Saturday morning at Rays Rest. It never disappoints. © 2024 Greg Lokes. More on FB: Greg's Eye: ckw.nz/gregs-eye Up Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how The new regulations require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. Up Got run off the road Got run off the road last weekend. ©2024 Vanessa Parkinson Up Ballooning in Canterbury Today was an early start to ballooning in Canterbury. ©2024 Tony Knights. Ballooning Canterbury Up The top of Dansey’s Pass The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Rugby at Mt Somers Campers enjoying a local rugby game at Mt Somers. See p31. ©2024 Linda Butler Up Keeping up with self-containment Articles from this issue and earlier issues on self-containment and freedom camping: changes, what to do, what to be ware of. Up Beautiful vintage buses and trucks Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ Up To the top of the Ahuriri Valley A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. ©2024 Tony Kissel Up A wrap Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up My stew is bubbling My stew is bubbling on the fire... ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ Up Composting and coddiwompling I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting waterless toilet in my camper van. Up Hakataramea Pass ©2024 David Liddall Up Only getting in 123 Watts Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. ©2024 Allan Henderson Up View More

ALL ISSUES CONTENTS VIEW All issues Topics Index Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Next As the seasons change Love spring road trips. I was going to walk to the end of the valley… On a wild beach. Four of us went camping. Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Home for the next week. Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo Next A short trip to some big country — Route 52 A beautiful and remote part of the country. Our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head back into this fascinating area. Next Road trip for a mid-winter meal It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed. Next Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there. Next The hospital visit for my bus In March my bus went into the Rigs’n Things hospital for some major surgery. The operation was done by Dr Chris with the utmost care and to a very high standard. Next Water water everywhere On a recent club camp I did a wee survey of the parked vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, buses and others to observe the water supply and disposal systems. Next A simple camp shower Our friend Jean Roger said she used old plastic milk bottles to make a simple solar shower. We have just tried this on our sailing holiday and it works brilliantly. Next Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours Spring and summer bring a great array of fresh vegetables. Ingredients like fresh ginger, lime, sesame oil, red curry paste and lemon bring fresh flavours to curries, salads and side dishes. Next Lightning risk in RVs Lightning frightens, but lightning risk in RVs is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further. Next On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Next Travels around the South Island I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things. Next No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Next Buyer beware update: We won! We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. Next Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Next Windy Pack Down Tips One of the hardest things to do is to know when enough is enough, and when it’s time to pack up and leave. The very best time is just before the weather event hits. Next Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Next It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Next DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Next Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Next The camping train departs 3 March 2026 Enjoy the whole trip, or meet up or depart from any location along the way! Next Te Puna Quarry in spring This is such a hidden gem with sculptures of dragons, a castle slide for kids, water wheel, art hiding in every corner, and all kinds of themed gardens. Next Stop and Stay Places to stay. Next Athenree hot springs and campground Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. Next Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains? Next Omokoroa Domain Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati. Next Harrison Cut, Papamoa Four mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk. Next Uretara Domain I stayed here for three nights; a great spot. Every Friday night they have a Farmers market at the adjacent A&P Show grounds Next Mid winter dinner Canterbury There is something precious about meeting around the table. Sharing food, or in this case buying your own! Next First aid practice at camp! Penny was keen to put the newly learnt knowledge of how to assist someone up, into practice. Down on the floor she went! Next MORE

Stories from winter and spring campers around New Zealand. Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 CONTENTS PDF BUY TOC As the seasons change Travels around the South Island I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things. Read More No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More Love spring road trips Considering the forecast I got off lightly with no rain, (Mon–Thu) but there were 30km/h+ winds off Lake Wanaka so I did not put up my 270° Batwing awning this trip. 35,000 steps and some cold sunny days. Love spring road trips. Ice on the windscreen overnight. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read More I was going to walk to the end of the valley I was going to walk to the end of the valley but I forgot to pack my tramping boots, the avalanche warning signs kind of put me off as well. Temple Valley. ©2025 Tony Kissel Read More Four of us went camping. We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Still plenty of skin left for them to feast on tomorrow. Wooded Gully, North Canterbury. ©2025 Linda Butler Read More Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Penultimate winter camping weekend. Thanks Carterton District Council for a multi-use, free site. Expecting 1°C tonight. Read More Home for the next week Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. Read More Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo in August Happy until ‘severe weather’ hit at 5am this morning. Snow on mountains, not on my tyres, which is how I like it. -5.7°C. Snow on Monday night, stunning days to walk 40,000 steps, up to the Mt John Observatory & back a couple times. Spring camping here I come. Read More

ALL ISSUES BUY AUTHORS Authors Index Fee Kat 7 Autumn 2024 Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Read Keil MacDiarmid 4 Winter 2023 A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid Read Tineke Harris Colac Bay Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read Tony Knights 7 Autumn 2024 Heading to The Burt Well after a week of covid and still not a lot of energy I decided bugger it and I’m heading to The Burt Read joymareephotography 10 summer 2024 I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Read Alex Koveskali 7 Autumn 2024 It was a tent It’s too big for a chair and it’s not moving in the water so I can only guess it’s another tent blown away, full of belongings. Read Alex Koveskali 10 summer 2024 Heating a pie I’ve worked out an effective way to heat up pies. Read Alfred and Sofia Rico 11 autumn 2025 Camping at the Mohaka River Farm We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Read Alice Leslie 10 summer 2024 Making camping more accessible for everyone Making a campsite accessible involves more than installing accessible toilets. Read Alice Leslie 10 summer 2024 Being able to get out into nature “Being able to get out into nature and go places that I would not physically be able to reach on my own is such a joy and privilege.” Read Allan Henderson 2 Summer 2022 The Wild Wairarapa Coast We spent a few days on the coast out from Martinborough, Te Awati camping area and then back to North Tora Reserve, some very rough coastline. Read Allan Henderson 8 Winter 2024 Only getting in 123 Watts Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. ©2024 Allan Henderson Read Andrew Morton 1 Spring 2022 Biking in Otago in Autumn Taking a bike trip around Otago. The teardrop camper at 
Champagne Gully on Lake Dunstan. Autumn. Andrew Morton. Read Andrew Morton 1 Spring 2022 The teardrop in Arrowtown Autumn. 
Cycling in Otago. 
Camping in the teardrop. 
Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 1 Spring 2022 Biking in Southland A three-hour late-night drive to Lumsden freedom camping spot at the station, arriving 11.30pm. Woke to a stunning day, chilly, but an awesome day for riding. Read Andrew Morton 2 Summer 2022 Ready for tomorrow’s ride I’m in Rotorua today (MTB Mecca) ready for tomorrow’s ride, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop: 33km, 3hr. Another one of the 23 Great Rides of NZ. ckw.nz/great-rides ©2022 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 3 Autumn 2023 Mountain biking If it was that easy, everyone would do it. Read Andrew Morton 3 Autumn 2023 Tear drop camping on a NI bike trip Camping on a NI bike trip: the teardrop, tarp, comfy chairs, a table and a BBQ. Read Andrew Morton 3 Autumn 2023 Pipiriki Eight days so far; 1300km in the car plus 216km on the mountain bike, and 45 days to go. Read Andrew Morton 4 Winter 2023 I am on track I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 4 Winter 2023 One hundred nights a year I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Read Andrew Morton 6 Summer 2023 Teardrop camping Teardrop camping Read Andrew Morton 7 Autumn 2024 Truly a Summer to remember Currently on night 23 of this 86-night trip. In Murchison next week I celebrate my 250th night since getting my teardrop. Read Andrew Morton 8 Winter 2024 Cycle camping Cycle camping with a teardrop and a fly. ©2024 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 8 Winter 2024 On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 11 autumn 2025 The red lights? It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read Andrew Morton 11 autumn 2025 Bedtime Bubbles Bedtime Bubbles & wash in Kaiapoi for my wee mate after 57 nights on the road without a bath. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton Winter camp, Portobello, June I love Winter camping. Read Andrew Morton Winter camp Invercargill, July Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. Read Andrew Morton Love spring road trips Considering the forecast I got off lightly with no rain, (Mon–Thu) but there were 30km/h+ winds off Lake Wanaka so I did not put up my 270° Batwing awning this trip. 35,000 steps and some cold sunny days. Love spring road trips. Ice on the windscreen overnight. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read Up ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 9 editor@campingthekiwiway.org