9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Photo: Godley Head Awaroa, at entrance of Lyttelton Harbour © Rob Suisted Photo: Australasian bittern male ©Colin O’Donnel Photo: Lake Opouahi ©DOC Photo: Cathedral Cove: ©DOC Trampers at Mavora Lakes ©Logan Penniket Photo: Kakī leaving boxes Image: Liz Brown ©DOC DOC update DOC The Great Matuku Muster a call to action “This may just be the best chance New Zealanders have of seeing or hearing a matuku in their lifetime!” One day in Sept, Oct and Nov, for up to an hour from sunset, volunteers around the country sit somewhere safe on the outskirts of their local wetland to record male matuku-hūrepo booming. The birds are highly mobile and if the count is not done at the same time across the country, some birds may be counted twice. Photo: Australasian bittern male ©Colin O’Donnel lovebittern.com | ckw.nz/matuku Two Hawke’s Bay sites re-open to public DOC has reopened Hawke’s Bay’s Opouahi Scenic Reserve and White Pine Bush sites to the public. They have been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle which broke the 3.3 km predator-proof fence around the Opouahi Kiwi Creche. Fences needed repair, stock had to be removed, predators trapped, bridges rebuilt, some track rerouted and others resurfaced. Photo: Lake Opouahi ©DOC ckw.nz/opouahi Awaroa/Godley Head reopen]s This popular site near Christchurch, has reopened to the public after a successful remediation of contamination. It offers outstanding sea views and great walking or mountain biking. There is an overnight camp site as well as tracks. Keep dogs on leads as all digging is prohibited. ckw.nz/awaroa Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track: ckw.nz/godley-track Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite: ckw.nz/godley-camp Photo: Godley Head Awaroa, at entrance of Lyttelton Harbour © Rob Suisted Te Araroa Trail Pass this summer This summer, walkers need to register their walks through the Te Araroa Trust and buy a Trail Pass to use in DOC huts and get discounts along the way. Te Araroa is one of the world’s most diverse long-distance walking trails, at 3012km. From the northern cape of Te Rerenga Wairua, to the southern bluff of Motupōhue, Te Araroa spans the length of Aotearoa.Around 2,000 walkers complete the full trail each year, though others do different parts of the trail at a time. Photo: Trampers at Mavora Lakes ©Logan Penniket ckw.nz/te-araroa Mautohe Cathedral Cove track The walking track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Coromandel was closed in February ‘23 after it sustained significant damage during Cyclone Gabrielle. The alternative McHand’s Lookout track has now closed too while remedial work is carried out. Accessing Mautohe Cathedral Cove is a marine-only experience until December, when the car park and track are expected reopen. Te Pare Pa remains open. This coastal landscape is prone to storm damage, landslides and rockfalls making it a challenging track to maintain. Photo: Cathedral Cove: ©DOC ckw.nz/cove-1 | ckw.nz/cove-2 Successful kakī season sees bumper release 80 birds were released at Lake Tekapo/Takapō and another 78 into the Tasman Valley, Mackenzie Country, since August. This past season saw the highest recorded number of breeding pairs in the wild with 41 pairs producing eggs. Ten years ago, that number was just 17 pairs. photo: Kakī leaving boxes. Photo: Liz Brown ©DOC ckw.nz/kaki ◼️ Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 38

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Kārearea / NZ Falcon chick with down feathers Image: Kārearea / NZ Falcon chick with down feathers, © DOC DOC update DOC Above image: Kārearea / NZ Falcon chick with down feathers, DOC Clear water in Nelson Lakes. ©2024 Miriam Richardson Clean your gear DOC call to help prevent the spread of invasive algae to lakes and rivers. People heading into Nelson Lakes National Park this summer are being asked to clean their gear at new cleaning stations to prevent invasive algae being spread to the park’s pristine alpine lakes and rivers. ckw.nz/invasive Coastal forest on the Nikau Loop Track , Andrej Ricnik | Creative Commons Works underway to reopen Morere Hot Pools Reopening Morere Hot Pools (Hawke’s Bay) has begun on major remedial and infrastructure works at the pools. They hope to open in April or May 2024. ckw.nz/morere George Ledgard, DOC More than 10,000 wild goats removed in anational competition DOC, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and Hunting & Fishing NZ are thrilled by strong support for the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition. ckw.nz/goats | Image: George Ledgard, DOC Karamea, © 2024 Andrew Morton Nature as therapy is the focus of a new guide A new free guide to help improve well-being by connecting with nature for therapy is available in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne. Ways to Wellness Tairāwhiti: He Te Ara Taiao ki te Ora Tairawhiti was originally developed using the ‘Healthy Nature Healthy People’ programme, which ran until 2021, encouraging us to connect with nature to improve their health and wellbeing. ckw.nz/nature-therapy | Drift Bay, Queenstown, DOC DOC report shows short adventures trending for travellers Short walks and leisurely activities like sightseeing, photography, and bird and wildlife watching were the most popular outdoor activities for kiwi and international visitors, according to DOC’s annual visitor in. sights report. “It is really encouraging to see people are still finding creative ways to enjoy nature, by switching to different areas and exploring different activities such as short walks and cultural heritage sites.” ckw.nz/most-popular The waharoa © 2024 Andrew Morton Ōparara Basin waharoa unveiled A waharoa (gateway) marking the entry to a viewpoint of the Ōparara Basin north of Karamea was unveiled in November ‘23 signalling the completion of a major upgrade to visitor facilities. Ōparara, in Kahurangi National Park, is known for its spectacular limestone formations, including incredible arches and the Honeycomb Caves. A summer to remember p15. The new viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the basin and includes interpretation for visitors such as a stone diorama explaining the geological formation of the area. ckw.nz/unveiled The new viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the basin and includes interpretation for visitors such as a stone diorama explaining the geological formation of the area.© 2024 Andrew Morton Image: Giverny Forbes / DOC A sea lion/pakake mum swam 60 kilometres inland Unusually, a sea lion/pakake mum swam 60 km inland to find her preferred spot to give birth. People are reminded to keep their distance from all marine mammals. ckw.nz/sea-lion Image: DOC video Checking a week-old Albatross chick, Tairoa Heads Rangers doing their daily check of the week-old nestling at the Royal Cam nesting site. The chick is at a good and healthy weight! 1/2/24. ckw.nz/albatross-cam GO TO Celebrating Summer finding creative ways to enjoy nature Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 33 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 DOC update DOC How to be a low impact camper Get the most out of your stay at a DOC campsite, minimise your impact and respect people, wildlife and places. Image: Camping on the Whanganui Journey © Laura Honey | DOC ckw.nz/doc-camping Time to get out and explore Tairāwhiti “We’ve got some beautiful spots on our doorstep waiting to be explored,” says DOC Senior Ranger Moira Lee. “Te Kuri Walkway in Gisborne, Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay, and the DOC campground in Anaura Bay are all open for visitors. IMAGE: Anaura Bay © Moira Lee | DOC ckw.nz/tai-rawhiti-24 | ckw.nz/east-coast-24 DOC Northland readies for a busy summer DOC is gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of campers expected to flock to popular Northland campsites. Northland’s DOC campsites have always been a favourite for summer holidaymakers, offering unique experiences from coastal views to tranquil bush settings. We encourage people to plan ahead and book early where possible, especially during peak times and be aware of the rules in place to protect these special places. No dogs. Image: Mimiwhangta Campground with campers © DOC ckw.nz/doc-northland-24 Lighting fires on public conservation land Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land. Image: Christina Wray | Creative Commons ckw.nz/doc-fires Meat the G.O.A.T Wild goat meat is one of the most lean and high-protein meats. In the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition DOC teamed up with Cazador restaurant to share some tasty wild goat recipes. Image: DOC © Cazador restaurant cazador.co.nz | ckw.nz/goat-recipes Leave Denniston relics where they lie DOC has a simple message for locals and visitors to top West Coast tourist destination and Tohu Whenua site Denniston — “leave Denniston relics where they lie.” Image: Denniston relics © DOC` ckw.nz/relics Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study. But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks. Each of the reserves has unique features. ckw.nz/wc-10yrs | ckw.nz/wc-marine | Image: ©DOC Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop over sub-alpine tops and around rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as our 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. Image: ©DOC ckw.nz/11th-great-walk | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-24 | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 44

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing DOC update DOC How to be a low impact camper Get the most out of your stay at a DOC campsite, minimise your impact and respect people, wildlife and places. Image: Camping on the Whanganui Journey © Laura Honey | DOC ckw.nz/doc-camping Time to get out and explore Tairāwhiti “We’ve got some beautiful spots on our doorstep waiting to be explored,” says DOC Senior Ranger Moira Lee. “Te Kuri Walkway in Gisborne, Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay, and the DOC campground in Anaura Bay are all open for visitors. IMAGE: Anaura Bay © Moira Lee | DOC ckw.nz/tai-rawhiti-24 | ckw.nz/east-coast-24 DOC Northland readies for a busy summer DOC is gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of campers expected to flock to popular Northland campsites. Northland’s DOC campsites have always been a favourite for summer holidaymakers, offering unique experiences from coastal views to tranquil bush settings. We encourage people to plan ahead and book early where possible, especially during peak times and be aware of the rules in place to protect these special places. No dogs. Image: Mimiwhangta Campground with campers © DOC ckw.nz/doc-northland-24 Lighting fires on public conservation land Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land. Image: Christina Wray | Creative Commons ckw.nz/doc-fires Meat the G.O.A.T Wild goat meat is one of the most lean and high-protein meats. In the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition DOC teamed up with Cazador restaurant to share some tasty wild goat recipes. Image: DOC © Cazador restaurant cazador.co.nz | ckw.nz/goat-recipes Leave Denniston relics where they lie DOC has a simple message for locals and visitors to top West Coast tourist destination and Tohu Whenua site Denniston — “leave Denniston relics where they lie.” Image: Denniston relics © DOC` ckw.nz/relics Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study. But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks. Each of the reserves has unique features. ckw.nz/wc-10yrs | ckw.nz/wc-marine | Image: ©DOC Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop over sub-alpine tops and around rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as our 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. Image: ©DOC ckw.nz/11th-great-walk | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-24 | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 44

Coromandel , Hector’s dolphins, Kaimai tracks, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, The Heaphy Track, Pike29 Memorial Track , southern tracks, Hump Ridge Track Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up DOC update Up DOC Photo: Stingray Bay, Coromandel. © Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons Above image: Stingray Bay, Coromandel. © Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons Coromandel seaside campsites reopen for summer, but… …there are changes after Cyclone Gabrielle. Some have reduced capacity and some have reduced facilities. In an effort to reduce the stress on the gravel roads some sites have reduced capacity. Port Jackson down to 185 people (from 250), Fletcher Bay down to 200 (from 300), and Fantail Bay 60 people (previously 80). Booking is advised. Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay are now a “backcountry standard” instead of a “standard”. It seems they chose “backcountry” so they can charge a fee (the “basic” campsite with the same facilities (or lack thereof) is free). There are warnings: DOC recommend 4WD for the remote camps, making sure you have, and know how to change, your spare wheel. Carry spare fuel. Watch weather forecasts as weather may compromise the roads. Conserve water. Be aware of and obey fire bans. Carry everything you need: don’t assume you will have access to anything, including food, water, fuel or emergency supplies. ckw.nz/doc-coro | ckw.nz/doc-camps-fees Have you seen Hector’s dolphins in the Firth of Thames? Two Hector’s dolphins have been spotted in the Firth of Thames, prompting DOC to call on people to report more sightings of the animals. It’s just the third time in 60 years the species has been spotted here.  Image: Hector’s dolphin. Steve Smith | © DOC ckw.nz/doc-hectors Kaimai tracks Some Kaimai tracks are reopening, while others stay closed to protect the kauri from Kauri Disease. ckw.nz/doc-kaimai Karangahake Gorge, in Kaimai Mamuka Forest. Stefan Marks | Creative Commons Book in and protect the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Visitor numbers on the Crossing are putting consistent pressure on the conservation and cultural values of the area, as well as the infrastructure. Booking is not compulsory, but please do. Tongariro National Park has Dual World Heritage status for its cultural and natural heritage values. ckw.nz/doc-tongariro Image : Steep descent from Red Crater to Emerald Lakes on loose rock | © DOC The Heaphy Track has reopened Over 11,600 bednights have already been booked between October and June ‘24. ckw.nz/doc-heaphy Heaphy track. Jono | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Pike29 Memorial Track opening in February The Pike29 Memorial Track is opening on 17 February ‘24. The 11.6km dual mountain biking and walking track will connect the Paparoa Track Great Walk to the Pike River Valley. There is also an easy 15-minute walk from the Pike Valley carpark leading to twin bridges within the forest. The track rises 880m from the Pike River Valley floor to the Paparoa Range ridge line, making it a challenging walk or ride in a spectacular landscape, from alpine scrub through to luxuriant forest. As you walk it you are introduced to the story of what happened at the Pike River Mine. No dogs Carpark to Paparoa Track intersection, 11.6km, 3-5 hours. Once the memorial work is completed, vehicle access to the start of the track will be via Logburn Road (which leads into Pike Valley Road) off Atarau Road northeast of Blackball. ckw.nz/doc-pike29-about | ckw.nz/doc-pike29 Image: Pike29 Memorial Track near junction with Paparoa Track. Stewart Nimmo | © DOC Many Southern tracks open, but caution advised Tracks, bridges and huts have been affected by the Sept ’23 and Feb ’20 weather events. Where there are large washouts or bridges down, DOC has closed tracks until repairs or remediation can take place. Other tracks are still open but require extra caution. Always check the weather forecast, look at the DOC website or contact their nearest visitor centre for up-to-date information on track conditions. ckw.nz/doc-southern Image: A slip which caused a dam to form above Freeman Burn hut in Fiordland. | © DOC Hump Ridge Track upgrade to a Great Walk is delayed The track is already open and in use, managed by the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Charitable Trust. Bookings are still open during construction, with public access given priority ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book . The hope is to reach ‘Great Walk’ status in October ‘24. The Hump Ridge track is 61kms and takes about three days. It is an alpine environment with soaring limestone tors, uphill sections through coastal forests, expansive beaches, historic viaduct bridges, old timber settlements, and the longest tramway sleeper walk in the southern hemisphere.  ckw.nz/doc-hump-ridge Image: Southern rata in bloom at the Hump Ridge Track. | © DOC Up Up doc-coro-stingray-bay-hero_mw.webp doc-bridge-karangahake-gorge-1920_mw.webp doc-tac-summer-1920_mw.webp doc-coro-stingray-bay-hero_mw.webp 1/8

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Our little escape pod We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Prepacked with clothing, footwear, bedding, food, medication, water, gas, solar power, cash, fridge, cooking and toilet facilities, even books and games, we know, if disaster strikes, we can tend to our needs and offer support to others too. ©2023 Rhonda Marshall Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone .... then I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! ©2023 Cheine Matheson Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources. Orange Sky are providing shower and laundry services to many in flood-affected areas right now. The recent cyclone Gabrielle initiated only the third national disaster to be declared in New Zealand history. Windy.com Hawke's Bay 2023 Napier 1931 Did the earth move for you? it did for Cantabrians in 2011 and Hawke’s Bay back in 1931. Canterbury 2011 Did the earth move for you? it did for Cantabrians in 2011 and Hawke’s Bay back in 1931. we have the equipment, experience, and resilience to cope with adverse conditions: 
it is what we do A beautiful country, but… Wayne Ravelich As all Kiwi’s know we live in a beautiful country, but it is prone to natural disasters. Did the earth move for you? it did for Cantabrians in 2011 and Hawke’s Bay back in 1931. These are just two of the big ones, we have thousands of smaller shakes every year. We get cyclones like Bola in 1988 and the recent Gabrielle, that initiated only the third national disaster to be declared in New Zealand history. Napier 1931. Canterbury 2011. Hawke's Bay 2023 The devastation caused by these major events is staggering and leaves communities without facilities for long periods of time. Homes can and do become uninhabitable. On the positive side, communities come together and help each other to overcome the aftermath. The first few days after a disaster can be the hardest with possibly no clean water, no power, no normal toilet facilities and, in extreme cases, no shelter. Hold on a minute, we are campers and have all of that; or at least most of the items required to survive the first few days of an emergency without outside assistance. Either in our camping gear in the garage or in the caravan or motorhome, we have what we need. If our camping vehicle is self-contained, certified or not, we have at least three days self-sufficiency. We have clean water, we can cook, wash, shelter and if necessary, move to a safer area. It does not matter if the cooker is a large gas oven and four burner hob or a single burner portable cooker. A BBQ is really handy. The toilet can be “fixed” or portable, like the ones issued by the Government to Canterbury residents in 2011. Any toilet is better than none. Shelter in a tent or camper is far better than being out in the elements. As campers we have the equipment, experience, and resilience to cope with adverse conditions, it is what we do. Not only can we protect our loved ones, but we have the facility to help others as well. A hot drink or meal, even a phone charger can mean a lot. A spare sleeping bag or tent goes along way to someone that has just lost their home. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Ready for tomorrow’s ride Andrew Morton Up 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 Up Up Rotorua-bike-1_w_m.webp Rotorua-bike-1_w_m.webp 1/1

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption It is a fascinating area with lots of ore wagon tracks still in place ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye It is very steep and a lot of hard work. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye This track is only 500m long but can take one hour to ascend. That gives you some idea of how steep the terrain is. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye It is a fascinating area with lots of ore wagon tracks still in place ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye We climbed to the very top. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye We had a blast! Up, up the Waiorongomai Valley Greg Lokes After a cold morning out in the fog I headed back to the camper to thaw out my fingers and feet while having breakfast. At about 9 am Barb and I donned our tramping gear and went for a 4 hour hike along the bush trails that start at the Waiorongomai Valley carpark. We hiked to Butler’s Incline and climbed to the very top. It is very steep and a lot of hard work. We then descended the very, very steep New Era Branch Track, climbing down backwards in many places whilst hanging onto trees, roots and rocks. This track is only 500m long but can take one hour to ascend. That gives you some idea of how steep the terrain is. It is a fascinating area with lots of ore wagon tracks still in place along the hiking trails and various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way. Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. We had a blast! ◊ July 2023 ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye In the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. DOC: ckw.nz/doc-waiorongomai NZ’s oldest known railway: ckw.nz/oldest-tramway Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 36

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold A wrap Stephen Wood A wrap. Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 15

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Table of contents, Spring, issue 5 Editor 2 Freedom camping under the new law 4 E ditorial 4 Freedom camping & self-containment: status, Spring 2023 4 Freedom camping: who does what 5 Grandad’s Grandad’s caravan 7 Cooking on the road: planning food for off the road 8 The Homestead, St Bathans 9 10 Tips for safe caravan towing 9 Why Caravans roll over… and how to prevent it 10 Building a connected NZ camping and tourism industry 11 Lake Monowai campsite 12 Why not stop and stay a while? Introducing Stop and Stay 14 Cooking with fire 14 Easy-to-make flat breads 15 Pros and Cons of full time family travel 16 More cold season tips 18 Update: Self-containment and freedom camping changes 20 Thinking about your overnight park 21 Freedom inside the fence 22 Puzzle: Small town New Zealand 23 Small town: Waiau 25 A small paint kit, a few good brushes… 26 This is the story of three types of self-contained vehicles… 29 Mobile cell towers 29 The Aeropress 30 Around my own back yard 32 The smallest church 33 Events — Camping 34 Events — Festivals and shows Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 3

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

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Preparing for the cold winter "brrrrrr's" Linda Butler Up My husband Martin and I met up with Ray Harris the winter before last at Waihi Gorge. Our first night in the bus in winter. Darn, we could only get the new heater up to 10ºC on that night, and woke to a -3ºC frost. We opened the oven door, lit the gas and waited for sunshine. I'm proud of my hubby, he did agree to stay another night, but we enjoyed the warmth of Ray's 30º heater that evening, while playing cards until bedtime. This was from our newly installed diesel heater. Oh boy, we soon wondered if there was actually nothing wrong with the old gas one after all. The installers spent a lot of hours trying to work out the problem. Even with lagged pipes the heater wouldn't get warmer than 18º. Finally we were told the poor insulation and many windows in the bus were the problem. So over the last few months we came up with a plan. Purchased woollen carpet; it won’t need underlay, we were told. Tick With the curtains closed around our beds we still had a draft coming from the windows. We have a silver rail in front of the window. No probs. Op shop curtains purchased and now we sit draft-free with a feeling of sitting in a yurt in the back of the bus. Tick The carpet did need underlay as we still felt it cold. Fixed. Tick Hubby couldn't stand the cold on his body from the bus wall lining under the window by the bed. He needs a bit more fat on him! So we bought yoga mats. Nice and thin. Can lay under the mattress when not in use. Perfect. Tick Stumbled on a net curtain to cover the door for insects and thought, why not also get a long curtain to cover the door for cold? Found one that fits a treat and hangs around my passenger-side headrest when not in use. Another draft fixed. Tick The venetian blinds in the kitchen: we found just enough curtain to cover over them as well.We are going to be so snug! Tick The bathroom felt like a bucket of ice. We hung a curtain cord and threaded a towel by its own hem. That kept the cold off our arm. Easy to wash. Tick Might try leaving the door open in the evening to let the heat from the cabin flow in. That only left the driver's window area. We heard about insulation paper that builders use. We bought about 10 meters, cut it down to each individual window size, then used a heat gun and sealed the edges. This hopefully will help with the frost also! We hope... Since doing all this, we have been unable to get out to try it, other than 2 nights at Lake Camp before winter really hit, after the carpet was put in and we had our curtains over the back windows. That little made a big difference. We are looking forward to next year when we hit the road. Late August after we return from Europe. We will be snug as a bug in a rug. We hope! Don't give up. Get ready for those winter blues… brrrrr… Photos ©2022 Linda Butler Up Up Now’s the time to plan or prepare your caravan, bus or motorhome for next winter. I asked Linda to tell us about her journey to warm up their bus. Editor Windows Our bus has a lot of windows ©2022 Linda Butler More windows Our bus has a lot of windows ©2022 Linda Butler Sealing the edges or the window insulation. We used a heat gun and sealed the edges on the insulation for the driver's window.©2022 Linda Butler Windows Our bus has a lot of windows ©2022 Linda Butler 1/6