2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Mangapohue land bridge © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle PiriPiri Caves © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle PiriPiri Caves © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle PiriPiri Caves © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle PiriPiri Caves © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle PiriPiri Caves © 2022 Julian Thomson, © 2022 Fiona Thompson, © 2022 Margaret Earle Marakopa Falls © 2022 Julian Thomson Worth a detour: The Marokopa River Valley Fiona Thomson Next time you’re in the Waitomo area (the Waikato region of the North Island) it’s worth the detour to check out three natural landmarks that are really close together, on the Te Anga Road. Mangapohue land bridge The naturally-occurring Mangapohue land bridge is the 1st attraction. There is a well-formed DOC path through pleasant bush to view the spectacular 17 metre high naturally occurring land bridge. The fern-covered land bridge spans across the cliffs each side of the Mangapohue stream, forming a stunning bush-covered arch. (October ’22: the track is closed due to weather-related erosion. Check the DOC website for updates.) PiriPiri Caves The second stop is a short drive further down the road, to the Piripiri Caves. The walk in was even more fascinating than the cave itself, with this area being filled with interesting rock formations: you could spend a bit of time spotting ancient sea life fossils. Marokopa Falls The third stop was to the Marokopa Falls. Another short bush walk leads to the viewing platform where the 35 metre classic waterfall sprays out above you. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as scenic tracks can sometimes be muddy (and slippery) in this gorgeous river valley. Note: You can’t take your dogs with you on any of these walks. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 15

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Mt Cook Viewed from the Lake Pukaki freedom camp. September 2024 ©2024 M Richardson Lake Pukaki View from the Lake Pukaki freedom camp. September 2024 ©2024 M Richardson Mt Cook Viewed from the Lake Pukaki freedom camp. September 2024 ©2024 M Richardson Did I mention, I just can’t get enough of this place? Lake Pukaki Miriam Richardson The freedom camping spot on Lake Pukaki: Did I mention, I just can’t get enough of this place? These photos taken this Winter. Max 3 days. Above: Mt Cook; below: dawn. ◼️ ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 33

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Taking a left turn Gary Stoneley Up Are you a mainstream traveler, always following the main highways or are you a diversionist, taking that chance to detour from the main route to explore and maybe encounter something new or different? On our recent trip north we decided to veer from the main flow of traffic and take a left turn. Our journey started at Waiouru Army Museum , a favourite overnight stop over of ours on our trips up the North Island. Free for certified self-contained campers, with a security patrol and access to toilets and cafe during opening hours, its a safe stopover, even in the snow. On this trip the morning dawned with clear blue skies and a breathtaking view of Mount Ruapehu. Instead of our usual sprint across the desert road we chose to turn left and head towards Ohakune. First stop the site of the Tangiwai rail disaster Christmas Eve 1953. Considerable work has been put into this memorial reserve with information boards and new public toilets. We saw no signs to state you could not stop overnight. Ohakune has made its claim to fame from mountain skiing and a giant carrot but it now offers so much more. As soon as you hit the town you see a masterful children's playground, full of life-size characters, play equipment and adjacent to a modern toilet block and dump station. Ruapehu District Council must be commended on the improvements they are making. If travelling through Ohakune you must visit the chocolate eclair shop. What surprised us most in the town was the sheer number of cyclists. From being a winter skiing hotspot prior to Covid 19 the town has become a cycling mecca with multiple bike tour operators, cycling shops and associated adventure activities. The prime ride is the Old Coach Road suitable for all levels of riders. We have pencilled this in for our next trip. From Ohakune we traveled to National Park and stayed overnight (free camping) in the station car park. This site has a Kiwi Camp amenities block. This was our first time at purchasing a token (from the station cafe) and using a Kiwi Camp which included toilets, showers, laundry and basic kitchen facilities. With only a few camping vehicles during the day the site became a plethora of mingling international visitors together with kiwi travellers. Powered sites and electric vehicle charging points were also available, a sign of changing times. Highlights for us were the steam train stopping off while we were there and getting our electric bikes out on the local tracks into the hills. Continuing up the left side of the mountains and Lake Taupo we travelled past the Owhanga Lodge and Hotel which offers accommodation and adventure rafting activities and through Taumaranui, home of the Forgotten World Adventures to Te Kuiti. Famous for shearing and Colin Meads we recommend taking a left turn before crossing the rail lines and walking across the amazing rail pedestrian bridge into the town centre. With everything from modern stained glass pictures portraying the regions history to a Japanese garden there is a lot to see. Te Kuiti also has a small Kiwi Camp but we decided to carry on to Otorohanga stopping at a basic sheltered campground, with power and facilities backing onto the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park . On our travels we have visited many kiwi houses but this one remains our favourite. Te Kuiti and Otorohanga are near the Waitomo Glowworm Caves but on this trip we decided to travel the short distance to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological wildlife reserve. The park comprises many hectares of native bush and walking tracks of varying lengths. A moderate level of fitness is recommended due to the undulating nature of the tracks. A highlight for us was coming across an abandoned kiwi burrow in the base of a large tree and an active one in a bank. Self-contained campers can stay overnight in the outside carpark. This ensures you get to see and hear the birds at their most active early in the morning. We were more than happy to make a worthwhile donation towards the development of the reserve. From here our adventure up the left side came to an end but we made sure we checked out some of the many camping reserves along the banks of the mighty Waikato River, got lost and were on the lookout for a red tractor. But that is a story for another day. Turning off the main highway and taking that left turn was well worth it! Photos ©2022 Gary Stoneley Up Up Mt Ruapehu Morning dawned with clear blue skies and a breathtaking view of Mount Ruapehu. ©2022 Gary Stoneley National Park car park We traveled to National Park and stayed overnight (free camping) in the station car park. This site has a Kiwi Camp amenities block. ©2022 Gary Stoneley The view from the sanctuary ©2022 M Richardson Mt Ruapehu Morning dawned with clear blue skies and a breathtaking view of Mount Ruapehu. ©2022 Gary Stoneley 1/10

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing What a difference a day makes Trevor Karton What a difference a day makes. 27 October 2024. ◊ ©2024 Trevor Karton Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 11

1 Spring 2022 The big picture on the proposed changes for freedom camping Up Miriam Richardson The stated intention of Hon Stuart Nash, Minister of Tourism, is to “improve the regime for freedom camping, to protect our environment, remove unfair burdens on locals in some destinations, and lift the quality of tourism.” What does he think the problem is? poor behaviour, waste and litter, and overcrowding by freedom campers; lack of infrastructure and systems to support freedom camping; too many tourists choosing to freedom camp; high costs to local communities; reduced willingness of local communities to welcome freedom campers. What changes has he put into his bill? A: A blanket limit on vehicle-based freedom camping on public land to certified self-contained vehicles only. (Solves none of the above) B: A ‘fixed’ toilet is required for a vehicle to be self contained. (Solves none of the above) C: More powers and tougher penalties to enforce the rules. (Might discourage tourists; might reduce poor behaviour; might make locals feel better. Then again, might not.) D: A national register of self-contained vehicles and a revised system for certification, to prove who is or isnt self contained. (Solves none of the above but will help the enforcers.) AND/BUT: The changes aren’t intended to affect camping more than 200m from a road, nor homeless people. When might the changes affect everyone? It will immediately restricts camping in the 50% of NZ regions that do not already have freedom camping bylaws. Every camper will be affected, 2 years after it is passed by Parliament. What the bill does not address: Lack of supporting infrastructure like rubbish disposal and toilets; lack of enough space for the visitors who arrive; ‘too many’ tourists; poor behaviour; high cost to local communities. BY: Miriam Richardson Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Immediately restricts camping in over 50% of NZ's regions 1/0

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Terako Downs entrance Debbie Tutton Terako Downs entrance, Labour Weekend. Teeming at Terako Downs ©2024 Debbie Tutton Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 17

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC 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 GO TO Here & there last summer 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

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Beautiful, free, birds & sunsets STOP and STAY Rays Rest Miriam Richardson A thoroughly relaxing, free camp on the Firth of Thames. Ray’s Rest is 4km south of the Kaiaua township, on the Hauraki Rail Trail and about the same distance from the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre further south. No dogs, no fires, you must be self-contained, and a max of 2 nights. See the gallery for more photos Its a long flat area beside the sea with stunning views across the firth to Coromandel, and sunrises and sunsets refresh the soul, as do the flocks of birds that feast in the shallows when the tide is out. It’s a bit shallow for swimming, and a bit sharp underfoot for paddling. Those with boats go fishing. If you want to exercise rather than relax you can walk, ride or run the Hauraki Rail Trail (e-bikes 300W or less) to get to the fish and chip shop in Kaiau, or the shorebird centre (25min walk), or even do a day trip to Thames (5hr). haurakirailtrail.co.nz Lovely in any weather. Images ©2024 Miriam Richardson Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 43

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Mountain biking Andrew Morton If it was that easy, everyone would do it. I’ve fallen off the mountain bike, been stung on the lip by a bee, my van, rear sliding door has packed a sad and I can’t access my fridge! Lots of riding: one day a 600m climb, followed by two day-rides of 7hr and a 3hr ride on third day. It’s been cold up here in the Central North Island, in Summer, much to my surprise: snow. At least six days of torrential rain! But I would not swap this for anything, the light, the colours, the experiences, the people you meet, are priceless to me. Sure reminds me just how lucky I am to live in the south (Southland). Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 23

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption editorial-MNR_0991_H.webp ©2024 M Richardson keep warm, keep camping, keep enjoying Editorial Miriam Richardson I have been enjoying following along on Facebook the many campers who aren’t intimidated by the season and are planning to continue camping in Winter. I have been perched at the campground in Glendhu Bay, plugged in to power while I work on this magazine, enjoying day after day of beautiful weather and stunning views, while the North Island has been cloudy, buffeted by wind, and fairly damp. I am not sure if this is a charmed spot or I have just been lucky. It has been a pretty grim time for people who want to freedom camp, having to work hard to find practical solutions within the flawed regulations. You will find some articles here on how to meet the toilet requirements for the new green warrant. There is a possibility there might be relief from the bizarre requirement to drill a hole in your toilet cassette and your vehicle. Holding off might save $ (and defer payment of the $120 government self-containment levy). There are more vehicle inspectors for the green warrants, though still not enough. You might be lucky enough to find one in your area. The government has announced an increase in the visitor levy on tourists. So far it has wasted all it collected this way on enforcement — if it created more facilities the need for enforcement would be less, but there is no impetus, either locally or nationally to improve or increase facilities for these, our most lucrative tourists. As we head in to winter, keep warm, keep camping, keep enjoying and caring for our lovely country. Tiaki mai. Miriam Richardson Image: Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 4

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

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom camping: who does what Miriam Richardson These are the laws relating to freedom camping and self-containment : • Freedom Camping Act 2011 (amended 2023 ) • The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 • Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 Commencement Order 2023 • Freedom Camping (Penalties for Infringement Offences) Regulations 2023 • Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023 (takes effect 6 Dec 2023 ) As a pdf to download † Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board. PDF readers: click to view the legislation Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 4