Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption It is camper behaviour which makes you responsible, not the equipment you have in your vehicle If the law changes: Managing self-containment Bette Cosgrove From a small van to a large bus, there are thousands of commercially or home-built vehicles on our roads, providing travellers with all the necessary comforts of living. The goal is to be able to freedom camp in beautiful spots, to enjoy the outdoors, and stay for a while without needing to rely on an external water supply, waste disposal or cooking facilities. It requires creative thinking to fit in a basic kitchen, fresh water supply, as well as power, space for a toilet, grey and black water storage, sometimes a small fridge and, of course, a comfortable place to sleep. All of these facilities make the vehicle fit for the purpose of camping while travelling, and with them, a camper is self-contained. The number of days self-contained depends on the size of water and waste storage. Self-containment is a basic standard for any campervan builder, and this can be achieved either to suit the user, or to meet a set of standard criteria; or both. Currently what it means to be ‘self-contained’ is not defined in NZ law. Under the current law, you can camp in any vehicle or temporary structure in any area which is not prohibited or restricted, including a tent, caravan, motor home, or any form of vehicle with sleeping facilities. That is because responsible freedom camping does not rely on specific facilities you carry onboard. It is camper behaviour which makes you responsible, not the equipment you have in your vehicle. Changes to the law Thanks to inconsistent and sometimes confusing bylaws, the (2022) Minister, of Tourism Stuart Nash, decided to bring in a national self-containment standard. The Bill, presented to parliament in 2022, among other changes, would include a definition of a self-contained vehicle in national law. Vehicles would need to comply with a new set of technical regulations written by MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) in order to receive certificatation. (Ex-) Minister Nash’s obsession with the fixedness of toilets has been included in the proposed new law. He insists that portable chemical toilets should no longer be allowed to meet the needs of freedom campers. With a change of Minister, and the new law still being at the Select Committee stage (Feb 2023), we are in a time of uncertainty. Freedom camping approaches A ‘non self contained’ camper might use a roof-top tent on top of a car, a tiny teardrop camper, or be travelling by motorbike or bicycle, which will not have the space to accommodate a sink with water, grey water storage, and a chemical toilet. They can still be responsible and leave no trace in any freedom camping area. Self contained freedom camping, means in a vehicle which is designed and built for the purpose of camping, and has the capability of meeting the water and waste needs of the occupants for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services or discharging any waste. It may be set up creatively, to suit the user and be fit for purpose. Certified self containment (CSC) requires an inspection of the self-containment facilities inside the vehicle. The inspector certifies that it specifically meets New Zealand Standard 5465, and issues a self containment certificate and sticker to prove it is self contained to the standard. The certificate says how many people are covered: the more people the more water and waste is required. To comply you need: a toilet; adequate fresh water storage; adequate waste water storage, which is vented and protected from overflow; a sink fitted with a smell trap; and a sealable rubbish bin. This NZ Standard is currently unmonitored by a government department, and is, in legal terms, a voluntary standard. Of the 69 local authorities across New Zealand, only 38 have adopted the NZ Standard as their definition of self containment in their enforceable bylaws. Only in these areas must you be able to prove certification or risk a fine. MBIE estimates (they do not know, so are guessing) there are at least 68,000 certified self contained vehicles, and at least 15% of these may be using portable toilets with a further 55,000 vehicles readily converted into campers, or used for camping, most of which are likely to be using a porta-potty (portable toilet). For those who can’t meet the revised standard... The new Bill will render thousands of campers legally “not self contained,” even though they are still able to meet the water and waste needs of the occupants for a minimum of three days. The new Bill suggests local authorities can, if they choose, provide access to NZ’s public lands specifically for these travellers. There are only a small number of councils who currently allocate ‘non self contained’ overnight camping, usually in carparks alongside public toilets. Designating new spots would require a massive effort including site analysis, consultation and rewriting of any bylaws, costing both time and money. Even the Department of Conservation, tasked with giving NZers access to public conservation land, requires certification at many of their sites. Is there room? Modification to meet the “fixed toilet” standard will be impossible for smaller vehicles. While a portable toilet may be able to be stored under beds, or inside cupboards, then taken out an used whenever needed (as per the current Standard), a fixed toilet takes up space more intrusively. Can you afford it? The extra cost to fit a fixed toilet and associated plumbing may be prohibitive for most van builders. Compared to a perfectly adequate porta-potty costing up to $150 (easily cleaned and emptied at a dump station) MBIE research suggests that modification costs are $1200 to $5000 at the low end and $5000 to $30,000 at the high end. Effectively, the new Bill reduces the opportunity for thousands of NZers to freedom camp, either because of the size or style of their camping vehicle, or becasuse they are less affluent. Where to from here for the DIY campervan builder Anyone currently inspired to attempt a DIY campervan build is faced with challenging design decisions about the possible installation of a permanent toilet fixture, as there is uncertainty about potential changes to the law and the definition of what might comply in future. OPTION 1 Setting up the vehicle for a current CSC which meets the NZ Standard now, will give 2 years of use after any law changes: you would still be able to use your vehicle for freedom camping at CSC-restricted sites until 2025 (when the proposed changes come into force). This gives time to consider options for a retro-fit or change to potentially new products which may meet the toilet standards in future. OPTION 2 Hold off on toilet facility decisions until the new regulations become clear. The Select Committee is due to report on this bill March 2023. It still has to go through Parliament after that. OPTION 3 If space and budget allows, look at fitting a cassette-style toilet with a permanently fixed base, which is likely to comply. Fingers crossed. Remember there is no suggestion of a separate cubicle/room for the toilet; nor a need for a shower. Camping responsibly 2023-style Whatever happens with the law, or not, it is important you are ‘self-contained’ and can leave no trace, for your own comfort, health and safety. If you want to stay on local authority land restricted by bylaws, certifying your set-up gives that extra freedom and is a future-proofing move. There are several authorised inspection services available to certify prior to any law changes later in 2023. Check the business listings in this magazine or online ( North Island | South Island ) , and shop around for someone who seems helpful, sensible and well-informed on the correct, current requirements. See also What’s in a name? Feeedom camping bylaws Waiting on a law change Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 19

Mt Cook from the Lake Pukaki freedom camping area. ©2023 M Richardson Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Mt Cook from the Lake Pukaki Up M Richardson Mt Cook from the Lake Pukaki freedom camping area. ©2023 M Richardson Up Up Mt Cook_MNR_5721_mw.webp Mt Cook_MNR_5721_mw.webp 1/1

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption love-taupo_H_sunday-market.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there 7 out of 10 Love Taupō Gary Stoneley We would give the Taupō District council a 7 out of 10 for their updated Freedom Camping Bylaw. Some things need more consideration but with options for both self-contained and non self-contained campers it’s a vast improvement. If it is not orange, then it is ok to feedom camp. Check their website for the rules. Being able to park up, do your shopping, enjoy a drink and meal at a central location, spending money in the town centre is a huge plus. There are still multiple commercial campgrounds for those wanting such facilities. It’s now a more affordable and inviting stopover for anyone wanting to do things like lake cruises and enjoy the cafés, restaurants and shops. 🏕️ Images: lovetaupo.com Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 2

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS 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

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Ordinary cycle Stephen Wood Ordinary cycle Staying in Oamaru after attending a cycle event at the Waimate velodrome organised by the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 15

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Our new Southern Star caravan ©2025 Gary Stoneley Inside. ©2025 Gary Stoneley For us the large U shape seating area, and deep front shelf offered a potential work area, room for all our gadgets. ©2025 Gary Stoneley The Bailey Senator next to the Southern Star. ©2025 Gary Stoneley We settled on a 2nd hand high spec Audi Q7, with electronic air suspension and 3500kg towing capacity. ©2025 Gary Stoneley As soon as we saw the open plan layout and spaciousness of the caravan we got interested. ©2025 Gary Stoneley choosing_5.webp ©2025 Gary Stoneley sales service was a breeze Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy Gary Stoneley Camping comes in all forms, from tarpaulins and tents through to large caravans and motorhomes. After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan (and 4 children) followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. We had to consider budget, how long we intend to keep it for, size, and features. Would the new caravan handle the high usage we demand of it and take the beatings dealt out by some of New Zealand’s roads? Our preference was for another tandem (2 axle) caravan as we have found they seem to handle NZ roads better plus they can take a higher payload. Having worked in the industry with dealers and repairers and being involved in caravan and camping organisations I had seen that all brands of caravans, whether European-, Australian-, NZ- or USA- made could sometimes develop leaks or suffer breakages. Bev and I agreed that the new caravan would need to meet our needs for both business and relaxation and be comfortable enough to sit up and work all day while being able to stretch out without knocking elbows and knees. Being self-sufficient when off-grid, with lots of solar, water and a decent fridge-freezer was a must for us, plus a comfortable bed and large washroom. We expected a lot, but we wanted to get it right. So the long search began. Our large Bailey Senator had done us well for over 13 years and many thousands of miles. Finding caravan number 3 wasn’t an easy job. We considered multiple European and UK Caravans, always well-featured and lighter for towing. We considered multiple Australian caravans, large and heavy, some with slide-outs and some without. The benefit of a slide-out being more living space but often this is countered by difficulty to access areas when the slide-out is in. We like to stop regularly, going shopping, exploring and making a coffee; we are often in tight spaces and fitting into campsites with a slide-out could be an issue for us. For us, a slide-out was not an option. So it was time to explore caravan yards, motorhome shows and check out other people’s homes on wheels. Bev and I were up at Thames for the Steam Punk Festival with the All Points Camping Club when we decided we would pop along to Tauranga and again go caravan hunting. We decided to pop into Country RV at Tauranga. In 15 minutes our decision was made. Country RV in Tauranga are the North Island agent for Leisureline and Southern Star Caravans. Both are built in the Leisureline factory in Hamilton, along with Zephyr caravans and the factory has been building quality caravans since 1973, more than 30 years, and one of the few NZ caravan builders remaining. It’s a nice feeling to buy NZ-made but it was the quality fit-out and construction that sold us on the Southern Star. We had to step up quite high to get into the caravans in the showroom and access may be an issue for some people, but as soon as we saw the open plan layout and spaciousness of the caravan we got interested. For us the large U shape seating area, and deep front shelf offered a potential work area, room for all our gadgets. The cabinetry is finished to a very high standard. With lots of power points plus 12volt and usb outlets throughout the van, charging and running multiple devices wouldn’t be a problem. Backed up by 880 Watts of solar and 200 Amp-hour lithium batteries, the caravan would be good to go even on the cloudiest days. Our preference was for an SUV rather than a ute for towing and we settled on a 2nd hand high spec Audi Q7, with electronic air suspension and 3500kg towing capacity. Once the caravan is connected to the car, the car automatically adjusts the car’s ride height (which we can also adjust as needed). The remote electric brakes and rear camera make towing a breeze and the old-school leaf springs keep the van tracking well. The sales service with Country RV in Mt Maungaui (Tauranga) was a breeze and we were able to make some changes to the layout to meet our needs. Currently we are using the new caravan every second weekend and can’t wait to take longer trips in a few months time. North to South, East to West we intend to give the caravan a hard workout and have every confidence it will handle it. Some of the features of our Southern Star caravan: • 880W solar panels, that will still charge in part sunlight. • Hard-wired 2000W inverter, power to all points. • 2 x 100Ah lithium LiFePO4 batteries. • Victron charger, controller and smart shunt • Dometic 188L compressor fridge that runs continuously. • Automatic satellite dish. • 2 smart TV’s. • Autoterm diesel heater. • Wireless reversing camera. • 172 litres fresh and waste water. Both the Leisureline and Southern Star branded caravans are very similar. We liked the deep front locker with slide out gas bottles that make them easy to fit and turn on and off. Queen-sized bed, large shower, heated towel rail. At our age being comfortable is important and the NZ-built Southern Star caravan was our choice and the price was competitive. There are many other well-made, terrific caravans out there to suit peoples’ different camping and travelling needs. It’s definitely worth checking them out to choose the one that best meets your needs. Safe travels. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 16

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption giving new life to portable toilets Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail Mustafa Pasha Kiwi Camping Culture Meets Innovation Camping is an iconic part of New Zealand’s lifestyle— a cherished time for reconnecting with nature, spending nights under starry skies, and exploring the rugged beauty of Aotearoa. However, as the Kiwi camping community grows, so does the challenge of balancing outdoor enjoyment with regulations and environmental sustainability. Fix’n’Rail, an inventive new solution developed right here in New Zealand, is designed to make portable toilet systems easier, safer, and legal. What is Fix’n’Rail? a simple solution with big impact Approved by NZ Lifestyle Camping, this innovation helps those looking to upgrade to meet New Zealand’s new self-containment regulations for freedom camping, that require that campervan toilets are permanently fixed. The Fix’n’Rail bracket gives campers a way to secure their existing portable toilet in place. The portable toilets that are supported by this device are: Rocktrail, 145, 365, 165 Dometic, Seaflo, and Burnsco. Durable, lightweight, and easy to install Crafted from resilient materials, the Fix’n’Rail bracket is lightweight, durable, and designed for easy installation. Simply mount it in your chosen space, snap in your portable toilet, and you’re ready for the open road! This ease of use means that seasoned campers, as well as newcomers, can install it without hassle or professional help, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. Sustainability and the circular economy The design behind Fix’n’Rail supports a circular economy by giving new life to portable toilets that may otherwise end up in landfills. Rather than purchasing new equipment to comply with regulations, campers can use Fix’n’Rail to repurpose their current toilet, reducing waste and conserving resources. It’s a small step that contributes to a larger movement of eco-conscious camping. Where to get Fix’n’Rail Available directly from MystEnterprise.com ( ckw.nz/fix-n-rail ), the first batches land in NZ in December. Final thoughts Fix’n’Rail is more than just a product— it’s a movement towards sustainable camping practices that allow Kiwis to experience the best of New Zealand’s landscapes while preserving their natural beauty for generations to come. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time vanlifer, Fix’n’Rail brings you closer to a sustainable camping lifestyle that doesn’t compromise on comfort or convenience. So, if you’re looking to step up your eco-conscious camping game, Fix’n’Rail is here to help— one secure toilet at a time! ◊ Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 12

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Never wipe them dry and especially do not polish them TIP: Solar panel cleaning Collyn Rivers Except in rainy areas solar panels need cleaning from time to time. Use a tiny amount of washing up detergent, a cloth and warm, clean water. Rinse, using a trace of detergent in otherwise clean water. Let solar modules dry naturally. Never wipe them dry and especially do not polish them. Doing either builds up an electrostatic charge that attracts dust. A trace of detergent in the rinsing water acts and an effective anti-static barrier. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 23

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption what is out there What is out there Tony Kissel It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed. ◊ ©2024 Tony Kissell Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 15

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Parua Bay PHOTO: Brendan-Pol Parua Bay PHOTO: Kyn Darrah Parua Bay Parua Bay PHOTO: Priscilla-Wickenden Parua Bay PHOTO: Brendan-Pol STOP and STAY Parua Bay: stop and stay Stop and Stay Parua Bay Whangarei Heads Road, Whangarei Beachside reserve with large flat grassy area and a boat ramp. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. ■ Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans; non-self-contained allowed. ■ If the site is full, you must move on. ■ Dogs allowed. ■ 3 nights max. ■ facilities: Toilets, vehicles up to 10m. ■ activities: Swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, walking. ◼️ Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 35

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Nokomai station Dallas Hibbs Up Nokomai station on the way to Queenstown. We went there as kids; now we take our kids there. © 2022 Dallas Hibbs Up Up 1/1

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Tiny-worst_2065_mw.webp The worst part about going camping is coming home! Jayme Groeneveld Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people. Exploring new tracks and not knowing what is around the next corner is something that brings out the little kid in us and distracts the mind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a therapy only campers will understand!  
©2023 Jayme Groeneveld, Chilly Bin Adventures Instagram Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 21