2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Katikati coastal estuary cycle way Cycling on a stunning Spring day around the Katikati coastal estuary cycle way #vangranz ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Folding bikes are a game changer in our van. An easy way to get around and always safely out of the weather, stored in our under-bed garage. A great transport addition to A Van Called Wanda. #vangranz ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Katikati coastal estuary cycle way #vangranz ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Katikati coastal estuary cycle way #vangranz ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Past the orchards, Katikati The cycle way loops back to the town through the kiwifruit, avo and grape vines. #vangranz ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Katikati coastal estuary cycle way Bette Cosgrove Cycling on a stunning Spring day around the Katikati coastal estuary cycle way which loops back to the town through the kiwifruit, avo and grape vines. Heard the steady clicking and cracking noises from swift strokes of industrious horticulture workers clipping away at their pruning tasks. Folding bikes are a game changer in our van. An easy way to get around and always safely out of the weather, stored in our under-bed garage. A great transport addition to A Van Called Wanda. Bette Cosgrove #vangranz Photos ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 32

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption STOP and STAY Ōtaki Rivermouth M Richardson Fishing at the Ōtaki Rivermouth. ◊ October. ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 11

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Crossword, Spring 2022 Rhonda Marshall Crossword, spring 2022 Download the crossword . View the solution BY: Rhonda Marshall Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 28

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

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Red lights at night ©2025 Andrew Morton GO TO Here & there last summer Always brings a smile & laugh The red lights? Andrew Morton I thought ‘I must have one of those’, so Retrocampers added a stripe of LED lights when building the teardrop. My wife thought I was nuts! I assured her the orange colour would repel mozzies (not sure about that) but she loves seeing the photos now & calls it my fairy grotto. It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Always brings a smile & laugh to my mates’ faces when they see them. March ’24 ©2025 Andrew Morton Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 11