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  • Come Camping | Camping the Kiwi Way

    12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption events_H_glendhuBay-MNR_1064.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Come Camping Mark your calendars now Pre Spring @ Woodbury AUG: 22–24 , Fri, Woodbury, Sth Canterbury Who is willing to brave any weather? We have the use of the Pavilion all day Saturday. ckw.nz/woodbury-pre-spring ckw.nz/woodbury-pre-spring-rsvp 9 Hole Golf Hop OCT: 19–23, Sun, Greta Valley, Nth Canterbury Join us for 4 days & nights of golf and camping. Limited numbers. ckw.nz/golf-oct25 ckw.nz/golf-oct25-rsvp Camp at Steampunk the Thames NOV: 7–10, Fri, Thames, Coromandel Join us at camp for the 10th anniversary of Steampunk the Thames. The camp is at the Thames Sea Scout Hall. This is a fun weekend for all ages with entertainment, competitions, dancing, prancing, gears and gadgetry. steampunkthethames.co.nz ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-25 ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-25-rsvp South Island Campfest 2025 NOV: 14–16, Fri, Woodbury, Sth Canterbury Family fun and entertainment from 2pm 14th November.cSomething for everyone. APCNZ’s FIRST South Island Campfest. ckw.nz/si-campfest-25 ckw.nz/si-campfest-25-rsvp Waiterere beach NOV: Fri 21–23, Fri, Waiterere, Horowhenua Hydrabad Holiday Park, Waitarere Beach. Details to come Do the hoki To Kaitoke DEC: 5–9, Fri, Upper Hutt Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington. Details to come Happy 10th Birthday All Points DEC: 24 –7 Jan, Wed, Motukarara, Canterbury Join us at the Waihora Domain as we celebrate Christmas, New Year, horse racing and birthdays! We will be camping from Christmas eve for two weeks. Come when it suits. ckw.nz/waihora-dec25 ckw.nz/waihora-dec25-rsvp New Year at Paraparaumu Beach DEC: 29–2 Jan, Mon, Kapiti, Wellington Join us for a relaxed New Years camp at Paraparaumu Beach Sea Scouts Hall site. Its just a short walk to the beach, estuary and local shops, and beside a large park and sports area. ckw.nz/new-year-25 ckw.nz/new-year-25-rsvp 2026 Waitangi at Morison’s Bush FEB: 5–9, Thu, Morison’s Bush, Wairarapa Details to come . Waitangi Weekend Bluff Farm FEB: 6–8, Fri, Oxford, Canterbury Winter camping was such fun that now we want a summer camp. Who is keen for a dip in the Ashley Gorge? ckw.nz/bluff-farm-waitangi-26 ckw.nz/bluff-farm-waitangi-26-rsvp Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games MAR: 3–15, Fri, Palmerston North All Points Camping will be managing the camping for this event – details later. For the latest camps All Points Camping events . NZ Fun Advcentures (FB) Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Parking for larger vehicles. Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the stores. Wellington Differs each month, so watch for us on Facebook Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 38

  • Index: 7 Autumn 2024 | Camping the Kiwi Way

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

  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 9, Spring 2024

    A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Spring 2024 Choose which topics to show ISSUE 9 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 9, Spring 2024 Table of contents Editorial Councils and government list Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Steampunk. ©2024 Margarte Earle Read More Gourmet snag Q. What’s better than a gourmet snag on some fresh Turkish bread, with relish, cooked and eaten outdoors while freedom camping? Read More Steampunk— from north to south and back again “It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun” in Oamaru and Thames. Read More Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson Read More The re-build of my Toyota van When I built the van, I knew that sometime later I would have to upgrade it. Read More Ekatahuna Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More The West Coast in winter One winter’s morning in June, my son and I spontaneously took the campervan on a road trip up the coast. Read More Solar basics for dummies Solar power for us campers is a simple process. All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery. Read More Ready for sun Ready for sunbathing and a book. Morrisons Bush. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Read More Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story 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… Read More Caravan at Whanganui Vintage weekend Vintage caravan at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024 ©2024 Margaret Earle Read More Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights Firstly, make sure your caravan is ready to move. Read More Buyer beware At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer. Read More Buying used caravans Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Read More Cautionary tyre tale Passing over a bit of road where the rumble strip had been removed but not filled in, my tyre got stuck in the rut and shredded. Read More A great great grandchild A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More A night in an arboretum I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road Read More Beautiful obscure things When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Read More A winter day on Farewell Spit Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular. Read More Freedom camping Freedom van camping ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Read More On the shoulder of a god I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay. Read More Campground at Opoutere Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel Read More Whitebaiting Whitebaiting. Rakaia River Mouth ©2024 David Liddel Read More It was freezing This winter was my first in the Otago cold— a bit of a learning curve. Read More Home roasted coffee beans Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or an ale while roasting coffee beans. Read More Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki, freedom camping in Winter: I cant get enough of this place. Any season. ©2024 M Richardson Read More Freedom camping and self-containment Where are we at? At a government level, a council level, a certification level, at a camper level. Read More Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer. Read More A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ A response to a legislative challenge has brought us the compact, front-opening BlackMOA™ Cassette Toilet Read More Fix’n’Rail Due out late October, the Fix’n’Rail is a heavy duty sliding rail and secure bracket that lets you slide a portable toilet in and out of its storage area Read More MORE

  • events

    9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Photos: from event websites Kaiau Camping Fri, 4–6 Oct, Kaiaua, Firth of Thames Auckland and Waikato gather at 
Kaiaua’s freedom camp. There’s a 20-vehicle limit, so APC members and guests only. Dogs and tents ok. Photos: from event websites Kaitoke Week Day Camp Mon, 7–9 Oct, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt Welcome to our first camp during the week. Photos: from event websites Near the end of the whitebait season Fri, 11–13 Oct, Onaero, Taranaki All campers welcome including tents 
& bring a friend to Onaero Campground. Pets on leads. ckw.nz/whitebait Photos: from event websites Music, Movies, Birdsong: Terako Downs Fri, 25–27 Oct, Canterbury, Hurunui Music, movies and birdsong at Terako Downs. Bring your instrument or use our guitar for a jam session. Wine tasting. Relax. All welcome including tents. Photos: from event websites Spring camp at Foxton Beach Fri, 25 Oct–28 (Labour weekend) Foxton Beach Join us at Foxton Beach School. Tents and camping vehicles of all kinds. On Sunday join in the Spring Fling. Photos: from event websites Garden Marlborough Thu, 7–11 Nov, Blenheim Are you intending to spend time at Garden Marlborough, NZ’s premier Garden event? gardenmarlborough.co.nz. Stay at a local campground. Your local club rep, Martin Ireland, will have a catchup with you all at Dodson Street Beer Garden: rsvp to get the time and day. Photos: from event websites Steampunk the Thames camp Fri 8–11 Nov, Thames, Hauraki Come camping and join the fun at this 
year’s Steampunk the Thames festival. Photos: from event websites Making the most of the camping season in the Manawatu Fri, 15–17 Nov, Ashhurst, Manawatu All campers welcome including tents. Walking tracks, fishing, swimming, playground. Or relax and enjoy great company. Dogs on leads. Castle Claremont Fri, 15–17 Nov, Canterbury Yet another amazing location! Tents welcome. Enjoy the magical surroundings as you relax in the garden and enjoy the birds. ckw.nz/claremont Relax before the Christmas Rush just out of Wellington Fri, 29 Nov–1 Dec, Battle Hill, Porirua All welcome including tents and 
friends. No dogs. Catch up and make new friends. Families are welcome New Year Camp on the Kapiti Coast Sat, 28 Dec–2 Jan, Paraparaumu 
Beach, Kapiti Enjoy a New Year break on the Kapiti Coast. All welcome to the Sea Scouts including tents & prospective members. Or pop in for a chat and a cuppa. It’s a short walk to the beach and local shops. Come camping Editor For the latest camps see: allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Before we get to the camping events, remember our monthly meetups. Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. GET THE LATEST: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Wellington different each month, so find us on facebook. ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am. Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Plenty of parking for larger vehicles. Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the variety of stores. Camping events Kaiaua camping Fri, 4–6 Oct, Kaiaua, Firth of Thames Auckland and Waikato gather at Kaiaua’s freedom camp. There’s a 20-vehicle limit, so APC members and guests only. Dogs and tents ok. ckw.nz/kaiau | ckw.nz/kaiau-rsvp Kaitoke Week Day Camp Mon, 7–9 Oct, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt Welcome to our first camp during the week. It is in the school holidays so bring the kids. Tents ok. ckw.nz/kaitoke | ckw.nz/kaitoke-rsvp Near the end of the whitebait season Fri, 11–13 Oct, Onaero, Taranaki All campers welcome including tents & bring a friend to Onaero Campground. Pets on leads. ckw.nz/whitebait ckw.nz/whitebait-rsvp Music, Movies, Birdsong: Terako Downs Fri, 25–27 Oct, Canterbury, Hurunui Music, movies and birdsong at Terako Downs. Bring your instrument or use our guitar for a jam session. Wine tasting. Relax. All welcome including tents. ckw.nz/terako | ckw.nz/terako-rsvp Spring camp at Foxton Beach Fri, 25 Oct–28 (Labour weekend) Foxton Beach Join us at Foxton Beach School. Tents and camping vehicles of all kinds. On Sunday join in the Spring Fling. ckw.nz/foxton | ckw.nz/foxton-rsvp Garden Marlborough Thu, 7–11 Nov, Blenheim Are you intending to spend time at Garden Marlborough, NZ’s premier Garden event? gardenmarlborough.co.nz . Stay at a local campground. Your local club rep, Martin Ireland, will have a catchup with you all at Dodson Street Beer Garden: rsvp to get the time and day. ckw.nz/garden | ckw.nz/garden-rsvp Steampunk the Thames camp Fri 8–11 Nov, Thames, Hauraki Come camping and join the fun at this year’s Steampunk the Thames festival. ckw.nz/steampunk-thames ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-rsvp Making the most of the camping season in the Manawatu Fri, 15–17 Nov, Ashhurst, Manawatu All campers welcome including tents. Walking tracks, fishing, swimming, playground. Or relax and enjoy great company. Dogs on leads. ckw.nz/ashhurst-camp ckw.nz/ashhurst-rsvp Castle Claremont Fri, 15–17 Nov, Canterbury Yet another amazing location! Tents welcome. Enjoy the magical surroundings as you relax in the garden and enjoy the birds. ckw.nz/claremont ckw.nz/claremont-rsvp Relax before the Christmas Rush just out of Wellington Fri, 29 Nov–1 Dec, Battle Hill, Porirua All welcome including tents and friends. No dogs. Catch up and make new friends. Families are welcome ckw.nz/b4-xmas | ckw.nz/b4-xmas-rsvp New Year Camp on the Kapiti Coast Sat, 28 Dec–2 Jan, Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Enjoy a New Year break on the Kapiti Coast. All welcome to the Sea Scouts including tents & prospective members. Or pop in for a chat and a cuppa. It’s a short walk to the beach and local shops. ckw.nz/new-year-kapiti ckw.nz/new-year-kapiti-rsvp Camps coming later Check here: ckw.nz/apc-events Morison’s bush, weekday camp TBC Wed, 5–Sun, 9 Feb, Wairarapa CampFest 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb, Bulls Domain, Rangatikei ckw.nz/campfest-25 ckw.nz/campfest-25-rsvp Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival ‘25 Sat, 8 Mar, Havelock, Marlborough ckw.nz/havelock-25 ckw.nz/havelock-25-rsvp Easter camp, Patea 2025 TBC Taranaki ◼️ Photos: from event websites Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 36

  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 9, Spring 2024

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

  • events

    Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption events_H_glendhuBay-MNR_1064.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Come Camping Mark your calendars now Pre Spring @ Woodbury AUG: 22–24 , Fri, Woodbury, Sth Canterbury Who is willing to brave any weather? We have the use of the Pavilion all day Saturday. ckw.nz/woodbury-pre-spring ckw.nz/woodbury-pre-spring-rsvp 9 Hole Golf Hop OCT: 19–23, Sun, Greta Valley, Nth Canterbury Join us for 4 days & nights of golf and camping. Limited numbers. ckw.nz/golf-oct25 ckw.nz/golf-oct25-rsvp Camp at Steampunk the Thames NOV: 7–10, Fri, Thames, Coromandel Join us at camp for the 10th anniversary of Steampunk the Thames. The camp is at the Thames Sea Scout Hall. This is a fun weekend for all ages with entertainment, competitions, dancing, prancing, gears and gadgetry. steampunkthethames.co.nz ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-25 ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-25-rsvp South Island Campfest 2025 NOV: 14–16, Fri, Woodbury, Sth Canterbury Family fun and entertainment from 2pm 14th November.cSomething for everyone. APCNZ’s FIRST South Island Campfest. ckw.nz/si-campfest-25 ckw.nz/si-campfest-25-rsvp Waiterere beach NOV: Fri 21–23, Fri, Waiterere, Horowhenua Hydrabad Holiday Park, Waitarere Beach. Details to come Do the hoki To Kaitoke DEC: 5–9, Fri, Upper Hutt Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington. Details to come Happy 10th Birthday All Points DEC: 24 –7 Jan, Wed, Motukarara, Canterbury Join us at the Waihora Domain as we celebrate Christmas, New Year, horse racing and birthdays! We will be camping from Christmas eve for two weeks. Come when it suits. ckw.nz/waihora-dec25 ckw.nz/waihora-dec25-rsvp New Year at Paraparaumu Beach DEC: 29–2 Jan, Mon, Kapiti, Wellington Join us for a relaxed New Years camp at Paraparaumu Beach Sea Scouts Hall site. Its just a short walk to the beach, estuary and local shops, and beside a large park and sports area. ckw.nz/new-year-25 ckw.nz/new-year-25-rsvp 2026 Waitangi at Morison’s Bush FEB: 5–9, Thu, Morison’s Bush, Wairarapa Details to come . Waitangi Weekend Bluff Farm FEB: 6–8, Fri, Oxford, Canterbury Winter camping was such fun that now we want a summer camp. Who is keen for a dip in the Ashley Gorge? ckw.nz/bluff-farm-waitangi-26 ckw.nz/bluff-farm-waitangi-26-rsvp Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games MAR: 3–15, Fri, Palmerston North All Points Camping will be managing the camping for this event – details later. For the latest camps All Points Camping events . NZ Fun Advcentures (FB) Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Parking for larger vehicles. Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the stores. Wellington Differs each month, so watch for us on Facebook Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 38

  • Index: 4 Winter 2023 | Camping the Kiwi Way

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

  • Place you can stop and stay

    Place you can stop and stay in New Zealand Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 CONTENTS PDF BUY TOC STOP AND STAY Athenree hot springs and campground Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. Read More Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains? Read More Omokoroa Domain Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati. Read More Harrison Cut, Papamoa Four mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk. Read More Uretara Domain I stayed here for three nights; a great spot. Every Friday night they have a Farmers market at the adjacent A&P Show grounds Read More Mid winter dinner Canterbury There is something precious about meeting around the table. Sharing food, or in this case buying your own! Read More Home for the next week Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. Read More

  • TOC: 13, Summer 2025 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 13, Spring Summer 2025 Editorial > Come Camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Lake Ohau, home for the next week. ©2025 Tony Kissel Table of contents ISSUE 13 Read As the seasons change Read A short trip to some big country — Route 52 Read Road trip for a mid-winter meal Read Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Read The hospital visit for my bus Read Water water everywhere Read A simple camp shower Read Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours Read Lightning risk in RVs Read On maintenance Read Travels around the South Island Read No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 Read Buyer beware update: We won! Read Butcher’s Pool Read Windy Pack Down Tips Read Campfest South Island Read It’s not always sunshine & roses Read DOC Update Read Recipes on the road Read The camping train departs 3 March 2026 Read Te Puna Quarry in spring Read Stop and Stay Read Athenree hot springs and campground Read Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount Read Omokoroa Domain Read Harrison Cut, Papamoa Read Uretara Domain Read Mid winter dinner Canterbury Read First aid practice at camp! Read Coffee morning Katikati Read Come Camping Read Emergency links on the road Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Love spring road trips Read I was going to walk to the end of the valley Read On a wild beach Read Four of us went camping. Read Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Read Home for the next week Read Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo in August Read Editorial Read Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Read All Points Camping Councils & Government Read Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Read Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Read Omokoroa Domain Read Harrison Cut, Papamoa Read Uretara Domain Read Emergency links on the road Read Buyer beware update: We won! Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Self-containment & Freedom Camping Read Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Read Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Read Omokoroa Domain Read Harrison Cut, Papamoa Read Uretara Domain Read Emergency links on the road Read Buyer beware update: We won! Read Getting your camping vehicle certified

  • Index: 6 Summer 2023 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Index ISSUE 6 Camping the Kiwi Way, 6, Summer 2023 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Camp oven. ©2023 M Richardson Next Self-containment certification: Which one is yours? Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles Next Labour weekend at Mangawhai Next What to do? With the new self-containment system in disarray, what do you do with your new build, conversion or upgrade? Four choices. Next The freedom camping law needs to change Seven things to fix • Use the current standard. • Remove the fixed toilet fetish. • Remove the offence “preparing to freedom camp” — who can determine intentions? • Make the delivery of offence notices fair. • Remove the revised definition of homelessness. • Ensure adequate facilities for all travellers. • Differentiate between citizens and tourists. Next Well worth the walk Wharariki Beach is a wild, magnificent, and windswept long sandy beach, home of the Archway Islands, and can be found at the northernmost point of the South Island — west of Cape Farewell Next Teardrop camping Teardrop camping Next Mavis and all her DIY It all started with needing a new roof hatch… well not exactly needing, but more a case of wanting. Out with the old and in with the new. Next You have to be here… We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled. Next Who is advocating for New Zealanders who go camping? Three national groups speak on behalf of NZ campers: the All Points Camping Club of NZ, the NZMCA, and the Responsible Campers Association Next Biking the Waikato River Trails Here’s the exciting opportunities for your stay and cycle journey on the Waikato River Trails. Next Dehydrated dinners Initially I bought a dehydrator to make fruit snacks for tramping. Over time, friends inspired me to use my dehydrator to make pre-cooked dinners. Next There’s no need to rush this Summer. Is it better on the other side? The new self-containment regulations that the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board are trying to implement have more bumps, twists and turns than the North Island Saddle Road. Next Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Next Fire blankets Fire blankets are useful for covering cooking related fires, and for wrapping around a person to smother a clothing fire. Next Lithium-ion battery safety Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere, from e-bikes & vapes and power tools. They are light, compact, and long-lasting, but can be a fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of. Next LiFePO4 are a safe choice for a motorhome or caravan Phosphate-based batteries, like lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, offer a superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Next The best medicine Sometimes the best medicine you need is going somewhere with no phone signal so you can spend the whole day just giving each other shit. Next Electrical warrant of fitness certifications Well the holiday season is almost upon us and nearly here, and everyone will be getting their caravans, motorhomes and boats checked to make sure everything is operational. Next Van tour of the op shops We love freedom camping, and great charity recycle shops. My vintage-clothes-obsessed daughter and I did a wee roadie and filled her with treasures (lower North Island). Next Bus Porn at Winter Woodie Bus Porn at Winter Woodie, Woodville, June. Next RV Fridge Basics Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. This article covers the basics. Next NZers go everywhere to camp This trip is the adventure I’ve dreamed of my whole life. Something different that will challenge me and possibly the closest I can get to Timbuktu for now, so I’m super excited. Next The worst part about going camping is coming home! Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people. Next Ten tips for a successful family camping trip If you’re preparing to head off on your Summer family camping trip, whether it’s a short trip or a long trip, we’ve put together 10 tips to make your trip just that bit smoother. Next Car journeys with kids No matter the age of your children, there’s always the car journey and the inevitable “are we there yet?” and “how much longer?” Next Sunday morning flag raising Sunday morning flag raising The Bay of Plenty family camp at Paengaroa. Next 8 days a week and 8 years to celebrate On the 31 December 2023 our inclusive, national camping club will be 8 years old. The All Points Camping Club was officially launched 31 December 2015. It’s been a journey and a half. Next NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification authority With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry Next Fishing Fishing. Next View More

  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 6, Summer 2023

    A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Summer 2023 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 6 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 6, Summer 2023 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Camp oven. ©2023 M Richardson Read More Self-containment certification: Which one is yours? Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles Read More Labour weekend at Mangawhai Read More What to do? With the new self-containment system in disarray, what do you do with your new build, conversion or upgrade? Four choices. Read More The freedom camping law needs to change Seven things to fix • Use the current standard. • Remove the fixed toilet fetish. • Remove the offence “preparing to freedom camp” — who can determine intentions? • Make the delivery of offence notices fair. • Remove the revised definition of homelessness. • Ensure adequate facilities for all travellers. • Differentiate between citizens and tourists. Read More Well worth the walk Wharariki Beach is a wild, magnificent, and windswept long sandy beach, home of the Archway Islands, and can be found at the northernmost point of the South Island — west of Cape Farewell Read More Teardrop camping Teardrop camping Read More Mavis and all her DIY It all started with needing a new roof hatch… well not exactly needing, but more a case of wanting. Out with the old and in with the new. Read More You have to be here… We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled. Read More Who is advocating for New Zealanders who go camping? Three national groups speak on behalf of NZ campers: the All Points Camping Club of NZ, the NZMCA, and the Responsible Campers Association Read More Biking the Waikato River Trails Here’s the exciting opportunities for your stay and cycle journey on the Waikato River Trails. Read More Dehydrated dinners Initially I bought a dehydrator to make fruit snacks for tramping. Over time, friends inspired me to use my dehydrator to make pre-cooked dinners. Read More There’s no need to rush this Summer. Is it better on the other side? The new self-containment regulations that the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board are trying to implement have more bumps, twists and turns than the North Island Saddle Road. Read More Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Read More Fire blankets Fire blankets are useful for covering cooking related fires, and for wrapping around a person to smother a clothing fire. Read More Lithium-ion battery safety Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere, from e-bikes & vapes and power tools. They are light, compact, and long-lasting, but can be a fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of. Read More LiFePO4 are a safe choice for a motorhome or caravan Phosphate-based batteries, like lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, offer a superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Read More The best medicine Sometimes the best medicine you need is going somewhere with no phone signal so you can spend the whole day just giving each other shit. Read More Electrical warrant of fitness certifications Well the holiday season is almost upon us and nearly here, and everyone will be getting their caravans, motorhomes and boats checked to make sure everything is operational. Read More Van tour of the op shops We love freedom camping, and great charity recycle shops. My vintage-clothes-obsessed daughter and I did a wee roadie and filled her with treasures (lower North Island). Read More Bus Porn at Winter Woodie Bus Porn at Winter Woodie, Woodville, June. Read More RV Fridge Basics Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. This article covers the basics. Read More NZers go everywhere to camp This trip is the adventure I’ve dreamed of my whole life. Something different that will challenge me and possibly the closest I can get to Timbuktu for now, so I’m super excited. Read More The worst part about going camping is coming home! Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people. Read More Ten tips for a successful family camping trip If you’re preparing to head off on your Summer family camping trip, whether it’s a short trip or a long trip, we’ve put together 10 tips to make your trip just that bit smoother. Read More Car journeys with kids No matter the age of your children, there’s always the car journey and the inevitable “are we there yet?” and “how much longer?” Read More Sunday morning flag raising Sunday morning flag raising The Bay of Plenty family camp at Paengaroa. Read More 8 days a week and 8 years to celebrate On the 31 December 2023 our inclusive, national camping club will be 8 years old. The All Points Camping Club was officially launched 31 December 2015. It’s been a journey and a half. Read More NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification authority With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry Read More Fishing Fishing. Read More MORE

  • events

    7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Eketahuna Camp, Wairarapa. Events: Camping Editor Camp at Catchpool Valley (Wellington Region) Fri 15–17 Mar, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt Join us for a weekend camp in the Catchpool Valley of the Remutaka Forest Park. ckw.nz/catchpool ckw.nz/catchpool-rsvp Mount Somers in Summer Fri 22–24 Mar, Mt Somers, Canterbury Come and join the Canterbury Team at the Mt Somers Holiday park (below) in the picturesque Mount Somers region (above). ckw.nz/somers-mar | ckw.nz/somers-mar-rsvp Canterbury Monthly Coffee Meet and Greet 2nd Wednesday of each month, Christchurch 11am, Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Hornby. Good parking, including your caravan or motorhome. Passing through? Join us for a cuppa and a chat. Share travel stories, frustrations, successes. Some stay on for lunch, others go shopping. Contact: Linda, 027 277 0752 | linda@ckw.nz Easter weekend at Patea Fri 29 Mar–2 Apr, Patea, Taranaki Come along to All Points Easter Camp at Patea Beach. Make your own bookings at the campground. Come earlier or stay longer. Join us on a fishing charter (extra cost). patea beach motorcamp.co.nz | ckw.nz/patea | ckw.nz/patea-rsvp Comfort Zone Parkover Fri 12–14 Apr, Whakatane, BOP Join your fellow campers at Comfort Zone parkover on the outskirts of Whakatane for a rejuvenating short or long weekend. ckw.nz/comfort-zone | ckw.nz/comfort-zone-rsvp Eketahuna is beckoning Thu, 25–28 Apr, ANZAC Wknd, Wairarapa Don’t pack away your camping gear just yet. Come and join us for an ANZAC weekend camp at the Eketahuna Motor Camp. In a unique and beautiful scenic reserve, with walking tracks and trout fishing, and golf down the road. Book ahead with the campground. eketahuna camp .com | ckw.nz/eketahuna | ckw.nz/eketahuna-rsvp Viking Odyssey 17–19 May, Mathews Park, Norsewood Come and celebrate Norway Day in Norsewood. Dogs on leads. Hopefully guided star gazing and a night time photography talk. Outdoor fire, if conditions allow. A guided walk, feed the eels, and activities and celebrations on Norway Day. ckw.nz/viking | ckw.nz/viking-rsvp For more camps keep an eye on allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) GO TO Celebrating Summer come along Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 40 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

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