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  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 11, Autumn 2025

    A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, Autumn 2025 Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Camp ovens ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Here and there last summer Stories around the country. Read More The Pigroot SH85 Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts Read More Adventure in Te Aroha The town has two freedom camps. Read More Op shop finds Op Shop finds, Te Aroha. ©2025 M Richardson Read More Camping at CampFest CampFest, Bulls. February. ©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Camping at the museum You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings. Read More Sailing through the Waiheke Channel Sailing through the Waiheke Channel on our way to the northern coast of Waiheke. The wind has finally turned to the south. Feb. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Wairere falls Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile. Read More Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. Read More GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island Fill in the spaces. Read More A shady spot to park I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park. Read More First time on the ferry 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. Read More Canterbury, Waihora Canterbury, Waihora ©2025 Tony Knights. More p36 Read More Fitting Auto levellers I thought this would be the answer to the plastic drive up ramps many use. Read More Far from flat Many not-to-be-missed freedom camping spots are far from flat. Pines, Lake Pukaki. ©2019 M Richardson Read More Camping at the Mohaka River Farm We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Read More A good day’s camping starts with a thermette A good day’s camping starts using a thermette to boil the water for coffee and for its small fire to then make toast. Read More Before you light a fire Be aware of the risks. Check fireweather. Read More Fireplace at Mangaweka Fireplace at Mangaweka camp, riverside picnic area. ©2012 M Richardson Read More Re-building my Toyota van part 2 I became aware of some shortcomings in the design Read More Made it to Campfest Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 What you need to know about freedom camping. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? Read More But I am not freedom camping… I’m just waiting to get a freedom camping fine as some official will decide that I’m camping when I’m actually parked using my RV as my means of transport, particularly in busy places like Queenstown, Tekapo or Wanaka. Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified An independent national network for self-containment certification Read More The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Read More Whisky Gully Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. Read More The red lights? It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read More Back on the boat (our caravan that floats) It’s been nine years since we had a sailing holiday in our trailer yacht, Quasimodo. Read More MORE

  • events

    11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption events_H-bluff-farm.webp event-kirwee.webp events-oxford.webp events_donegal-house.webp events_durham.webp events_athenree-pools2.webp events_patea-slide.webp events_patea.webp GO TO Here & there last summer Come camping AGM Saturday 10 May The AGM will be shared live via zoom with 5 venues across the country — enjoy a weekend camp at the same time. Athenree Hot Springs, Bay of Plenty. Foxton Beach School, Manawatu • Featherston School, Wairarapa • Durham Lake, Taranaki • Oxford, Canterbury. You can also join the AGM from home on zoom. Consider getting more involved in your club and being part of a fun and efficient team. Fresh faces and new ideas are welcome. AGM Camp — Taranaki Fri, 09 – 11 May, Inglewood Join the Taranaki team for the club’s 10th AGM at the wonderful Durham Lake Holiday Park. Burgers & fries available on Saturday night. Book with the park. ckw.nz/taranaki-may25 | ckw.nz/taranaki-may25-rsvp | durhamlake.co.nz AGM Camp — Athenree Hot Springs Fri, 9 – 11 May, Bay of Plenty Join us for the Club’s 10th AGM .Come for the weekend or stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Quote All Points Camping when booking. Un/powered sites. Fabulous hot pools — read more ckw.nz/9-hot-pool-safari . ckw.nz/athenree-may25 | ckw.nz/athenree-may25-rsvp | athenreehotsprings.co.nz AGM & Featherston Book Town Festival Camp Fri, 09 – 11 May, Wairarapa Enjoy the Annual Featherston Book Town Festival events and the AGM on Saturday afternoon. Self-contained vehicles.ckw.nz/featherston-may25 | ckw.nz/featherston-may25-rsvp | booktown.org.nz AGM Camp — Foxton Beach School Fri, 09 May 4 pm – 11 May 1 pm , Manawatū Join us at Foxton Beach School for our 10th AGM (Saturday afternoon). Lots to do in Foxton or explore the beach or look for the birds at the Manawatū estuary, an internationally important wetland. ckw.nz/foxton-may25 | ckw.nz/foxton-may25-rsvp | ckw.nz/manawatu-estuary-doc AGM — Oxford WM club Sat, 10 May 1 pm , Oxford, Canterbury Oxford Working Men’s Club. You can stay overnight and join us for a meal. Campers must have a toilet. ckw.nz/oxford-agm25 Bluff Farm Fri, 30 May – 2 Jun, Oxford, Canterbury Ever tried metal detecting? Come give it a go! Explore the newly walk at nearby Ashley Gorge. Oxford weekend market. All is welcome whether as a family group, on your own, a couple in a tent or a larger vehicle. Non member’s welcome. Dog friendly. Powered sites. Toilets & shower. ckw.nz/bluff-farm-may25 ckw.nz/bluff-farm-may25-rsvp Matariki weekend: Donegal House Kaikoura 19 – 22 June, Kaikōura Join Marty & Diana Ireland (Marlborough) and Linda & Martin Butler (Canterbury) to celebrate Matariki. 15 min out of Kaikoura with alpine scenic view and historic homestead with Irish themed bar and restaurant. Book with the venue. Un/powered sites. Must be self-contained. ckw.nz/kaikoura-jun25 ckw.nz/kaikoura-jun25-rsvp ckw.nz/donegal-book Matariki Winter Festival, Featherston Fri, 20 4pm – 22 Jun 3 pm , Wairarapa Enjoy midwinter camping at Featherston in South Wairarapa. Enjoy dark skies and local events including the Greytown mid-Winter Christmas Festival. Self-contained vehicles only. ckw.nz/featherston-jun25 ckw.nz/featherston-jun25-rsvp Canterbury Mid Winter Dinner Sat, 19 Jul, 6 pm , Kirwee, Canterbury Join us as we feast together at the popular country restaurant, Thirsty Acres. Come for the dinner, stay for a night or two. Campers must have a toilet. RSVP by phone is essential. ckw.nz/kirwee n For the latest camps allpointscampingnz.org/eventsckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events 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: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events GET THE LATEST ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 38

  • Index: 2 Summer 22 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 BUY PDF CONTENTS Index ISSUE 2 Camping the Kiwi Way, 2, Summer 2022 Read more Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Gore Bay. ©2024 M Richardson Taking a left turn 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. Read more Gore Bay Gore Bay Camp is a small camp. The facilities are old, but usable. Such a great place to go for a weekend break close to our home in Christchurch. Read more Cycle touring: Part II, Southland to the West Coast After my ride from Canterbury to Southland, the next step was to continue my clockwise circuit of the Island. Read more Ready for tomorrow’s ride I’m in Rotorua today (MTB Mecca) ready for tomorrow’s ride, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop: 33km, 3hr. Another one of the 23 Great Rides of NZ. ckw.nz/great-rides ©2022 Andrew Morton Read more Freedom camping, November 1964 One of my first memories of camping was at ‘Spec Creek’. You won’t find it on a map — it was just some little creek on the side of the road, somewhere in Central Otago, where our car broke down. There was nothing there. Read more How many freedom campers are there? Nobody knows. The Ministry has made some guesses. Read more Talking to four van loads of international tourists On my last roadie I met and chatted with four van loads of international tourists from UK, Australia and Germany who have been freedom camping around NZ in small (slider-type) hire vans from Escape or Jucy. Read more Pick and pedal Is that e-bike right for you? Many New Zealanders are now moving to e-bikes and they definitely have health advantages while being cheap to operate and maintain. Read more Camping / caravan tips — Setup / packup Do you struggle when you set up your camp or your caravan? Read more Back in the days — Circa 2008 Back in the days — Circa 2008. That caravan was damned heavy behind the bike. Read more Implications for councils of the proposed ‘Nash bill Here are the issues to consider with the major legislative change which is currently proposed and going through Select Committee hearings. Read more Buckets, gladwrap, and gossip The Minister of Tourism the opened the speaking with gossip of buckets covered in gladwrap being used as toilets in motorhomes. Read more Wild camping with a dog on a wet wild night It was a very wet, rainy camp with my dog in a dense bush. Read more Choosing an internet provider It’s a thorny problem, deciding how to connect to the internet on the road — so many different choices, plans and options; so many unfamiliar concepts. Here’s a ‘simple’ guide. Read more The Wild Wairarapa Coast We spent a few days on the coast out from Martinborough, Te Awati camping area and then back to North Tora Reserve, some very rough coastline. Read more Ready for a family weekend away camping Ready for a family weekend away camping. Read more National Parks : Game Can you place all the national parks? Read more How we solved a problem and started a new business It’s four years now since John first decided to do something to make emptying our toilet cassette easier and cleaner. Read more Overnight beside the Aparima River I slept overnight beside the Aparima River near Opio (Southland). Read more View More

  • Celebrating Summer in New Zealand, 2023-24.

    Articles from summer campers around New Zealand. Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX CELEBRATING SUMMER Celebrating Summer Six pages of stories from around the country and the season. Read More We made it to Curio Bay Well we made it to Curio Bay on Monday afternoon, after an 8¾ hour drive. Read More The dogs had visitors The dogs had visitors at Knottingly Park and Arboretum camp. Read More Foray into paradise I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is. Read More I could live like this forever I could live like this forever. Read More Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Read More Not FREE but truly freedom at its best SH 35 is a magical journey. Put it on your list. Read More Love Woodville Ferry Reserve Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. Read More Hammock time Hammock time, Tokomaru Bay Read More So thankful After 21 days #vanlife freedom camping… Read More 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. Read More Enjoying the shade Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. Read More Peaceful Fortrose A beautiful peaceful place, Fortrose, in The Catlins. Read More 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. Read More Eclectic bunch What an eclectic bunch of lovely people camping all sorts of ways. Read More A lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau I’ve just had a lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau in my little Wanda. Read More We had a great stay at Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. Read More Family camping… part of my DNA Family camping… part of my DNA for 60 years. Read More 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. Read More Home for the next few weeks Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Read More A small, perfectly formed bikepacking trip Haven’t done a huge amount of biking this summer, but sometimes all it takes is a small, perfectly formed bikepacking trip to rekindle the love. Read More Heading to The Burt Well after a week of covid and still not a lot of energy I decided bugger it and I’m heading to The Burt Read More Haere ra Haere rā everyone. Shame we can’t stay longer. Read More Truly a Summer to remember Currently on night 23 of this 86-night trip. In Murchison next week I celebrate my 250th night since getting my teardrop. Read More Christmas at Lake Aniwhenua Christmas at Lake Aniwhenua, with 6 others, all old friends from around the North Island Read More

  • events

    10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Come camping For the latest camps allpointscampingnz.org/events | ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Pre Christmas Relax at Jones Landing Fri, 06-8 Dec, Arapuni, Waikato Join us for a relaxing weekend before the Christmas chaos. You need a permit. place: ckw.nz/jones-landing ckw.nz/jones-landing-permit | event: ckw.nz/apc-jones24 ckw.nz/apc-jones-rsvp Stop & stay camp, KAI IWI, Whanganui Fri 6–8, Dec, Kai Iwi, Whanganui All campers welcome including tents. A place to relax and unwind. Adventure playground, BBQ facilities. Near Bason Botanical Gardens and Westmere Lake. Dogs on leads. Un/powered sites: book at the camp. kaiiwibeach.co.nz | ckw.nz/kai-iwi-24 | ckw.nz/kai-iwi-24-rsvp Canterbury pre-Xmas Freedom Camp Thu, 12–16 Dec, Coes Ford, Leeston Join Linda & the team for a relaxing weekend beside the Selwyn River. All campers welcome including tents. Dogs welcome. Bikes welcome. Families welcome. Can’t stay? Join us for a picnic! ckw.nz/coes-ford-24 | ckw.nz/coes-ford-24-rsvp New Year Camp on the Kapiti Coast Sat, 28 Dec–2 Jan, Paraparaumu Beach Enjoy a break on the 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 Whanganui’s Vintage weekend Fri, 17–20 Jan, Whanganui Camp with us for Whanganui’s fabulous Vintage Weekend. All campers welcome including tents. Close to the city centre. Dogs on leads. whanganuivintageweekend.nz | ckw.nz/vintage-25 | ckw.nz/vintage-25-rsvp Waitangi weekend at Morison’s Bush Wed, 5–9 Feb, Greytown, Wairarapa Traditional NZ summer camping at its best. Great swimming spot. All campers are welcome. No fires. Dogs under control. ckw.nz/morisons-waitangi-25 | ckw.nz/morisons-waitangi-25-rsvp Summer in the heart of Oxford Thu, 6–9 Feb, Oxford, Nth Canterbury Waitangi Weekend. A weekend in the heart of the Oxford. Bring your own water and toilet. Dogs on leads. At the Eyre River reserve and Coleman Garden Resort. Shared BBQ Sat night. ckw.nz/oxford-waitangi-25 | ckw.nz/oxford-waitangi-25-rsvp End of Summer Camping at Lakes Ranch 14–16 Feb, Rotorua Sadly summer is almost over, so come and relax with like-minded people. Bring your bathers: hot and cool pools, refreshing lakes and much much more. Dogs on leads. APC club special. lakesranch.org.nz | ckw.nz/lakes-feb25 | ckw.nz/lakes-feb25-rsvp Camp Fest 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb, Bulls, Rangatikei Camping, craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment. Tents, vehicle campers, caravans, more— every camper is welcome. ckw.nz/campfest-25 | ckw.nz/campfest-25-rsvp Fun in the Tararua District Fri 7 – 9 Mar, Eketahuna, Tararua Bushwalking, swimming and good trout fishing. Book with the camp & rsvp. eketahunacamp.com | ckw.nz/tararua-25 | ckw.nz/tararua-25-rsvp Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival ‘25 Sat, 08 Mar, Havelock, Marlborough Sounds Kai moana at its best with a topping of camping. Book early at The Waves: wavescampsite.co.nz | ckw.nz/havelock-25 | ckw.nz/havelock-25-rsvp Events being planned check for the up-to-date details and to rsvp: ckw.nz/apc-events • Feb: Hawkes Bay • Mar 14–16: Dannevirke, Wairarapa • Mar: Tāhunanui Beach, Nelson • Mar: Nelson Creek, West Coast • Mar/Apr Canterbury golfing camp • Apr 4–6 : Kimbolton Sculpture and Music Festival, Manawatu • Apr 18–21: Easter at Patea Beach, Taranaki • Apr Canterbury week-long caravan train 10 May: APCNZ AGM 2025 The All Points Camping Club AGM will be both live via Zoom and at several locations around the country. ckw.nz/agm-25 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: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events GET THE LATEST ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 45

  • 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

  • TOC: 11, Autumn 2025 (... | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 11, Autumn 2025 Cover image: Camp ovens ©2025 Graham Leslie Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About ISSUE 11 Table of contents Here and there last summer GO The Pigroot SH85 GO Adventure in Te Aroha GO Op shop finds GO Camping at CampFest GO Camping at the museum GO Sailing through the Waiheke Channel GO Wairere falls GO Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy GO GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island GO A shady spot to park GO First time on the ferry GO Canterbury, Waihora GO Fitting Auto levellers GO Far from flat GO Camping at the Mohaka River Farm GO A good day’s camping starts with a thermette GO Before you light a fire GO Fireplace at Mangaweka GO Re-building my Toyota van part 2 GO Made it to Campfest GO Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 GO Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? GO But I am not freedom camping… GO Getting your camping vehicle certified GO The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. GO Whisky Gully GO The red lights? GO Back on the boat (our caravan that floats) GO St Kilda, Dunedin GO A camp oven is much more than just a pot GO Recipes for camping GO Lake Kaniere 1959 GO NIWA autumn forecast GO On the first day it rained and blew GO Late Summer journey: Southland & West Coast GO Stop and Stay, Central North Island GO Nugget Point lighthouse GO Interesting and tempting to purchase! GO Luxury camping GO Hobby: Fishing and Diving GO Fishing as the sun goes down GO The cracks kept coming GO Woke to fog GO A night at Ferry Reserve GO Bedtime Bubbles GO Waiohine Gorge GO DOC update GO Loading a caravan safely GO Campfest GO Late summer fishing GO 20-odd years GO Tuppence, Pirongia GO We came early GO New Year at Waihora Domain GO Cafe 77, Manawaru GO Rosie and Brian’s GO Havelock Mussel Festival GO Editorial: and so we go on GO Come camping GO All Points Camping GO Councils & Government Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 Read Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? Read But I am not freedom camping… Read Editorial: and so we go on Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Adventure in Te Aroha Read Wairere falls Read A shady spot to park Read Far from flat Read Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 Read But I am not freedom camping… Read Whisky Gully Read St Kilda, Dunedin Read On the first day it rained and blew Read Fishing as the sun goes down Read A night at Ferry Reserve Read Editorial: and so we go on Read

  • Index: 9 Spring 2024 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX ISSUE 9 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 View More

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