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- terako-downs
10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption I’ve met a nice group of friends, who mix happily and include everyone STOP and STAY Teeming at Terako Downs Julie Adam — the Kite Lady Not bothering much about the forecast warning for rain over Labour Weekend, I loaded up the camper, with clothes, food and my two dogs, and off we went to Terako Downs. The roaring rivers on the drive up through the Amuri region suggested that there had been quite a bit of rain in the mountains, but the sun was shining and it was going to be a long weekend with gorgeous views and good people. Terako Downs is situated in North Canterbury on the Inland Road between Waiau and Kaikōura. This is one of my favourite drives. There are no villages or shops en route, just mixed-use farmland, braided rivers and mountains. From Waiau, the road is a little hilly and windy with some tight corners, but well signposted — as long as you know 25kph means go really slow! After Mt Lyford, the scenery opens up, with views across big open river valleys, before arriving at the coast just south of Kaikōura, where the sea goes out to the horizon. Terako Downs is only 18km from Waiau, just south of the Mt Lyford Village. If you’re coming from Kaikōura, the trip is 64km, which takes about an hour. I hadn’t been to the Terako Downs site before, and was really looking forward to it. It is clearly signposted on the road, with a gate leading into a rambling grassy site (no hard stands, but good firm ground, even after all the rain), with trees, quirky fences and bridges over a drain to navigate. It’s not all level, but there’s plenty of level ground. There’s bush and birdsong around, as well as chickens and, to my dogs’ delight, feral rabbits! Below the campsite is a river with a swimming hole, which would be fabulous in summer — but we weren’t ready for that this Labour Weekend. Robins ©2024 Debbie Tutton ©2024 Tony Knights. Vans, motorhomes and people of all shapes and sizes arrived over the Friday, and, after setting up camp, we all gathered under the shade of a large gazebo and outdoor covered area by an old corrugated iron barn, which was the campsite ‘clubrooms’. Exploring inside this building was a delight, with a kitchen area (microwave and electric kettle), plenty of armchairs, table and chairs, and a big log burner keeping the space very toasty. There was a door leading through to another bigger space. The building, inside and out, was filled with an eclectic collection of memorabilia, creating a fun museum — clearly reflective of our wonderful hosts’ (Fritz and Debbie) personalities and lives. ©2024 Jo Robinson As the sun went down, the fairy lights in the trees and on fences came on, creating a fun and colourful outlook in the darkness — although most of us were gathered around the fire inside, where the chatter and stories went on until bedtime. Saturday brought rain, so most of us gathered around the fire again or laid low in our own spaces doing the things we like to do. A few brave souls with dogs attached the leads, and went off along the road, or down through the paddocks to explore. Some campers even headed off to Kaikōura for the day to check out the shops and restaurants. Back at my camper after our morning walk, the dogs dried out on the bed and watched the other campers through the windows (Dog TV!), while I spent time with an audiobook and knitting. On Saturday night, there was music. People brought guitars, ukuleles, tambourines, shakers and song sheets. A stage and sound system was set up and the extroverts performed — some even trying out a bit of line dancing. We all joined in and the rain on the roof kept up the rhythm. Sunday morning, and the sun came out glorious and warm — and to show a new river had appeared, where the day before there had been a dry drainage ditch running through the campsite. This provided a bit of entertainment as our host took off her trousers to get in and clear grass clippings blocking a pipe under one of the wee bridges to let the water clear. Out of the water, at least, the temperature wasn’t freezing! But the rain came back in the afternoon, and we retreated again to the fire. A screen and projector were set up where the music had been, and we were able to pick from a good variety of DVD movies. A great excuse to snuggle into a comfy chair with a blanket and sit back, knit and relax. The following morning brought sunshine again, and after a session under the gazebo to talk about our weekend and make our farewells, we all packed up at a leisurely pace and headed on to our next adventures, or to home. The All Points camping weekends I’ve attended so far have all been really friendly and laid back. I feel I’ve met a nice group of friends, who mix happily and include everyone. There’s always snacks and drinks shared and no time pressure. Linda seems to manage to include an extra treat, whether it’s a cream tea, or a pot luck meal, and ensures everyone is made welcome. I’m looking forward to the next one — and should be dried out by then! ◊ Trevor, a Cairn Terrier, trying to decide whether he needs to go out in the rain. ©2024 Julie Adam See the gallery for more images. Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 35
- new-year
11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption waihora_H-Linda-7.webp ©2025 Linda Butler waihora_tony-5.webp ©2025 Tony Knights waihora_Linda-1 2.webp ©2025 Linda Butler The Motukārara Races held their annual New Year event on 29 December. We positioned our chairs in a semi-circle to watch the cars arrive. ©2025 Linda Butler The Motukārara Races held their annual New Year event on 29 December. We positioned our chairs in a semi-circle to watch the cars arrive. ©2025 Linda Butler Caroline, Penny and I went for a short ride on the Rail Trail. Me on my scooter and she on her bike. ©2025 Linda Butler Pets are allowed at Waihora. ©2025 Tony Knights a base for exploring the nearby Banks Peninsula New Year at Waihora Domain Linda Butler This venue is our favourite go-to for Christmas due to its proximity to everything. If you are travelling or want company for Christmas next year, do consider joining us. Motukārara is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Christchurch. Toilet, fresh water, BBQ, playground. $10 per vehicle per night. Pets okay. It is a perfect location as a base for exploring the nearby Banks Peninsula (Akaroa, Okains Bay) Little River, Lincoln and more. It is the gateway to the Motukārara Rail Trail leading to Little River, passing Birdlings Flat along the way. The trail to Lincoln is in the opposite direction. Lincoln or Halswell are the nearest for groceries and laundry. There is also a swimming pool at Halswell. Dump stations are located at Rhodes Park in Tai Tapu or Rolleston. We enjoyed 2 weeks here where we met up with members from as far away as Taranaki, Oxford, Ashburton and many from Christchurch. Some stayed a night or two, others a week, another couple the entire 2 weeks. We also welcomed a lot of day visitors this season, met new members and welcomed others to the club. Christmas Day, Denise and Kelvin from Taranaki joined us for lunch. Yes, we even had some pudding. (A couple of others were staying but went home to families for lunch due to the close proximity of the camp to their homes). Boxing Day saw a few more campers staying and we had a combined tea with the main drawcard being the roast lamb cooked by Parky and Liz. We all contributed something to the table. It poured with rain but the gazebo kept us kind of snug. We spent a large part of our time sitting around chatting and camp watching (as we do). Caroline, Penny and I went for a short ride on the Rail Trail. Me on my scooter and she on her bike. We only went 4 kilometres in as the winds were a bit harsh. Still, we enjoyed the little we accomplished. Over the next few days some of the group enjoyed day trips to neighbouring towns including popular Little River, Akaroa and nearby Birdlings Flat. I have fond memories of there as a child fossicking for precious stones. Some of us also went ‘around the block.’ It is 4 kilometres on a mix of shingle and sealed roads. Ray took advantage of a moment for a teaching lesson (p11) on his new water bladder and a water pump which runs off his cordless drill. Interesting and tempting to purchase! The Motukārara Races held their annual New Year event on 29 December. We positioned our chairs in a semi-circle to watch the cars arrive. Most went through the gate on the boundary of the race track. The domain soon filled with parked cars. A few just stayed around their vehicles or the trees and picnicked while making their bets and listening to the race over the loud speaker. New Year was reasonably quiet for us. I do not think any of our group stayed up to see it in. Yes, we are party poopers… lol! The weather was mean to us this season. It was temperamental. Vicious hot sun one day, pouring with rain the next. We did enjoy an old movie in the caravan awning, but I think a projector would give us a bigger screen. Not on the urgent list to purchase. Now we look forward to next year! n Images: ©2025 Linda Butler and Tony Knights. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 36
- seventh-week
1 Spring 2022 Seventh week Up Lisa Ambrose Seventh week on the road in Aotearoa in this beauty. Dunedin to Auckland and back again. Lisa Ambrose. Photos ©2022 Lisa Ambrose. Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Seventh week on the road 1/3
- camping-dna
7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Bette's family camping back then. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Bette's family camping now ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Family camping… part of my DNA Bette Cosgrove Family camping… part of my DNA for 60 years. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 13
- luxury
11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward Luxury camping Jo Ward CampFest ©2025 Jo Ward More Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 8
- first-day-Waitaki
10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes Waitaki first day Gary Kircher, Mayor for Waitak Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. ◊ ©2024 Gary Kircher, Mayor for Waitaki ckw.nz/fb-gary Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 11
- not-flat
11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Parked at Pines, Lake Pukaki Many not to be missed places are far from flat. ©2025 M Richardson Mt Cook. Lake Pukaki Many not to be missed places are far from flat. Mt ©2025 M Richardson GO TO Here & there last summer Far from flat M Richardson Many not-to-be-missed freedom camping spots are far from flat. Pines, Lake Pukaki. ©2019 M Richardson. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 13
- battery-capacity
2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Battery capacity Collyn Rivers “Cabins and RVs should have the maximum solar capacity feasible. This ensures batteries will charge fast and deeply even with intermittent sun.” Collyn Rivers. Read the article: ckw.nz/battery-capacity Collyn Rivers' 2004 4.2 litre TD Nissan Patrol and TVan each had their own self-contained solar system. (Photo rvbooks.com.au ) Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 23
- stop-stay-spring22
1 Spring 2022 Stop and Stay: Lake Rotokare & Pakawau Beach Up Editor Each issue we feature a couple of places Recommended camps and stopovers e.g. country pubs, private properties, cottage crafts, caravan parks, reserves and more. Go to stopandstaynz.org to find your next campsite. FEATURED THIS SPRING Lake Rotokare in Eltham, Taranaki and Pakawau Beach Camp in Golden Bay. Lake Rotokare, Eltham, Taranaki Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome. • BYO water. • A cash donation to support the work is appreciated. Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39 : Benny! After a bumpy start to life, Benny was safely hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and brought to her new home at Rotokare. The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare project has been working to establish 40 kiwi as founders in the reserve, permanent breeding residents for the population. At number 39, Benny’s got us inches away from our goal! "Thank you to all the responsible campers at Rotokare this summer for: - Checking their vehicles and watercraft for stowaways and invasive weeds before entering Rotokare - Taking their rubbish away with them — Using our toilets and facilities kindly and considerately. We are a freedom camping site largely maintained by our amazing volunteers! If you have enjoyed your time at Rotokare, please donate to our Givealittle page to support site maintenance and ecological restoration at our beautiful sanctuary." ‘We loved camping there recently. Saw fernbirds, heard kiwi, and discovered that pateke are active at night. So cute.’ ‘I camped there overnight recently. There were quite a few motorhomes and about 4 campers. I took cash for the donation box especially, as I read that on the website.’ 365 Sangster Road, Eltham, Taranaki 06 764 8500 www.rotokare.org.nz Pakawau Beach Camp, Golden Bay Only 10 minutes to Farewell Spit and 20 minutes to Takaka, this beach-side camp is a great base for exploring Golden Bay. There is golf, a restaurant, a salmon farm, a distillery as well as great fishing for snapper close by. 1112 Collingwood-Puponga Main Road, Pakawau www.facebook.com Pakawau Beach Park 03 524 8308 Stop and Stay Go to stopandstaynz.org to find your next campsite. The online directory is hosted and maintained by the All Points Camping Club. Add your recommendation — fill out the online form Want your property considered? Fill out the online form (there is no charge). Send us an email if you find any errors. info@allpointscampingnz.org Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Pakawau and Lake Rotokare Lake Rotokare Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome. Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39: Benny! Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39: Benny! After a bumpy start to life, Benny was safely hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and brought to her new home at Rotokare. The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare project has been working to establish 40 kiwi as founders in the reserve, permanent breeding residents for the population. Pakawau Beach Camp Looking through my windscreen at Pakawau Beach Camp. Only 10 minutes to Farewell Spit and 20 minutes to Takaka, this beach-side camp is a great base for exploring Golden Bay. Lake Rotokare Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome. 1/3
- toc
7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Featured content Table of contents, Autumn, issue 7 Editor 2 Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system 4 Editorial 4 The packdown 5 Celebrating Summer 6 Self-containment warrant cards 8 So you want to freedom camp: How to manage the transition period 10 What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? 12 Enforcement of freedom camping rules 14 ‘I am not freedom camping’ cards 16 Do your bit: Task of the week 16 No more freedom camping for these responsible campers 17 Ten tips for hitting the road full time 18 Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West 18 Charly the campervan 19 SMALL TOWN: Taihape: the perfect stopover 20 Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health 21 7 days a week 23 Kiwi camping with a difference 25 Hidden gem: Waipu 26 My caravan that floats 29 Make caravan fridges work as claimed 32 Recipes for camping 33 DOC update 34 Living an endless summer 34 The perils of a coiled power supply cord 35 Camp au naturel 36 Whanganui vintage camping 36 Waihopai camp and the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival 37 Three octogenarian campers 38 Stop & stay — with your dog 39 — Land of the Lotus 39 — Scottland Motorhome Park 40 Events — Camping 41 Festivals and Shows 42 Game: DOC campsites 1: In the north 43 RV & camper business services 52 All Points Camping Club of NZ Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system Editorial Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? So you want to freedom camp Enforcement of freedom camping rules I am not freedom camping' cards Do your bit: Task of the week No more freedom camping Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health 7 days a week Celebrating Summer GO TO Celebrating Summer Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 3 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org
- new-law
5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Issues in making this real Freedom camping under the new law Miriam Richardson There are new penalties and some exemptions There are now fines of $400–1200 for freedom camping or preparing to freedom camp, in the wrong place. The homeless are exempt from most (but not all) of the new penalties. Note 1 Are you homeless, or making a lifestyle choice? The legislators were keen to prevent people who have chosen to live on the road from claiming to be homeless (and exempt), so changed the definition of ‘homeless’ for the purpose of this act. Homeless doesn’t mean not having a home to go to, it means being ‘unable to live in appropriate residential accommodation’, with the definition of ‘residential accommodation’ being revised to include ‘accommodation in a dwelling house, flat, hotel, motel, boarding house, or camping ground’; and, no stone unturned, ‘camping ground’ is redefined to include ‘any site at which a fee is payable for camping’. Unless you are ‘unable’ to live in a motel or camping ground etc, you are not ‘homeless’, and not exempt from this act. Note 2 It is also now an offence if a person makes ‘preparations’ to freedom camp in the wrong place. This is defined as ‘setting up a tent’ or ‘parking a vehicle’ to use to freedom camp. Short term parking, day-trip excursions, and recovering from driver fatigue are not ‘freedom camping’. Note 3 Who gets fined and how they are notified Fines can be levied either on the person accused of doing wrong or the vehicle owner. Further, even if you never actually receive the notice of an offence, you are still liable. Enforcement sends an email and you are ‘served’. Note 4 The law is vague Are you ‘unable’ to stay in this campground? The homeless definition does not define what ‘unable’ means. A motel or camping ground is too far away (what is ‘too far’)? Not enough money to pay (is having 1 night’s worth of dollars for a camp ground enough) (what about night 2)? The camping ground is not open when the person arrives in a town? The law does not define ‘appropriate’ accommodation. Personal circumstances will determine what counts as ‘appropriate’ but does the camper’s judgement count? What counts as ‘preparing’ to freedom camp? Putting out a chair? Drying a tea towel? Using an awning? Everything that is part of camping can also be part of an exempt day-excursion. Councils and enforcement officers Councils are tasked with translating the vague law into working rules for their officers to apply in real life. Is this vehicle: parked, day-tripping, freedom camping or is the driver recovering from driver fatigue? Is this person homeless? Is this person preparing to freedom camp? It so hard (impossible?) to evaluate intentions. If homlessness depends on what is available, then the enforcement officer will need to assess local accomodation in relation to this person and this vehicle. Is local accomodation available, appropriate, affordable for this traveller? Is a local, paid, parking site / camp ground able to take this particular vehicle? Can it take this length of vehicle? Are there parking or driving hazards: is the driveway wide enough without scratching the vehicle, will it fit under the trees (without damaging panels and vents on the roof), are both the driver and vehicle able to negotiate the gate, a bend on the drive? Is the ground firm enough for the weight of this vehicle (at this time of year, in this weather, after tonight’s rain)? Councils will need procedures for responding to alleged offences, as campers and councils work out how to bring the new laws into real life. Notes Note 1 (Section 5, 2a, FCA † ) (FCP † ) Note 2 (Section 5, 3b, FCA † ) Note 3 (Section 20, 2b, FCA † ) (Section 5, 2, FCA † ) Note 4 (Section 27 A, 2, FCA † ) † FCA: Freedom Camping Act 2011 † FCP: Freedom Camping (Penalties for Infringement Offences) Regulations 2023 Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 2
- camping-train
Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption summ-kekerengu-H-cara-train.jpg GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE The temptation was too much The Camping Train Linda Butler A short notice decision was made to hold a camping train as there were 3 events being held during March at Havelock, Nelson and Greymouth. The temptation was too much for me, so we decided to give it a go. We called each destination a station just for fun. It was early March. One other member (Angela) joined us for the entire trip. We left home on the Tuesday prior to the Havelock camp. Julie was able to share the first two nights with us. One was spent at the Parnassus NZMCA camp, the next at Conway Flats beside the sea. (Yes, got to see some dolphins jumping and playing in the surf!). We said our goodbyes to Julie and travelled along the coast. We were uncertain of where to stop but decided on Kekerengu. We were thrilled to meet up with Carolyn here on her return home from her holidays. Friday, we continued to our club event destination at Waves Campground for the Havelock Mussel Festival camp. None of us were mussel eaters but were happy to enjoy the Blenheim team chatter over the weekend. Too soon it was Monday and time to move on. There were a number of options available, but we decided on Okiwi Bay. Oh wow. We loved it so much that we stayed for 4 nights. I highly recommend the Mail Run out to French Pass. We went into many little bays along the way. The road went from sealed to gravel to almost dirt! The scenery along the way is amazing. Our driver was knowledgeable about the area and also the fauna, almost sharing in Angela’s passion for foraging. We had lunch at French Pass and watched the stingray before the return to camp. Filled in most of the day. Not bad for $35. Time to move on again, we sadly left this stunning area and headed for Tahuna Beach Holiday Park where we met up with the team from Nelson! A member left their coffee cup with us in Ashburton. So we are taking it with us on our camping train. Here it is at the Tahuna camp café, with friends. Angela enjoyed catching up with old friends who lived in the area. We had coffees at the camp café — they do some scrumptious nibbles. I’ll never forget the Saturday evening meal at the Pirate Pub known as the Smugglers Pub and Café: fun atmosphere there. Washing was done; groceries topped up. Too soon the weekend was over. Time to move on. We travelled down the West Coast. Our first night was at the Kohatu Flat Rock Café. There is a grassed area at the back on the left where we perched on our chairs in the shade of the trees. It was so hot. I didn’t scream when I saw a rat run down a young tree. Thankfully it took off into the bushes. LOL. From here we went to Murchison NZMCA camp via St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti. We were amazed at the eels! They live under the boat ramp. 200 years old! It poured with rain in Murchison. West Coast pour — for hours… Here I learnt that I need to think of rainy-day activities for those times we get such long periods of inactivity. Murchison We were here for two wet nights. Tony and Lynn joined up with us here and continued with us on the rest of the journey. Angela stayed a 3rd night at Murchison, whereas we moved on to the Fox River freedom camp. We were very near the road but there was little traffic at night. We also happened to be camping on the night that the muso’s had their weekly Wednesday jamming night. I slept through most of it. LOL. Once in Greymouth we thought we would brave it and stay at Cobden Bridge freedom camp for the night. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We topped up on groceries again then headed to our final camp. Nelson Creek Reserve. What an awesome spot. (Nelson Creek photos ©2025 Penny Coleman) The Greymouth crew treated us to open fires, fossicking, metal detecting, bush walks and more. What a good way to finish our 3-week-plus journey. We went home with dirty washing, weary, but smiles on our faces and good memories to store away (and share at a future camp). 🏕️ Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 30











