3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Away with the dog Heather Auckram We grab any chance to pack the Toyota Estima and the dog and just go. Here we are freedom camping beside the sea at Fortrose, Southland. Heather Auckram Photos ©2023 Heather Auckram Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 29

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom camping is NEITHER free from cost NOR free from responsibility What’s in a name? Is freedom camping actually free? Bette Cosgrove A freeloader effect, the ‘something for nothing’ opinion, can have a negative impact on those who like to find a quiet, beautiful natural out of the way place to stay overnight on land managed by Department of Conservation or local authorities. Is freedom camping the right term? Called ‘responsible camping’ by government agencies and tourism organisations, wild camping, outbacking, nature camping or boondocking, in other countries, responsible camping or freedom camping is a popular, low-cost accommodation option for domestic and international visitors. Of course freedom camping is not free from cost and definitely not free from responsibility. Why freedom camp? Social media groups offer these reasons: freedom to travel to lesser known areas without the pressure to plan ahead too much; not having to fit into a specific parking site, or book for particular dates; get away from people, modern conveniences, and, in particular, away from light pollution; enjoying natural surroundings: such as
the ocean, bush, river or lake views. well-being: getting away from everyday life, enjoying a sense of ‘free spirit’; taking a ‘green prescription’. Research commissioned by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in 2019/20 summer, amplified a Department of Internal Affairs study in 2016, ‘Managing Freedom Camping’. They found: Camping is an important and growing kiwi tradition. It is an alternative to commercial campgrounds or a substitute in places without any. Saving money is not the primary reason for freedom camping: -- 1st travel freedom; -- 2nd comfort; -- 3rd low cost. The responsible camping system is under pressure due to strong growth in demand, from international visitors (pre-covid in particular) and domestic tourists. Negative perceptions. The 2016 research noted the growth in negative perceptions, amplified by the media, that campers are responsible for litter, waste and bad behaviour, rousing a public concern that drives greater local restrictions. Freedom campers can be seen as costly visitors, requiring public facilities like parking, rubbish collection, public toilets. Ratepayers see themselves as subsidising them. Who is freedom camping? Estimates suggested about 245,000 people responsible camped in New Zealand in 2019, before covid. Around 63% (154,000) were international visitors, 37% (91,000) were NZers. Age The average age of domestic campers was 63 years of age. The average age of international campers was 26 yrs (purchased their own vehicle), 32 years (hired a budget vehicle), 41 years (hired a premium vehicle). Where did they camp? NZers: designated responsible camping sites 34% of nights; commercial camps 15%; NZMCA parks 24%; International visitors: 17–34% at commercial camps. How many nights? 2.67 million responsible camping nights; an average of 11 nights per person. Spending by freedom campers Campervan travellers report higher than average spending on activities/admission fees and transport costs. International visitors purchasing vehicles generally stayed longer and spent more than those hiring. Finally Research has proven that most International freedom campers are here longer, engage more with communities, add value if on a work and holiday visa, and actually spend more per person when visiting our country, than most short-term tourists who choose luxury high-value tourism options. See also If the law changes Freedom camping bylaws Waiting on a law change Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 2

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Teresa Hall THe Fix-a-Potty™️ installed ©2024 Teresa Hall THe Fix-a-Potty™️ showing how the lower cassette can be removed. ©2024 Teresa Hall Showing how the Fix-a-Potty™️ works ©2024 Teresa Hall Fix-a-Potty™️ installed ©2024 Teresa Hall The Fix-a-Potty™️ bracket ©2024 Teresa Hall It was disheartening to see everyone discarding their small portable toilets. Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ Teresa Hall I’m a Kiwi with a small family, and have a deep passion for exploring New Zealand. My interest in the NZ campervan community has grown significantly over the past year and a half. After purchasing a campervan for our travels, I quickly realised how expensive it was to maintain, so I began renting it out to offset the costs. The success of that venture led me to purchase a second campervan, allowing us to use our one more frequently. When I needed to get my campers self-contained, I found it incredibly challenging to find accurate information on the process. Determined to understand it fully, I educated myself around self-containment. As my knowledge grew, I noticed how many others were struggling with the same issues, so I decided to create a website — a one-stop resource for all the information people need. Then, when the regulations changed, I saw people with small campers equipped with oversized toilets because the only fixed options on the market had capacities for four or more people. It was also disheartening to see everyone discarding their small portable toilets, which felt like an environmental disaster. That’s when Fix-a-Potty™ was born! Throughout this journey, I’ve learned a lot about creating and selling products. It’s not as straightforward as it seems. From building a website, setting up e-commerce, and handling accounting; to dealing with pricing, approval, patenting, trademarking, copywriting, packaging, logistics, production, design, marketing, and customer correspondence… The list is endless. My respect for anyone who sells products has grown immensely. 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. We are New Zealand owned and operated and all our products are made here in Aotearoa by awesome New Zealanders. And you know what! If I spot one of my brackets in your campers I will be really chuffed. ◼️ Website: more details or to buy: fixapotty.co.nz Facebook: ckw.nz/fb-fixapotty Images ©2024 Teresa Hall Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 23

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Fill in the spaces GAME: DOC campsites 4: Lower North Island Rhonda Marshall Over this and the previous three issues you can now find a total listing of 112 DOC campsites in the North Island. This issue shows the final 25 to complete the set. We will continue our journey by moving into the South Island in the Autumn issue. In the grid, fill in 13 place names from the list of DOC sites. One site will run vertically as indicated by the shading and the others fit horizontally across the grid. Army Road Atene Skyline Boielles Bucks Road Cameron Catchpool Valley Clements Clearing Corner Creek Everetts Glenfalls Holdsworth Kakapo Kiriwhakapapa Kuripapango (Ox Bow) Lake Tutira Lawrence Mangatainoka Mangatutu Hot Springs Otaki Forks Pohangina Base Putangirua Pinnacles Simpsons Domain Te Iringa Waikeri River Mouth Waiohine Gorge Solution game-issue10 .pdf Download PDF • 486KB game-issue10 .png Download PNG • 579KB Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 40

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up I did it! Donna Millar Up My very first solo camping and tramping trip! Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Camped at Whitehorse Hill DOC campground. It was packed, with lots of friendly people. I adopted a lovely UK couple of retired teachers for the night, and camped beside them. Met lots of lovely people. Clocked up 20km of hikes including Sealy Tarns track (2,200 stairs!). Incredible clear night skies and the sound of several morepork— the best way to fall asleep in your tent. I was very grateful for my -5°C sleeping bag! I can’t wait for my next solo adventure —it’s so liberating. Click on the gallery to see the full size slideshow . Photos ©2023 Donna Millar Up Up Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar 1/13 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Mavis bringing in the New Year Cheine Matheson Mavis bringing in the New Year at Pahoia Beach, Bay of Plenty. Cheine Matheson ©2023 Cheine Matheson Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 8

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Lakelands Holiday Park, Whanganui, Stop and Stay Angela Bryan Up Just a 10 minute drive from Whanganui, on the shores of Lake Witiroa, the park is a lovely spot with everything you need for a chilled-out family holiday. Easy access, there are level sites right on the shore of the lake where you can watch water skiers and the wild life or, if you are brave, go for swim. There are also kayaks available to use. A great mountain bike track, or bush walk, is right on the boundary of the park. The park is picturesque with loads of native trees and both powered and non-powered sites that are a generous size for the biggest of rigs. They have good clean facilities complete with herb garden, and room for large groups with their own separate kitchen. This would be a great spot for family reunions and the like. Friendly and helpful hosts make this a really pleasant place to stay. Book your spring stay now. jd.dowman@gmail.com lakelands.co.nz 316 Kaitoke Rd Wanganui Closed over winter: 30 April to 1 October. Stop and Stay Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org Up Up Stop and Stay stopandstay.org SStay-lakeside4ed_W.webp SStay-lakeside1_W.webp SStay-lakeside2.webp SStay-lakeside4ed_W.webp 1/3 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Our little escape pod Rhonda Marshall We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Prepacked with clothing, footwear, bedding, food, medication, water, gas, solar power, cash, fridge, cooking and toilet facilities, even books and games, we know, if disaster strikes, we can tend to our needs and offer support to others too. Rhonda Marshall Photo ©2023 Rhonda Marshall Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption carbonMon-GasFlameH.webp GO TO Autumn Gold The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously Carbon Monoxide poisoning Collyn Rivers There are severe risks of carbon monoxide poisoning if you misuse LP gas in a caravan, motorhome, or any type of tent or annexe. Moreover, there is a significant risk of brain damage at low levels of carbon monoxide. The first domestically available gas (around 1850) was produced by burning coal. This was often in an inadequate level of air. The consequent 10% or so carbon monoxide content was often lethal. Carbon monoxide’s danger became quickly known and respected. Propane was generally accepted in the 1930s. LP gas was later used in RVs, and natural gas in homes. Nevertheless, many users remained unaware of the still-existing risks. LP gas and natural gas are both safer. But only by having lower levels of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, they take longer to kill. Nevertheless, approximately 30% of people with severe carbon monoxide poisoning are still likely to die 1 . During 2001–2002, carbon monoxide poisoning was responsible for 43.9% of accidental deaths in New Zealand 2 . The report noted that imported LP gas portable appliances, certified only for outdoor use, were being claimed as suitable for use indoors. Furthermore, it warned that misusing such appliances indoors, including caravans and tents, is unsafe and potentially fatal. Inhaling even relatively small amounts of the gas can lead to hypoxic injury, neurological damage and even death 3 . Carbon monoxide exposure might lead to a significantly shorter life span due to heart damage 4 . Exposures at 100 ppm (parts per million) can be dangerous to human health 5 . Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of injury and death due to poisoning worldwide 6 . (Toxic gases are measured in parts per million (ppm) 1% volume = 10,000 ppm). Ongoing user denial In 2012 user denial came to a head. Three men died in a matter related to carbon monoxide poisoning, in a caravan in Tasmania. Despite no Coroner’s report yet published, many posts appeared on caravan forums. They denied the cause of the deaths — yet came from people with no possible knowledge of what had occurred. Such denial still exists. Government response Consequent to those deaths, the federal government established a ‘Gas Appliances (Carbon Monoxide) Safety Strategy’. Its purpose was to make people (particularly RV users) aware of the risks. The Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) asked me to assist in preparing a formal government submission. My report noted that: ‘the existing regulations relating to gas installation in RVs do not necessarily need changing. The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously’. Furthermore, it noted ‘The major risk identified (in our opinion) is that of gas appliances being used in an inappropriate manner.’ ‘For example, LP gas ovens left on with the door open to provide heat. Cast iron or steel plates and ceramic pots placed over LP gas rings for the same purpose.’ The report furthermore alluded to the ongoing illegal use of LP gas catalytic heaters ‘in poorly ventilated annexes and within the RV itself.’ My report included that, ‘A further issue is the lack of quantitative data on reported incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in RVs. This has created concern because the warnings of the dangers are frequently met by denial. People argue (wrongly) no hard data exists.’ In 2010 New Zealand Energy Safety commissioned an independent report. The report found there was not a sufficient safety problem to introduce a ban. It did, however, advise to place additional health and safety warnings on LP gas units. The cause of the risk LP-gas (and fossil fuels generally) require a great deal of air to burn safely. Burning LP gas in an enclosed space decreases oxygen, and increases carbon dioxide, within that space. Furthermore, the amount of air required varies with the nature of the gas. If you (illegally) run propane appliances from Autogas, that gas may contain butane. If it does, it will produce carbon monoxide through incomplete combustion. A total giveaway is a yellow content in the flame. This flame (right) is borderline safe. Ideally, it should be blue. As total burning cannot be guaranteed, space heating in Australia requires the burning process to be external to the space heated. Moreover, this policy is now being followed in many other countries. Australian Standards The above is made clear in AS/NZS AS5601 . As with its earlier version, and its predecessor, ( AG 601-1995 ), the appropriate wording states:‘The following appliances shall not be installed in a caravan * :(c) a space heater, other than a room-sealed type. * (AS 5601 defines a caravan as ‘a structure that is or was designed or intended to move from one place to another, whether towed or transported, which is intended for human habitation… and includes a self-propelled recreational vehicle.’) Item 6.9.4 of the new Code calls for a permanently legible label. The label must have a minimum character height of 4.0 mm. It must be affixed ‘in a conspicuous position on or adjacent to, the ‘[gas cooking]’ appliance. It shall provide at least the following information: WARNING Ensure ventilation when the cooker is in use. Do not use for space heating. Quantifying the risk Even low levels of carbon monoxide should be avoided. The World Health Organisation lists 5–20 ppm (parts per million) as impairing performance. It warns decrease exercise time, and be vigilant. The International Mechanical Code limits 25 ppm as the maximum in parking garages. Kurt (1978) reports 27 ppm as associated with a 21% increase in cardio-respiratory complaints. The World Health Organisation reports 30 ppm as the earliest onset of exercise-induced angina. At about 35 ppm (parts per million), carbon monoxide starts becoming severe. There are a headache and dizziness within six to eight hours, 200 ppm (about 0.02%) causes a slight headache within two to three hours, plus loss of judgement. Around 800 ppm (0.08%) there is dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min, insensibility within two hours and death within three hours. At 1600 ppm (still a mere 0.16%), there is ‘headache, tachycardia, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min. Death occurs in less than two hours. Even at 6400 ppm (0.64%) death occurs inside 20 minutes, and at the far from high 12,800 ppm (1.28%), you become unconscious after 2–3 breaths and die in less than three minutes 7 . Typical carbon monoxide levels The natural atmospheric level is about 0.1 ppm. The exhaust from a warm car’s exhaust (that lacks a catalytic converter) is 7000 ppm 8 . USA’s relevant (OHSA) regulations limit long-term workplace exposure levels to less than 50 ppm (0.005%) averaged over 8-hours. Furthermore, employees are to be removed from any confined space if an upper limit (‘ceiling’) of 100 ppm is reached’ 9 . Inadequate or blocked ventilation increases carbon monoxide build-up. Because of this, the risk of brain damage at lower levels of exposure is real. Furthermore, elderly, children and people with heart and respiratory problems are likely to experience the effects sooner. Moreover, (and severely) may heavy smokers. Government organisations set various exposure limits. The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) lists a maximum allowable short term limit of 9 ppm. The Australian Environmental Protection Agency has set two national health protection standards for CO. A one-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 35 ppm. And an eight-hour TWA of 9 ppm. These standards emphasise that carbon monoxide readings over 9 ppm needs investigating. And action taken. Caravan forum advice that ‘it is only dangerous if you do not stay awake’ shows astonishingly naïve lack of understanding. Gas appliances — defined The use of any gas appliance for direct space heating in a caravan is illegal in every state of Australia. Furthermore, any cooking appliance used for space heating, by any form of burning gas, is defined as a ‘gas appliance’. Many forum posts argue that a ceramic pot or whatever is ‘not an appliance’. These overlook that devices are legally definable in terms of intent — not necessarily of content. A screwdriver may thus be defined as a tool for dealing with screws. Or, in potentially dangerous areas at night, as an offensive weapon. The same reasoning extends to a gas cylinder or a can of petrol. Either, if carried onto a plane, will be designated as a bomb. Ceramic pots A ceramic device placed over a lighted gas stove for space heating is liable to be classified as a direct heating appliance. It is therefore prohibited. Why doing that is dangerous is because the flame becomes trapped within an area where air may not flow freely. As the gas is thus not entirely burned, that device generates carbon monoxide. It may reveal that by burning with a yellowish flame, or forming and depositing soot. The above was confirmed by a Gas Regulator some years ago. When asked if placing a ceramic pot or steel plate over a gas ring, or leaving the door open on a lighted oven, with the intent to heat an interior space, it becomes, by definition a space heater, he responded ‘my bloody oath’! References to local usage are currently (mid-2019) in Australian Standard AS/NZS AS 5601 2013 . An Amendment for LP-gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes was published by Standards Australia in May 2016. A summary called Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Mobile Homes (containing all of the above references) is available free from The Office of Gas Safety (or its equivalent in each state). It does, however, relate primarily to the previous Standard. It is also available on the Internet (Google the above title). Related risks Product Safety Australia advises that other common products can and do emit carbon monoxide. These include: Barbeques that burn charcoal, gas or wood Fireplaces that use charcoal, gas or wood Portable cookers that use gas or kerosene Portable and outdoor heaters that use gas or kerosene Electric generators that are diesel or petrol-fuelled Electrical equipment that is diesel or petrol-powered (e.g. blowers, chainsaws, pumps and welders). New Zealand Until 2010 the Gas Standard (AS 5601) related only to Australia primarily because Australia’s LP gas is either propane or mostly propane with a small proportion of butane, while New Zealand uses propane and up to 50% butane. Appliances built to burn one form of LP gas can be hazardous when used to burn another form of LP gas. The Australian Gas Regulators’ view was that (as with using Autogas illegally to replace LP gas) this posed an unacceptable safety risk respectively to New Zealand and Australian consumers. This issue was quickly resolved: including by ‘Australian RV appliances increasingly being certified for use with Universal LPG Gas to accommodate the N.Z. market’: written advice from the N.Z. Office of Energy Safety, 18/09/2012. (This Universal LP gas issue affects only Australian gas appliances made for the N.Z. market). Safe RV heating Germany’s Webasto and Eberspächer companies produce very similar diesel-powered space and space-plus-hot-water power heaters. Truma has a generally similar LP gas powered equivalent. All draw fresh air in from outside and exhaust to the outside. There is also a range of similar units from Diesel Heating Australia. The Eberspächer product in some countries is marketed under the Dometic name, and sold by Dometic. These are the only form of heating recommended for annexes, caravans and motor homes. RV Books’ The Campervan and Motorhome Book covers this in-depth. How to detect carbon monoxide The only way to detect carbon monoxide is via a pocket detector — or for caravans and motorhomes, via a permanently fixed one. They are readily available from virtually all hardware stores. What to do if carbon monoxide is detected Turn off the source of the carbon monoxide — if possible to do without risk of endangering yourself or others. Then move to fresh air. If indoors, move outside to fresh air immediately. If you are outdoors, move as far away as possible from the source of the carbon monoxide. The source is often a petrol or diesel-engined generator or outboard motors. If exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning — e.g. headache, dizziness, nausea etc, call the emergency services. Further information The previous AS 5601 Gas Standard has been replaced by a new Standard published (by Standards Australia) in May 2016. That relevant for caravan and motorhomes is Part 2 (Gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes ). Note that, legally, ‘caravans’ includes all RVs. The most significant amendments to Part 2 are: A new diagram for the mounting of an LP gas cylinder in a caravan including clearances from openings into the living space A new requirement for the installation of gas BBQs and radiant gas heaters designed for outdoor use. New pipe-work strength and gas tightness test References (general) Gas Installation Code AS 5601.2013 with an Amendment for LP-gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes. (Published by Standards Australia on 11 May 2016). Report of the (S.A.) Technical Regulator 2005–2006, Annual Report (p.7).Office of Gas Safety (Vic) — Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Motorhomes.Similar guides are available from all State gas regulatory bodies. New Zealand (facts and data) Permanent Exemption of LPG appliances from the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangements. (Regulation Impact Statement for Consultation — 2008.) References (papers) 1. Varon J, Marik PE, Fromm RE Jr, Gueler A (1999). “Carbon monoxide poisoning: a review for clinicians”. The Journal of Emergency Medicine 17 (1): 87–93. 2. McDowell R, Fowles J, Phillips D (November “Deaths from poisoning in New Zealand: 2001–2002” . The New Zealand Medical Journal, 2005, Nov; 118. 3. Raub JA, Mathieu-Nolf M, Hampson NB, Thom SR (April 2000). “Carbon monoxide poisoning-a public health perspective”. Toxicology 145 (1): 1-14.4. 4. Henry CR, Satran D, Lindgren B, Adkinson C, Nicholson CI, Henry TD (January 2006). “Myocardial Injury and Long-term Mortality Following Moderate to Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning”. 5. Prockop LD, Chichkova RI (Nov 2007). “Carbon monoxide intoxication: an updated review”. Journal of the Neurological Sciences 262 (1–2): 122–130. 6. Thom SR (October 2002). “Hyperbaric-oxygen therapy for acute carbon monoxide poisoning”. The New England Journal of Medicine 347 (14): 1105–1106. 7. Carbon Monoxide: National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1977. pp. 29. ISBN 0-309-02631-8. (Free full text. ckw.nz/co ) 8. Struttmann T, Scheerer A, Prince TS, Goldstein LA (Nov 1998). “Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from an unlikely source”. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 11 (6): 481–484. 9. “OSHA Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide”. United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf . Compressed breathing air — the potential for evil from within. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225301283 n This article is ©2024 RV Books. Website: rvbooks.com.au | this article. RV Books can be contacted at: info@rvbooks.com.au . Collyn Rivers has published 6 books relating to caravans and motorhomes. Information about them & more than 150searchable articles are included on his website: rvbooks.com.au RV Books And A Huge Collection Of Articles By Collyn Rivers RV Books. 6 Books and over 200 articles by Collyn Rivers. Collyn's books are considered to be the best RV, camper trailer and motorhome information available. Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 21

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption honeymoon_H_Model A at summit Lindus Pass 26 Jul 1960-3.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE A 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 Graham Leslie In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan. I was not there, obviously, and can only tell you what was passed down in family stories, some of which are true. A favourite story that is not true was that my dad borrowed the Model A for the honeymoon and never took it back. He had apparently been given it earlier when my grandfather got a new Citroën. The Model A was our family car until 1969. I remember trips away in the Model A as cold, wet and tediously slow with a cruising speed of 35mph (about 56km/hr). (The car is still in Mum’s garage!) Model A Stewart & Adrienne at Summit Hasst Pass. Jul 27 Jul 1960. ©2025 Graham Leslie Anyway, back to The Honeymoon. They got married in Christchurch and headed off in the early afternoon in their best honeymoon outfits for Akaroa. First they got a flat tyre and a group of bikies helped change the wheel to keep their nice clothes clean. Then a bit further on they got stuck in the mud where the road had been washed out. After being rescued by a farmer and his tractor they then stopped on the foreshore to wash the mud off and finally make it, rather late, to the hotel in Akaroa. My dad was six foot two and turning up in a suit after six o’clock closing time caused a stir as they thought he was part of a police raid for illicit drinkers. Bruce Hotel Akaroa. ©2025 Graham Leslie A couple of days later they picked up the caravan and headed up into the McKenzie Country. The road was so muddy that they travelled parts of it with chains on, doing 5mph. I think I heard that it was easier to come off the road and drive on the tussock at times. They went ice skating at Tekapo. By the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. Although the photo (above) shows the grader following behind, I believe it was the other way around and they followed the grader through the snow over the pass (above). I know they went to Queenstown and took a trip to Glenorchy and Kinloch at the head of Lake Whakatipu. They went by boat as the road to the top of the lake did not open until 1962. The other place they went to was Haast. The road to Haast had also not been completed and didn’t open until November that year. As my dad said “ We followed the road and when the road ran out we drove down the river beds ”. Model A Fords may not have been 4WD but they had great clearance. They didn’t take the caravan on this bit. They expected boarding house accommodation at Haast, but it was closed for the winter and they slept in the back of car on freshly-cut fern to make a bed. They hadn’t bought any food except some wedding cake and chocolate, but managed to get a tin of spaghetti from the general store which they ate cold. I guess that’s why I grew up having great, but somewhat chaotic camping holidays. 🏕️ Images ©2025 Graham Leslie Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 26

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption vulnerable_H_kelly-fox-TE AHU A TURANGA.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE good, weather-related news Vulnerable roads… Miriam Richardson Te Ahu a Turanga In good, weather-related news, the road replacing the Manawatu Gorge, Te Ahu a Turanga, has opened, making the arduous crossing over the Tararuas to and from the Wairarapa a thing of the past; again. It has been about 8 years since the road through the Manwatu Gorge closed, and it was a huge work to make a wholly new road along a different route. After all that time and all that effort, it seems surprising that it is a 15 minute journey from one end to the other (or did my friend exaggerate?). Thankfully the government has decided not to toll this road. The road has paths for walking and cycling with fabulous views. On the Wairarapa side there is the Woodville Ferry Reserve (free) in the Manawatu Gorge, with access to the river and to walking tracks, and the Woodville Campground ($) in Woodville itself, a town worth a leisurely visit. On the Palmerston North side of the hill there is the Ashhurst Domain Campground ($), set amongst trees near the river. The Ō taki Gorge Road After 5 years facing doom, closed to both walking and driving, the Ōtaki Gorge road has reopened. It is a narrow road, one lane in parts, and was closed by huge slips on Blue Bluff (middle). It leads to one of only two drive-in DOC campsites in the region. The road has opened only as far as the caretakers cottage, well short of the campground (as of July), returning access to a swing bridge entrance to the Tararua Forest Park, and a lovely picnic area. The DOC Ōtaki Forks Campsite ($) (above), is expected to reopen at Labour weekend. Its 150 campsites are unpowered and tents are allowed. Flush toilet. Boil tap water. Wheelchair accessible. Dogs on a leash. No fires. Walk, tramp, swim, kayak, canoe, fish, or just read you book and star gaze at night. 🏕️ Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 4

1 Spring 2022 Thinking of Cycle touring? Up Stephen Wood From my first trip as a teenager on a 10-speed, I've developed a love of independent cycle touring. Travelling under my own steam on back country routes, state highways and anything in between is therapeutic. I love it, be it a couple of days getting or a multi-week epic. Summer is a great time to give it a try. Build up in stages, getting used to full day rides, then try a short or overnight trip as a shakedown for yourself, your bike and your gear. Get a feel for how the loaded bike handles. Start with checklists of things you might pack for tours of different lengths. You need to think about clothes for riding — in all weathers — and when not riding, how you carry gear on the bike, and being self sufficient for sleeping, cooking, bike repairs and food. Every trip is different. Is it back-country or on roads? Will there be shops, cafés, campgrounds, or hostels on the way? Is there cell phone coverage? What's the best and the worst weather you can expect? The more remote the area, the more you should be prepared for bad weather and emergencies — let someone know what you're doing or consider having an emergency beacon. A great thing about a longer trip with camping gear is that you can adapt it as you go. If the weather is bad or your legs or bike aren't working well, you can shorten days to suit. Know where you can camp and where commercial campgrounds are. Upgrade if you need a dry place and a shower. On a longer trip you might take a a rest day. Enjoy! BY: Stephen Wood Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS 'I love it, be it a couple of days getting or a multi-week epic.' New bike The first time with a new bike equipped with 14 gears in the rear hub, and a dynamo in the front hub. Packing my bags Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring. Geraldine campground At Geraldine I stayed in the big campground in the centre of town. They put me in a quiet corner close to neighbouring houses, I guess because I didn’t look the rowdy type. New bike The first time with a new bike equipped with 14 gears in the rear hub, and a dynamo in the front hub. 1/6