ALL ISSUES CONTENTS VIEW All issues Topics Index Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Next As the seasons change Love spring road trips. I was going to walk to the end of the valley… On a wild beach. Four of us went camping. Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Home for the next week. Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo Next A short trip to some big country — Route 52 A beautiful and remote part of the country. Our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head back into this fascinating area. Next Road trip for a mid-winter meal It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed. Next Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there. Next The hospital visit for my bus In March my bus went into the Rigs’n Things hospital for some major surgery. The operation was done by Dr Chris with the utmost care and to a very high standard. Next Water water everywhere On a recent club camp I did a wee survey of the parked vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, buses and others to observe the water supply and disposal systems. Next A simple camp shower Our friend Jean Roger said she used old plastic milk bottles to make a simple solar shower. We have just tried this on our sailing holiday and it works brilliantly. Next Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours Spring and summer bring a great array of fresh vegetables. Ingredients like fresh ginger, lime, sesame oil, red curry paste and lemon bring fresh flavours to curries, salads and side dishes. Next Lightning risk in RVs Lightning frightens, but lightning risk in RVs is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further. Next On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Next Travels around the South Island I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things. Next No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Next Buyer beware update: We won! We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. Next Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Next Windy Pack Down Tips One of the hardest things to do is to know when enough is enough, and when it’s time to pack up and leave. The very best time is just before the weather event hits. Next Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Next It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Next DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Next Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Next The camping train departs 3 March 2026 Enjoy the whole trip, or meet up or depart from any location along the way! Next Te Puna Quarry in spring This is such a hidden gem with sculptures of dragons, a castle slide for kids, water wheel, art hiding in every corner, and all kinds of themed gardens. Next Stop and Stay Places to stay. Next Athenree hot springs and campground Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. Next Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains? Next Omokoroa Domain Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati. Next Harrison Cut, Papamoa Four mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk. Next 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 Next Mid winter dinner Canterbury There is something precious about meeting around the table. Sharing food, or in this case buying your own! Next First aid practice at camp! Penny was keen to put the newly learnt knowledge of how to assist someone up, into practice. Down on the floor she went! Next MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Spring 2024 Choose which topics to show ISSUE 9 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 9, Spring 2024 Table of contents Editorial Councils and government list Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Steampunk. ©2024 Margarte Earle Read More Gourmet snag Q. What’s better than a gourmet snag on some fresh Turkish bread, with relish, cooked and eaten outdoors while freedom camping? Read More Steampunk— from north to south and back again “It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun” in Oamaru and Thames. Read More Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson Read More The re-build of my Toyota van When I built the van, I knew that sometime later I would have to upgrade it. Read More Ekatahuna Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More The West Coast in winter One winter’s morning in June, my son and I spontaneously took the campervan on a road trip up the coast. Read More Solar basics for dummies Solar power for us campers is a simple process. All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery. Read More Ready for sun Ready for sunbathing and a book. Morrisons Bush. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Read More Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story We’d been converting campervans as a hobby for a few years and discovered we loved building and creating things together. Plus, we were tired of our dull 9–5 jobs… Read More Caravan at Whanganui Vintage weekend Vintage caravan at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024 ©2024 Margaret Earle Read More Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights Firstly, make sure your caravan is ready to move. Read More Buyer beware At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer. Read More Buying used caravans Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Read More Cautionary tyre tale Passing over a bit of road where the rumble strip had been removed but not filled in, my tyre got stuck in the rut and shredded. Read More A great great grandchild A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More A night in an arboretum I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road Read More Beautiful obscure things When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Read More A winter day on Farewell Spit Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular. Read More Freedom camping Freedom van camping ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Read More On the shoulder of a god I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay. Read More Campground at Opoutere Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel Read More Whitebaiting Whitebaiting. Rakaia River Mouth ©2024 David Liddel Read More It was freezing This winter was my first in the Otago cold— a bit of a learning curve. Read More Home roasted coffee beans Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or an ale while roasting coffee beans. Read More Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki, freedom camping in Winter: I cant get enough of this place. Any season. ©2024 M Richardson Read More Freedom camping and self-containment Where are we at? At a government level, a council level, a certification level, at a camper level. Read More Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer. Read More A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ A response to a legislative challenge has brought us the compact, front-opening BlackMOA™ Cassette Toilet Read More Fix’n’Rail Due out late October, the Fix’n’Rail is a heavy duty sliding rail and secure bracket that lets you slide a portable toilet in and out of its storage area Read More MORE

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

Stories from winter and spring campers around New Zealand. Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 CONTENTS PDF BUY TOC As the seasons change Travels around the South Island I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things. Read More No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More Love spring road trips Considering the forecast I got off lightly with no rain, (Mon–Thu) but there were 30km/h+ winds off Lake Wanaka so I did not put up my 270° Batwing awning this trip. 35,000 steps and some cold sunny days. Love spring road trips. Ice on the windscreen overnight. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read More I was going to walk to the end of the valley I was going to walk to the end of the valley but I forgot to pack my tramping boots, the avalanche warning signs kind of put me off as well. Temple Valley. ©2025 Tony Kissel Read More Four of us went camping. We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Still plenty of skin left for them to feast on tomorrow. Wooded Gully, North Canterbury. ©2025 Linda Butler Read More Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Penultimate winter camping weekend. Thanks Carterton District Council for a multi-use, free site. Expecting 1°C tonight. Read More Home for the next week Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. Read More Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo in August Happy until ‘severe weather’ hit at 5am this morning. Snow on mountains, not on my tyres, which is how I like it. -5.7°C. Snow on Monday night, stunning days to walk 40,000 steps, up to the Mt John Observatory & back a couple times. Spring camping here I come. Read More

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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

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2024 Select which topic to show ISSUE 8 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 8, Winter 2024 Table of contents Editorial Councils and government list Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Thermette. ©2024 M Richardson Read More AUTUMN GOLD Autumn stories from around New Zealand Read More Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? If you do not want to freedom camp you do not need the new green warrant. The existing blue standard and blue warrant is still acceptable for all other places that require certified self-containment (so far). Read More Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? Certified Blue before 7/7/23, and not expired. Fixed or portable toilet. Certified Blue before 7/7/24, and not expired. Fixed toilet only. Green Warrant Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification. With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers Read More The road less travelled: ten lessons learned on the road Three years ago we decided to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the open road. ©2024 Two Kids and a Caravan Read More On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Read More Folding electric bike in the middle of nowhere Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. ©2024 Stephen Wood Read More Skippers Canyon Quite happy to have taken the tour and not my truck up Skippers Canyon. ©2024 Trisha Fisk Read More What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping The seven requirements Read More Am I freedom camping? You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping Read More Longslip Station Well, how’s this for a welcome back into the Mackenzie Basin! — Longslip Station, Lindis Pass. ©2024 Shellie Evans. ckw.nz/shellie-fb Read More Fantail Martin got the winning photo of the birds last weekend. Fantail. ©2024 Martin Butler Read More Fire circle Fire circle on a still Autumn night. Magical. 
©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. Read More Clydesdales at Erewhon A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon. ©2024 M Richardson Read More Greg's Eye at Rays Rest Friday evening and Saturday morning at Rays Rest. It never disappoints. © 2024 Greg Lokes. More on FB: Greg's Eye: ckw.nz/gregs-eye Read More Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how The new regulations require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. Read More Got run off the road Got run off the road last weekend. ©2024 Vanessa Parkinson Read More Ballooning in Canterbury Today was an early start to ballooning in Canterbury. ©2024 Tony Knights. Ballooning Canterbury Read More The top of Dansey’s Pass The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Read More Rugby at Mt Somers Campers enjoying a local rugby game at Mt Somers. See p31. ©2024 Linda Butler Read More Keeping up with self-containment Articles from this issue and earlier issues on self-containment and freedom camping: changes, what to do, what to be ware of. Read More Beautiful vintage buses and trucks Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ Read More To the top of the Ahuriri Valley A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. ©2024 Tony Kissel Read More A wrap Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Read More My stew is bubbling My stew is bubbling on the fire... ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ Read More Composting and coddiwompling I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting waterless toilet in my camper van. Read More Hakataramea Pass ©2024 David Liddall Read More Only getting in 123 Watts Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. ©2024 Allan Henderson Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Summer 2022 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 2 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 2, Summer 2022 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Gore Bay. ©2024 M Richardson Read More 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 Worth a detour: The Marokopa River Valley Next time you’re in the Waitomo area (the Waikato region of the North Island) it’s worth the detour to check out three natural landmarks that are really close together, on the Te Anga Road. Read More Freedom camping on the East Cape Gisborne District Council have very clear freedom camping bylaws which demand waste management, #leavenotrace principles. Read More Nokomai station Nokomai station on the way to Queenstown. We went there as kids; now we take our kids there. Read More Caravan & Motorhome Electrics by Collyn Rivers This is a book for people who want to understand how their electrics work as well as for people who are designing / building / converting a caravan or motorhome. Read More Fishing at Kingston Secured a magical spot beside the lakes edge at Kingston freedom camp and went fishing. Read More South Island Lakes: Game Can you fill in the blanks? Read More Camping without a fridge: chilly bins and cooler bags In the old days, people used “meat safes” or “safes” but my experience is with chilly bins or Esky cooler bags. Read More Pannekoeken for breakfast Every trip we make a breakfast fruits pancake. Usually apple pannekoeken. Read More Hitting the Northland beaches — Stop and Stay Heading up to the top of the North Island to see Cape Reinga is on most people’s bucket lists. For those who enjoy a bit of camping, finding that perfect spot to stay is an added bonus. Finding two such places is something special. Tapotupotu DOC campsite. Matauri Bay Holiday Park Read More TIP: Solar panel cleaning Except in rainy areas solar panels need cleaning from time to time. Read More MORE

Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX Issue 5 Camping the Kiwi Way, 5, Spring 2023 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Lake Monowai. ©2023 Kayla Laatz Next Grandad’s Grandad’s caravan A caravan travels through five generations. Next The Homestead, St Bathans I’ve been enjoying a few days away at one of my favourite spots, The Homestead Campsite near Saint Bathans. Next Building a connected NZ camping and tourism industry To ensure a sustainable recreational camping industry related interest groups need to be more engaged and appreciative of the issues each group faces. Next At the beach Next 10 Tips for safe caravan towing Here are 10 tips for safe towing: caravans and their tow vehicles have much the same accident rates as other forms of motor transport, their main type of accident, jack-knifing, however, is different. Next The only ones at Lake Pukaki I can’t believe we are the only ones at Lake Pukaki tonight. So incredibly grateful to have captured these skies. Next Lake Monowai campsite Our small family of 3 set up camp in a quiet and secluded paradise in the heart of Fiordland National Park Next Why not stop and stay a while? Introducing Stop and Stay, where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. Next Easy-to-make flat breads — Recipes for camping These recipes come from the fabulous book New Zealand Backcountry Cooking by Paul and Rebecca Garland. Next Cooking with fire NZ Fun Adventures was pleased to see so many outdoor enthusiasts join with us for this, now annual, event in our events calendar. Next Really feeling autumny now! Really feeling autumny now! Whakaipo Bay, DOC camp at Taupo. Next Pros and Cons of full time family travel We get heaps of people message us and ask about the pros and cons of travelling full time so we thought we’d put pen to paper and share the highs and lows of full time travel with kids Next More cold season tips Sharing our best hacks which made life so much easier on a recent Matariki vanning trip. Next A small, beautiful cassette toilet There is a cassette toilet in that beautifully crafted cabinet. Next Winter adventures Winter doesn’t mean the end of camping adventures! Instagram Next Freedom camping & self-containment status, spring 2023 The short version Next Freedom camping: who does what The structure of the self containment system. Next Update: Self-containment and freedom camping changes The Government’s recent changes to Freedom Camping and self-containment certification are now being implemented. These changes mean that over the next 18 to 24 months new regulations may impact your freedom camping. Next Freedom camping under the new law There are new penalties and some exemptions. Are you homeless, or making a lifestyle choice? Who gets fined and how they are notified. The law is vague. Councils and enforcement officers have to make it work. Next Cooking on the road: planning food for…off the road A 4-day camp adventure at Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach, a long way from roads and power: how to manage the food? Next Thinking about your overnight park Do you park your camper facing outwards? (Quick evac if needed.) Or just how you feel? Next The Desert Road The Desert Road On our first road trip with our new caravan. We made it successfully from Wellington to Whangarei. Next Freedom inside the fence We were looking for a freedom park for the night, but following the recommendation of friends we came here, through the big gates, to this pest-free reserve and we discovered it was so much more than a parking spot. Next Small town: Waiau A small, North Canterbury, gem of a town, with friendly, welcoming locals, walks, exhibits, cycle rides, shops and free overnighting. Perfect for a couple of nights. Or more. Next Small town New Zealand: Find the words Puzzle From North and South Islands see how many you recognise. Next A small paint kit, a few good brushes… I have found that it is the obscure, forgotten little places that hold the most interest and subject material for paintings and rewarding experiences. Next This is the story of three types of self-contained vehicles… Baby Bear, Mama Bear and Papa Bear campers Next A Classic Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Next The Aeropress: quality coffee with an easy clean up No more sloppy grinds in the bottom of the waste bucket. No more looking for bushes to throw them under. Next View More

Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Index ISSUE 1 Camping the Kiwi Way, 1, Spring 2022 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: 1958, camping in the poptop. ©2022 Graham Leslie Read more The Harris Range Our campsite, and the critter pleased to make it there. Read more Cycle touring: Canterbury to Southland Tent and gear on board, Stephen sets off on the first leg of his tour around the South Island. We tag along, this issue, as far as Winton in Southland. Read more Thinking of Cycle touring? From my first trip as a teenager on a 10-speed I’ve developed a love of independent cycle touring. Read more Te Rātā Bay, Lake Tarawera Our trip was full of swimming in the thermal-warmed water around the lake, jet skiing, exploring, and cooking in the ground. Read more The big picture on the proposed changes for freedom camping The problems and the solutions do not match. Read more Seventh week Seventh week on the road in Aotearoa in this beauty. Read more The controversial Nash Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill The proposals, should they go ahead, will not achieve the outcome Nash intends and they are not workable. There is no identified benefit to any sector of the NZ leisure camping industry or to local authorities. Read more Just a little R&R Just a little R&R at Orton Bradley Park Read more Time to have your say on the “Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill” If passed this legislation will affect ALL campers and the camping industry in New Zealand for many years to come Read more Biking in Southland A three-hour late-night drive to Lumsden freedom camping spot at the station, arriving 11.30pm. Woke to a stunning day, chilly, but an awesome day for riding. Read more My 2 cents on the Nash proposals As a freedom camper, campervan business owner and citizen of NZ, I find these proposals extremely concerning. Read more Piano Flat Piano Flat DoC standard campsite is a favourite spot an hour from Gore, Southland in the Waikaia Forest Conservation Area with the Waikaia River flowing through the expansive camping area. Read more Travelling the world on a motorcycle There are more ways than one to travel the country, or the world, for that matter. LeRoy Knierim decided to do it on a motorcycle. It took ten years to circle the globe. Read more A North Island freedom-camping adventure After my South Island trip, I decided I wanted to road trip the North Island and go all the way up to Cape Reinga. For me, freedom camping in the car was the best way to do it. Read more TIPS Camping with preschoolers We started our camping trips over this past summer with a then 3yo and 4yo (and two large dogs). Read more What makes a great and safe freedom camping space? Enough room for comfort and safety; services and things to do nearby; a good sign (everyone wins with good, clear signs); and its fantastic if there is also a great view. Read more Firth of Thames Our view last night on the Firth of Thames. Read more Make a difference: Let's CHANGE the narrative Let’s spread message that responsible Freedom Campers are a help. Read more Lake Camp — freedom camp This is one of the Ashburton Lakes in the Hakatere Conservation Park. You reach it by turning off at Mt Somers then just drive until you reach it on the left. Read more View More

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Summer 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 13 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Table of contents > Editorial > Come camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Lake Ohau, home for the next week. ©2025 Tony Kissel Read More As the seasons change Love spring road trips. I was going to walk to the end of the valley… On a wild beach. Four of us went camping. Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Home for the next week. Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo Read More A short trip to some big country — Route 52 A beautiful and remote part of the country. Our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head back into this fascinating area. Read More Road trip for a mid-winter meal It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed. Read More Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there. Read More The hospital visit for my bus In March my bus went into the Rigs’n Things hospital for some major surgery. The operation was done by Dr Chris with the utmost care and to a very high standard. Read More Water water everywhere On a recent club camp I did a wee survey of the parked vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, buses and others to observe the water supply and disposal systems. Read More A simple camp shower Our friend Jean Roger said she used old plastic milk bottles to make a simple solar shower. We have just tried this on our sailing holiday and it works brilliantly. Read More Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours Spring and summer bring a great array of fresh vegetables. Ingredients like fresh ginger, lime, sesame oil, red curry paste and lemon bring fresh flavours to curries, salads and side dishes. Read More Lightning risk in RVs Lightning frightens, but lightning risk in RVs is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further. Read More On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Read More Travels around the South Island I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things. Read More No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More Buyer beware update: We won! We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. Read More Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Read More Windy Pack Down Tips One of the hardest things to do is to know when enough is enough, and when it’s time to pack up and leave. The very best time is just before the weather event hits. Read More Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Read More It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Read More Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Read More The camping train departs 3 March 2026 Enjoy the whole trip, or meet up or depart from any location along the way! Read More Te Puna Quarry in spring This is such a hidden gem with sculptures of dragons, a castle slide for kids, water wheel, art hiding in every corner, and all kinds of themed gardens. Read More Stop and Stay Places to stay. Read More 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 First aid practice at camp! Penny was keen to put the newly learnt knowledge of how to assist someone up, into practice. Down on the floor she went! Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, 12, Winter 2025 Table of contents > Editorial > Come camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Honeymoon: by the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Camping in winter. Brrrrr. Read More South Island caravan adventure April is a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape. Read More Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) If the idea of camping via sea kayak appeals to you, meet other like-minded women kayakers in our WoW SK community Read More Love Taupō We would give the Taupō District council a 7 out of 10 for their updated Freedom Camping Bylaw. Read More Now we have the power to go off-grid Our goal was to increase our battery capacity to store more power, and we needed to look at how we charged them, and how to keep track of the power going into and out. Read More Just some more pics from Onearo Taranaki Read More Portable power stations Extra backup power for low-solar days, or for those who do short journeys: portable power. Read More Stuck! Oh no! After all the rain in the deep south the gravel track had turned to slush Read More Mains electricity & your caravan, for dummies The power points in the caravan work just like the ones in your house but if you load them all up at the same time you will overload it and it will trip/ turn off. Read More SIx days in the high country June 19. June 21. June 25. Read More Campfest is coming to the South Island! Let’s show the North how it’s done! Read More The Camping Train We decided to have a camping train as there were 3 events being held during March at Havelock, Nelson and Greymouth. Read More The All Points Camping Club of NZ Membership support, Friendly, inclusive camping events, Nationwide savings, Lobbying support for campers’ rights. Read More Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level I have been working on our 17 foot caravan to bring it up to the new requirements for freedom camping. A big challenge was the toilet. Read More Self-containment warrant cards Find out what is valid for freedom camping Read More Winter camp, Portobello, June I love Winter camping. Read More Parking brakes and perils When transporting a new-to-you caravan, it is essential to stop 15 minutes into the trip and check the temperature of the wheels with your hand. Read More Rollercoaster It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride of late. Read More Winter camp Invercargill, July Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. Read More Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers Our group tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Tararua Ranges was full of first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before. Read More Winter tramping food There were some pretty yummy looking dinners getting eaten on our tramp last weekend…. This is what I’m all about. Read More A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan. Read More Weather, climate and camping: editorial Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather. Read More DOC update New licence system for Taupō trout fishery, Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive, Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes,Watch out for ruru/morepork Read More Colac Bay Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read More Warming winter food Hot soup and warm bread are a great combination in winter. Here’s a couple of simple soup recipes that I make regularly and two self-saucing puddings. Read More Making the toast off-grid – use gas Don’t use an electric toaster when camping off-grid unless you have more battery power stored than you can ever use and a large, professionally installed power inverter. Gas is a much better option. Read More Frost Woke to a -4˚ frost in Southland this morning. Slept with my woolly hat and socks on and was cosy enough. I also have a good diesel heater and a warm dog. Read More Stopping, Staying, Skiing Staying near the ski fields. Read More MORE