top of page

Search Results

10674 results found

  • Index: 10 Spring 2024 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX ISSUE 10 Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 Next Double-digit highways SH32, SH45, SH60: Do you know them? Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo On the road less travelled, down double-digit highways, which wind alongside the mighty Waikato and follow the western and southern shores of Lake Taupo, I find some of my favourite freedom camping sites. Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us. South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth. Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman SH60 begins in Richmond, travels through Motueka and Takaka and ends after 117km at Collingwood. Next Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Well. There we were. Bogged. Next And people wonder why I like camping And people wonder why I like camping. Next Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Next What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Warmer than average; more days over 25°C; more dry spells… Next Camp Fest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us at the Bulls Domain for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. Next All roads lead to Camp Fest No matter which direction you are coming to Camp Fest from, there are many worthwhile, interesting places to explore and enjoy. North, South, East or West, or just a short distance from the Camp Fest venue there are some great opportunities to take a break and check out something a bit different. Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer This remote and extraordinarily beautiful part of the Pacific Coast Highway is fully open and welcoming campers for the summer season. Next Freedom camping news No end to confusion and misinformation out there about what is lawful or required to be a freedom camper. No consistency. No fair control of freedom camping. Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Check your card against these, to see whether you can still freedom camp. Next But I am not freedom camping… Each council makes its choices when it trains its enforcement officers: what criteria determines ‘freedom camping’ or ‘preparing to freedom camp’; how to recognise a ‘day-trip excursion’ vs ‘preparing to freedom camp.’ There is no way for the traveller to know in advance what criteria any particular council is using. Next A roof-top tent A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail The design behind Fix’n’Rail supports a circular economy by giving new life to portable toilets that may otherwise end up in landfills. Next What is out there It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown There are parking bylaws and nationwide reserve laws that continue to affect freedom camping in Queenstown this summer, but the years-long prohibitive bans are gone from Queenstown Lakes District. Next The Wairau After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day Next Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers offer self-containment testing for all types of campers Next Dealing with a caravan flat Have you had a flat tyre on your caravan? I have now had three and would like to pass on some experience that may help you. Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Sunday morning caravan Lego with our boys, Eddie and Boston. Next Old Blue The camp still has quite a few hardy campers on-site, it’s Labour Day weekend after all. You wait, the sun will be shining tomorrow & the fish biting! Next Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Next View More

  • Index: 1 Spring 2022 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    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

  • Spring stories from New Zealand, 2024.

    Articles from Spring campers around New Zealand. Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS TOC Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Read More Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Read More What is out there It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed Read More First time out with my new tent So far I’ve had gale force winds and 30mm rain in the last 24 hours… Read More Exploring Clandyboye All Points Camping enjoyed craft shopping, toasting marshmallows in the fire pit and Devonshire teas at the Milford POP. Read More My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Don’t miss local A & P shows when you travel the country. Read More A long weekend on the Waikato River Cooked my favourite breakfast when camping: pancakes with boysenberry jam Read More Fishing in the snow Fishing in the snow. Ohau B canal. Spring Read More King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu There were stars out on Saturday night, but Sunday dawned overcast with a cool breeze. Read More Fantastic time at the Onearo campground Fantastic time at the Onearo campground. Fun time with all. Read More What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Read More I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Read More The Wairau After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day Read More Temple Stream A nice relaxing weekend at one of my favourite spots, Temple Stream DOC Campsite. Read More What a view to wake up to What a view to wake up to this morning. National Park, Waiouru Read More My day at Ferrymead My day at Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch. Read More Terako Downs entrance Terako Downs entrance, Labour Weekend Read More Trying out my new quilt Slept in it last night on the lounge floor with all the windows open. Read More Foxton Beach All sorts of campers at the Foxton Beach Spring Fling camping weekend. Read More Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Read More A roof-top tent A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Read More Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Read More Marfells Beach Marfells Beach is a DOC camp (pay online, whew, there is mobile coverage this time) has wild silverbeet. Read More Danseys Pass While we were exploring the geosites in the Waitaki Valley, we saw several signs to Danseys Pass. Read More NZ Cheese Festival Besides a great selection of well-priced food venders, there was also a variety of specialty foods including cheese, mushrooms, paté, cured meats, sweet treats, wine, beer. And we had ‘Music on the Green’ to relax to. Read More Ordinary cycle Staying in Oamaru after attending a cycle event at the Waimate velodrome organised by the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club. Read More Uretiti Stayed for two nights at the Uretiti DOC campsite (Northland). for the first time. Read More Three nights at Conway Flats A Pacific-blue sea and sky. Sleeping to the sound of the sea. Read More ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 10 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

  • Camping the Kiwi Way: filter by topic

    A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Topics from all issues Choose which topic to show INDEX Stop and Stay Places to stay. Read More Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 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 Bette Cosgrove Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Find out which warrants are valid for freedom camping, Summer 2025/26. Read More Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Read More Miriam Richardson Editorial Your stories are our stories. Take the photos, and tell us all the small stories as well as the big ones. Changing to 3 issues a year. Read More Miriam Richardson 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 Christine Batt 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 Various 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 Andrew Morton 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 Tony Kissel On a wild beach Winter nights — wouldn’t you love to be cosy and snuggled up on a wild beach listening to the wind whip the waves? Read More Bette Cosgrove 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 Linda Butler 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 Bette Cosgrove Home for the next week Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. Read More Tony Kissel 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 Andrew Morton 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 Marty Ireland 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 Graham Leslie 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 Andrew Morton 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 Kelvin Watson 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 Susan Wood 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 Jonathan Collins 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 Heather Auckram Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Read More Linda Butler On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Read More Maggie O’Rourke It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More Andrew Morton 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 Collyn Rivers DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Read More DOC 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 Margaret Earle Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Read More Various Athenree hot springs and campground Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. Read More Maggie O’Rourke MORE

  • Index: 3 Autumn 2023 | Camping the Kiwi Way

    Index ISSUE 3 Camping the Kiwi Way, 3, Autumn 2023 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Morisons Bush ©2022 Margaret Earle Read more NZ is a camping culture NZ is a camping culture This makes us who we are, connects us to our environment like nothing else Read more 700 Campers at Kaitoke Kaitoke saw over 700 campers on Waitangi weekend. Read more Tautuku Hut Track: Family-friendly tramping in the Catlins Tautuku Hut is a lesser-known DOC hut in the Catlins. It is short and sweet, making it a great first overnight tramp for families. Myself and another mama picked this as our first overnight tramp with our babies. Read more Festivals & Shows Festivals where you can stay, that are on this Autumn (and a bit beyond) Read more Events Camping events on this Autumn Read more A beautiful country, but… Hold on a minute, we are campers and have most of the items required to survive the first few days of an emergency without outside assistance. Read more Our little escape pod We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Read more Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources. Orange Sky are providing shower and laundry services to many in flood-affected areas right now. Read more Ten hours into a power cut Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone .... THEN I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! Cheine Matheson Read more A storm over the DOC Homestead campsite A storm over the DOC Homestead campsite near St Bathans, Central Otago. ©2023 Tony Kissel Read more Along a sandy beach I rode on a trailer being towed along a long sandy beach. I squashed a few sandflies and went to bed blissfully happy each night. Read more HELLO 2023 I was invited to spend the New Year with friends at their crib at Papatowai. Read more Mavis bringing in the New Year Mavis bringing in the New Year at Pahoia Beach, Bay of Plenty. © 2023 Cheine Matheson Read more What’s in a name? Is freedom camping actually free? Who and how many are freedom camping? Read more Greymouth Star pinged Their title: “Freedom campers pinged”. A prime example of poor and emotive reporting. Read more Nowhere special Our trip to the Bridge to Nowhere, on the Whanganui river, will always be a special memory that I share with my 84 year old mother. Read more Small kayak camping I see a lot of really big setups on Facebook, so I thought I'd share my 'small' kayak camping setup for the weekend. Read more Simple is good Yep, simple is good. Tony Dennerley Read more Can the travelling camper save NZ's small rural communities? Smaller rural communities should be welcoming these thousands of travellers with open arms. Read more View More Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS

  • Winter in New Zealand, 2025

    Stories from winter campers around New Zealand. Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 CONTENTS PDF BUY TOC Chilly chilly chilly out there Just some more pics from Onearo Taranaki Read More Rollercoaster It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride of late. Read More Colac Bay Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read More HUH ! Cracked it! Whadiya know. Couple of mins later we got heat. Read More Stuck! Oh no! After all the rain in the deep south the gravel track had turned to slush Read More Winter camp Invercargill, July Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. 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 Winter camp, Portobello, June I love Winter camping. 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 Winter at Miranda Holiday Park Scone mix is made, hope it’s enough, lol. Paddle boards mended. Games sorted. Togs packed. Marshmallow toasting etc after dinner. Read More

  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 9, Spring 2024

    A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Contributors Select Author BUY AUTHOR INDEX As the seasons change Various 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 Christine Batt 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 Heather Auckram 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 Bette Cosgrove 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 Kelvin Watson 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 Marty Ireland 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 Graham Leslie 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 Margaret Earle 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 Collyn Rivers 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 Maggie O’Rourke Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Read More Travels around the South Island Susan Wood 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 Andrew Morton I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More Buyer beware update: We won! Anon We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. Read More Butcher’s Pool Miriam Richardson Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Read More Windy Pack Down Tips Jonathan Collins 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 Linda Butler There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Read More It’s not always sunshine & roses Andrew Morton Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More DOC Update DOC 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 Various 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 Linda Butler Enjoy the whole trip, or meet up or depart from any location along the way! Read More Te Puna Quarry in spring Maggie O’Rourke 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 Athenree hot springs and campground Maggie O’Rourke Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. Read More Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount Heather Auckram I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains? Read More Omokoroa Domain Maggie O’Rourke Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati. Read More Harrison Cut, Papamoa Maggie O’Rourke Four mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk. Read More Uretara Domain Maggie O’Rourke 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 Linda Butler 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! Linda Butler 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 Coffee morning Katikati Maggie O’Rourke Our first coffee morning was held at the Chrome Cafe in Katikati. Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified Gary Stoneley An independent national network for self-containment certification. Read More Love spring road trips Andrew Morton 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 Tony Kissel 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 On a wild beach Bette Cosgrove Winter nights — wouldn’t you love to be cosy and snuggled up on a wild beach listening to the wind whip the waves? Read More Four of us went camping. Linda Butler 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? Bette Cosgrove 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 Tony Kissel Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. Read More Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo in August Andrew Morton 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 Editorial Miriam Richardson Your stories are our stories. Take the photos, and tell us all the small stories as well as the big ones. Changing to 3 issues a year. Read More South Island caravan adventure Rose Campbell April is a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape. Read More Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) Dallas Veitch 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 Gary Stoneley We would give the Taupō District council a 7 out of 10 for their updated Freedom Camping Bylaw. Read More winter-2025 Now we have the power to go off-grid Graham Leslie 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 Sally Perfect Taranaki Read More Portable power stations Miriam Richardson Extra backup power for low-solar days, or for those who do short journeys: portable power. Read More Stuck! Heather Auckram 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 Wayne Rravelich 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 Shellie Evans June 19. June 21. June 25. Read More Campfest is coming to the South Island! Linda Butler Let’s show the North how it’s done! Read More The Camping Train Linda Butler We decided to have a camping train as there were 3 events being held during March at Havelock, Nelson and Greymouth. Read More Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level Lance and Robyn Jones 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 Winter camp, Portobello, June Andrew Morton I love Winter camping. Read More Parking brakes and perils Paeroa Towing Service 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 Francis Donegan It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride of late. Read More Winter camp Invercargill, July Andrew Morton Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. Read More Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers Jono Collins 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 Jono Collins 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 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. Read More Weather, climate and camping: editorial Miriam Richardson Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather. Read More DOC update DOC 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 Tineke Harris Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read More Warming winter food Margaret Earle 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 Graham Leslie 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 Heather Auckram 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 Angela Bryan Staying near the ski fields. Read More Things that go bump in the night Marty Ireland Night time sounds can seem louder and closer than they actually are. Read More Vulnerable roads… Miriam Richardson In good, weather-related news, the road replacing the Manawatu Gorge, Te Ahu a Turanga, has opened, as has the Ōtaki Gorge Rd to the Ōtaki Forks DOC campground, in Kapiti. Read More New Zealand Lifestyle Camping Gary Stoneley An independent national network for self-containment certification. Read More Bluff Farm Leigh Naylor If you’ve never been to Bluff Farm then you are missing a treat. To the west the alluring foothills of Oxford where the sun leaves its final splash before the stunning night sky envelopes us Read More Matariki weekend camp Marty Ireland Donegal House is rural and scenic with mountain views, several small lakes, and an Irish-themed bar and restaurant and close to Kaikōura. Read More Winter at Miranda Holiday Park Lorraine Middleton Scone mix is made, hope it’s enough, lol. Paddle boards mended. Games sorted. Togs packed. Marshmallow toasting etc after dinner. Read More HUH ! Cracked it! Nick Hope Whadiya know. Couple of mins later we got heat. Read More The Pigroot SH85 Heather Auckram Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts Read More 11 autumn 2025 Adventure in Te Aroha Maggie O’Rourke The town has two freedom camps. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Camping at CampFest Jo Ward CampFest, Bulls. February. ©2025 Jo Ward. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Sailing through the Waiheke Channel Graham Leslie Sailing through the Waiheke Channel on our way to the northern coast of Waiheke. The wind has finally turned to the south. Feb. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More 11 autumn 2025 Camping at the museum Margaret Earle You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Wairere falls Maggie O’Rourke Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy Gary Stoneley After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. Read More 11 autumn 2025 GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island Rhonda Marshall Fill in the spaces. Read More 11 autumn 2025 A shady spot to park Heather Auckram I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park. Read More 11 autumn 2025 First time on the ferry Marty Ireland As Mainlanders, living in Blenheim we decided, part way thru 2024, to try a ferry crossing with car and caravan and go to an APCNZ event in the North Island. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Canterbury, Waihora Tony Knights Canterbury, Waihora ©2025 Tony Knights. More p36 Read More 11 autumn 2025 Fitting Auto levellers Ian Read I thought this would be the answer to the plastic drive up ramps many use. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Far from flat M Richardson Many not-to-be-missed freedom camping spots are far from flat. Pines, Lake Pukaki. ©2019 M Richardson Read More 11 autumn 2025 Camping at the Mohaka River Farm Alfred and Sofia Rico We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Read More 11 autumn 2025 A good day’s camping starts with a thermette Graham Leslie A good day’s camping starts using a thermette to boil the water for coffee and for its small fire to then make toast. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Before you light a fire DOC & NIWA Be aware of the risks. Check fireweather. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Fireplace at Mangaweka M Richardson Fireplace at Mangaweka camp, riverside picnic area. ©2012 M Richardson Read More 11 autumn 2025 Re-building my Toyota van part 2 Roland Jones I became aware of some shortcomings in the design Read More 11 autumn 2025 Made it to Campfest Jo Ward Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 Miriam Richardson What you need to know about freedom camping. Read More 11 autumn 2025 But I am not freedom camping… Megan Hieatt I’m just waiting to get a freedom camping fine as some official will decide that I’m camping when I’m actually parked using my RV as my means of transport, particularly in busy places like Queenstown, Tekapo or Wanaka. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Getting your camping vehicle certified Gary Stoneley An independent national network for self-containment certification Read More 11 autumn 2025 The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Linda Butler The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Whisky Gully M Richardson Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. Read More 11 autumn 2025 The red lights? Andrew Morton It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read More 11 autumn 2025 Back on the boat (our caravan that floats) Graham Leslie It’s been nine years since we had a sailing holiday in our trailer yacht, Quasimodo. Read More 11 autumn 2025 St Kilda, Dunedin M Richardson A lovely spot looking out over the beach towards St Clair. Dunedin allows freedom camping in non-reserve parking places. 
©2022 M Richardson Read More 11 autumn 2025 A camp oven is much more than just a pot Margaret Earle Camp ovens are designed for cooking on a fire, but they can also be used on gas burners. You can use a camp oven to cook everything from stews and curries to roasts, bread, cakes and puddings. Read More 11 autumn 2025 Recipes for camping Margaret Earle Hot cross buns, Lentil and eggplant stew with gnocchi, Pork and vegetables in hoisin sauce. Read More 11 autumn 2025 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 9 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

  • Authors Index | Camping the Kiwi Way

    ALL ISSUES BUY AUTHORS Authors Index Fee Kat 7 Autumn 2024 Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Read Keil MacDiarmid 4 Winter 2023 A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid Read Tineke Harris Colac Bay Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read Tony Knights 7 Autumn 2024 Heading to The Burt Well after a week of covid and still not a lot of energy I decided bugger it and I’m heading to The Burt Read joymareephotography 10 summer 2024 I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Read Alex Koveskali 7 Autumn 2024 It was a tent It’s too big for a chair and it’s not moving in the water so I can only guess it’s another tent blown away, full of belongings. Read Alex Koveskali 10 summer 2024 Heating a pie I’ve worked out an effective way to heat up pies. Read Alfred and Sofia Rico 11 autumn 2025 Camping at the Mohaka River Farm We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Read Alice Leslie 10 summer 2024 Making camping more accessible for everyone Making a campsite accessible involves more than installing accessible toilets. Read Alice Leslie 10 summer 2024 Being able to get out into nature “Being able to get out into nature and go places that I would not physically be able to reach on my own is such a joy and privilege.” Read Allan Henderson 2 Summer 2022 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 Allan Henderson 8 Winter 2024 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 Andrew Morton 1 Spring 2022 Biking in Otago in Autumn Taking a bike trip around Otago. The teardrop camper at 
Champagne Gully on Lake Dunstan. Autumn. Andrew Morton. Read Andrew Morton 1 Spring 2022 The teardrop in Arrowtown Autumn. 
Cycling in Otago. 
Camping in the teardrop. 
Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 1 Spring 2022 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 Andrew Morton 2 Summer 2022 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 Andrew Morton 3 Autumn 2023 Mountain biking If it was that easy, everyone would do it. Read Andrew Morton 3 Autumn 2023 Tear drop camping on a NI bike trip Camping on a NI bike trip: the teardrop, tarp, comfy chairs, a table and a BBQ. Read Andrew Morton 3 Autumn 2023 Pipiriki Eight days so far; 1300km in the car plus 216km on the mountain bike, and 45 days to go. Read Andrew Morton 4 Winter 2023 I am on track I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 4 Winter 2023 One hundred nights a year I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Read Andrew Morton 6 Summer 2023 Teardrop camping Teardrop camping Read Andrew Morton 7 Autumn 2024 Truly a Summer to remember Currently on night 23 of this 86-night trip. In Murchison next week I celebrate my 250th night since getting my teardrop. Read Andrew Morton 8 Winter 2024 Cycle camping Cycle camping with a teardrop and a fly. ©2024 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 8 Winter 2024 On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton 11 autumn 2025 The red lights? It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read Andrew Morton 11 autumn 2025 Bedtime Bubbles Bedtime Bubbles & wash in Kaiapoi for my wee mate after 57 nights on the road without a bath. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read Andrew Morton Winter camp, Portobello, June I love Winter camping. Read Andrew Morton Winter camp Invercargill, July Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. Read Andrew Morton 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 Up ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 9 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 2, Summer 2022

    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

  • Autumn stories from New Zealand, 2024.

    Articles from Autumn campers around New Zealand. Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX AUTUMN GOLD AUTUMN GOLD Autumn stories from around New Zealand 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 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 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 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 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 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 Moving camp When you decide to move camp to a sunnier spot mid morning. ©2024 Beverley Stoneley Read More Glendhu Bay, Lake Wanaka Glendhu Bay camping ground ©2024 M Richardson Read More The phone is beautiful Take phone to a beautiful lake-edge perch... © 2024 M Richardson Read More Packing the van for Booktown Packing the van for a weekend at the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2024. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More Lake Wardel Autumn snow behind Lake Wardel, a free camping spot near Twizel, McKenzie Country. ©2022 M Richardson Read More ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 8 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

  • Camping the Kiwi Way, Issue 11, Autumn 2025

    A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, Autumn 2025 Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Camp ovens ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Here and there last summer Stories around the country. Read More The Pigroot SH85 Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts Read More Adventure in Te Aroha The town has two freedom camps. Read More Op shop finds Op Shop finds, Te Aroha. ©2025 M Richardson Read More Camping at CampFest CampFest, Bulls. February. ©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Camping at the museum You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings. Read More Sailing through the Waiheke Channel Sailing through the Waiheke Channel on our way to the northern coast of Waiheke. The wind has finally turned to the south. Feb. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Wairere falls Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile. Read More Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. Read More GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island Fill in the spaces. Read More A shady spot to park I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park. Read More First time on the ferry As Mainlanders, living in Blenheim we decided, part way thru 2024, to try a ferry crossing with car and caravan and go to an APCNZ event in the North Island. Read More Canterbury, Waihora Canterbury, Waihora ©2025 Tony Knights. More p36 Read More Fitting Auto levellers I thought this would be the answer to the plastic drive up ramps many use. Read More Far from flat Many not-to-be-missed freedom camping spots are far from flat. Pines, Lake Pukaki. ©2019 M Richardson Read More Camping at the Mohaka River Farm We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Read More A good day’s camping starts with a thermette A good day’s camping starts using a thermette to boil the water for coffee and for its small fire to then make toast. Read More Before you light a fire Be aware of the risks. Check fireweather. Read More Fireplace at Mangaweka Fireplace at Mangaweka camp, riverside picnic area. ©2012 M Richardson Read More Re-building my Toyota van part 2 I became aware of some shortcomings in the design Read More Made it to Campfest Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 What you need to know about freedom camping. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? Read More But I am not freedom camping… I’m just waiting to get a freedom camping fine as some official will decide that I’m camping when I’m actually parked using my RV as my means of transport, particularly in busy places like Queenstown, Tekapo or Wanaka. Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified An independent national network for self-containment certification Read More The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Read More Whisky Gully Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. Read More The red lights? It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read More Back on the boat (our caravan that floats) It’s been nine years since we had a sailing holiday in our trailer yacht, Quasimodo. Read More MORE

  • events

    11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption events_H-bluff-farm.webp event-kirwee.webp events-oxford.webp events_donegal-house.webp events_durham.webp events_athenree-pools2.webp events_patea-slide.webp events_patea.webp GO TO Here & there last summer Come camping AGM Saturday 10 May The AGM will be shared live via zoom with 5 venues across the country — enjoy a weekend camp at the same time. Athenree Hot Springs, Bay of Plenty. Foxton Beach School, Manawatu • Featherston School, Wairarapa • Durham Lake, Taranaki • Oxford, Canterbury. You can also join the AGM from home on zoom. Consider getting more involved in your club and being part of a fun and efficient team. Fresh faces and new ideas are welcome. AGM Camp — Taranaki Fri, 09 – 11 May, Inglewood Join the Taranaki team for the club’s 10th AGM at the wonderful Durham Lake Holiday Park. Burgers & fries available on Saturday night. Book with the park. ckw.nz/taranaki-may25 | ckw.nz/taranaki-may25-rsvp | durhamlake.co.nz AGM Camp — Athenree Hot Springs Fri, 9 – 11 May, Bay of Plenty Join us for the Club’s 10th AGM .Come for the weekend or stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Quote All Points Camping when booking. Un/powered sites. Fabulous hot pools — read more ckw.nz/9-hot-pool-safari . ckw.nz/athenree-may25 | ckw.nz/athenree-may25-rsvp | athenreehotsprings.co.nz AGM & Featherston Book Town Festival Camp Fri, 09 – 11 May, Wairarapa Enjoy the Annual Featherston Book Town Festival events and the AGM on Saturday afternoon. Self-contained vehicles.ckw.nz/featherston-may25 | ckw.nz/featherston-may25-rsvp | booktown.org.nz AGM Camp — Foxton Beach School Fri, 09 May 4 pm – 11 May 1 pm , Manawatū Join us at Foxton Beach School for our 10th AGM (Saturday afternoon). Lots to do in Foxton or explore the beach or look for the birds at the Manawatū estuary, an internationally important wetland. ckw.nz/foxton-may25 | ckw.nz/foxton-may25-rsvp | ckw.nz/manawatu-estuary-doc AGM — Oxford WM club Sat, 10 May 1 pm , Oxford, Canterbury Oxford Working Men’s Club. You can stay overnight and join us for a meal. Campers must have a toilet. ckw.nz/oxford-agm25 Bluff Farm Fri, 30 May – 2 Jun, Oxford, Canterbury Ever tried metal detecting? Come give it a go! Explore the newly walk at nearby Ashley Gorge. Oxford weekend market. All is welcome whether as a family group, on your own, a couple in a tent or a larger vehicle. Non member’s welcome. Dog friendly. Powered sites. Toilets & shower. ckw.nz/bluff-farm-may25 ckw.nz/bluff-farm-may25-rsvp Matariki weekend: Donegal House Kaikoura 19 – 22 June, Kaikōura Join Marty & Diana Ireland (Marlborough) and Linda & Martin Butler (Canterbury) to celebrate Matariki. 15 min out of Kaikoura with alpine scenic view and historic homestead with Irish themed bar and restaurant. Book with the venue. Un/powered sites. Must be self-contained. ckw.nz/kaikoura-jun25 ckw.nz/kaikoura-jun25-rsvp ckw.nz/donegal-book Matariki Winter Festival, Featherston Fri, 20 4pm – 22 Jun 3 pm , Wairarapa Enjoy midwinter camping at Featherston in South Wairarapa. Enjoy dark skies and local events including the Greytown mid-Winter Christmas Festival. Self-contained vehicles only. ckw.nz/featherston-jun25 ckw.nz/featherston-jun25-rsvp Canterbury Mid Winter Dinner Sat, 19 Jul, 6 pm , Kirwee, Canterbury Join us as we feast together at the popular country restaurant, Thirsty Acres. Come for the dinner, stay for a night or two. Campers must have a toilet. RSVP by phone is essential. ckw.nz/kirwee n For the latest camps allpointscampingnz.org/eventsckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Parking for larger vehicles.Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the stores. Wellington differs each month, so watch for us on facebook: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events GET THE LATEST ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 38

bottom of page