winter-2025 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Self-contained- blue-H.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE If you want to freedom camp.... Self-containment warrant cards Which warrant cards are valid? Certified Blue before 6/23, any toilet OK to freedom camp on public land† until 7 June 2026 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blue before 6/24, fixed toilet OK to freedom camp on public land† until 7 June 2026 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blue portable toilet You may not freedom camp on public land. Certified Green (fixed toilet only) OK to freedom camp on public land†. All cards are valid on private or commercial properties, crown land that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled, club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made, unless they choose otherwise. † What is ‘public land’? Land managed by district and local councils. Can include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. Currently LINZ has 5 FC areas and the new law applies. The new law applies to DOC sites that require self-containment. The government has extended their transition period: some blue warrant cards will be acceptable until 7 June 2026. Check above to see if your warrant card holds good for freedom camping. ckw.nz/linz ckw.nz/doc-csc Get your vehicle self-contained Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 2

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Editorial: The good news Miriam Richardson Up The really good news came from the Westland District Council in January this year. In their peak Christmas/New Year season, there were about 170,000 camper-nights in their region, and only 47 infringements issued (0.03%). Small towns can take heart, as they welcome freedom campers to their area. Most campers are able to contain their rubbish and all waste products for 3 days and are able to stay and leave no trace (cycle campers and some car campers will plan their route around public toilets). We use to call this ability to contain waste ‘self-containment’ but we need a new word now our parliament has decided a toilet screwed to the floor is a necessary part of ‘self-containment’. Keeping the focus on leaving no trace, ‘tiaki — care for New Zealand’, is the way forward for small towns, campers of all kinds, and for regional and district councils, as they consider how to welcome visitors to their areas. Self containment changes in brief This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping . Up Up Until Jun 6 2023 we called the ability to contain your waste for 3 days ‘self-containment.’ 1/1 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption SI-cara_H_tekapo_150023-2.webp SI-cara-frankie-WA0003.jpg SI-cara-stclair_111140.jpg SI-cara-buthchers_150547.jpg SI-cara-butchers_145402.jpg SI-cara-Patch_103858.webp SI-cara-wanaka_WA0005.jpg SI-cara-wanaka_101405.jpg SI-cara-tekapo_150023-2.jpg SI-cara-tekapo_173510.jpg SI-cara-hawea_143338.webp SI-cara-hawea_143414.jpg SI-cara-aoraki-1.jpg SI-cara-aoraki-2.jpg SI-cara-benmore_144935.jpg SI-cara-benmore_135801.jpg SI-cara-benmore_140250.webp SI-cara-benmore_142523.webp SI-cara-benmore_115659.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there April is a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape. South Island caravan adventure Rose Campbell We set off on a radiantly sunny day in late March for our two week trip down south. The trip was timed to celebrate a birthday, visit family and friends, and to have some biking, hiking and kayaking adventures. Once the BaseCamp was packed, the gas bottle filled, and the kayaks and bikes loaded— Steve and I were on our way from the port hills of Nelson to the start point of our journey. Luckily we made it to the Top 10 campground in Hanmer by 5pm, just in time to set up camp before the rain started. In no time we were soaking in the hot springs and enjoying the feeling that our holiday was underway at last! Frankie, the Lagotto, who at the ripe old age of 13 is valiantly managing arthritis and failing joints, aided by a truckload of meds. St Clair Beach, Dunedin Dunedin Day 2 of our trip was a long haul all the way from Hanmer to Dunedin where we set up camp at the Dunedin Holiday Park and enjoyed one day of warmth and sunshine and some outdoor fun with family. The cold southerly blast suddenly hit the next day, on the dot of 9am, lowering the temperature by several degrees, and reminding us that we were in a direct line with the Antarctic weather system. Despite the weather, it was a fun few days camping out by St Clair beach, with Dunedin Arts Festival events to keep us entertained in the evenings, and some excellent food at nearby cafes. We highly recommend the Italian pizza at Esplanade right on St Clair beach (above), and Thai food at Spirit House, just a few doors along — both with an immediate connection to the surf rolling in on the beach below, through their front windows — and both offering imaginative vegetarian options on their menus. W ā naka Day 5. Keeping a close eye on weather reports we stocked up on supplies, and headed over to Wānaka next where we were lucky to be able to set up camp with friends at Albert Town. This was a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape, with the glow of autumnal colours, and the deep, glassy stillness of the lake for our kayaking expeditions. Highlights included a paddle down from Dublin Bay to the Stevensons Arm of the lake, in pristine conditions (above), followed the next day by a trip out on the lake from Glendhu Bay around Roys Peninsula. The next day the weather forecast was spot on, and the strong winds determined that riding the bike trail was the best option. It was an exhilarating ride all the way from Albert Town, down the bike trail along the Clutha River, and then a gentle pedal around the lake front, with coffee stops along the way. From there the single trail track leads you up around the cliffs all the way around to Glendhu Bay. The timing was perfect — the rain hit just as the bike was loaded onto the ute and we headed into Wānaka to get the best ever Indian street food from the Delhi Hutt Food Truck in the industrial area around the back of the township. The food is prepared by the most inspiring young couple who work tirelessly in an impossibly tiny kitchen to produce their take-out deliciousness. By the time we had sat under their umbrella and enjoyed a mango lassi while they cooked and chatted, the rain subsided, and in no time we were down at the lake edge enjoying our picnic in the last of the sun on a blanket on the edge of the sand. We had hoped with the arrival of the windy conditions that we would get out on the lake the next evening for some sailing, however it was in fact so windy that we had to sit in the pub instead and just talk about what fun it might have been. We had some really memorable meals with friends during our stay, including Taco Tuesday at Amigos in Wānaka, followed by a drive over to Arrowtown the next evening to the Fork and Tap to enjoy a heartwarming Irish music jam session with some seriously good local musicians who were friends of our host in Wānaka. In fact, we were spoilt for choice this week with Festival of Colour shows in the evenings, and events during the day to choose from. Patch, the springer spaniel Daily bike rides along the Clutha with Patch, the springer spaniel, were very fun, and I was delighted when he shepherded me around Deans Bank MTB track, which runs from the end of the campground as you leave town. Our host Paul had been instrumental in building the trail, which is noted for its flow and nice technical details, and Patch knew it like the back of his paw. Glimpses of the river as you weave up through the forest are spectacular, and the ride across the tussocks leads you back to the final descent into the park. After the ride you really have earned your coffee and almond croissant from Pembroke Patisserie, which is so popular there are queues at peak times. Lake Hawea The 40 minute ride along the bike track from Albert Town to Lake Hawea is a great way to enjoy the landscape (above), and I discovered Sailz café in Hawea is the perfect refuelling stop. This café serves such delicious spanakopita, that I was compelled to return the next day for another round. From Sailz the bike track is a flowy ride with just a few short hills to manoeuvre until you reach the last bay before John’s Track takes you up and around the end. The ride along the trail above the lake that day was spectacular to say the least — in perfect, sunny, calm autumn conditions. ...the sudden arrival from the sky of a surreal flying figure We cooled off with a swim in the lake, which was so cold that it took a good 15 minutes before I was finally immersed — I took the slow approach, one centimetre of skin at time. Meanwhile, Francesca, the Italian water gal was in doggy heaven as she paddled her way off into the distance, feigning deafness when we called to her. What took our breath away next though, was the sudden arrival from the sky of a surreal flying figure running towards us across the water. A paraglider from the cliffs above us, who landed dramatically on the lake and flawlessly stepped onto the beach. Followed some 10–15 minutes later by the second arrival. Not for the faint-hearted. Lake Benmore Lake Benmore The return journey was decided by the weather, with a disturbed flow of air bringing heavy rain to the West Coast, and fine weather inland. We bade farewell to our wonderful Wānaka friends and headed away collecting birthday cake treats at Tarras Country Café on our journey up to Lake Benmore (above). The trip over Lindis Pass was spectacular, and although still fine, we could feel that the cold front was on its way. We stopped at Sailors Cutting and had a look at the campground, which seemed largely populated with empty caravans. Realising that there was an exciting section of the Alps to Ocean to ride from here, we downloaded my bike, and I rode the 16kms of single track bike trail that wound its way around the cliffs of Lake Benmore (below). Its remoteness and beauty makes for a really memorable ride, but being on my own I took care not to marvel too often at the views, as the drop-offs down to the lake were breathtaking in places. Steve met me on the track high above the Benmore Dam, and by this time the wind was picking up and the weather was changing. We camped that night in the Loch Laird Campground (below), on the Waitaki River below the Benmore Dam, which was eerily deserted. While there were a number of caravans with fairy lights and clotheslines, only one other couple were in residence that night. The rain started around 7pm and then the chill. We could feel that not far away there was probably snow. Aoraki The next day was cold and wet, and we packed up camp and headed towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. And how lucky we were with the weather — the mountains had a fresh coating of snow which we could see in the distance as we drove into the Glentanner Campground. Having set up camp we headed up to the village and did a short hike up Kea Point Track which ends at a viewing deck with close-up views of Mt Sefton, the sudden roar of an avalanche reminding us of the alpine environment we were in. The next morning we were very excited to awake to see the first rays of sun creep over Aoraki/Mt Cook with the beauty of Lake Pukaki below us. We enjoyed breakfast with those most spectacular views, and then drove first thing to the village to get parking before the crowds arrived. From there we hiked up the Hooker Valley Track, before coming to the viewing point of Mueller Glacier and the first swing bridge which crosses the Hooker River. There are two more swing bridges to cross on the trail, before finally arriving at the glacier lake with amazing views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (above), the Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps. We were so fortunate to have done this walk which is now closed, as the first bridge was badly damaged in a recent storm and the track is closed for now. After returning to Glentanner for lunch we then headed to the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track which takes you up to views of the lower Haupapa/Tasman Glacier and lake and the mountains at the head of the valley. The hot showers in the lovely new facilities at Glentanner were very welcome at the end of the day. Lake Tekapo The drive the next morning as we headed out along Lake Pukaki was stunning with its glistening glacial turquoise waters stretching for miles. Heading towards Tekapo the trip was only marred by the delay due to a crash caused by an out of control camper van, which closed the road for a period of time. Fortunately there were no fatalities. We reached Tekapo Holiday Park by early afternoon, and after setting up camp, we were straight onto the water with our kayaks to make the most of the still conditions (photo p6). Back at camp, we were able to catch the last of the sun over drinks and snacks at the picnic table (above), followed by more lovely hot showers to warm us up. Hanmer Our last night on holiday was back at Hanmer Top 10 where we started the journey, with another soak in the springs to end the day, and plenty to reminisce about. We were very lucky with our trip that the weather stayed fine when we needed it, and we were able to adjust our activities and expectations according to the conditions. The South Island has so many places to discover and endless possibilities for new adventures. Needless to say, we are already planning the next trip! 🏕️ Photos ©2025 Rose Campbell & Steve Johnston Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 5

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly-frost-_H_1.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there I also have a good diesel heater and a warm dog. 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. Expected high of 3˚ today. ©2025 Heather Auckram Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 12

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption WOWSK_H_190602.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there meet other like-minded women kayakers Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) Dallas Veitch Imagine an idyllic campsite on a secluded beach. You are sipping a cold drink in your deck chair, enjoying sunset views, a pleasant ache in your arms and shoulders. Your kayak is pulled up just beyond the gently lapping waters of high tide. Welcome to the world of kayak camping! Packing up your camping gear into a kayak can let you access an enormous variety of coastline and lakeshore that most people, even in other boats, can’t reach. However, kayaking on open waters is not a proverbial stroll in the park. Specialized skills and equipment are required to navigate safely in a marine environment, and these can be difficult to acquire for many people. Women, in particular, face challenges in developing the technical and leadership abilities necessary to step out from the shadow of male paddlers and confidently lead such journeys. The Wāhine on Water Sea Kayakers collective has been recently developed to address these issues. We offer a means to meet other like-minded women kayakers, monthly online talks from speakers describing expeditions or skills such as packing for kayak camping trips, and in person events. Three weekends in Raglan, Marahau, and Dunedin will feature instruction from qualified coaches. Registration will be open shortly at wowsk.nz website. So if the idea of camping via sea kayak appeals to you but you don’t know where to start, or if you are a woman sea kayaker who wants to expand your horizons, please join our WoW SK community. 🏕️ Dallas Veitch dallas@wowsk.nz | Rose Campbell rose@wowsk.nz Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 8

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly_H_portobello-3.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 9

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly-puffer_H.webp chilly-puffer.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Plus a hottie! HUH ! Cracked it! Nick Hope It’s a pressure issue. Too cold. Turned fan on. Went for a couple of seconds, intermittent for a couple of bursts. Stopped. Bought a size 20 puffa jacket. Perfect fit for the gas bottle. Plus a hottie. Heated water to about 60°, and stuffed the water bottle in the jacket against the bottle. Whadiya know. Couple of mins later we got heat. 🏕️ Facebook comment: You’ll need something waterproof over it if you’re in the south or in a snow area. If it gets wet then freezes you wont get it off. I use waterproof synthetic horse rugs on my water and gas bottles. Been in -8° with 2 foot of snow on top: sweet as. Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 11

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly-portobello-1.jpg chilly-portobello-2.jpg chilly-portobello-3.jpg chilly-portobello-6.jpg chilly-portobello-9.jpg chilly-portobello-8.jpg chilly-portobello-7.jpg chilly-portobello-5.jpg chilly-portobello-4.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there I love Winter camping. Winter camp, Portobello, June Andrew Morton After the week of rain, we have crisp, sunny, dry days & last night, heavy frost, making my morning walk — Portobello to Broad Bay — interesting. Watched another sunrise. I love Winter camping. 🏕️ Otago Harbour. ©2025 Andrew Morton This is Winter camp 1 | Winter camp 2 Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 10

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly-onearo_H_ 2.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Taranaki STOP and STAY Just some more pics from Onearo Sally Perfect Photos ©2025 Sally Perfect Northern Taranaki, between Waitara and Urenui. Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 12

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly_H_nverc-morto.webp chilly-morton-inverc-6.jpg chilly-morton-inverc-7.jpg chilly-morton-inverc-5.jpg chilly-morton-inverc-4.jpg chilly-morton-inverc-3.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Winter camp 2 of 3 Winter camp Invercargill, July Andrew Morton I am having one winter camp each month. This is 2 of 3. This time Invercargill. Fantastic beach, sun set, awesome hard frost to wake up to. Friday it’s four years since I changed my life, getting a Retrocamper. Tomorrow night will be night 391 in my camper with many more to come. 🏕️ Winter camp 1 Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 11

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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