9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Steampunk HQ ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk gates ©2024 Margaret Earle Harbour Street ©2024 Margaret Earle In the machine ©2024 Margaret Earle In another machine The gusty wind on Saturday created several costume challenges. I gave up on my wig after less than a minute and spent much of the day clutching or chasing my hat — I hadn’t realised how aerodynamic it is. ©2024 Graham Leslie Mechanical botanical This year’s theme for the festival was ‘mechanical botanical’. ©2024 Margaret Earle Mechanical botanical parade ©2024 Margaret Earle Tea dwelling ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk HQ ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames St the Sunday market ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Kids activities at the Sunday market ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Waiting for the Saturday morning parade to start. ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Saturday morning parade ©2023 Margaret Earle A chance to get dressed up and have some have fun. Steampunk— from north to south and back again Margaret Earle “What is Steampunk?” asked the woman I was chatting with on the verge of State Highway 1 south of Ashburton. We’d been waiting in a queue at roadworks for nearly an hour and so had got out of our cars to stretch our legs. While I was trying to think of a suitable answer, my partner Graham succinctly said, “It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun”. A more precise description is “Steampunk is a quirky and fun genre of science fiction. It is often set in an alternate, futuristic version of 19th century Victorian England steam powered devices — the ‘world gone mad’ as Victorian people may have imagined.” Two New Zealand towns hold annual Steampunk festivals. Oamaru is known as the ‘Steampunk Capital of the World’ and has been the hub of Steampunk activities for about 15 years. This includes a festival over King’s Birthday weekend. The town of Thames in the Coromandel has also embraced the Steampunk genre and holds its Steampunk festival in November. Graham and I first went to Steampunk the Thames in 2018 when we saw it as a camping event on the All Points calendar. We put together really basic costumes, turned up and had a fun time. We have been to the Thames festival several times since and each year have added new things into our growing assortment of Steampunk costumes. This year was the first time we had ventured south to Steampunk in Oamaru. The fact that it is held in the middle of winter tended to put us off. But this year we had a family event in Dunedin around the same time, so it seemed like the ideal time to put our virtual toes in icy water and work out how to make our Steampunk costumes warm enough for June in Oamaru. We were lucky with the weather in Oamaru; it was very mild. However, the gusty wind on Saturday created several costume challenges. I gave up on my wig after less than a minute and spent much of the day clutching or chasing my hat — I hadn’t realised how aerodynamic it is. The other Steampunkers in Oamaru were friendly and made us feel welcome. This year’s theme for the festival was ‘mechanical botanical’. There were some inspired costumes depicting this theme in ingenious ways. During the festival there were a range of paid evening events and also free activities, a market and a parade on the Saturday morning. Going to a Steampunk weekend is fun even if you don’t dress up and join in. But dressing up makes it much more fun. You can put together a very basic costume — a hat you’ve bought from a second-hand shop with a pair of steampunk goggles and some dress up clothes. You can then add to this for future events. Going to a Steampunk weekend without a costume is a bit like going to the beach without your togs: You can have fun, but you don’t get to join in the swimming. Steampunk the Thames We are planning to head north in November for this year’s Steampunk the Thames. This is being held from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 November. Steampunk the Thames All Points Camping has arranged to use Thames Sea Scouts as a campsite for the weekend. This site is suitable for all forms of camping. There is grassy space for tents, room for camping vehicles, a toilet, shower and kitchen as well as hall space. However, the camping area is not extensive, so it you want to join us at this event it is important that you RSVP in advance at rsvp: ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-rsvp about the event: ckw.nz/steampunk-thames ◼️ Images ©2024 Margaret Earle Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 5

Articles from summer campers around New Zealand. Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX CELEBRATING SUMMER Celebrating Summer Six pages of stories from around the country and the season. Read More We made it to Curio Bay Well we made it to Curio Bay on Monday afternoon, after an 8¾ hour drive. Read More The dogs had visitors The dogs had visitors at Knottingly Park and Arboretum camp. Read More Foray into paradise I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is. Read More I could live like this forever I could live like this forever. Read More Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Read More Not FREE but truly freedom at its best SH 35 is a magical journey. Put it on your list. Read More Love Woodville Ferry Reserve Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. Read More Hammock time Hammock time, Tokomaru Bay Read More So thankful After 21 days #vanlife freedom camping… Read More In two minds In two minds about posting this as it was so wonderful to have had it all to ourselves (the way I like it this side of Xmas!) for 3 nights! But its such a cool place I can’t not share and recommend it. Read More Enjoying the shade Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. Read More Peaceful Fortrose A beautiful peaceful place, Fortrose, in The Catlins. Read More Escape to Papatowai After the chaos of Christmas our frazzled nerves needed restoring. We threw a few supplies into the campervan and headed for the healing calm of Papatowai. Read More Eclectic bunch What an eclectic bunch of lovely people camping all sorts of ways. Read More A lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau I’ve just had a lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau in my little Wanda. Read More We had a great stay at Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. Read More Family camping… part of my DNA Family camping… part of my DNA for 60 years. Read More Two nights (again) at our local reserve Two nights (again) at our local reserve… Waitohi Bush Reserve … great place to just unwind and listen to the bellbirds. Read More Home for the next few weeks Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Read More A small, perfectly formed bikepacking trip Haven’t done a huge amount of biking this summer, but sometimes all it takes is a small, perfectly formed bikepacking trip to rekindle the love. Read More 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 More Haere ra Haere rā everyone. Shame we can’t stay longer. Read More 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 More Christmas at Lake Aniwhenua Christmas at Lake Aniwhenua, with 6 others, all old friends from around the North Island Read More

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Summer 2024 Select which topic to show ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes Read More Double-digit highways SH32, SH45, SH60: Do you know them? Read More 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. Read More 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. Read More SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman SH60 begins in Richmond, travels through Motueka and Takaka and ends after 117km at Collingwood. Read More Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Read More We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Well. There we were. Bogged. Read More And people wonder why I like camping And people wonder why I like camping. Read More Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Read More What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Read More Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Read More Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Read More NIWA summer forecast Warmer than average; more days over 25°C; more dry spells… Read More 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. Read More 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. 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 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. Read More 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. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Check your card against these, to see whether you can still freedom camp. Read More 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 Read More 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. Read More Sunday morning caravan Lego Sunday morning caravan Lego with our boys, Eddie and Boston. Read More 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! Read More Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Camping the Kiwi Way, 1, Spring 2022 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Contribute About Come camping Stop and Stay 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 TIPS for the cold Spring still sends cold weather our way. Consider these winter tips, and don’t be daunted. Read More TIPS: Weekending Making the most of short trips Read More Roady: The new App on the block The Roady App gives you access to local travel knowledge and makes it easy to plan epic New Zealand trips. Read More Whakamaru There are some great freedom camping spots around Whakamaru. Read More Getting the internet on the road There are two ways to get on the internet while on the road: with your mobile phone or with mobile broadband. Read More A teardrop camper My little teardrop started life in 2016 as an idea to have something I could use to get away and recharge myself. Read More Do you know what you want in a caravan — or are you just winging it? What we thought we wanted soon changed as we sat in and viewed a number of vans over about 3 months. Read More The Caravan & Motorhome Book Understanding your rv: Australian Collyn Rivers has travelled in a wide range of different sorts of RVs and learned in real life. Read More DOC and its Campsite Pass There is a 30-day pass or a 365-day pass, that covers most DOC campsites. Read More Sleeping with the sandflies: Lake Monowai Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped. Read More Spring 2022 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 1 BUY PDF INDEX MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2023 Select which topics to show ISSUE 3 BUY PDF INDEX 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 Pipiriki Eight days so far; 1300km in the car plus 216km on the mountain bike, and 45 days to go. Read More Why do I love camping so much? For me it's not the destination Read More Bulls: heading to CAMPFEST Where to stay if you are heading to or from Bulls. For CAMP FEST, or just to visit Bulls. Read More Camping and exploring in the Rangitikei Rangatikei spreads from the western white sand beaches through river escarpment up to the Central Plateau.
It is fed by two major State Highways, SH1 and SH3, three major river systems and part of Te Araroa — New Zealand’s Trail. Read More Want NZ? See Westport Want NZ? See Westport Read More SOG®: Fresh air in your toilet With an electrically powered ventilator, SOG removes odours coming from the toilet eliminating the need for toilet chemicals. Read More A great two weeks at Waihora Domain It was a great two weeks at Waihora Domain in Motukarara. Linda Butler. Read More Mavis at the Pahoia Beach Park Here's Mavis hosting the family at Pahoia Beach Park. A must visit place for animal lovers. Bay of Plenty. Cheine Matheson Read More The new Driftaway camping ground The new Driftaway camping ground at Frankton in Queenstown. I have stayed in a car, and in a tent. Dogs are welcome. There are bbqs, a playground, breathtaking views, swimming in the lake and a hot tub for adults. Read More South Arm, Lake Manapouri South Arm, Lake Manapouri, in March. DOC. Tony Kissel Read More 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 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

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

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 13, Spring Summer 2025 Editorial > Come Camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Lake Ohau, home for the next week. ©2025 Tony Kissel Table of contents ISSUE 13 Read As the seasons change Read A short trip to some big country — Route 52 Read Road trip for a mid-winter meal Read Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Read The hospital visit for my bus Read Water water everywhere Read A simple camp shower Read Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours Read Lightning risk in RVs Read On maintenance Read Travels around the South Island Read No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 Read Buyer beware update: We won! Read Butcher’s Pool Read Windy Pack Down Tips Read Campfest South Island Read It’s not always sunshine & roses Read DOC Update Read Recipes on the road Read The camping train departs 3 March 2026 Read Te Puna Quarry in spring Read Stop and Stay Read Athenree hot springs and campground Read Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount Read Omokoroa Domain Read Harrison Cut, Papamoa Read Uretara Domain Read Mid winter dinner Canterbury Read First aid practice at camp! Read Coffee morning Katikati Read Come Camping Read Emergency links on the road Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Love spring road trips Read I was going to walk to the end of the valley Read On a wild beach Read Four of us went camping. Read Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Read Home for the next week Read Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo in August Read Editorial Read Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Read All Points Camping Councils & Government Read Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Read Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Read Omokoroa Domain Read Harrison Cut, Papamoa Read Uretara Domain Read Emergency links on the road Read Buyer beware update: We won! Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Self-containment & Freedom Camping Read Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Read Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Read Omokoroa Domain Read Harrison Cut, Papamoa Read Uretara Domain Read Emergency links on the road Read Buyer beware update: We won! Read Getting your camping vehicle certified

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2024 Choose which topics to show ISSUE 7 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 7, Autumn 2024 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Coddiwompling ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More The packdown In our previous years, we could never pack down in time and were always hot and bothered by the end. This year, we nailed it with time to spare! Read More Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope for a consistent, reliable freedom camping vehicle certification system, reveals an extremely stormy and very cloudy future. Read More Celebrating Summer Six pages of stories from around the country and the season. Read More We made it to Curio Bay Well we made it to Curio Bay on Monday afternoon, after an 8¾ hour drive. Read More The dogs had visitors The dogs had visitors at Knottingly Park and Arboretum camp. Read More Foray into paradise I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? What you can do with your particular warrant card. Read More Tucks Bay, Coramandel Home for the night became Tucks Bay, the overflow part of the Long Bay Campground, Coromandel Read More I could live like this forever I could live like this forever. Read More Three adults, three kids & five dogs We settled on Lake Opuha for our latest trip. Read More Not FREE but truly freedom at its best SH 35 is a magical journey. Put it on your list. Read More Love Woodville Ferry Reserve Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. Read More So you want to freedom camp We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25. There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period: it could help, with so many needing to be certified by so few. Read More Hammock time Hammock time, Tokomaru Bay Read More So thankful After 21 days #vanlife freedom camping… Read More In two minds In two minds about posting this as it was so wonderful to have had it all to ourselves (the way I like it this side of Xmas!) for 3 nights! But its such a cool place I can’t not share and recommend it. Read More Enjoying the shade Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. Read More Peaceful Fortrose A beautiful peaceful place, Fortrose, in The Catlins. Read More What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? Self-containment is at the heart of the the latest raft of freedom camping changes instituted in 2023. Read More The life and times of a Ford Trader Camper truck The original camper truck in 1973 was aFord Trader . Read More Setting up at Campfest Setting up at Campfest, Bulls, Feb 24. ©2024 Tracey Davis. Read More Escape to Papatowai After the chaos of Christmas our frazzled nerves needed restoring. We threw a few supplies into the campervan and headed for the healing calm of Papatowai. Read More Eclectic bunch What an eclectic bunch of lovely people camping all sorts of ways. Read More A lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau I’ve just had a lovely long weekend away at Lake Ōhau in my little Wanda. Read More Enforcement of freedom camping rules Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, Knowing or not knowing you have been ‘infringed’. What information must enforcement officers give? What information are you required to give? You can be required to leave. Impounding things. Read More We had a great stay at Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. Read More Family camping… part of my DNA Family camping… part of my DNA for 60 years. Read More Two nights (again) at our local reserve Two nights (again) at our local reserve… Waitohi Bush Reserve … great place to just unwind and listen to the bellbirds. Read More Home for the next few weeks Ruataniwha Conservation Park. 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

Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Index ISSUE 6 Camping the Kiwi Way, 6, Summer 2023 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Camp oven. ©2023 M Richardson Next Self-containment certification: Which one is yours? Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles Next Labour weekend at Mangawhai Next What to do? With the new self-containment system in disarray, what do you do with your new build, conversion or upgrade? Four choices. Next The freedom camping law needs to change Seven things to fix • Use the current standard. • Remove the fixed toilet fetish. • Remove the offence “preparing to freedom camp” — who can determine intentions? • Make the delivery of offence notices fair. • Remove the revised definition of homelessness. • Ensure adequate facilities for all travellers. • Differentiate between citizens and tourists. Next Well worth the walk Wharariki Beach is a wild, magnificent, and windswept long sandy beach, home of the Archway Islands, and can be found at the northernmost point of the South Island — west of Cape Farewell Next Teardrop camping Teardrop camping Next Mavis and all her DIY It all started with needing a new roof hatch… well not exactly needing, but more a case of wanting. Out with the old and in with the new. Next You have to be here… We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled. Next Who is advocating for New Zealanders who go camping? Three national groups speak on behalf of NZ campers: the All Points Camping Club of NZ, the NZMCA, and the Responsible Campers Association Next Biking the Waikato River Trails Here’s the exciting opportunities for your stay and cycle journey on the Waikato River Trails. Next Dehydrated dinners Initially I bought a dehydrator to make fruit snacks for tramping. Over time, friends inspired me to use my dehydrator to make pre-cooked dinners. Next There’s no need to rush this Summer. Is it better on the other side? The new self-containment regulations that the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board are trying to implement have more bumps, twists and turns than the North Island Saddle Road. Next Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Next Fire blankets Fire blankets are useful for covering cooking related fires, and for wrapping around a person to smother a clothing fire. Next Lithium-ion battery safety Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere, from e-bikes & vapes and power tools. They are light, compact, and long-lasting, but can be a fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of. Next LiFePO4 are a safe choice for a motorhome or caravan Phosphate-based batteries, like lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, offer a superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Next The best medicine Sometimes the best medicine you need is going somewhere with no phone signal so you can spend the whole day just giving each other shit. Next Electrical warrant of fitness certifications Well the holiday season is almost upon us and nearly here, and everyone will be getting their caravans, motorhomes and boats checked to make sure everything is operational. Next Van tour of the op shops We love freedom camping, and great charity recycle shops. My vintage-clothes-obsessed daughter and I did a wee roadie and filled her with treasures (lower North Island). Next Bus Porn at Winter Woodie Bus Porn at Winter Woodie, Woodville, June. Next RV Fridge Basics Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. This article covers the basics. Next NZers go everywhere to camp This trip is the adventure I’ve dreamed of my whole life. Something different that will challenge me and possibly the closest I can get to Timbuktu for now, so I’m super excited. Next The worst part about going camping is coming home! Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people. Next Ten tips for a successful family camping trip If you’re preparing to head off on your Summer family camping trip, whether it’s a short trip or a long trip, we’ve put together 10 tips to make your trip just that bit smoother. Next Car journeys with kids No matter the age of your children, there’s always the car journey and the inevitable “are we there yet?” and “how much longer?” Next Sunday morning flag raising Sunday morning flag raising The Bay of Plenty family camp at Paengaroa. Next 8 days a week and 8 years to celebrate On the 31 December 2023 our inclusive, national camping club will be 8 years old. The All Points Camping Club was officially launched 31 December 2015. It’s been a journey and a half. Next NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification authority With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry Next Fishing Fishing. Next View More