10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing No consistency. No fair control of freedom camping. Freedom camping news Bette Cosgrove Councils Many councils don’t have a bylaw, most can’t afford to enforce freedom camping laws or bylaws, and many can barely respond to complaints about freedom campers. Some have decided not to enforce the national law and have no local bylaw. Councils that DO have a bylaw are in the throes of revisiting them, as they must conform to the changed law by June next year! Whakamaru Queenstown, which had the strictest prohibitions on freedom campers in NZ and spent the most $$$ on enforcing them, now has no bylaw at all, since the High Court has declared their existing bylaw is invalid. Now they’ve got no income from fines and no more government funds to manage freedom camping, and a new bylaw to create, and might yet have to refund the fines imposed under their invalid bylaw. Ratepayers are pushing and scrambling to get councils to restrict freedom camping even more and there’s no more government / MBIE transition funding left to support local authorities to monitor their sites this summer. Vehicles Hire companies only have until Dec 7th to get the new green warrants for all their vehicles, an impossible task, given the slow and inadequate implementation of the new standards, and we are hearing their distress in the media as the deadline races towards them. The system set up by both the law and the Plumbers and Gas Fitters Board (PGDB) is not fit for the purpose of this transition period when so many vehicles require certification in a limited time. (Time will tell if it is fit for its ongoing purpose after the transition rush is over.) In the first 11 months only 6,000 green warrants have been issued overall (11/24), with so many commercial vehicles needing it and a conservative minimum of 75,000 vehicles (more likely 120,000) in NZ overall. The transition period, as people move from the old blue warrants to the new green warrants, is due to expire 6 June ’25. Minister Doocey has the power, and is considering a time extension for non-commercial camping vehicles. MBIE has consulted the public on whether or how much to extend the time (up to 2 years). (The law does not allow any time extension for hire companies.) NZMCA has over 120,000 members who get certification inspections for free. Those who wish to freedom camp (green warrant) need to pay only the government levy (there’s a different coloured warrant for those members who do not wish to freedom camp). Fixing toilets in campers Easy solutions and new affordable products are being invented in NZ to help campers permanently fix their toilets to their vehicles so they can pass the new laws and carry on camping. A vocal few, including some inspectors, are trashing some of these innovative ideas. Campers Domestic tourist freedom campers are getting angry.With 120,000 or more camping vehicles that is as many as 200,000 angry people. DOC and commercial campgrounds are nearly fully booked for the summer period in popular places, putting greater pressure on freedom camping sites. Freedom camping in Reefton, West Coast NZMCA has taken up leases on two public campgrounds in Northland. How (and whether) they manage these for the benefit of the camping public or just for the benefit of their members is a worry, particularly for those who do not camp in vehicles. NZMCA have an extensive portfolio of low-cost parks around the country for their members. Leasing exisiting parks is one way for them to extend into new areas, which becomes an issue if they disadvantage the non-member public campers, and non-vehicle campers. There are still a lot of upset regular freedom campers and permanent vehicle dwellers claiming homelessness in order to be exempt from the freedom camping law. No freedom camping laws or restrictions apply to the homeless who live in their vehicle. Overall 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. It is going to be a crazy camping summer, I suspect. ◊ Reefton freedom camping, West Coast. ©2023 M Richardson Whakamaru, Waikato ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 10

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing the beautiful coast between Kaikōura and Blenheim STOP and STAY King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu Marty Ireland Weather was a blustery nor-west but warm to set up in. A wee meet and chat was had before a pleasant sunset. We were 2 local Marlborough All Points Camping members and a traveling Dunedin member enjoying the Kekerengu camp on the beautiful coast between Kaikōura and Blenheim. The camp was not very full so amenities and spots were not under any pressure. There were stars out on Saturday night, but Sunday dawned overcast with a cool breeze. Another member arrived to join us for lunch and a home-made spirit tasting. A drive into the back valley was taken later in the afternoon and some tasty treats at the store were enjoyed. Sunday night was again stars, Monday however dawned cool and overcast for the pack up; a return home for some, and continuing journey for others. Photos ©2024 Marty Ireland Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 19

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing share the pleasures of camping far and wide A summer of content: editorial Miriam Richardson While we travel in a country beset by discontent, we can lift our eyes to the hills, and see the enduring beauty and majesty of the country we live in. The long view. Someone asked why the free places don’t look as wonderful as the photos she had seen, and the answer is we choose where to look, where to snap, and what to share. A nondescript bit of land— scrubby plants, struggling to survive, and rabbit holes. We aren’t blind to the rough, but we focus elsewhere. We might be parked in a line-up of other campers, but we can still look to the hills, the lake, the sea, the clouds or the magnificent night sky ( aurora , what is out there ). Our new freedom camping laws are a dog’s breakfast; plenty of scope for discontent. But unless (or until) there is an opportunity to take positive action, we can feast our eyes on those hills and skies and share the pleasures of camping far and wide. ◊ Tiaki mai, tiaki atu, Miriam Richardson, Editor The Lindis Crossing freedom camping spot, Central Otago is a very nondescript bit of land — rabbit holes, weeds, scrubby plants struggling to survive. But behind are those magnificent hills. The fabulous dusk sky. Images: ©2024 Miriam Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 4

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing gale force winds and 30mm rain First time out with my new tent Tony Kissel First time out with my new tent, a retirement present to myself. So far I’ve had gale force winds and 30mm rain in the last 24 hours, no problems whatsoever. The stream is still in spate so I think tramping is off the cards; I’ll sit in the sun with a good book. September. Temple Stream, Hopkins Valley, near Lake Ōhau. The tent is the Zempire Pro TL v2 (with the optional ‘pram cover’ for the front). ◊ ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 13

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Thermettes in the morning are a great way heat water for coffee and start a toast. ©2025 Graham Leslie Thermettes in the morning are a great way heat water for coffee and start a toast. ©2025 Graham Leslie How to use a thermette GO TO Here & there last summer a great way to boil water and an \easy way to start a fire 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. A thermette is not only a great way to boil water, but it is also a really easy way to start a fire. A thermette is essentially a kettle with a chimney up the middle of it. The advantage is its internal cone chimney shape makes a natural heat updraft to promote the starting of a fire and also it quickly heats the water in the thermette. To use your thermette Stuff some scrunched up newspaper in the separate base compartment that comes with the thermette. Orientate the side vent of the base to catch the breeze. Place the water-filled thermette on top of the base. Drop twigs down the thermette’s chimney and light it. Add more twigs as they burn. This is the easiest way to light a fire in the morning. Once the thermette water boils (indicated by boiling water bubbling out the filler hole) lift the thermette off its base and away from the fire. Lift the base away with a stick leaving a small fire to use to make toast. Add some more wood to your fire as required and if you have a rack (maybe an old oven rack) balance it over the fire on three or four rocks and you are ready to place your bread on the rack to make toast while you enjoy your first coffee of the day. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 25

1 Spring 2022 Business services Up Editor Any relevant business can list here; it is free. Anyone can recommend a business to add to the list. No endorsement is implied. North Island RV and Camper Business Services South Island RV and Camper Business Services These listings are maintained by NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd. To list your business make a recommendation make a correction or alert them to an error, please email admin@nzlifestylecamping.com Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS 1/0

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Northland fire map Northland fire map Fire map on the website. GO TO Here & there last summer The rules are different Before you light a fire DOC & NIWA Be aware of the risks of fires in forests, parks and rural areas. The rules are different in these areas compared to living and working in town. ckw.nz/fire-recreational Up-to-date weather observations and forecasts help you determine fire danger and safe behaviour. Check fireweather: fireweather.niwa.co.nz (Shown, below: Northland , 12 Mar) Keep a full bucket of water handy, as well as a fire extinguisher, if you light a fire. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 25

1 Spring 2022 Table of contents, Spring, issue 1 Up Editor 2 What makes a great and safe freedom camping space? 4 Let‘s go camping: Editorial 5 Cycle touring: Canterbury to Southland ( p28 for the how to ) 7 Te Rātā Bay, Lake Tarawera 8 Piano Flat 9 The controversial Nash Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill 9 The big picture on the proposed changes for freedom camping 12 Time to have your say on the controversial bill 12 My 2 cents on the Nash proposals 13 Make a difference: Let‘s change the narrative 13 Sleeping with the sandflies: Lake Monowai 14 The Caravan & Motorhome Book 14 TIPS: Weekending 15 Travelling the world on a motorcycle 15 TIPS for the cold 17 Do you know what you want in a caravan? 18 A NI freedom-camping adventure 21 Lake Camp — freedom camp 23 Getting the internet on the road 24 A teardrop camper 25 A trifecta in Hauraki 26 News from clubs and groups 27 Clubs & groups: we profile two 28 Crossword 28 Thinking of Cycle touring? Tips 29 Stop and Stay: we profile two 30 Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 30 TIPS Camping with preschoolers 31 Events 32 Roady: The new app on the block 33 RV & Camper business services 39 South Island: RV & Camper business services Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS 1/2

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Rotorua-bike-1_w_m.webp Ready for tomorrow’s ride Andrew Morton 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 Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 35

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The Roady App Create your bucket lists and tick them off. Roady: The new App on the block Roady The Roady App gives you access to local travel knowledge and makes it easy to plan epic New Zealand trips. Discover NZ’s best things to do, create bucket lists and tick off experiences as you travel the country. PHOTO: ©2022 Roady Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 32

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Explore the far flung, out-of-the-way places this summer Editorial: A long hot summer Miriam Richardson As we move towards summer the cabbage trees are in full and generous flower, the sign of a long hot summer to come, I am told. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to get out and enjoy our country. Take the kids or the grand-kids with you (see Freedom Camping, 1964 ). Try out all the freedom camping spots along your way, spend a night or two at a motor camp while you explore the area. Have a dip in the sea or the river.Explore the far-flung and out of the way places. After these years of turmoil, make the most of this summer break. Our horizon has some troubling clouds. Freedom camping is under threat, rocketing fuel prices make the miles more expensive, climate excesses are taking out roads, and there is some question if all of them can be reinstated, particularly in the more remote places. So this summer: get out there and enjoy it . A very beautiful country is right on our doorstep. Waiting for us. This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 4

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption It’s a very looooong flat beach. Long. Flat. ©2024 M Richardson The Farewell Spit The inside of the spit The 4wd bus started on the inside of the spit, skirting inner mudflats. ©2024 M Richardson The inside of the spit The 4wd bus started on the inside of the spit, skirting inner mudflats. ©2024 M Richardson A winding track across the spine of the spit to our first stop on the outer side. ©2024 M Richardson The 4WD really matters on the dunes and the beach. Coming out on the otherside of the spit. ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson Nikau palms that thrive in this microclimate ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson Unstuck The sand defeated the 4WD: we had to get out and push to get back on our way. ©2024 M Richardson It’s a long flat beach. 
 Long. Flat. ©2024 M Richardson Birds. Most of the resident birds decamp to the northern hemisphere for our winter. ©2024 M Richardson Dunes. ©2024 M Richardson The lighthouse; there in the distance; the orange dot. ©2024 M Richardson Heading from the beach to the lighthouse. ©2024 M Richardson A lighthouse and a lighthouse keepers’ house ©2024 M Richardson From the lighthouse ©2024 M Richardson Another light house keepers’ house The light house keepers’ houses are still there. ©2024 M Richardson A lot of green A lot of grass and green from that original garden effort. ©2024 M Richardson Heading back we got to stop and climb a sand dune. ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson It’s a very looooong flat beach A winter day on Farewell Spit Miriam Richardson 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. The spit is 25km long, and a highly protected area. Only the first 4km is open for public access. It’s a world-recognised bird sanctuary for about 90 species, though most birds decamp to the northern hemisphere for our winter. There’s the long beach on the outer side, high dunes along its spine, and shifting swamps and lakes on the inward side. I imagine it is not just the variety of habitat that is good for the birds, but the lack of people, dogs and other predators. The 4wd bus started on the inside of the spit, skirting inner mudflats, until turning down… a winding track across the spine of the spit to our first stop on the outer side. The 4WD really matters on the dunes and the beach. We got to explore the rock formations and admire the nikau palms that thrive in this microclimate. This beach is open to the public, but you have to walk there. The sand defeated the 4WD: we had to get out and push to get back on our way. It’s a long flat beach. Long. Flat. Birds. Dunes. The lighthouse; there in the distance; the orange dot. The spit got its first lighthouse in 1870. There is still a light house, but it is now automated. The light house keepers’ houses are still there, we had our lunch in one, and conservation workers stay in the others. One of the early lighthouse keepers carried out soil, bag by bag, to create his garden. Macrocarpa and pine were the windbreak tree of choice. A lot of grass and green from that original garden effort. Heading back we got to stop and climb a sand dune. From the top of the sand dune you can see the swamp and lakes on the inner side of the spit, and beyond to the hills on the other side of Golden Bay, around Port Tarakohe. It was a long way back down to the bus. Then it is a long and flat drive again, following our earlier wheel tracks to be sure to avoid any quick or soft sand. Our finale took us westwards, to Cape Farewell. Collingwood campground Then we returned to base in Collingwood, where I had a prime spot at the campground: a winter bonus. ◼️ Images ©2024 Miriam Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 17