10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Fill in the spaces GAME: DOC campsites 4: Lower North Island Rhonda Marshall Over this and the previous three issues you can now find a total listing of 112 DOC campsites in the North Island. This issue shows the final 25 to complete the set. We will continue our journey by moving into the South Island in the Autumn issue. In the grid, fill in 13 place names from the list of DOC sites. One site will run vertically as indicated by the shading and the others fit horizontally across the grid. Army Road Atene Skyline Boielles Bucks Road Cameron Catchpool Valley Clements Clearing Corner Creek Everetts Glenfalls Holdsworth Kakapo Kiriwhakapapa Kuripapango (Ox Bow) Lake Tutira Lawrence Mangatainoka Mangatutu Hot Springs Otaki Forks Pohangina Base Putangirua Pinnacles Simpsons Domain Te Iringa Waikeri River Mouth Waiohine Gorge Solution game-issue10 .pdf Download PDF • 486KB game-issue10 .png Download PNG • 579KB Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 40

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption hospital-bus__3H.webp hospital-bus__3.webp hospital-bus__2a.webp hospital-bus__1a.webp hospital-bus__1c.webp hospital-bus__1b.webp hospital-bus__20.webp hospital-bus__4.webp hospital-bus__24.webp hospital-bus__27.webp hospital-bus__23.webp hospital-bus__30.webp GO TO as the seasons change done with the utmost care and to a very high standard The hospital visit for my bus Kelvin Watson In February 2019 I bought a 1992 Hino Rainbow motorhome. Although it was already 27 years old it was in very good condition as far as rust was concerned. But rust never sleeps. I have had to get patches fixed, but finding a panel beater willing to do the repairs was almost impossible. I kept on top of repairs as best I could, but I also knew the time was coming when major repairs were needed. Earlier this year I found Chris at Rigs’n Things in Stratford who was willing and able to do the repairs needed. The business is owned by Merv Hooper and Chris Fredrickson is the workshop manager. Both Merv and Chris are qualified coach builders so are very capable of undertaking any repairs necessary. Merv also runs RV Solar which specialises in solar and electrical solutions for recreational vehicles. 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. 28 March. The hospital visit for my bus is getting closer to discharge. Dr Chris has been working his magic and mending all the broken bits. It just needs a couple of band-aids and we will be back on the road. 1 April Woo hoo I get my discharge tomorrow. The band-aids have all been removed. The skin grafts look good. Now I just have to clean up the mess. 10 April Yesterday I got my clean bill of health for my camper. I got my COF. I have no hesitation in recommending Rigs N Things for any motorhome repairs and a bonus is they give All Points Camping members a 10% discount on their labour costs. n Photos: ©2025 rigsnthings.co.nz Home - Rigs'N Things - RV Solar Rigs’n Things & RV Solar Taranaki Rigs’n Things Ltd Taranaki We have a small and very experienced team specializing in the design and construction of small truck bodies, tipping decks, and a range of custom vehicle solutions. We are NZTA Up Up Summer 2025 , p 13

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Setting up ay Campfest, Bulls, 2024. Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system Bette Cosgrove A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope for a consistent, reliable freedom camping vehicle certification system, designed to protect our environment and keep it ‘clean and green’, reveals an extremely stormy and very cloudy future with a lot of unhappy campers, confused councils and extremely overworked , stressed vehicle inspectors. Potentially 99% of the camping vehicles currently fully certified self-contained with fixed cassette toilets will be non-compliant under the new regulations. Government and the PGDB The Minister for Tourism, Hon Matt Doocey has the power to extend the transition period (up to 2 yrs) for private vehicles certified prior to the law change. This could provide added time to review these problematic regulations. For the thousands of fleet-hire vehicles which must all be upgraded and re-certified by December ‘24, if their customers are to be eligible to freedom camp, there is no support, no extension and very little hope. The impossibility of getting the system working properly by the legislated deadlines has been signalled by the PGDB (Plumbers Board) responsible for implementing the new scheme. Given the lack of inspectors (only 29 nationwide, Feb ’24 ), there is little chance those whose self-containment expires in June this year will be able to get a new green warrant, and the law prevents them renewing their blue warrant: no more freedom camping for them. The Responsible Camping Group of the Ministry of Business, Industry and Enterprise (MBIE), is waiting for the Minister of Tourism to request that they revisit the problematic regulations. Does he know? Will he do it? If the regulations are to change, perhaps the Minister might be inclined to rescind the bizarre fixed-toilet requirement at the same time — this was a promise made by National MPs prior to the election. Being self-contained is the point (or is supposed to be). See p10. Certifiers and inspectors The major current certifier networks across Aotearoa have yet to take up the role of Certifying Authority or to train their nation-wide roster of inspectors. It will be months, well beyond June ‘24, before they can begin issuing the new green warrants. Councils: bylaws and enforcement Councils will continue to be confused and out of pocket as they are required to implement and enforce the new laws. BYLAWS: Some received funding to make bylaws. But of the 69 local authorities only 39 have published the required freedom camping bylaws and we’ve seen only half a dozen other councils starting the bylaw process. Councils who have welcoming and open policies for freedom camping but no bylaw, must now create one in order to continue to provide free camping for all. To provide space for non-self-contained campers (or those self-contained to the old standard), it must now be specifically designated in a bylaw, a lengthy, expensive process. ENFORCEMENT: Councils are now tasked with enforcing the new law, a cost to locals which may never be covered by revenue from fines. If councils choose not to enforce the new law, there will be no national consistency, a specific goal of the 2023 law changes. It’s inevitable we will continue to see clouded and confused council interpretations of the new laws. Already we’ve seen over-zealous districts trying to enforce fixed toilets ahead of time, and officers unlawfully insisting on inspecting inside vehicles. Ensuring their officers abide by the legal limits and responsibilities of enforcement is another (and urgent) task for councils. See Enforcement p12 . Is it possible? worth the cost? the hassle? There is a turbulent market ahead for fixed-toilet appliance sales. If everyone wanting self-containment must retro-fit a fixed toilet plus vent system how will they obtain these from RV suppliers? No/low stock or supply chain issues will mean tens of thousands of campers won’t get what they need, or find the tradespeople to retro-fit them, in time to meet the 2025 deadline. Both the retrofitting and the certification process is expensive and only useful for freedom camping. The blue warrants do the job for all other camping. Is it worth the effort and cost? What’s the vision for the future? Many eligible campers are likely to be unable to get the green warrants in time, and will be forced out of freedom camping, if the regulations don’t change and the new system is not delivered in the time the law sets out. This is an immensely sad loss for NZ travellers, and for the next generation, many of whom will be effectively barred from freedom camping. Only the well-off with large vehicles will be able to meet the increased cost and carry on enjoying freedom camping. The tourism industry will also be adversely affected. There will be fewer of NZ’s most lucrative tourists, those who enjoy a long slow journey around the country, who contribute more than wealthy hotel visitors who jet in and out on short stays. The cost of retrofitting will raise motorhome hire costs; much of the rental fleet may be barred from freedom camping at all. Paid campgrounds, already full at peak times, are likely to be overwhelmed by those without fixed toilets, both international and domestic. DOC sites and affordable regional sites may become overcrowded and over-used, and this could lead to a decline in the quality of the space or potentially lead to closures. The net result of these law changes is likely to be unhappy and fewer travellers and a tarnished national tourism reputation. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) GO TO Celebrating Summer The 29 inspectors would need to re-certify about 260 vehicles per working day to update already-certified vehicles by the Jun ’25 deadline: IMPOSSIBLE Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 2 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

1 Spring 2022 A Trifecta in Hauraki: The Maritime Museum, Rays Rest & Steampunk The Thames Up Gary Stoneley We always enjoy our trips to Thames and often stay at the Miranda Holiday Park for a day or two beforehand. This time, however, we spent the Monday night at The Maritime Museum at Paeroa and freedom camped at Ray’s Rest (Kaiaua) the next night. The Maritime Museum is just a few kilometres out of Paeroa, heading west and well worth a stop. Run by trustees and volunteers there has been a considerable amount of time and money put into developing the facilities. The museum is full of interesting memorabilia and volunteers have a wealth of knowledge on the early history of the district. The volunteers operate daily boat trips from the park and the trustees are developing the venue for summer concerts. This is most definitely one venue worth stopping at and for overnight camping, with on-site toilets and optional power available for a small charge. Traveling on from the museum to Rays Rest is an easy 35-minute drive and we arrived there just after midday. At the southern end of the Firth of Thames inlet, this area is rather exposed but a very picturesque location. The expansive views, sheer quantity and depth of deposited shells and variety of birdlife are serene and peaceful making it hard to leave. Just down from Ray’s rest is the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre at Miranda. This is another worthwhile stop if you are in the area, that also provides overnight accommodation. With the 2020 Steampunk event cancelled due to the pandemic, the event was rescheduled for the school holidays and the new ANZAC weekend. We made this a combined event between All Points Camping, the Bay of Plenty Caravan Club, and the South Auckland Caravan Club. Being in the first week of the school holidays we we able to camp at the Thames South School from Wednesday to Sunday. Over the 5 days, we had in excess of 35 groups join us for Steampunk fun. The Thames community went all out for the weekend events and the Saturday parade was, as always, a lot of fun. A final highlight for Bev and I on this trip was doing the tour of the Thames Goldmine which included going into the mine and seeing the amazing ‘stampers’’ and other machinery in operation. For us, it was a fantastic time away. There is something special about the history of the Thames and Coromandel area and still so much more to explore. BY: Gary Stoneley Photos: ©2022 Gary Stoneley, Miriam Richardson, The Maritime Musem, Steampunk the Thames and Thames Goldmine. 11–13 Nov 2022, Thames All Points Camping are hosting a camp for the weekend. RSVP Circuspunk 2022 Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS A fantastic time away Steampunk 2021 Ray's Rest, Kaiaua, Firth of Thames Goldmine in Thames Steampunk 2021 1/6

Our small family of 3 set up camp in a quiet and secluded paradise in the heart of Fiordland National Park BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Lake Monowai campsite Kayla Laatz, Mountain Mamas NZ Our small family of 3 set up camp in a quiet and secluded paradise in the heart of Fiordland National Park. We picked Fiordland because it offers so many opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, hunting and nature walks too. The best part though? This no-cost campsite is open to all non-self-contained campers, making it super accessible and affordable for us to visit. Not surprisingly, this spot fills up fast in the summer months. It’s first come first served to stay overnight here and there’s only enough room for about 10 groups of tent campers maximum. Campervans squeeze into a small gravel area that might fit 4 vehicles at most. The campsites themselves are spread out under the forest canopy directly beside the east shore of the lake. A boat ramp, fire pits, picnic tables, long drop toilets, a walking track and a small dam are all just mere steps away. Nearby signs let us know that this is a popular spot to fish for brown and rainbow trout too. Talk about having everything you need within close walking distance.From our tent site, a tiny path through the trees led us directly to the shore of Lake Monowai. It was shallow and covered in soft moss, making it super safe for kids to splash in. Since there was so much shallow water, the sun heated it right up, making it comfortable for our toddler. Our little guy played in the water for hours while us parents got to sit back, relax and watch the boats float by all day. A few kayakers too. We also really enjoyed the half hour return walking track beginning in the camping area ( front cover photo ). Walking amongst the shade of the trees, listening to the bird song, and admiring the native plants and fungi along the way to the panoramic Lake Monowai Lookout. It was a very flat and family-friendly stroll, and was perfect for letting our son lead the way. All weekend the forest provided the perfect shaded canopy to escape the heat, while still getting to enjoy the sun’s rays beaming off the water. As we cooked our food over the fire and ate our lunch at the picnic tables, we admired the glistening of the water between the tree branches. A soft breeze blew through just enough to keep us cool. At night the moon reflected brightly off the water and a nearby dam provided the faint sound of rushing water to fall asleep to. Stargazing was surreal here since there are no towns within at least a 90 minutes drive. That night, our whole whanau fell asleep to the peaceful sounds of the forest and awoke to a cotton candy sunrise reflecting off the water. It doesn’t get much better than that. In all of the South Island, this is our favourite freedom camping site yet. Next time we visit though, we’re bringing a lot more sandfly spray and making sure our food is locked far away from the possums! Lake Monowai Campsite (Fiordland National Park) Free campsite Non self-contained 2 Long drop toilets 1 Non-treated water tap Campfire rings + grills No dogs allowed Mountain Mamas NZ Up Up Up our most favourite freedom camping site yet Click on the gallery for a full size view monowai-F-4-wide.webp Super safe for kids to splash in The lake is shallow and covered in soft moss, making it super safe for kids to splash in. He played in the water for hours Our little guy played in the water for hours while us parents got to sit back, relax and watch the boats float by all day. monowai-F-4-wide.webp 1/13

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Now a caravan Re-worked to become a caravan in 2013. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Camper truck to umm, almost caravan. The original camper truck Ford Trader in 1973. Then reclad and put it on its own trailer and chassis. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove The life and times of a Ford Trader Camper truck Bette Cosgrove The original camper truck Ford Trader in 1973 belonged to Jean and Stewart Howell from Otaki. Their son Trevor’s ingenious rebuild extended it and reclad it, put it on its own trailer and chassis, then it was re-worked to become a caravan in 2013. Brother Gaven has now been using it for 12 months in Foxton. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove GO TO Celebrating Summer Kiwi ingenuity at its best Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 10 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

1 Spring 2022 My 2 cents on the Nash proposals Up Anonymous As a freedom camper, campervan business owner and citizen of NZ, I find these proposals extremely concerning. My main issues are as follows: The rights of every New Zealander to travel unencumbered, responsibly and freely around the country will be severely affected. As per the Freedom Camping Act, we should all be able to continue to do the above. These proposals will only encourage more elitism and divide within an already divided community of various types of traveller/campers. On many occasions I have been vilified, looked down upon and straight up accused of ‘wrecking the country’ by those in bigger vans than me. When it comes to campervans, size/class shouldn’t matter. Being responsible should. And a few questions… Where is the evidence that these proposals will solve the problem that needs to be solved (of how to protect the environment from being damaged by the dumping of waste (human, grey/black water, trash)? Where is the evidence that having fixed toilets (as apposed to portable ones) is “better”? Surely, you’re either willing to crap on a toilet in a vehicle… or not? … Where is the evidence that tells us “more free facilities isn’t the solution”? Freedom Camping should be for everyone… 
Not just for those that can afford a big enough van to fit a fixed toilet in. Anonymous (name supplied) (Edited for length). Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Vehicle size shouldn’t matter. Being responsible should. Jacksons, free camping in Central. ©2024 M Richardson Jacksons, free camping in Central. ©2024 M Richardson 1/1

1 Spring 2022 Travelling the world on a motorcycle Up Wayne Ravelich 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. Selling up in New York as a structural engineer he loaded his bike and camper trailer and set off for 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.the experience of a lifetime. He arrived in New Zealand December 1988 after spending a year traveling the coastline of Australia, working his way up the East coast with a circus, setting up their equipment. He arrived in Wellington and met us at a Bikers Rights Meeting. Staying at mine while he waited for his transport to arrive by ship from OZ. That made for an interesting Christmas as LeRoy regaled us with stories of his travels (and my daughter was born Xmas Day). The camper trailer opens out on both sides giving plenty of room to sleep and lots of storage space. The bike is a Suzuki 850, not available in New Zealand. We got the baby brother 750. We spent many hours on the road traveling NZ and attending motorbike rallies that were popular in the 80s and 90s. Le Roy had the distinction of being the ONLY person to have attended the Northern- and Southern-most bike rallies in the world with the Brass Monkey being in Central Otago. We travelled light with only the essentials. Although we camped along the way we did not consider ourselves as campers but as riders or bikers, as opposed to the patched bikies. We camped responsibly, leaving no trace. How times have changed. Now we would need Le Roy’s trailer to carry the toilet. BY: Wayne Ravelich Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Now, we would need Le Roy’s trailer to carry the toilet. Ready for the road The bike is a Suzuki 850, not available in New Zealand. Ready for the night The camper trailer opens out on both sides giving plenty of room to sleep and lots of storage space. Ready for the road The bike is a Suzuki 850, not available in New Zealand. 1/2

1 Spring 2022 Sleeping with the sandflies: Lake Monowai Up Heather Auckram Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped. We weren't outside the van long as I forgot the insect repellent and the sandflies quickly found us! There is a free DOC camping area at the carpark and toilets. No dogs. Lots of curious birds, and bird/animal noises in the dark of night. There are picnic tables and fire drums to light, which may help to keep away the ever-hungry sandflies. We walked some of the easier pleasant short paths through the mossy bush. Hug a tree and bring bug repellent. BY: Heather Auckram PHOTOS: ©2022 Heather Auckram DOC INFO Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Hug a tree and bring bug repellent Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped Moss We walked some of the easier, pleasant, short paths through the mossy bush. Hug a tree and bring bug repellent. Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped 1/3

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Fishing in the twilight at the Otaki River mouth. ©2025 Miriam Richardson GO TO Here & there last summer Adjusting to the new rules Editorial: and so we go on Miriam Richardson The challenges of changing government policy and regulations are easing, with the extension to the freedom camping self-containment transition end date to 2026. We have 12 more months to meet the new requirements if we want to freedom camp (see p2). At the same time it less clear, on private property, whether the old ‘blue’ certification is as welcome as the new ‘green’ certification. Around the country the ‘social licence’ for freedom camping is under pressure. Local councils and regions are updating their bylaws in response to government policy changes. This requires consultation with their locals who are less and less keen to see freedom campers at their local scenic spots. Very few councils are now providing for tents or for those who are not self-contained. This is very sad for many families and younger NZers who can’t afford purpose-built vehicles. Councils seem inclined to create restricted areas for freedom camping which results in a ghetto effect which is less pleasant for campers and more unsightly and intrusive for locals. Setting a low vehicle limit at a site leads to predictable problems as those driving from 2, 3, 4 hours away have no idea how many are already occupying limited spots, and squeeze in later — where else can they go? Setting particular car parks, has its own problems as many camping vehicles are not car-sized and there is a fire hazard for closely crammed camping vehicles. Time limits: Stop for a meal in Kaikōura after 5pm will get you a freedom camping fine. Some councils say leave by 7am, 8am, 9am — sheesh! not all campers are young! Have your say when council’s consult, and so camping voices can be heard. If we don’t no-one else will. Tiaki mai, tiaki atu, Miriam Richardson, Editor Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 4

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Come camping For the latest camps allpointscampingnz.org/events | ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Pre Christmas Relax at Jones Landing Fri, 06-8 Dec, Arapuni, Waikato Join us for a relaxing weekend before the Christmas chaos. You need a permit. place: ckw.nz/jones-landing ckw.nz/jones-landing-permit | event: ckw.nz/apc-jones24 ckw.nz/apc-jones-rsvp Stop & stay camp, KAI IWI, Whanganui Fri 6–8, Dec, Kai Iwi, Whanganui All campers welcome including tents. A place to relax and unwind. Adventure playground, BBQ facilities. Near Bason Botanical Gardens and Westmere Lake. Dogs on leads. Un/powered sites: book at the camp. kaiiwibeach.co.nz | ckw.nz/kai-iwi-24 | ckw.nz/kai-iwi-24-rsvp Canterbury pre-Xmas Freedom Camp Thu, 12–16 Dec, Coes Ford, Leeston Join Linda & the team for a relaxing weekend beside the Selwyn River. All campers welcome including tents. Dogs welcome. Bikes welcome. Families welcome. Can’t stay? Join us for a picnic! ckw.nz/coes-ford-24 | ckw.nz/coes-ford-24-rsvp New Year Camp on the Kapiti Coast Sat, 28 Dec–2 Jan, Paraparaumu Beach Enjoy a break on the coast. All welcome to the Sea Scouts including tents & prospective members. Or pop in for a chat and a cuppa. It’s a short walk to the beach and local shops. ckw.nz/new-year-kapiti | ckw.nz/new-year-kapiti-rsvp Whanganui’s Vintage weekend Fri, 17–20 Jan, Whanganui Camp with us for Whanganui’s fabulous Vintage Weekend. All campers welcome including tents. Close to the city centre. Dogs on leads. whanganuivintageweekend.nz | ckw.nz/vintage-25 | ckw.nz/vintage-25-rsvp Waitangi weekend at Morison’s Bush Wed, 5–9 Feb, Greytown, Wairarapa Traditional NZ summer camping at its best. Great swimming spot. All campers are welcome. No fires. Dogs under control. ckw.nz/morisons-waitangi-25 | ckw.nz/morisons-waitangi-25-rsvp Summer in the heart of Oxford Thu, 6–9 Feb, Oxford, Nth Canterbury Waitangi Weekend. A weekend in the heart of the Oxford. Bring your own water and toilet. Dogs on leads. At the Eyre River reserve and Coleman Garden Resort. Shared BBQ Sat night. ckw.nz/oxford-waitangi-25 | ckw.nz/oxford-waitangi-25-rsvp End of Summer Camping at Lakes Ranch 14–16 Feb, Rotorua Sadly summer is almost over, so come and relax with like-minded people. Bring your bathers: hot and cool pools, refreshing lakes and much much more. Dogs on leads. APC club special. lakesranch.org.nz | ckw.nz/lakes-feb25 | ckw.nz/lakes-feb25-rsvp Camp Fest 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb, Bulls, Rangatikei Camping, craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment. Tents, vehicle campers, caravans, more— every camper is welcome. ckw.nz/campfest-25 | ckw.nz/campfest-25-rsvp Fun in the Tararua District Fri 7 – 9 Mar, Eketahuna, Tararua Bushwalking, swimming and good trout fishing. Book with the camp & rsvp. eketahunacamp.com | ckw.nz/tararua-25 | ckw.nz/tararua-25-rsvp Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival ‘25 Sat, 08 Mar, Havelock, Marlborough Sounds Kai moana at its best with a topping of camping. Book early at The Waves: wavescampsite.co.nz | ckw.nz/havelock-25 | ckw.nz/havelock-25-rsvp Events being planned check for the up-to-date details and to rsvp: ckw.nz/apc-events • Feb: Hawkes Bay • Mar 14–16: Dannevirke, Wairarapa • Mar: Tāhunanui Beach, Nelson • Mar: Nelson Creek, West Coast • Mar/Apr Canterbury golfing camp • Apr 4–6 : Kimbolton Sculpture and Music Festival, Manawatu • Apr 18–21: Easter at Patea Beach, Taranaki • Apr Canterbury week-long caravan train 10 May: APCNZ AGM 2025 The All Points Camping Club AGM will be both live via Zoom and at several locations around the country. ckw.nz/agm-25 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 10 Summer 2024 , p 45

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2025 M Richardson waiting to get a freedom camping fine But I am not freedom camping… Megan Hieatt I am a keen night photographer, and when I go away to dark sky areas, my motorhome is my transport as well as my accommodation. I often stay at permitted camping locations (often NZMCA eg Tekapo or DOC) rather than campgrounds but usually go to better sites to take photos for better foregrounds, compositions, etc, and these are often not right next to the parking area, eg Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. 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. I’ve considered making a big sign to put on my windscreen/side door saying “Taking nightscape photographs, NOT camping”! Queenstown was always apparently bad for ticketing empty motorhomes and campers parked on the street when they were in fact empty and the occupants were staying in a hostel or with family/friends and they had to jump through all sorts of hoops to prove they were not camping, difficult when staying with family and there are no bookings or payments to use as evidence! I guess all you can do is stay at places where you pay for the night and present any receipts as evidence that you were not in fact, camping, and take photos of your vehicle at the campsite when you get there as future evidence of your overnight stay! Preparing to freedom camp This offence of “preparing to camp” is going to open a big can of worms. What’s the difference between cooking dinner or an evening walk at a nice spot, and “preparing to camp”? If I’m staying somewhere with a reserved site and its not so nice I will often go elsewhere and return to the campsite later in the evening. Those of us who use a RV as our transport when away from home will be unfairly discriminated against here. I’m sure if I was in the car doing my night photography it would not be an issue. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 2