10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Festivals Whare Flat Folk Festival Mon, 30 Dec–3 Jan Dunedin’s legendary outdoors folk music festival. 15 mins from town. whareflat.org.nz Rhythm & Alps 2024-5 Mon 30 Dec–1 Jan, Wanaka A three-day music festival in the Cardrona Valley. rhythmandalps.co.nz Omakau Trots, Otago Tue, 31 Dec–2 Jan ’25, Omakau, Central Family friendly, with entertainment. Camp for CSC campers. ckw.nz/omakau-25 New Year’s Race Day at Tauherenikau Thu, 2 Jan, Featherston, Wairarapa Live music, family-friendly, racing events. Dogs on leads. On-site camping: ckw.nz/tauherenikau Revitalize Festival Thu, 2–4 Jan 2025, Blackmount, Southland/Fiordland An organic farm, healing, & music festival. Family friendly. No dogs. Free camping. revitalize.nz Egmont Country Festival Fri, 10–12 Jan 2025, New Plymouth A country music blast to kick off the New Year. Camping for tents and vehicles opens on 9th. ckw.nz/egmont-music bookings: crawfordlm50@gmail.com Wairarapa Music in the Country Fri, 10–12 Jan 2025, Tauherenikau Top country music acts. Family friendly. On-site camping: ckw.nz/tauherenikau Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival Sat, 11 Jan 2025, Katikati Great food and wines, music, demos. Family friendly. Choose a freedom / camp site, as far away as Athenree (there’s a bus); NZMCA: parking at the local school. katikatiavofest.co.nz Motueka Country Music Festival Sat, 11–12 Jan 2025, Motueka Free. Marchwood Park. Vehicle camping on-site. ckw.nz/fb-motueka-25 Marton Country Music Festival Fri, 17–19 Jan 2025, Marton Some of New Zealand’s best. Camping on-site. Animals on leads. martonfestival.com The Great Momorangi Treasure Hunt Fri 24 Jan, Momorangi Bay Campground, Marlborough Sounds For kids and kids at heart. ckw.nz/momorangi-25 Auckland Folk Festival Fri 24 –27 Jan, Kumeu, West Auckland Play and dance, long into the night. aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz 160th Turakina Highland Games Sat 25 Jan, Turakina Domain, Rangitikei A Scottish festival for all the family. Camp sites available. ckw.nz/turakina-25 Edendale Crank Up Sat, 25–26 Jan, Edendale, Southland CAT, Field Marshall, Emergency Vehicles and Classic Trucks. Family friendly. Camping at the school. ckw.nz/crankup-25 Dimension Festival Fri 31 Jan–4 Feb, Maungatapere, Whangārei District Psychedelic festival of music, art, and transformation. R18. Camp on-site. dimension.nz Burt Munro Challenge Wed, 5–9 Feb, Invercargill and Bluff The Bluff Hill Climb, the smell of the exhaust, the scream of the engines… most make it. Tickets and camping: burtmunrochallenge.co.nz/rally Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival Sat, 8–9 Feb, Niagara, Catlins, Southland Musicians converge at the Niagara Falls Caf in the heart of the Catlins. ckw.nz/niagara-25 Napier Art Deco Festival Thu, 13–16 Feb, Napier All that Jazz and the Art Deco Era. Book at a campground, or find a free camp. artdecofestival.co.nz Taranaki Country Music Festival Fri, 14–16 Feb 2025, Waitara, Taranaki 4-day motorhome/ caravan parking. taranakifestival.co.nz Waimakariri Country Music Festival Fri, 14–16 Feb, Rangiora, Canterbury Has CSC campervan parking. Dogs on leads. countrymusic.org.nz Roam Central Wine and Food Festival ‘25 Sat 15–16 February, Central Otago A series of unique events for the wine enthusiast across Central Otago. Find handy freedom camping spots. roamcentral.co.nz Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival Sat 15 Feb, The Cliffs, Carterton, Wairarapa Celebrate the start of the grape harvest. Motorhome (CSC), available, or book at the local camp. wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz Campfest 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb, Bulls Domain Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. MORE campfestnz.org South Island Motorhome Show Sat 22–23 Feb, Ashburton, Canterbury Stalls, and come for a social weekend. On-site camping. southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival Sat, 22–23 Feb, Mandeville, Gore Vintage aircraft, motorcycles, cars and steam-engines. CSC campers. ckw.nz/steam-event-25 experiencemandeville.nz Cruz’n the Bayz Thu 27 Feb, Paihia, Bay of Islands Over 3 days we cruise Northland with like-minded classic car and bike enthusiasts. cruznthebayz.nz Later Selwyn Sounds 1 Mar, Lincoln, Canterbury. North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 9 Mar, North Canterbury WOMAD — The World’s Festival 14–16 Mar, New Plymouth Māoriland Film Festival 2025 26–30 March, Otaki, Kapiti. Repco Beach Hop 26–30 Mar, Whangamata George Begg Festival 30 Mar–2 Apr, Invercargill Classic Fighters Omaka 18–20 Apr, Blenheim Arrowtown Autumn Festival 24–27 Apr, Arrowtown Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 46

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption We took the dog on many of the easy bush walks (it’s amazing who you meet on the tracks — old friends and famous people ©2023 Heather Auckram We took the dog on many of the easy bush walks (it’s amazing who you meet on the tracks — old friends and famous people ©2023 Heather Auckram We took the dog on many of the easy bush walks (it’s amazing who you meet on the tracks — old friends and famous people ©2023 Heather Auckram Cooking marshmallows. ©2023 Heather Auckram ©2023 Heather Auckram I was invited to spend the New Year with friends at their crib at Papatowai. ©2023 Heather Auckram 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. Catlins, Southland . Heather Auckram ©2023 Heather Auckram We took the dog on many of the easy bush walks (it’s amazing who you meet on the tracks — old friends and famous people ©2023 Heather Auckram About 10pm the sun went down, so we put the lead on the dog and made our way to the beach. We set up our deck chairs and chilly bin and watched the huge bonfire being lit on the sand. It crackled into life and flames reached for the stars in the still air. People mixed and mingled, sharing a laugh and a story. I crept into my camp some time around 1am on a warm, star-filled night. Hello 2023. ©2023 Heather Auckram We dipped our toes in the cold sea. ©2023 Heather Auckram I went to bed blissfully happy each night HELLO 2023 Heather Auckram I was invited to spend the New Year with friends at their crib at Papatowai. To tell you the truth, it has been fifteen years since I was last in the Catlins. Shameful really; I live in Southland. The weather was perfect. Long hot sunny days with a warm gentle breeze. The drive over was easy, on good roads with little traffic and well signposted. I met my friends at the New Year’s Eve fair on the beachfront. There were markets and games and prizes to be had. I didn’t take any photos as I was so overcome with the joy of being at an old-fashioned fair like those of my childhood many decades ago. About 10pm the sun went down, so we put the lead on the dog and made our way to the beach. We set up our deck chairs and chilly bin and watched the huge bonfire being lit on the sand. It crackled into life and flames reached for the stars in the still air. People mixed and mingled, sharing a laugh and a story. I crept into my camp some time around 1am on a warm, star-filled night. Hello 2023. Over the following hot summer days, we took the dog on many of the easy bush walks (it’s amazing who you meet on the tracks — old friends and famous people), dipped our toes in the cold sea, rode on a trailer being towed along a long sandy beach, squashed a few sandflies and went to bed blissfully happy each night. Oh, I must tell you — there is limited mobile phone reception at Papatowai. I believe a couple of providers work, but I am with Spark and had no phone reception at all. Four days off the radar! If you want to stop the world and get off for a while — then Papatowai could be the place for you. I was shocked at how often I reached for my mobile phone. It was great not being beeped at on a regular basis or concerning myself with melodramas that are not even part of my life. I think I had developed a habit — but no more. My phone stays at home more than I do these days. Thank you Papatowai. Photos ©2023 Heather Auckram Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 8

Teardrop camping Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Teardrop camping Up Andrew Morton Teardrop camping. Cycling in Central Otago. ©2023 Andrew Morton Up Up Teardrop camping ©2023 Andrew Morton Teardrop camping ©2023 Andrew Morton 1/1

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Winter’s not going to stop Mavis Cheine Matheson Up Winter’s not going to stop poptop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson Up Up 1/1 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

1 Spring 2022 What makes a great and safe freedom camping space? Up Miriam Richardson Physical space Turning space to get in and out easily. Room to open doors and put out a step. (BONUS: room for long vehicles.) Safe to park: gaps big enough for gas safety. (3m between vehicles.) Flat (lpg fridges need it flats). Room for all that turn up. Sealed or very firm ground, particularly in winter. Nice to have Close to town amenities — shops, banks, cafes. In or near a recreational area — lakes, walking / bike tracks, pools. Near or with any services: dump station, water, rubbish, toilet, shower, laundry. A fabulous view. Everyone loves a view. It needs a good sign. Hmmm. A good sign? Unambiguous wording. Truly, this is cannot be taken for granted. What kind of camping is allowed. Time restrictions. Where to park (and not park). Any restrictions or special conditions. BONUS: Big enough to read from the drivers’ seat. Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot: a great example The parks are wide enough for safety, and its easy to turn in and out. Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked. There is a large, clear sign. There is a dump station, water, rubbish & recycling bins, and it is walking distance to town. Sadly there are only 5 spaces in the only freedom camping spot in the town. Pretty good view too, for an urban carpark. The beautiful Tuapiro Reserve in the Bay of Plenty Spaces are car-width, a clear map shows where you can park. Its a ovely place to park; plenty of room, great walks and views. This photo shows how vehicles have used alternate parks to give each other fire safety. But these campers are vulnerable, as others could park between, too close for safety, and blocking the doors. BY: Miriam Richardson Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Place. Space. Safety. Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot: a great example The parks are wide enough for safety, and its easy to turn in and out; Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked; There is a large, clear sign; There is a dump station, water, rubbish & recycling bins, and it is walking distance to town; Sadly there are only 5 spaces in the only freedom camping spot in the town. A good cclear sign atWhakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot Big enough to read and positioned so you can read as you drive in. A clear map shows where to park A clear map shows where you can park at Tuapiro Reserve. Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot: a great example The parks are wide enough for safety, and its easy to turn in and out; Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked; There is a large, clear sign; There is a dump station, water, rubbish & recycling bins, and it is walking distance to town; Sadly there are only 5 spaces in the only freedom camping spot in the town. 1/7

Camping events coming up BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up EVENTS — Camping 22–24 Sept: Test the waters: Leithfield Friday, Leithfield Beach, Canterbury It’s time to Test The Waters for those who have not been out for a while. Amberley Farmers Market, a winery, walk on the beach, ride your bike to Leithfield Village. Dogs on leads. 1pm arrive, 10am depart. Powered & non-powered. ckw.nz/leithfield ckw.nz/leithfield-rsvp 22–24 Sept: NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show Friday, Ōhaupō, Mystery Creek, Hamilton Join All Points Camping at the show. We will have a stand at the show and be staying on site for the weekend. You’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, a host of new products, an array of innovative accessories and some unbeatable deals. ckw.nz/show-mystery-creek-23 nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz 29 Sept–1 Oct: Spring Camp in Carterton Friday, Carterton Holiday Park, Wairarapa Come and join us for an early spring camp in the Wairarapa. Booking with the motorcamp is required. ckw.nz/carterton-apc ckw.nz/carterton-apc-rsvp cartertonholidaypark.co.nz 13–15 Oct: Calm before the storm Friday, Kowhai Domain, Springfield, Canterbury The weather is warming up. Grass is growing and so are the weeds. Put your feet up before it gets busy. Cash only, on arrival. Dogs on leads. Limited power sites. ckw.nz/calm ckw.nz/calm-rsvp 20–22 Oct: Foxton Spring Fling Camp Friday, Foxton Beach, Manawatu Come and join us for a family-friendly camping weekend at Foxton Beach School. This is also the weekend of Foxton’s Spring Fling in the main street on Sunday. Tents welcome. ckw.nz/foxton-spring-fling ckw.nz/foxton-spring-fling-rsvp 20–23 Oct: BOP Family Fun Weekend Friday, Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty Weekend of camping & family fun and games. Paengaroa School. ckw.nz/bop-family-fun ckw.nz/bop-family-fun-rsvp 11–12 Nov: Nelson Motorhome & Caravan Show Sat, Tahunanui Campground, Nelson Come and meet the All Points team at our stand. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park are offering a discount to those attending (RSVP to get the details). ckw.nz/nelson-motorhome-show nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz 1–3 Dec: Pre-Christmas camp at Battle Hill Friday, Pāuatahanui, Wellington Join us for a fun weekend for all ages. Battle Hill Farm Forest Park has plenty of grassy space, a creek to play in, as well as walks and local history. You can also feed the eels. ckw.nz/battlehill-dec ckw.nz/battlehill-dec-rsvp For more camps keep an eye on allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) Up Up Up 1/0

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption So long as they could see us and we could see them, they were free to play TIPS Camping with preschoolers Rachel Taylor We started our camping trips over this past summer with a then 3yo and 4yo (and two large dogs). We found the best thing when travelling was to limit how much time was spent travelling. We found they could do 4 hours at a time without too much hassle. Sometimes our destination was a 2 day trip. We always had snacks in the car that they could eat easily and a song playlist to sing and dance along too as well as all the other usual car games. Also had a device in case they just needed to zone out for a wee bit too. Actual camping etc was no problem. Gave them some ground rules (eg don’t go near water without a parent, stop and look before crossing the road or driveway into the camp ground, don’t harass others etc) but otherwise, so long as they could see us and we could see them, they were free to play. Took about a week, all up, to get them into our ‘camping routine’ but really easy with them now. Good luck and have fun! We can’t wait for warmer weather again to get back out there. BY: Rachel Taylor PHOTO: ©2022 M Richardson Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 30

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

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Recipes for camping Margaret Earle and Graham Leslie Rocks and gravel for 4–6‡ Our kids and their friends invented this recipe (pictured) when they were teenagers camping at Kaitoke on a wet, long weekend (pictured). They often cooked it over the fire, but it can also be made in a camp oven (or a large pan with a lid) on a gas cooker or in a hooded BBQ. Ingredients 1–2 onions, chopped Bacon and/or sausages (the best sausages are the cheap ones) 1 Tbsp oil 3 cans of baked beans Bag of scone mix 1 tin of creamed corn Method Make dumplings by putting a tin of creamed corn in a bowl and adding enough scone mix to make a stiff dough. If the mixture becomes too dry add a small amount of milk or water. Form the dough into small balls and put aside. Put camp oven to heat on cooking fire or gas cooker. Add oil to camp oven. Fry onion, bacon and sausages for a few minutes. Add baked beans and stir through. When the mixture is warm put the uncooked dumplings on top of the baked beans and put the lid on the camp oven. Turn the gas down to low or put the camp oven on a cooler part of the fire. Leave to simmer gently until the dumplings are cooked through. Be careful that the baked bean mixture doesn’t burn while the dumplings are cooking. Paneer and vege curry for 4–5‡ I came across this recipe when I was looking for a vegetarian meal to dehydrate for tramping. It is tasty and the veges listed can be substituted for whatever is available. Paneer is used a lot in Indian vegetarian recipes. You will find it in most supermarkets. It will keep for some weeks in a fridge so is a good source of protein when most of the fresh ingredients have been eaten. In this recipe, the paneer is cubed and fried before being added to the other ingredients. This makes it crisp and flavoursome. Ingredients Cooking oil 1 onion diced 3 cloves of garlic or 1–2 tsp minced garlic 1 Tbsp grated ginger root 1 tsp garam masala 400g tin diced tomatoes ½ cup vege stock (½ tsp powdered stock + ½ cup water) 1 tsp brown sugar 1 pinch of chilli flakes 1 cup pumpkin,chopped into small cubes or kumara or carrot 1 red capsicum, diced 2 courgettes, diced 3 cups baby spinach 300g paneer, cubed Method Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large pan. Add onion, garlic and ginger and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garam masala and stir. Add tomatoes, stock, brown sugar, chilli flakes, capsicum and pumpkin. Simmer until pumpkin is soft and liquid is reduced. Add courgettes and spinach and cook until wilted. While curry is cooking heat more oil in another pan. Brown paneer on all sides. Add to curry before serving. Serve with rice. Tuna pasta for 4–5‡ This recipe can be cooked entirely from tinned food so it can be made when all the fresh food has run out. Ingredients 1 onion, sliced, if available 2 cloves of garlic or 1 tsp of crushed garlic, if available 1 Tbsp oil 1–2 whatever vegetables are available (eg, mushrooms, courgettes, beans, capsicums). If no fresh veges are available, then freeze dried peas can be used: cook them separately and add with the tuna. 450g tin of tuna in spring water, drained 2 tins of diced tomatoes in juice 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano Handful of olives (optional) Salt and pepper Dried pasta such as spaghetti, spirals etc Grated parmesan or tasty cheese, if available Method Heat oil in a medium sized fry pan. Add onion and/or garlic (if using) and fry until slightly starting to brown. Stir in carrot and cook for 3–5 minutes. Add tinned tomatoes and bring to boil. In a separate pot boil the water for the pasta. Add sufficient pasta to feed those eating the meal. Add veges that require the most cooking. Continue to stir regularly and gradually add all the veges. Add the veges that require the least cooking last. Add drained tuna, basil and oregano. Stir well and cook until veges are desired softness. Add olives (if using) and salt and pepper to taste. Serve sauce over cooked pasta. Top with grated cheese (if using). ‡ Depends how many vege you cook, how many it will serve Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 25

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson up close to the stalactites and stalagmites Hidden gem Fiona Thomson Recently when we were traveling south from Whangārei on State Highway 1, we spotted a sign for Waipu Caves. It was a spur of the moment decision to investigate further, as we turned onto a gravel side road. The road took us on a short journey through a variety of scenery including wetlands, farmland and native bush. On arrival, we were meet by the friendly staff who were just sending a group of school students off with their guides to explore the caves. We enjoyed our hour or so guided walk through the Milky Way Glow Worm cave, where our guide taught us about cave conservation, its geology and ecology. The concrete path, and stainless steel handrails, made for a nice experience as we got up close to the underworld cave formations of stalactites and stalagmites. This is a wet cave system, with water flowing deep below us. This provided just the right habitat to see New Zealand’s world-famous glow worms. There are a number of other activities available at the 320-acre park, including; caving, mountain biking, bush walks through naturally sculpted limestone formations, orienteering, abseiling, rock climbing and archery by arrangement. There are also campground sites set aside for tenting and parking motorhomes, at this newly opened attraction. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 25

1 Spring 2022 A North Island freedom-camping adventure Up Shoshanna Shand 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. I found some couch cushions at the recycling centre, sewing them together formed a perfect bed in the back of the car. I folded down the back seats, leaving one side with the car seat in it. This left enough space for the baby to sleep behind. I bought a gas cooker from Mitre 10 and was set to go. I also had a “pee” jug makeshift toilet which did the trick for emergencies. I had saved up $1000 and had my regular benefit payments weekly. I was still paying rent for my flat back in Nelson but I had about $300 a week to live on for food and fuel. I booked a ferry ticket for the 8th of October. I had a six-week window to do this, with no commitments. I felt so excited, yet nervous embarking on this trip. I worried about money and how it was all going to work. I didn’t plan ahead much, the extent of my plan was to go up one side and come down the other. A week before we were booked to go on the ferry, I dropped a heavy piece of wood on my toe and broke it. Ouchies. It felt okay to walk and I had a moon boot on to protect it from wild toddler and other stuff. We drove from Nelson onto the Interislander and had a cruisy trip over. I was having to hop all over the place juggling a toddler, a broken toe and all our gear. I drove straight up to Woodville to stay with some friends who gave us a horrible vomiting bug. Great start to the trip. Once recovered we headed on up to Napier where we stayed with some lovely friends, felt so classy not camping in the car. We explored Te Mata Peak which was so beautiful. We drove to the top instead of walking because why walk when you can drive). We carried on to Taupo and found a freedom camping spot near Huka Falls. This was my first proper experience of freedom camping since the Catlins. It was a cold night. I found out the gas doesn’t work when it’s really cold, so we ended up having a half-cooked dinner. That night was so cold for Spring, I wasn’t expecting it. We explored Huka Falls which was beautiful! We then drove to Rotorua for the night. We stopped in at Kerosene Creek for a swim, it was super pretty and warm but the toddler wasn’t a fan. In Rotorua we stayed at this really cool wee dinosaur park holiday park. I needed to do washing and have showers etc so it was great to freshen up. We only stayed a night in Rotorua, I wasn’t feeling the vibe, so we left the next morning and drove up the Coromandel. We skipped the Mount; I didn’t realise it was such an iconic place. I felt anxious I wouldn’t have enough time to get up to Cape Reinga before I had to go home. Turned out in the end I had plenty of time! Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove The next day was a big one, we explored Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. If I did it again I would make sure to spend a whole day at Cathedral Cove. Being a true Kiwi, I walked down the steep track to the cove in bare feet carrying my 14 kg toddler in the carrier on the front and my backpack on the back. I ran into a couple on Cathedral Cove beach. I asked them to take photos of us. We got talking, they were so lovely and helped me carry the toddler and our stuff back up to the bus at the top of the very steep hill. One important thing to know about Cathedral Cove is you have to walk a lot more or take a bus from the car park in town. I was late finding somewhere to stay that night. I checked out the Campermate app and found some place to park up. To Auckland The next day was a beautiful one, we drove all the way up the coast admiring the amazing views. I was going to stop at a place just outside of Auckland where you can camp with self-contained or non-self-contained, the place is called Omana Clifftop Campground. When I arrived late in the day, I realised it was owned by Auckland Regional Council and you needed to book ahead and to get a key. I didn’t really know what to do because it was late, the toddler was tired out and we needed to stop for the night. At the carpark before the campground there was a freedom camping spot but only for self-contained vehicles. There was also a toilet at the carpark . So I decided to just risk it and stay the night. I felt soooo anxious about getting caught or getting into trouble over being somewhere I shouldn’t be. At around 9pm when the babe was fast asleep and I was up on my phone the security guy came around checking the car park. My heart was beating so fast and I felt like ohhh nooo im gonna get into trouble crap! He came over to my car and started writing down stuff on his phone. I got out of my car and said “hi” explaining that it got late, and I needed to stop for the night and apologised, asking if there was somewhere else I could park for the night. He was SO nice and told me I had to leave in the morning which I was happy to do of course, and let me stay the night because of the baby being fast asleep. It was such a tricky thing because I didn’t want to purposefully break any laws or rules, but it’s also dangerous to drive when fatigued and the next freedom camping spot was about half an hour away that I could find. That was quite a small but big adventure for us. We drove up to Auckland the next morning and stayed with friends exploring around Karekare and Piha. I’m not a big fan of big cities so I headed up to Whangarei heads. Whangarei You can camp at the carpark at Whangarei Heads without a self-contained vehicle so yay for us. We camped a night there and loved meeting another lovely older campervanning couple, a German guy who was camping out of his car too. I love meeting new people, especially travelers they are always so friendly. We went for a swim first thing in the morning. It was one of my favourite places in the north. On to Cape Reinga After Whangarei Heads we drove up to Paihia and stayed at the Top 10 Holiday Park which was a nice wee stop to recharge devices and do a load of cloth nappies. Then it was only a wee drive up to Cape Reinga. My goal. My dream. It felt surreal as I was driving up the last leg of the road. To the very end of New Zealand. Where the Maori believe the spirits of the dead travel on their journey to the afterlife, to leap off the headland and climb the roots of the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree and descend to the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaiki. We hung around the lighthouse for a while soaking up the surreal vibes. Eventually it was time to cruise, I found the Te Paki sand dunes and we spent the rest of the hot afternoon climbing to the top of the sand dunes and back down again, eventually the toddler got tired and requested we go back to the car. I went searching on the Campermate app for a place to crash the night. I found a DOC campground, Spirit Bay where we could camp for the night. It was FULL of campers, a long weekend I forgot about. We found a space though and parked for the night. We watched the sunset on the beach, I put the toddler to bed and jumped into the freezing cold showers that we were lucky to have at this campground. I collapsed into our car camper bed exhausted but feeling ecstatic that I had reached the Cape and survived camping with my toddler. The next day was beautiful and sunny (so blessed with good weather up in the Far North). I wanted to find 90 Mile Beach. Google maps, of course, lead me on a goose chase up a gravel road with no reception. My fuel tank was running low and I was getting stressed out. I got back onto the main road and found a fuel station to fuel up at (not many fuel stations up there so make sure if you’re going up far north to fuel up when you can). Driving back south I passed the sign for 90 Mile Beach and did a big face palm. I don’t know why on earth Google maps wouldn’t take me straight there. Oh well. 90 Mile Beach This was my favourite place I think in the north. I drove my Toyota Wish onto the sand dunes and had so much fun driving down the beach. (Definitely do not drive on the beach like me unless you’re in a four wheel drive.) I cooked up a feed of instant noodles then parked my car closer to water. That was a bit of a mistake because a wave came up and almost killed my car. I panicked and tried to drive it up the beach but it was bogged, I tried again slower and yes! It moved. Heart attack moment averted. I drove back up the beach and we had made some new friends near Cape Reinga so stayed there for a night. Next day we went to Rainbow Falls which was beautiful and crowded, long weekend vibes. Such an incredible waterfall to visit though, so highly recommend it. West coast We cut across from the east coast to the west coast and drove through the amazing kauri forest stopping in to visit big old Tane Mahuta. I found a camp for the night called Glinks Gully which was such a cool spot, no reception and right on the beach, low cost campground with hot showers available for a token and a kitchen area to use. We walked up a track to a gentle cliff overlooking the open ocean of the rugged west coast. We drove back to Auckland for a night and stayed with a new friend we made along the way. Only one night because we had booked for a Hobbiton tour, which is near Hamilton, for the next day. Hobbiton The Hobbiton tour is expensive but WELL WORTH IT. Two hour guided tour around the set, and then a stop at the wee pub for a complimentary pint afterwards. Hamilton, Kawhia We stayed in Hamilton for the night parked in someone’s driveway (they invited us to). Explored the Hamilton Gardens the next day and then drove down to Kawhia, Hot Water Beach was pretty cool. We turned up just after someone had left, so I soaked in the hot water while the toddler reminded me he wanted to go back to the car, and played in the sand. The Oparau Roadhouse hosts freedom campers so we stopped there for the night. The owners were so friendly and gave me lots of local tips and recommended we visit Marokopa Falls so we did the next day and it was amazing! Taranaki Next stop Taranaki. I had my best friend living in the Naki and we stayed with her for almost a week just recouping after a busy few weeks travelling. The mountain was amazing, we tried walking up the mountain but it was so cloudy we turned back. Then the sun came out and the clouds moved so we could see the peak. What a magnificent mountain. Southwards On to Palmerston North to stay with more good friends for a week. I quite liked Palmy. It was chilled and friendly. I had itchy feet though and didn’t wanna stay around for too long. We had our ferry booked so had to keep moving. Driving down the west coast of the north island now we stayed on Otaki beach where technically only self contained campers are allowed but according to locals everyone camps there anyways. I had my makeshift toilet to use anyways so it wasn’t a bother. We watched the sun set and just chilled out on the beach, I went for a quick swim the next morning. A local mum saw me share on my Instagram and invited me to her cafe for a chai which was so lovely. BY: Shoshanna Shand PHOTOS: ©2022 Shoshanna Shand Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS I love meeting new people, especially travellers; they are always so friendly. On the Interislander We drove from Nelson onto the Interislander and had a cruisy trip over. Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove The next day was a big one, we explored Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. If I did it again I would make sure to spend a whole day Dawson Falls On the Interislander We drove from Nelson onto the Interislander and had a cruisy trip over. 1/6

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption South Island lakes: fill in the blanks Rhonda Marshall Fill in the blanks Download a printable pdf Solution Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 29