10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing popular with families and tents Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Heather Auckram If you are travelling along the Southern Scenic Coast then 10 minutes out of Riverton, turn off Highway 99 and follow the Thornbury Gropers Bush Road. A short drive along the road you will cross a bridge over the Aparima river and see Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve on both sides of the road. It is free to camp for up to 28 days. It has a new long-drop toilet, gravel at the top section, grass at the bottom section and is sheltered from the wind by large trees. Be warned the grassy area gets wet and muddy after rain and many a vehicle has been towed out by the local farmer. It is spacious enough to easily accommodate large vehicles. It is popular with families, tents and all vehicles both self-contained and not, but never so crowded that you won’t find a spot. Do keep your pets under control as it is surrounded by working farms. The Aparima River runs beside the camp. Swimming and fishing are allowed but not during times of heavy rain as it can flood over the paddocks quickly. ◊ Images ©2024 Heather Auckram Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 20

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Loading Weight Distribution ©2025 Collyn Rivers GO TO Here & there last summer a virtual recipe for jack-knifing Loading a caravan safely Collyn Rivers Knowing how to locate mass correctly along the length of a caravan is vital. That applies both to its design and the owner’s loading. This article shows the safe approach to loading a caravan — and why and how it matters doing so is vitally important. The caravan see-saw As with a see-saw, two children of the same weight sitting at equal distances from its pivot balance each other. Likewise an adult sitting nearer the middle on one side can balance the far lower mass of a child at the far end of the other side. A centre-axled caravan behaves like this too. Where you locate stuff along its length has the same effect: its distance from the axle/s increases its ‘effective weight’. The effect of locating a 20kg (44lb) item at various distances from the axle/s of a caravan. Locating a (say) 20kg (44lb) tool box directly over a caravan‘s axle will have no effect on that caravan pitching or swaying. But if that tool box is half-way toward the back of the caravan (and that caravan then pitches or sways) — because it is further away from the axle/s that 20kg (44lb) tool box exerts a force as if it weighed 40kg (88lb). If that tool box was on a 10kg (22lb) external rack at the rear of the caravan, it acts as if weighs around 80kg (175lb) and the rack itself an effective 40kg (88lb) [120kg at the rear]. Loading a caravan safely requires [paying attention to] the above. Each spare wheel carried on the rear of a caravan has the same effect. A tool box and rack thus acts as if it were four times heavier at the back of a 7 metre caravan than in the middle. It not only exerts additional force when the trailer pitches and yaws (sways): it induces that pitching and swaying. The effect is similar at the front. The down and side forces on the tow vehicle cause that vehicle to pitch — and yaw sideways. That side force literally steers the tow vehicle by distorting its rear tyres. Weight placement There is a common and very dangerous belief held by many caravan owners (and even a few caravan makers) that it is fine to have a heavy load at the rear as long as it is balanced by a similar load at the front. That is virtually a recipe for jack-knifing . The rig will seem ultra-stable much of the time, but if sway sets in at speed it may be impossible to stop it. The sway is likely to escalate and the rig to jack-knife. This is not an ‘opinion’. It is basic Newtonian physics. Loading a caravan safely — summary Never have heavy items, particularly tool boxes, spare wheels and full jerry-cans, at the very front or rear of a caravan. Always load the tow vehicle to its maximum legally permitted weight. Keep the caravan‘s loading as light as possible — and as close to the caravan‘s axle/s as possible. A caravan needs to be about 10% nose heavy, but do that by locating heavy stuff slightly ahead of the centre-line of the axle/s — not like a weight lifters barbell (that has all virtually all of the weight at the ends). This is why RV Book’s articles and publications so strongly condemn locating heavy spare wheels etc at the extreme rear of long caravans. Be aware that a few long and heavy caravans are being made with all water tanks ahead of the axle/s. With these the critical tow ball mass will vary (and potentially dangerous if water is drawn). They appear to rely on the tanks being full whilst towing. Some have since been recalled and modified. For a truly thorough, plain English explanation of all this (and how to assess the stability of your own caravan) see our book ‘Why Caravans Roll– and how to prevent it’. rvbooks.com.au/why-caravans-roll-over/ n Reproduced with permission. rvbooks.com.au/loading-a-caravan-safely Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 24

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Mohaka River Farm We chose a spot right to the end of the campground but one that had a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. ©2025 Alfred and Sofia Rico Mohaka River Farm ©2025 Alfred and Sofia Rico Mohaka River Farm ©2025 Alfred and Sofia Rico Horses at Mohaka River Farm.webp ©2025 Alfred and Sofia Rico Horses at Mohaka River Farm Candle making at Mohaka River Farm ©2025 Alfred Rico Pottery at Mohaka River Farm ©2025 Alfred Rico mohaka_P1241534.webp ©2025 Alfred and Sofia Rico mohaka_P1241539.webp ©2025 Alfred and Sofia Rico GO TO Here & there last summer plenty of things to do Camping at the Mohaka River Farm Alfred and Sofia Rico While the weather promised overcast and at times rainy days, we had already pre-booked our spot at Mohaka River Farm this January. We had an amazing sunny drive down to Napier on Monday following the directions until we got to the unsealed roads leading to Mohaka River Farm. Guests who are towing with a 2WD vehicle are advised to ring up before attempting to climb the hill leading to the entrance of the farm so they could have someone assist. more: mohakariverfarm.co.nz There were a lot of works going on around the farm at the time of our visit (fencing, clearing brush and trees and widening pathways) which we guessed were an aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. We chose a spot right to the end of the campground but one that had a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. We chose a spot right to the end of the campground but one that had a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Being in an unpowered site, we also wanted to have clear access to the sky as we had solar panels on the camper and car (which was definitely put to the test during this week-long stay). Mohaka River Farm is a family run facility offering not just powered and unpowered sites but also chalets and cottages. There are a selection of walking and cycling tracks (although some were closed at the time due to clearing works). There’s also an amazing option to go around on horseback. It is a working farm so unfortunately pets are not allowed. The people who run the place are super friendly and hold craft and farm experiences for the whole family such as pottery, wallet making, candle making and the likes. So while we’ve had a mixture of rainy, cloudy and sunny days, there were plenty of things to do to keep us occupied. It is definitely a place we would recommend to fellow campers and one we would be visiting again with friends and family in tow. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 22

The Government’s recent changes to Freedom Camping and self-containment certification are now being implemented. These changes mean that over the next 18 to 24 months new regulations may impact your freedom camping. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Update: Self-containment and freedom camping changes Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd he Government’s recent changes to Freedom Camping and self-containment certification are now being implemented. These changes mean that over the next 18 to 24 months new regulations may impact your freedom camping. However the changes only apply to free (not paid) camping, on council, LINZ land and some Department of Conservation land. The changes do not affect any overnight stays on private or commercial properties, other crown land, club sites or organised events nor anywhere payment is made. Where camping on council land is ● allowed / designated for ‘ALL’ campers, or ● specifically designated for ‘non self-contained vehicles’ or ● paid sites, car parks etc., the new legislation  /  regulations should not affect your camping. The existing self-containment standard (NZS 5465:2001) still applies and is recognised throughout NZ. Currently a campervan  /  motorhome etc. can be certified for self-containment whether it has a fixed  /  cassette or portable toilet. However, new certifications with a portable toilet are not now recognised under the amended Freedom Camping Act for free camping on land as specified earlier‡. Such certifications remain acceptable for all other camping areas. From 7 June 2024 new certifications, under the existing standard (NZS 5465:2001), will also not be recognised under the amended Freedom Camping Act. From 7 December this year, approved Certifying Authorities, once established, will be able to issue new certificates with green warrant cards for motor vehicles with fixed toilets. Such certificates attract a new government levy of $120 on top of any fees charged by the testing officer s and certifying authorities. You will be able to choose the type of self-containment certificate you want. Four levels of self-containment certification From 7 December 2023, under the Freedom Camping Act there will be 4 levels of self-containment certification (3 blue and 1 green) which can apply and which councils will need to monitor. It appears that there will also be 3 separate national registers of self-contained vehicles: the new Plumbers, GasfItters and Drainlayers Board register (green warrants) plus the NZ Lifestyle Camping and NZMCA registers for blue warrants. Certified Blue before 6/23, any toilet: OK to freedom camp on public land until 6 June 2025 Certified Blue: fixed toilet: OK to freedom camp on public land until 6 June 2025. Certified Blue: portable toilet: OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (not LINZ or council), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Certified Green: fixed toilet: OK to freedom camp on public land. It should be noted that while the current self-containment standard is prescriptive, e.g. minimum fresh water, waste water and toilet capacities per the number of occupants, the new regulations are not prescriptive with no stated minimums. It will take some time to get consistency in implementing the new regulations. You will appreciate the issuing authorities and testing officers and councils have a lot to work through over the next few months to manage and apply the multiple systems. We acknowledge the MBIE Responsible Camping Team for their three year endeavour ,and millions of dollars spent ,to make things so much simpler for local authorities and the wider industry. Links • Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board: ckw.nz/pgdb-info • MBIE — Responsible Camping Changes: ckw.nz/mbie-info • Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (Self-Contained - Vehicles) Regulations 2023 Download a pdf of this (398kb): ckw.nz/sc-regs-pdf • Who does what: self containment and freedom camping p3 Government has worded the legislation to allow tent camping while enacting infringement fees for vehicle-based camping , on the same free-camping reserves (with or without self-containment and portable toilets). It seems unlikely that councils will adopt a policy that separates family camping groups and expressly targets certain campers. Note: All NZS 5465:2001 NZ Standard self-containments remain valid for 4 years from the date of issue, but they are subject to freedom camping restrictions on council-managed land. ‡ Land affected by the new law: free camping on council, LINZ land and some Department of Conservation land. FAQ ? Can I still get a self-containment certificate for my vehicle with a portable toilet? Yes , talk to your local testing officer. The new certificate with a portable toilet will not be recognised under the Freedom Camping Act which means there are limitations on free, public camping. ? Do I have to get issued with a new green warrant card (with $120 levy) after 7 December 2023 if I have a blue card and a fixed toilet? No , a new blue self-containment warrant card is valid for 4 years. It will be recognised until 6 June 2025 for free public camping under the Freedom Camping Act. Up Up Up Testing officers and councils have a lot to work through over the next few months to manage and apply the multiple systems. 1/0

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Ten hours into a power cut Cheine Matheson Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone .... THEN I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! Cheine Matheson ©2023 Cheine Matheson Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Gold miner Wattie Thompson Roland Jones Up I started my travels around the South Island in late March 2023 in my campervan. I decided to travel the South Island anti-clockwise. Over to Nelson and down the coast, stopping at freedom camping sites. I love the natural surroundings that can be found at these back-of-the-way places. Lindis Pass Hotel ©2023 Roland Jones One such place was the Lindis Pass Hotel. I was intrigued by the history of this building. First set up in 1861 it became a permanent building in1873. As I explored the area, I came across this derelict house (above) built by Wattie Thompson who had panned the river for gold for over 50 years. Unfortunately, he went on the AirNZ Erebus flight to Antarctica and never returned. There is a full article which is interesting reading if you follow the link on 1964.co.nz . In the article it states that people are still looking for the place where he stashed his gold. However, I became friendly with another prospector on-site who told me that he left a letter to a farmer’s wife that if anything happened to him, she should read the letter. On opening the letter, it told her where to find the pickle jar containing 80ozs of gold. So the locals still searching are after fools’ gold — LOL. ©2023 Roland Jones Up Up 1/4 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

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

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Hororata swap meet Fantastic night & great day at the Hororata Mechanical Swap Meet DUZ GO Gary Hitchcock Gary took his teardrop camper to the Hororata Swap Meet and snapped this beauty. “Fantastic night & great day at the Hororata Mechanical Swap Meet. Satisfied my need to go camping & getting a bargain or two. Thanks Hororata. “ May. Photo: ©2022 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 1

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Purakaunui Bay Campsite ©2022 Kayla Laatz Purakaunui Bay ©2022 Kayla Laatz Purakaunui Bay ©2022 Kayla Laatz Purakaunui Bay Campsite Kayla Laatz What a stunner this place was! Its a DOC campsite with long drop toilets, water taps, and fire pits. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach. Getting there, there’s about 20 minutes of gravel road with a few cattle crossings; nothing too steep. There were a few other caravans parked up. Just be aware the grass can be quite muddy. For this particular DOC camp site you can book online in advance or pay on arrival by bringing exact change. We saw tons of playful seals and heaps of brave surfers too! 10/10. Catlins, Southland. Photos ©2022 Kayla Laatz Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 34

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping PGDB Here is the infographic from PGDB, the one's in charge. Go to their website for more information. www.nzscv.co.nz Infographic: ©2024 PGDB Freedom camping & self-containment 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling ︎ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 8

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption don’t wait until you have that luxury rig, just go and do it Two long blacks and a cheese scone Bob Walker No, this is not about 12 weeks of coffee tasting around the South Island in a small van by a couple of over 80s, well not quite… It’s really about the idea that a Hiace van that only one of us can stand up in, is enough to go almost anywhere, and that age need not be a barrier. 6920 kms from home back to home. There are clearly some problems around NZ but freedom is still available for those who don’t mind a bit of mahi around the motu. We had a wonderful time… don’t wait until you have that luxury rig, just go and do it… there is wonder with every sunrise. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 16

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lake Aniwhenua Ohope gathering An All Points Camping gathering on an Ohope orchard (Bay of Plenty). August 2022

 ©2022 Angela Bryan Keep on making memories, having fun, meeting new people and exploring: #campingTheKiwiWay. News from clubs and groups Mary Reid Easter: Lake Aniwhenua camp
 Wow what a great camp; we went from expecting 8 or 9 people to having over 20, with a range in numbers of nights spent at the camp, as well as day-trippers adding to the vibe. But what a fantastic camp site —staying lakeside all the water sports were on offer, trees, walks, kids adventure playground including flying, and apart from the night chill we had fab days, albeit with the pesky wasps and/or mossies. We had the expected awesome camp social times with nights full of great humour and friendship as we caught up with members we knew and got to know the newbies — fab to see so many new faces rocking up to the Waikato-BoP camp and we all look forward to the next time we see you. Keep the wheels rolling. BY: Mary Reid, All Points Camping, Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Share stories and images from your group’s meetings and events. Anything that would be of interest to other campers, and or would encourage others to join your group or participate with you. Get your photos and stories to us by 1 Nov for the Summer/December issue.
 Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 26