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A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, 12, Winter 2025 Table of contents > Editorial > Come camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Honeymoon: by the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Camping in winter. Brrrrr. Read More South Island caravan adventure April is a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape. Read More Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) If the idea of camping via sea kayak appeals to you, meet other like-minded women kayakers in our WoW SK community Read More Love Taupō We would give the Taupō District council a 7 out of 10 for their updated Freedom Camping Bylaw. Read More Now we have the power to go off-grid Our goal was to increase our battery capacity to store more power, and we needed to look at how we charged them, and how to keep track of the power going into and out. Read More Just some more pics from Onearo Taranaki Read More Portable power stations Extra backup power for low-solar days, or for those who do short journeys: portable power. Read More Stuck! Oh no! After all the rain in the deep south the gravel track had turned to slush Read More Mains electricity & your caravan, for dummies The power points in the caravan work just like the ones in your house but if you load them all up at the same time you will overload it and it will trip/ turn off. Read More SIx days in the high country June 19. June 21. June 25. Read More Campfest is coming to the South Island! Let’s show the North how it’s done! Read More The Camping Train We decided to have a camping train as there were 3 events being held during March at Havelock, Nelson and Greymouth. Read More The All Points Camping Club of NZ Membership support, Friendly, inclusive camping events, Nationwide savings, Lobbying support for campers’ rights. Read More Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level I have been working on our 17 foot caravan to bring it up to the new requirements for freedom camping. A big challenge was the toilet. Read More Self-containment warrant cards Find out what is valid for freedom camping Read More Winter camp, Portobello, June I love Winter camping. Read More Parking brakes and perils When transporting a new-to-you caravan, it is essential to stop 15 minutes into the trip and check the temperature of the wheels with your hand. Read More Rollercoaster It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride of late. Read More Winter camp Invercargill, July Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'. Read More Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers Our group tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Tararua Ranges was full of first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before. Read More Winter tramping food There were some pretty yummy looking dinners getting eaten on our tramp last weekend…. This is what I’m all about. Read More A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan. Read More Weather, climate and camping: editorial Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather. Read More DOC update New licence system for Taupō trout fishery, Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive, Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes,Watch out for ruru/morepork Read More Colac Bay Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing. Read More Warming winter food Hot soup and warm bread are a great combination in winter. Here’s a couple of simple soup recipes that I make regularly and two self-saucing puddings. Read More Making the toast off-grid – use gas Don’t use an electric toaster when camping off-grid unless you have more battery power stored than you can ever use and a large, professionally installed power inverter. Gas is a much better option. Read More Frost Woke to a -4˚ frost in Southland this morning. Slept with my woolly hat and socks on and was cosy enough. I also have a good diesel heater and a warm dog. Read More Stopping, Staying, Skiing Staying near the ski fields. Read More MORE

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

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2024 Select which topic to show ISSUE 8 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 8, Winter 2024 Table of contents Editorial Councils and government list Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Thermette. ©2024 M Richardson Read More AUTUMN GOLD Autumn stories from around New Zealand Read More Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? If you do not want to freedom camp you do not need the new green warrant. The existing blue standard and blue warrant is still acceptable for all other places that require certified self-containment (so far). Read More Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? Certified Blue before 7/7/23, and not expired. Fixed or portable toilet. Certified Blue before 7/7/24, and not expired. Fixed toilet only. Green Warrant Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification. With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers Read More The road less travelled: ten lessons learned on the road Three years ago we decided to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the open road. ©2024 Two Kids and a Caravan Read More On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Read More Folding electric bike in the middle of nowhere Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. ©2024 Stephen Wood Read More Skippers Canyon Quite happy to have taken the tour and not my truck up Skippers Canyon. ©2024 Trisha Fisk Read More What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping The seven requirements Read More Am I freedom camping? You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping Read More Longslip Station Well, how’s this for a welcome back into the Mackenzie Basin! — Longslip Station, Lindis Pass. ©2024 Shellie Evans. ckw.nz/shellie-fb Read More Fantail Martin got the winning photo of the birds last weekend. Fantail. ©2024 Martin Butler Read More Fire circle Fire circle on a still Autumn night. Magical. 
©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. Read More Clydesdales at Erewhon A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon. ©2024 M Richardson Read More Greg's Eye at Rays Rest Friday evening and Saturday morning at Rays Rest. It never disappoints. © 2024 Greg Lokes. More on FB: Greg's Eye: ckw.nz/gregs-eye Read More Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how The new regulations require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. Read More Got run off the road Got run off the road last weekend. ©2024 Vanessa Parkinson Read More Ballooning in Canterbury Today was an early start to ballooning in Canterbury. ©2024 Tony Knights. Ballooning Canterbury Read More The top of Dansey’s Pass The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Read More Rugby at Mt Somers Campers enjoying a local rugby game at Mt Somers. See p31. ©2024 Linda Butler Read More Keeping up with self-containment Articles from this issue and earlier issues on self-containment and freedom camping: changes, what to do, what to be ware of. Read More Beautiful vintage buses and trucks Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ Read More To the top of the Ahuriri Valley A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. ©2024 Tony Kissel Read More A wrap Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Read More My stew is bubbling My stew is bubbling on the fire... ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ Read More Composting and coddiwompling I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting waterless toilet in my camper van. Read More Hakataramea Pass ©2024 David Liddall Read More Only getting in 123 Watts Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. ©2024 Allan Henderson Read More MORE

Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX ISSUE 10 Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 Next Double-digit highways SH32, SH45, SH60: Do you know them? Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo On the road less travelled, down double-digit highways, which wind alongside the mighty Waikato and follow the western and southern shores of Lake Taupo, I find some of my favourite freedom camping sites. Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us. South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth. Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman SH60 begins in Richmond, travels through Motueka and Takaka and ends after 117km at Collingwood. Next Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Well. There we were. Bogged. Next And people wonder why I like camping And people wonder why I like camping. Next Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Next What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Warmer than average; more days over 25°C; more dry spells… Next Camp Fest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us at the Bulls Domain for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. Next All roads lead to Camp Fest No matter which direction you are coming to Camp Fest from, there are many worthwhile, interesting places to explore and enjoy. North, South, East or West, or just a short distance from the Camp Fest venue there are some great opportunities to take a break and check out something a bit different. Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer This remote and extraordinarily beautiful part of the Pacific Coast Highway is fully open and welcoming campers for the summer season. Next Freedom camping news No end to confusion and misinformation out there about what is lawful or required to be a freedom camper. No consistency. No fair control of freedom camping. Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Check your card against these, to see whether you can still freedom camp. Next But I am not freedom camping… Each council makes its choices when it trains its enforcement officers: what criteria determines ‘freedom camping’ or ‘preparing to freedom camp’; how to recognise a ‘day-trip excursion’ vs ‘preparing to freedom camp.’ There is no way for the traveller to know in advance what criteria any particular council is using. Next A roof-top tent A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail The design behind Fix’n’Rail supports a circular economy by giving new life to portable toilets that may otherwise end up in landfills. Next What is out there It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown There are parking bylaws and nationwide reserve laws that continue to affect freedom camping in Queenstown this summer, but the years-long prohibitive bans are gone from Queenstown Lakes District. Next The Wairau After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day Next Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers offer self-containment testing for all types of campers Next Dealing with a caravan flat Have you had a flat tyre on your caravan? I have now had three and would like to pass on some experience that may help you. Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Sunday morning caravan Lego with our boys, Eddie and Boston. Next Old Blue The camp still has quite a few hardy campers on-site, it’s Labour Day weekend after all. You wait, the sun will be shining tomorrow & the fish biting! Next Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Next View More

Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 11, Autumn 2025 Cover image: Camp ovens ©2025 Graham Leslie Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About ISSUE 11 Table of contents Here and there last summer GO The Pigroot SH85 GO Adventure in Te Aroha GO Op shop finds GO Camping at CampFest GO Camping at the museum GO Sailing through the Waiheke Channel GO Wairere falls GO Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy GO GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island GO A shady spot to park GO First time on the ferry GO Canterbury, Waihora GO Fitting Auto levellers GO Far from flat GO Camping at the Mohaka River Farm GO A good day’s camping starts with a thermette GO Before you light a fire GO Fireplace at Mangaweka GO Re-building my Toyota van part 2 GO Made it to Campfest GO Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 GO Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? GO But I am not freedom camping… GO Getting your camping vehicle certified GO The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. GO Whisky Gully GO The red lights? GO Back on the boat (our caravan that floats) GO St Kilda, Dunedin GO A camp oven is much more than just a pot GO Recipes for camping GO Lake Kaniere 1959 GO NIWA autumn forecast GO On the first day it rained and blew GO Late Summer journey: Southland & West Coast GO Stop and Stay, Central North Island GO Nugget Point lighthouse GO Interesting and tempting to purchase! GO Luxury camping GO Hobby: Fishing and Diving GO Fishing as the sun goes down GO The cracks kept coming GO Woke to fog GO A night at Ferry Reserve GO Bedtime Bubbles GO Waiohine Gorge GO DOC update GO Loading a caravan safely GO Campfest GO Late summer fishing GO 20-odd years GO Tuppence, Pirongia GO We came early GO New Year at Waihora Domain GO Cafe 77, Manawaru GO Rosie and Brian’s GO Havelock Mussel Festival GO Editorial: and so we go on GO Come camping GO All Points Camping GO Councils & Government Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 Read Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? Read But I am not freedom camping… Read Editorial: and so we go on Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Adventure in Te Aroha Read Wairere falls Read A shady spot to park Read Far from flat Read Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 Read But I am not freedom camping… Read Whisky Gully Read St Kilda, Dunedin Read On the first day it rained and blew Read Fishing as the sun goes down Read A night at Ferry Reserve Read Editorial: and so we go on Read

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2025 Select which topic to show ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, Autumn 2025 Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Camp ovens ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Here and there last summer Stories around the country. Read More The Pigroot SH85 Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts Read More Adventure in Te Aroha The town has two freedom camps. Read More Op shop finds Op Shop finds, Te Aroha. ©2025 M Richardson Read More Camping at CampFest CampFest, Bulls. February. ©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Camping at the museum You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings. Read More Sailing through the Waiheke Channel Sailing through the Waiheke Channel on our way to the northern coast of Waiheke. The wind has finally turned to the south. Feb. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Wairere falls Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile. Read More Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. Read More GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island Fill in the spaces. Read More A shady spot to park I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park. Read More First time on the ferry As Mainlanders, living in Blenheim we decided, part way thru 2024, to try a ferry crossing with car and caravan and go to an APCNZ event in the North Island. Read More Canterbury, Waihora Canterbury, Waihora ©2025 Tony Knights. More p36 Read More Fitting Auto levellers I thought this would be the answer to the plastic drive up ramps many use. Read More Far from flat Many not-to-be-missed freedom camping spots are far from flat. Pines, Lake Pukaki. ©2019 M Richardson Read More Camping at the Mohaka River Farm We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance. Read More A good day’s camping starts with a thermette A good day’s camping starts using a thermette to boil the water for coffee and for its small fire to then make toast. Read More Before you light a fire Be aware of the risks. Check fireweather. Read More Fireplace at Mangaweka Fireplace at Mangaweka camp, riverside picnic area. ©2012 M Richardson Read More Re-building my Toyota van part 2 I became aware of some shortcomings in the design Read More Made it to Campfest Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 What you need to know about freedom camping. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? Read More But I am not freedom camping… I’m just waiting to get a freedom camping fine as some official will decide that I’m camping when I’m actually parked using my RV as my means of transport, particularly in busy places like Queenstown, Tekapo or Wanaka. Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified An independent national network for self-containment certification Read More The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Read More Whisky Gully Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. Read More The red lights? It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read More Back on the boat (our caravan that floats) It’s been nine years since we had a sailing holiday in our trailer yacht, Quasimodo. Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Winter 2023 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 4 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 4, Winter 2023 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Punakaiki. ©2023 Two Kids and a Caravan Read More Let’s go south for a few weeks’ ‘Let’s go South for a few weeks.’
‘How many weeks?’
‘Eight.’ 
‘How about six?’ 
‘OK. let’s see how it goes.’ Read More Winter’s not going to stop Mavis Winter’s not going to stop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! 
Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson Read More Small town friendly Here are some suggestions on how to go about attracting campers to your town. Read More Why we chose our Swift Sprite Quattro caravan We’ve had heaps of people have asked us for feedback on our caravan and why we chose it so here it is. Read More One hundred nights a year I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Read More Greenies on the road: Managing food scraps I’ve been turning our food scraps into compost for many a year now, and there’s no way I’m sending them to the landfill now. We chose to use bokashi buckets in our housetruck, as we already had them. A worm farm could also work, though bokashi is possibly more forgiving and takes all food waste — bones and shells included. Read More 8 degrees of harm Societal harm caused by the new self contained motor vehicles legislation. With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm. Read More Self containment changes in brief What you need to know if you are currently self-contained, currently certified self-contained, planning to be self-contained, not self-contained, or wanting to freedom camp, now the law has changed. Read More A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid Read More It was cold at Mavora Lakes It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around. I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year Read More Winter’s here… How do you make winter camping more comfortable? Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors for enjoyable winter camping trips. It just takes a little extra preparation and the right gear. Read More Pegs for tough weather A commercial and a DIY (metal) version of a peg for windy weather. Read More I am on track I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton Read More Get on Ya Bike For the novice cyclist, the historical Karangahake Gorge cycle/walking track — along the old railway embankment— is a safe and gentle way to introduce an inexperienced cyclist. Read More Two long blacks and a cheese scone No, this is not about 12 weeks of coffee tasting around the South Island in a small van by a couple of over 80s Read More I did it! My very first solo camping and tramping trip! 
Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Read More Gold miner Wattie Thompson I came across this derelict house built by Wattie Thompson who had panned the river for gold for over 50 years. Read More Before the cyclone: Freedom Camping, Eastern Hawke’s Bay, Winter 2022 We feel so privileged and fortunate to have made this journey a year ago, gathering such beautiful memories of the landscape as it was. Read More Winter at Nokomai Station Winter at Nokomai Station on the way to Queenstown. ©2023 Dallas Hibbs Read More CampFest — Bulls, 2023 Several hundred campers, locals and visitors met at Bulls Domain in March for the first CampFest. An inclusive camping event for all types of camper with live music and market stalls. Read More Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track, Mavora Lakes Many trampers have vouched that Kiwi Burn Hut is a popular and great option for families, so we thought we’d check it out and put it to a true family-friendly test. With my toddler (and his dada) in tow, we set out to do the full Kiwi Burn Loop Track and spend one night at the hut halfway through. Read More Waikato west coast road trip We headed to Raglan along some back country roads. Read More Camping as a young family Our story begins in December of 2022 shortly after the birth of our second child, we decided that now was as good of a time as any to dip our toes into the world of caravanning. Read More Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp Looking for a one stop camp for the family with the dog as well ? Then Quinneys Bush is the place to go. Read More Our morning view, heater on Our morning view, heater on. Ruapehu. Hoping for warmer when we get to Kimbolton today. ©2023 Helen Garthwaite Read More Vege nachos: Recipes for camping This recipe is easy to make. It uses mostly tinned foods so is a great meal to make when you are running low on fresh foods or if you have no fridge. Increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients depending on how many people you are feeding. Read More Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 The annual festival is a mix of small to very large artworks, sculptures with mainly a rural theme, put together using all manner of bits and pieces from shearing blades to bike tyres. Read More Fill in the grid: campers in winter Each of the underlined words below should be recorded into the list on the left. Place each word according to the number of letters in the word. Then transfer the words into the Fill-it-in-grid. Read More Halfway through my 73 days traveling Left Auckland 34 days ago, halfway through my 73 days traveling the South Island. Now in Cromwell then Arrowtown on the weekend. Noticed that it’s getting colder. Now I appreciate my diesel heater. ©2023 Roland Jones Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Spring 2024 Choose which topics to show ISSUE 9 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 9, Spring 2024 Table of contents Editorial Councils and government list Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Steampunk. ©2024 Margarte Earle Read More Gourmet snag Q. What’s better than a gourmet snag on some fresh Turkish bread, with relish, cooked and eaten outdoors while freedom camping? Read More Steampunk— from north to south and back again “It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun” in Oamaru and Thames. Read More Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson Read More The re-build of my Toyota van When I built the van, I knew that sometime later I would have to upgrade it. Read More Ekatahuna Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More The West Coast in winter One winter’s morning in June, my son and I spontaneously took the campervan on a road trip up the coast. Read More Solar basics for dummies Solar power for us campers is a simple process. All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery. Read More Ready for sun Ready for sunbathing and a book. Morrisons Bush. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Read More Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story We’d been converting campervans as a hobby for a few years and discovered we loved building and creating things together. Plus, we were tired of our dull 9–5 jobs… Read More Caravan at Whanganui Vintage weekend Vintage caravan at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024 ©2024 Margaret Earle Read More Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights Firstly, make sure your caravan is ready to move. Read More Buyer beware At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer. Read More Buying used caravans Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Read More Cautionary tyre tale Passing over a bit of road where the rumble strip had been removed but not filled in, my tyre got stuck in the rut and shredded. Read More A great great grandchild A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Read More A night in an arboretum I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road Read More Beautiful obscure things When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Read More A winter day on Farewell Spit Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular. Read More Freedom camping Freedom van camping ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Read More On the shoulder of a god I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay. Read More Campground at Opoutere Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel Read More Whitebaiting Whitebaiting. Rakaia River Mouth ©2024 David Liddel Read More It was freezing This winter was my first in the Otago cold— a bit of a learning curve. Read More Home roasted coffee beans Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or an ale while roasting coffee beans. Read More Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki, freedom camping in Winter: I cant get enough of this place. Any season. ©2024 M Richardson Read More Freedom camping and self-containment Where are we at? At a government level, a council level, a certification level, at a camper level. Read More Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer. Read More A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ A response to a legislative challenge has brought us the compact, front-opening BlackMOA™ Cassette Toilet Read More Fix’n’Rail Due out late October, the Fix’n’Rail is a heavy duty sliding rail and secure bracket that lets you slide a portable toilet in and out of its storage area Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Spring 2023 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 5 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 5, Spring 2023 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Lake Monowai. ©2023 Kayla Laatz Read More Grandad’s Grandad’s caravan A caravan travels through five generations. Read More The Homestead, St Bathans I’ve been enjoying a few days away at one of my favourite spots, The Homestead Campsite near Saint Bathans. Read More Building a connected NZ camping and tourism industry To ensure a sustainable recreational camping industry related interest groups need to be more engaged and appreciative of the issues each group faces. Read More At the beach Read More 10 Tips for safe caravan towing Here are 10 tips for safe towing: caravans and their tow vehicles have much the same accident rates as other forms of motor transport, their main type of accident, jack-knifing, however, is different. Read More The only ones at Lake Pukaki I can’t believe we are the only ones at Lake Pukaki tonight. So incredibly grateful to have captured these skies. Read More Lake Monowai campsite Our small family of 3 set up camp in a quiet and secluded paradise in the heart of Fiordland National Park Read More Why not stop and stay a while? Introducing Stop and Stay, where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. Read More Easy-to-make flat breads — Recipes for camping These recipes come from the fabulous book New Zealand Backcountry Cooking by Paul and Rebecca Garland. Read More Cooking with fire NZ Fun Adventures was pleased to see so many outdoor enthusiasts join with us for this, now annual, event in our events calendar. Read More Really feeling autumny now! Really feeling autumny now! Whakaipo Bay, DOC camp at Taupo. Read More Pros and Cons of full time family travel We get heaps of people message us and ask about the pros and cons of travelling full time so we thought we’d put pen to paper and share the highs and lows of full time travel with kids Read More More cold season tips Sharing our best hacks which made life so much easier on a recent Matariki vanning trip. Read More A small, beautiful cassette toilet There is a cassette toilet in that beautifully crafted cabinet. Read More Winter adventures Winter doesn’t mean the end of camping adventures! Instagram Read More Freedom camping & self-containment status, spring 2023 The short version Read More Freedom camping: who does what The structure of the self containment system. Read More Update: Self-containment and freedom camping changes 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. Read More Freedom camping under the new law There are new penalties and some exemptions. Are you homeless, or making a lifestyle choice? Who gets fined and how they are notified. The law is vague. Councils and enforcement officers have to make it work. Read More Cooking on the road: planning food for…off the road A 4-day camp adventure at Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach, a long way from roads and power: how to manage the food? Read More Thinking about your overnight park Do you park your camper facing outwards? (Quick evac if needed.) Or just how you feel? Read More The Desert Road The Desert Road On our first road trip with our new caravan. We made it successfully from Wellington to Whangarei. Read More Freedom inside the fence We were looking for a freedom park for the night, but following the recommendation of friends we came here, through the big gates, to this pest-free reserve and we discovered it was so much more than a parking spot. Read More Small town: Waiau A small, North Canterbury, gem of a town, with friendly, welcoming locals, walks, exhibits, cycle rides, shops and free overnighting. Perfect for a couple of nights. Or more. Read More Small town New Zealand: Find the words Puzzle From North and South Islands see how many you recognise. Read More A small paint kit, a few good brushes… I have found that it is the obscure, forgotten little places that hold the most interest and subject material for paintings and rewarding experiences. Read More This is the story of three types of self-contained vehicles… Baby Bear, Mama Bear and Papa Bear campers Read More A Classic Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Read More The Aeropress: quality coffee with an easy clean up No more sloppy grinds in the bottom of the waste bucket. No more looking for bushes to throw them under. Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Autumn 2023 Select which topics to show ISSUE 3 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 3, Autumn 2023 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Morisons Bush ©2022 Margaret Earle Read More NZ is a camping culture NZ is a camping culture This makes us who we are, connects us to our environment like nothing else Read More 700 Campers at Kaitoke Kaitoke saw over 700 campers on Waitangi weekend. Read More Tautuku Hut Track: Family-friendly tramping in the Catlins Tautuku Hut is a lesser-known DOC hut in the Catlins. It is short and sweet, making it a great first overnight tramp for families. Myself and another mama picked this as our first overnight tramp with our babies. Read More Festivals & Shows Festivals where you can stay, that are on this Autumn (and a bit beyond) Read More Events Camping events on this Autumn Read More A beautiful country, but… Hold on a minute, we are campers and have most of the items required to survive the first few days of an emergency without outside assistance. Read More Our little escape pod We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Read More Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources. Orange Sky are providing shower and laundry services to many in flood-affected areas right now. Read More Ten hours into a power cut Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone .... THEN I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! Cheine Matheson Read More A storm over the DOC Homestead campsite A storm over the DOC Homestead campsite near St Bathans, Central Otago. ©2023 Tony Kissel Read More Along a sandy beach I rode on a trailer being towed along a long sandy beach. I squashed a few sandflies and went to bed blissfully happy each night. Read More HELLO 2023 I was invited to spend the New Year with friends at their crib at Papatowai. Read More Mavis bringing in the New Year Mavis bringing in the New Year at Pahoia Beach, Bay of Plenty. © 2023 Cheine Matheson Read More What’s in a name? Is freedom camping actually free? Who and how many are freedom camping? Read More Greymouth Star pinged Their title: “Freedom campers pinged”. A prime example of poor and emotive reporting. Read More Nowhere special Our trip to the Bridge to Nowhere, on the Whanganui river, will always be a special memory that I share with my 84 year old mother. Read More Small kayak camping I see a lot of really big setups on Facebook, so I thought I'd share my 'small' kayak camping setup for the weekend. Read More Simple is good Yep, simple is good. Tony Dennerley Read More Can the travelling camper save NZ's small rural communities? Smaller rural communities should be welcoming these thousands of travellers with open arms. Read More Pipiriki Eight days so far; 1300km in the car plus 216km on the mountain bike, and 45 days to go. Read More Why do I love camping so much? For me it's not the destination Read More Bulls: heading to CAMPFEST Where to stay if you are heading to or from Bulls. For CAMP FEST, or just to visit Bulls. Read More Camping and exploring in the Rangitikei Rangatikei spreads from the western white sand beaches through river escarpment up to the Central Plateau.
It is fed by two major State Highways, SH1 and SH3, three major river systems and part of Te Araroa — New Zealand’s Trail. Read More Want NZ? See Westport Want NZ? See Westport Read More SOG®: Fresh air in your toilet With an electrically powered ventilator, SOG removes odours coming from the toilet eliminating the need for toilet chemicals. Read More A great two weeks at Waihora Domain It was a great two weeks at Waihora Domain in Motukarara. Linda Butler. Read More Mavis at the Pahoia Beach Park Here's Mavis hosting the family at Pahoia Beach Park. A must visit place for animal lovers. Bay of Plenty. Cheine Matheson Read More The new Driftaway camping ground The new Driftaway camping ground at Frankton in Queenstown. I have stayed in a car, and in a tent. Dogs are welcome. There are bbqs, a playground, breathtaking views, swimming in the lake and a hot tub for adults. Read More South Arm, Lake Manapouri South Arm, Lake Manapouri, in March. DOC. Tony Kissel Read More MORE

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Summer 2024 Select which topic to show ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes Read More Double-digit highways SH32, SH45, SH60: Do you know them? Read More SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo On the road less travelled, down double-digit highways, which wind alongside the mighty Waikato and follow the western and southern shores of Lake Taupo, I find some of my favourite freedom camping sites. Read More SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us. South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth. Read More SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman SH60 begins in Richmond, travels through Motueka and Takaka and ends after 117km at Collingwood. Read More Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Read More We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Well. There we were. Bogged. Read More And people wonder why I like camping And people wonder why I like camping. Read More Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Read More What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Read More Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Read More Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Read More NIWA summer forecast Warmer than average; more days over 25°C; more dry spells… Read More Camp Fest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us at the Bulls Domain for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. Read More All roads lead to Camp Fest No matter which direction you are coming to Camp Fest from, there are many worthwhile, interesting places to explore and enjoy. North, South, East or West, or just a short distance from the Camp Fest venue there are some great opportunities to take a break and check out something a bit different. Read More I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Read More Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer This remote and extraordinarily beautiful part of the Pacific Coast Highway is fully open and welcoming campers for the summer season. Read More Freedom camping news No end to confusion and misinformation out there about what is lawful or required to be a freedom camper. No consistency. No fair control of freedom camping. Read More Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Check your card against these, to see whether you can still freedom camp. Read More But I am not freedom camping… Each council makes its choices when it trains its enforcement officers: what criteria determines ‘freedom camping’ or ‘preparing to freedom camp’; how to recognise a ‘day-trip excursion’ vs ‘preparing to freedom camp.’ There is no way for the traveller to know in advance what criteria any particular council is using. Read More A roof-top tent A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Read More Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail The design behind Fix’n’Rail supports a circular economy by giving new life to portable toilets that may otherwise end up in landfills. Read More What is out there It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed Read More This is the summer to visit Queenstown There are parking bylaws and nationwide reserve laws that continue to affect freedom camping in Queenstown this summer, but the years-long prohibitive bans are gone from Queenstown Lakes District. Read More The Wairau After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day Read More Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers offer self-containment testing for all types of campers Read More Dealing with a caravan flat Have you had a flat tyre on your caravan? I have now had three and would like to pass on some experience that may help you. Read More Sunday morning caravan Lego Sunday morning caravan Lego with our boys, Eddie and Boston. Read More Old Blue The camp still has quite a few hardy campers on-site, it’s Labour Day weekend after all. You wait, the sun will be shining tomorrow & the fish biting! Read More Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Read More MORE