3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Along a sandy beach 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. Heather Auckram Catlins, Southland. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 46

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Festivals These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. June Tussock Country Music Festival 25 May - 5 Jun: Gore, Southland Bringing the rural community and NZs country music community together for ten days and 60+ events celebrating music, food, rural life, entertainment and camaraderie. Overnight parking at the showgrounds. Dogs on leads. tussockcountry.nz NZ Highwaymen 5 June, Mon: Gore Legends of Kiwi Country music will play an electrifying show in the NZ capital of Country Music. Overnight parking at the showgrounds. Dogs on leads. tickets NZ HighwayMen nzhighwaymen.com/home July Festival of Christmas & Rose & Smith Mid-Winter Party 1-29 July: Greytown Greytown celebrates with a month-long programme of spectacular lights, workshops, events, Matariki activities, markets, parties, food and family fun. Tauherenikau Motorhome and caravan park. Certified Self contained vehicles. Festival greytownvillage.com/let-it-snow-2023 Parking tauherenikau.co.nz/motorhome-and-caravan-park Oxford Matariki Winter Lights Festival 2023 1 - 16 July: Oxford, Canterbury We light up to celebrate Matariki and to raise community spirits during mid-winter. Houses, businesses and everything else gets the special treatment making it a magical place to visit when it gets dark. Come and visit to enjoy our country hospitality and the mid- winter lights. Freedom camping 1km from town by the river. oxfordnewzealand.co.nz BRANDED Winter Warm Up Country Music Fest 28-30 July, Fri: Karapiro, Waikato The annual country music fest in Cambridge. Certified Self contained parking in Leamington. No dogs. ckw/nz/branded-fb September South Island Endurance Race Series - Round 2 22-23 Sept, Friday: Invercargill Round 2 of the South Island Endurance Championship is coming to Teretonga Park. The South Island Endurance Racing Drivers Club is a circuit based Motor Racing Series. Free overnight parking for ticket-holders. No pets. teretonga.org.nz/race/ October Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival 27 Oct - 5 Nov: Taranaki A ten day adventure into the homes of garden gurus throughout the Taranaki region. See the variety of plants we can grow in Taranaki at New Zealand’s friendliest garden festival. No specific parking. Some gardens offer overnight parking. Check with the gardens. taranakigardens.co.nz/our-festival/festival-info/ Facebook: Facebook.com/TaranakiFringeGardenFestival/ Instagram: Instagram.com/taranakifringegardenfestival/ November Robbie Williams XXV Tour 2023 12 Nov, Sat: Napier one of the finest male pop stars of his generation comes to this Mission Estate Winery concert. (11th is sold out). Certified self contained vehicles can park within walking distance. missionconcert.co.nz Parking Email to book minceyanddi@xtra.co.nz Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair 18 Nov, Saturday: Kimbolton Shop quality stalls, taste delicious food and relax to live music in a fun-filled atmosphere. There's something for everyone, even the guys! Why not make a weekend of it and book a motorhome site for $5 a night. Booking essential. No dogs. crosshillsfair.co.nz Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival 2023 24-26 Nov, Friday: Masterton The beautiful Wairarapa provides a stunning backdrop to an extravaganza of aerial action over three days. In addition to the spectacular flying programme, there are fantastic ground displays and activities for small and big kids alike. Overnight parking for self contained vehicles at the Masterton A&P Showgrounds, with a free shuttle service to the aerodrome. Dogs on leads. Buy parking as an add on to your ticket purchase. wings.org.nz Harvest Festival Hawkes Bay 25 Nov, Saturday: Napier A celebration of Hawkes Bay Food & Wine country. Harvest Festival Hawkes Bay. Sixteen wineries and 9 eateries. Tickets are limited. A shuttle service lets you camp or park in Napier, Hastings or Havelock North. Facebook harvesthawkesbay.com 2024 Egmont Country Music Jan 2024 5-7 Jan: Taranaki For a great weekend full of music and dance keep watching this page for updates. What a way to begin 2024. Come join us. To book parking phone. Facebook ckw.nz/egmont-country-festival Warbirds Over Wanaka Mar 2024 Fri, 29 - 31 Mar 2024, Wanaka This is the largest Warbird airshow in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the world's top four. It is a biennial event and around 50,000 people come to Wanaka for Warbirds and classic aircraft. Camping at local camping grounds. No dogs in the day carpark. warbirdsoverwanaka.com Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 35

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Our little escape pod Rhonda Marshall We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Prepacked with clothing, footwear, bedding, food, medication, water, gas, solar power, cash, fridge, cooking and toilet facilities, even books and games, we know, if disaster strikes, we can tend to our needs and offer support to others too. Rhonda Marshall Photo ©2023 Rhonda Marshall Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Firth Tower and Museum near Matamata is a tranquil place to camp overnight. ©2025 Graham Leslie Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the countryside. Josiah Firth was an Auckland entrepreneur who established the 56,000 acre Matamata Estate. ©2025 Graham Leslie The tower and the adjoining villa are now the centre piece of the Firth Tower Historical Reserve. ©2025 Graham Leslie The museum is set in spacious gardens with wide lawns and shady trees ©2025 Graham Leslie buy a ticket and have a look through the museum STOP and STAY Camping at the museum Margaret Earle Firth Tower near Matamata is a tranquil place to camp overnight. You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings. Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the countryside. Josiah Firth was an Auckland entrepreneur who established the 56,000 acre Matamata Estate. The tower and the adjoining villa are now the centre piece of the Firth Tower Historical Reserve. A sizeable collection of other historic buildings from the local area have been moved to the site to create the museum. These include a colonial chapel, schoolhouse and gaol along with a large collection of historic farm machinery. The museum is set in spacious gardens with wide lawns and shady trees. For $15 a night per vehicle you can camp in the carpark of the museum. There are some powered sites available for $20 per night. You need to be self-contained to camp here. The toilet block is open all night for the use of campers. Campers have use of the grounds of the museum even after the museum closes. More details available at firthtower.co.nz/motorhomes . If you are there on a day that the museum is open, I strongly encourage you to buy a ticket and have a look through the museum buildings. They contain an immense amount of historical information about the local area and the staff who work at the museum have lots of great stories to share. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 10

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Whaanga Rd was not too difficult to negotiate in our 6m campervan. Waikato west coast road trip Greg Lokes We headed to Raglan along some back country roads. We lunched in Raglan and then headed out to Manu Bay to see some surfing action followed by a quick visit to the spectacular Te Toto/Raglan Gorge. Looking down on the Ruapuke Beach school campground From there we headed along Whaanga Rd to Ruapuke Beach where we overnighted at the fantastic old school camping ground. Ruapuke Beach Whaanga Rd was not too difficult to negotiate in our 6m campervan, if you’re comfortable with the potholes and corrugations on the drive from Manu Bay to Raglan Gorge then you should be fine with the rest of it. Ruapuke Beach Greg’s photography on Facebook: ckw.nz/gregs-eye PHOTOS: ©2023 Greg Lokes Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 26

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing interesting places to explore and enjoy STOP and STAY All roads lead to Camp Fest Gary Stoneley Bulls, February 2025 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. The township of Bulls is situated in the lower North Island approximately halfway between the majestic Mount Ruapehu (below) and Wellington ( ckw.nz/bulls ). It forms a junction between State Highways 1 and 3 where travellers’ paths from all directions cross. What better place for NZ’s national camping club, the All Points Camping Club of NZ, to host the third Camp Fest? An affordable, inclusive, family-friendly event for all types of campers. Read about Camp Fest In this article I cover some special places to check out on your travels plus some great places to stay. N is for North National Park Heading toward Bulls from the central plateau, make a benefit of the Desert Road closure (Jan 6 to end of Feb) to take a night at National Park, then give the kids a break at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park and indulge in an Ohakune chocolate eclair, before heading on to the Waiouru Army Museum back on SH1. ( ckw.nz/waiouru-museum and more ). The museum is a great place to stop. The museum holds records of past military personnel with very helpful staff to help you with information. It’s a good, safe place to park overnight with the caravan or motorhome. A bit further down the highway, stop at Taihape’s giant gumboot and take a walk up to the Mount Stewart lookout ( ckw.nz/mt-stewart ). This comes highly recommended by travellers. Travel south a bit more to Mangaweka and with two riverside campgrounds ( mangaweka.co.nz/camp ) ……or go a bit further to the Flat Hills Cafe and Tourist Park ( ckw.nz/flat-hills ). With some of the best custard squares in the country, a challenging adult maze, animals, children’s playground and overnight camping this is one stop you will want to come back to. If you are into bushwalks taking a brief detour to the Whitecliffs Boulders may interest you ( whitecliffsboulders.co.nz ). Vinegar Hill Just north of Hunterville you can camp at the popular Vinegar Hill Reserve ( ckw.nz/vinegar-hill , above). Looking across the Rangitikei valley from Stormy Point Continuing on this side road will give you scenic views as you meander across hills and valleys to Feilding or you may wish to continue down SH1 to Bulls. S is for South Otaki Rivermouth, freedom camping spot. If beaches are your thing start with a night at the Otaki River mouth, and the Foxton and Himatangi beaches are worth a visit. There are several campgrounds to choose from. Both the De Molen Windmill ( foxtonwindmill.co.nz ), Oranjehof, Dutch Connection Centre oranjehof.org.nz and Off the Loop water park ( offtheloop.nz ) are worth checking out. Heading up SH1, the Waireka Honey shop has tasty honey blended ice cream and wines with a wide range of homely and beeswax products ( wairekahoney.co.nz ). It’s a chance to pull off the highway and catch your breath before heading up to Sanson and the Bulls Camp Fest. E is for East Heading towards Camp Fest from the East, Dannevirke Holiday Park is set in a tranquil hollow surrounded by native bush ( dannevirkeholidaypark.co.nz | more ). It’s close to the community pool, deer enclosure and bird aviaries. The native bush theme continues with Ferry Reserve, for camping at the base of the Tararua Ranges by the Manawatu River with easy access to the Manawatu Gorge bushwalks ( ckw.nz/ferry-reserve ). Once you have travelled over the Saddle Road, past the windmills, Ashhurst gives you the chance to stop over at the Ashhurst Domain ( ckw.nz/ashhurst-domain ) for the night or choose one of the many routes to Bulls. The most scenic, but longer route would be to head through the Pohangina Valley. Stopping at the Tōtara Reserve Regional Park ( totarareserveregionalpark.co.nz ) and campground or carrying on to Apiti and Kimbolton. Both towns have facilities and reserves for freedom camping. The more direct route to Bulls will take you through Feilding, to the Coachhouse Museum ( coachhousemuseum.nz ), which would have to rate as one of the best-maintained collections of NZ’s farming history in all of NZ. If you have a self-contained vehicle you can stay here overnight for a small donation. A very popular parkover location is Timona Park, adjacent to the Ōroua River and walkway. Whether coming from east or south two ‘must do’s’ in Sanson are Viv’s kitchen ( vivskitchen.co.nz ) with it’s famous cream horns and just adjacent to it, the Retro America store ( retroamerica.co.nz ). W is for West Dudding Lake If you are travelling from Taranaki or Whanganui on your way to Camp Fest there are campgrounds and free camps in Hawera, and two lakeside campgrounds that are worth considering, Lakelands Holiday Park ( lakelands.co.nz ) and Dudding Lake ( duddinglake.nz ) as well as the small coastal campground of Koitiata ( koitiata.nz ). Camp Fest in Bulls The Camp Fest venue offers a large open area for parking of caravans and motorhomes with a tree lined glade for those with tents or small camping units. More on Campfest . Arrive on the Friday if possible to enjoy the full range of activities over the weekend. All the local shops are within an easy walk. The Bulls River was a major hurdle to cross for early settlers and travellers and Scotts Ferry operated down-river near the coast. There is a small low-cost community campground at the heritage site of Scotts Ferry ( ckw.nz/scotts-ferry ) just a short drive from the town. Bulls is in the Rangitikei District which does not have a freedom camping bylaw, so you can park where it is safe to do so, but be aware of your surroundings, other people, litter, and comply with other bylaws and laws. We hope you enjoy your travels to Camp Fest in Bulls in February 2025 and look forward to seeing you there. ◊ Images: © remains with the organisations/businesses and photographers. Read about Camp Fest The Camp Fest website: campfestnz.org Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 33

1 Spring 2022 New Zealanders go Camping: Clubs & groups Up Mike Walters Meet our first two camping groups: All Points Camping Club of NZ & Kiwi Pop Top Campers Each issue we will profile two clubs or groups that encourage us to explore our country All Points Camping Club of NZ 
 NZ’s inclusive camping club NZ wide, we provide support and encouragement to NZ campers, no matter what type of camping vehicle you use. Camping has a long history as a recreational activity in NZ and many thousands of us enjoy traveling and camping out in different regions, often on less-traveled roads. Managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, the club supports its members in hosting and promoting camping events around the country, including 3rd party events with a camping component. These can include regional camps, festivals and special purpose camps supporting different groups. With a base philosophy of helping fellow campers there is always someone with the knowledge or contacts to be of assistance, when needed. As the club nears it’s 7th year anniversary, there are now regional reps throughout the country to help and support local members. As an All Points Camping Club member you receive considerable savings from national retailers that far exceed the $35 annual membership fee. By becoming a financial member you help us in the fight to ensure campers’ future rights, and fair and sustainable NZ-wide camping. The All Points Camping Club of NZ is proud to co-sponsor Camping the Kiwi Way initiatives. More, or to join: www.allpointscampingnz.org or find us at All Points Camping on Facebook. Gary Stoneley, club founder Kiwi Pop Top Campers
 Welcome to Kiwi Pop Tops When I first bought my 1976 Sprite Pop Top I couldn’t find any information on the web. I knew there were plenty of Pop Tops made in New Zealand back in the day so I thought I would set up the Kiwi Pop Tops Facebook group to see if there were many others out there. It would be a group where we could all share info, photos, stories and history on our different brands of Pop Tops. I thought I would get maybe 50 –100 people join the group, but we now have nearly 3,000 members and last month alone had 27,000 views! With Kiwis not been able to travel overseas over the past couple of years they have been buying caravans and motorhomes to travel around our own country. This has pushed the price of caravans up through the roof so the good old Kiwi Pop Top has become an affordable alternative. Easy to tow and small enough to store in your garage is also a bonus. This page was setup for anyone with an interest in pre ‘90 Kiwi Pop Tops including Sprite, Playboy, Nifty Nomad, Anglo Cheetah & Cubs, Topagee, Expander, Sunbird, Camp-o-matic, Liteweight Pop Tops and more. If you need advice on restoration or modernising projects, looking for parts or retro accessories you can find it all here at facebook.com/groups/kiwipoptops Also keep an eye out for our Website, coming soon! www.kiwipoptops.co.nz Mike Walters Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS All Points Camping Club of NZ & Kiwi Pop Top Campers All Points Camping Club of NZ NZ’s inclusive camping club. Kiwi Pop Top Campers Camping in Canterbury ©2022 Jesse Rawson All Points Camping Club of NZ NZ’s inclusive camping club. 1/2

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

1 Spring 2022 Cycle touring: Canterbury to Southland Up Stephen Wood I hadn't managed to get out cycle touring for a few years and so planned a big trip to reconnect to it. A length of the country ride wasn't possible because of covid restrictions in Auckland, so plan B was to do a circuit around the South Island. Once that was settled, the main decision was whether to do the circuit clockwise or anti-clockwise, and I chose the former. Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring, but this was the first time with a new bike equipped with 14 gears in the rear hub, and a dynamo in the front hub. Rakaia River From Rangiora I elected to avoid Christchurch and the long Rakaia bridge on SH1 by travelling on the inland route 72, so my first day was through familiar country, Cust, Oxford, Waimakariri Gorge, and then through Glentunnel to a great little campground run by a small collective at Rakaia Gorge, with basic facilities and a fantastic view down the river. Rakaia Gorge campground Carrying on the next day through inland South Canterbury, I stopped at what appeared to be a lay-by in the middle of nowhere and discovered a monument to the Tree of Hine-Paaka, also known as Singletree, a lone matai that was said to be from the time of the first Maori and was still alive when the first Europeans settled. The rest of the day got me through Mayfield to Geraldine where I stayed in the big campground in the centre of town. They put me in a quiet corner close to neighbouring houses. I guess because I didn't look the rowdy type. The next day meant getting back to SH1, but with careful use of back roads, I delayed this until Temuka. Riding on main roads isn't as bad as it looks — they usually have a good shoulder and using a rear view mirror means that you know how much room vehicles are giving you before they pass. Also, a side effect of the pandemic is that traffic on roads is less than pre-covid levels. However, I found riding through Timaru interesting, especially at the intersections where trucks turned off and on to get to the port. I had hoped to get to Oamaru that day, but decided to call it quits at Glenavy, which had a tidy campground in town. The next day I got an early start and was over the Waitaki River bridge before there was too much traffic. My plan was to get to Oamaru early to catch up with people I knew from living and working there for a couple of years. That took the best past of the day, but I got back on the road in the afternoon in time to make it down to Hampden. It's always a juggle deciding what to do first, but I got some fresh milk at the shop before checking into the lovely beachside campground. My food stocks were a bit low for cooking dinner so it was back into town, to find both the takeaway and grocery shop had just shut, leaving a pub meal as the best option. In heading to Dunedin, I'd planned to ride the roads near to SH1 but avoiding the motorway sections. However the tops of the hills were in cloud, so I decided the safer route was to turn at Waitati to the Mt Cargill Road with much lower traffic volume. That brought me into town through North East Valley, where I spotted some quirky street art. I stayed at the big campground in South Dunedin. Leaving town the next day I was riding into a blustery southerly gale which was hard work, but also affected my ability to hold a straight line and hear the traffic behind, making it feel a lot less safe on the road. I had hoped to get to Balclutha, but when I spotted that the domain in Milton had camping I decided that was a good option. There was even a resident caretaker who helped with finding a place to pitch my tent in the shelter of an unoccupied caravan. Owaka Back on the road the next day to a planned rendezvous with my wife Robyn who was driving down in the camper van for a welfare visit for a few days. After a cafe stop in Balclutha where the pot of tea extended to a record 5 cups, I enjoye the quiter road after leaving SH1. I made it to Owaka, which sports a stainless steel waka sculpture, chose a place for us to stay in what appeared to be an old hospital repurposed to be a campervan park, and sent Robyn the directions so she could find it. The next few days were a mixture of taking time out for a some more touristy things in the Catlins while still making forward progress on my ride. While there were some businesses shut, there was still plenty to see and do. We went out to Nugget Point, stayed at a large but sparsely used campground near Chaslands and walked up to the McLean Falls. Nugget Point With the luxury of my panniers being carried in the campervan, I rode a big day out of the Catlins, through Tokanui and Fortrose and over to the campground in Lornville, on the north side of Invercargill. After that Robyn headed home in the campervan, while I pedelled off in the direction of Winton. BY: Stephen Wood Thinking of cycle touring? some tips PHOTOS: ©2022 Stephen Wood Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS With the luxury of my panniers being carried in the campervan, I rode a big day out of The Catlins. Packing up Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring. New bike This was the first time with a new bike equipped with 14 gears in the rear hub, and a dynamo in the front hub McLean Falls, The Catlins Packing up Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring. 1/16

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Testing officers and councils have a lot to work through over the next few months to manage and apply the multiple systems. 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 5 Spring 2023 , p 18

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 NZ Lifestyle Camping We are support all types of campers. Getting your camping vehicle certified Gary Stoneley NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification NZ Lifestyle Camping operates as an independent national network for self-containment certification to support the NZ vehicle camping industry. You do not need to be a member of a club or organisation to get your self-containment certification through NZLC but must have a vehicle that is fit for the purpose of habitation. NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers continues to offer self-containment in accordance with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers, self-containment regulations. We are committed to supporting all types of campers We also offer alternative certification (low cost option) for those who do not freedom camp or for staying at host properties and events. This is suitable for vehicles with portable toilets and tiny homes as evidence of self-containment. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk being fined. NZLC Fees $63: Green (for ‘freedom camping’) warrant and certificate. ✚ Testing officers charge for their time. ✚ $120 government freedom camping levy. $48: Blue ( not for ‘freedom camping’) warrant and certificate. ✚ Testing officers charge for their time. $20: reissue of lost warrant card. Free: an email copy of a certificate. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you: nzlifestylecamping.com North Is: ckw.nz/cert-north South Is: ckw.nz/cert-south NZLC provides both blue and green self-containment warrant cards and documentation through our national network of testing officers. New blue warrant cards remain recognised throughout NZ but not for ‘freedom camping’ ( see p2 ). We wish everyone safe travels l We encourage you to ‘Leave no Trace’ when camping. Kind regards, Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd 027 246 9778 4 For further information check our website NZ  LifestyleCamping.com ◼️ Choose from an independent national network of more than 150 self-containment testing officers ©2024 NZ Lifestyle Camping Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 39

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. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Freedom inside the fence Fiona Thomson 12km from Eltham, in Southern Taranaki is where you can find the hidden gem of Rotokare Bird Sanctuary. Initially 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. This stunning, 230ha, forested hill-country catchment is protected by an 8.2km pest-proof fence that circles the reserve perimeter. This fence is not like any garden fence: it has special features with it’s own electric tripwire surveillance system — which runs along the top of the fence. At close to 2m high, with its smooth rolled edges, this fence prevents climbing animals such as cats and possums from getting a grip to climb in. It’s constructed from a fine stainless steel mesh that is tight enough to stop small rodents from getting through. At the base, the foundations of the fence are anchored below ground level — creating a barrier to digging animals such as rabbits and hares. The fence protects the regenerating native bush, and a 17.8ha natural lake with extensive wetlands. Lake Rotokare There are several walking tracks that weave through the native bush that include tawa, rewarewa, and mahoe trees. The floating observation deck It took us 45 minutes to walk around the 4km lakeside track, providing us with the opportunity to spot a variety of bird life including tūī, kereru, korimako/bellbirds, and a personal favourite —tīeke/saddlebacks. The track was well constructed, and we even meet a family negotiating it with a pushchair. Toutouwai/North Island robin During the night, we could clearly hear the call of the ruru/morepork and — to our delight — kiwi. Rotokare offers public, night encounters (by prior arrangement) at a nominal fee from July to September. There is a selection of parking spots for motorhomes and self-contained vehicles, plus picnic tables and benches along the lake edge. There are public toilets including a wheelchair-accessible toilet and an information shelter. This is also a popular recreation area for boaties. Dogs are prohibited. The Sanctuary is free to enter and open 24/7. The instructions for drivers entering were clearly displayed with a simple traffic light system to guide vehicles entering and exiting. n Our camper exiting the vehicle gate system. Our camper exiting the vehicle gate system. Up Up Up It’s own electric tripwire surveillance system Click on the gallery for a full size view The gates at Rotokare Bird Sanctuary. We came here, through the big gates, to this pest-free reserve and we discovered it was so much more than a parking spot. Lake Rotokare The fence protects the regenerating native bush, and a 17.8ha natural lake with extensive wetlands. Toutouwai/North Island robin We had the opportunity to spot a variety of bird life including tūī, kereru, korimako/bellbirds, and a personal favourite —tīeke/saddlebacks. The gates at Rotokare Bird Sanctuary. We came here, through the big gates, to this pest-free reserve and we discovered it was so much more than a parking spot. 1/4