10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing tell-tale signs of a kea attack Kea attack Tony Kissel Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Then I remembered the last time I was up this way I was visited by a kea, on closer inspection there were the tell-tail signs of a kea attack. Fortunately I had a tiny amount of fabric glue in an Exped air mattress repair kit which was enough to fill the holes until a proper repair can be made. ◊ ©2024 Tony Kissell Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 17

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption buyer-beware-disputes tribunal-H.webp GO TO as the seasons change We won!!! Buyer beware update: We won! Anon We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. (Read our story about it: ckw.nz/buyer-beware) The fact that we had an issue on our first night helped us win our case, and that the seller mentioned it was water tight. I’d also asked if he kept it, what improvements he would do, to which he responded ‘nothing needed doing’! What we learned When buying a caravan, a seller is usually keen and helpful with regards to viewing etc especially from a distance. Ours wasn’t. Not keen to hold it or accept a small deposit. We should have walked away at this stage. Dishonest sellers Since our experience we’ve heard of someone else who has issues with a leaky vehicle and another person who was scammed and paid for a caravan but there wasn’t one. Be wise in your research friends. Learn from us. It’s not worth the heartache and stress. Name withheld. More for buyers Buying used caravans From Collyn Rivers: Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Read the story in Issue 9 Or buy the book 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 38

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption The Wairere Falls fall over the edge. Photo ©2025 DOC The Falls falling. Photo ©2025 DOC My plans to go to the waterfall fell short when I saw the staircase. The thought of a 90 min climb back on a hot day turned me back. Maggie O'Rourke. Photo ©2025 DOC GO TO Here & there last summer when I saw that staircase... Wairere falls Maggie O’Rourke What an adventure this summer has brought, travelling around the Matamata-Piako district, we are so spoiled for choices on where to stay and what to do. One of my stops was at the Wairere Falls where I discovered we can freedom camp for four nights. They have 15 parks for self-contained campers, and even though the carpark has a slight lean it’s well worth parking up for a night or even 4. Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile. My plans to go to the waterfall fell short when I saw the staircase. The thought of a 90 min climb back on a hot day turned me back. I enjoyed the crystal hunting and wading in water and the small waterfalls instead. I didn’t take any photos of my walk as I just enjoying the beauty around me. Maggie O’Rourke. ckw.nz/doc-wairere | ckw.nz/waikato-wairere Images ©DOC Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 5

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Waikawa Bay PHOTO: Axel Dressel Boathouse at Waikawa Bay ©2024 Shellie Evans Waikawa Bay Waikawa Bay Waikawa Bay STOP and STAY Waikawa Bay Reserve: stop and stay Stop and Stay Waikawa Bay Reserve Larne St, Waikawa, Catlins Self-contained campers are welcome to overnight at the Recreation reserve in Waikawa township. Bordering the Catlins and close to Curio Bay, Waikawa also boasts a popular fish and chip (‘chup’) wagon. Nice! ■ who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans; must be self-contained. ■ Dogs allowed. ■ 1 nights max. ■ facilities: Toilets, water, large vehicles. ■ activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, walking, cycling, fishing, boating. ◼️ Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 35

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Waitohi Bush Reserve ©2024 Gill N Colin Miskelly, Waitohi Bush Reserve Our ‘go to’ place when we need to charge our batteries (only 8 mins from home , lol). Gill N Colin Miskelly Waitohi Bush Reserve ©2024 Gill N Colin Miskelly, only 8 mins from home Two nights (again) at our local reserve Gill N Colin Miskelly Two nights (again) at our local reserve… Waitohi Bush Reserve … A great place to just unwind and listen to the bellbirds. Has 2 tracks that are a bit steep in places but some nice walks along the shingle roads if you’re not into the bush walks!! Our ‘go to’ place when we need to charge our batteries (only 8 mins from home , lol). ©2024 Gill N Colin Miskelly, South Canterbury Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 13

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mavis at Ocean Beach Finally made it out to Ocean Beach Cheine Matheson Finally made it out to Ocean Beach in Whangarei. Mavis in her natural habitat. ©2022 Cheine Matheson Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 30

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption game-map.webp Game solution Rhonda Marshall The puzzle The solution: Game-solution-11-CKW .pdf Download PDF • 82KB Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 36

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption craft shopping, toasting marshmallows STOP and STAY Exploring Clandyboye Linda Butler All Points Camping enjoyed craft shopping, toasting marshmallows in the fire pit and Devonshire teas at the Milford POP. ◊ ©2024 Linda Butler Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 21

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption And people wonder why I like camping Tony Kissel And people wonder why I like camping.◊ ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 8

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The first hour of the walk is super easy and even a bit peaceful, taking you on a flat walk along the Mararoa River and through the Snowdon Forest. Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ The Kiwi Burn Swing Bridge. Right at the start of the walk we faced one of the coolest features (in my opinion) of the track, the Kiwi Burn Swingbridge. A chain metal bridge spanning approximately 15 metres across and standing at least 10 meters high over the gushing Mararoa River. Not at all for the faint of heart! Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ The Kiwi Burn Swing Bridge. I was nervous to cross while carrying an extra 20kg of toddler + backpack with me, but I figured it was better for me than my much taller partner to cross carrying it all. A bit wobbly going across, and a bit unsettling viewing the patches in the chain link as you’re right in the middle, but we did it! Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ Three Tracks intersect After crossing the bridge, a DOC sign details the 3 walking tracks that intersect at this point: Left to Kiwi Burn hut (1hr 30min), forward to Kiwi Burn Loop Track (3hr 30min), or right to South Mavora Lake (2hr 30min). Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ Before we even started to work up a sweat, we were out of the forest and entered an open, flat grassy clearing. Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ The Kiwi Burn hut Just as I began to think about the lack of shade and the scorching sun on us, we saw something amazing. The top of the hut finally came into view. Before we even started to work up a sweat, we were out of the forest and entered an open, flat grassy clearing. Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ Arriving at the Kiwi Burn hut Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ The Kiwi Burn hut Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ At the Kiwi Burn Hut There’s lots of room for little ones to safely play both inside and out. Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ The longer route back We lost sight of the path, but every few minutes we spotted a tiny orange triangle peeking up out of the 1.5 metre high grass. At times it didn’t even feel like we were following a track anymore, just stamping our own way forward. Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ Back at the swing bridge After another hour of easy, peaceful walking through the forest, we arrived back at the swing bridge. Photos: ©2023 Kayla Laatz. Mountain Mamas NZ The final verdict is in: Kiwi Burn Hut is the perfect hut for families with young children. Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track, Mavora Lakes Kayla Laatz 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. Walking to Kiwi Burn Hut Right at the start of the walk we faced one of the coolest features (in my opinion) of the track, the Kiwi Burn swing bridge. A chain metal bridge spanning approximately 15 metres across and standing at least 10 meters high over the gushing Mararoa River. Not at all for the faint of heart! Signs state only one person at a time should cross the bridge, and when you’re on it I think you’ll agree. I was nervous to cross while carrying an extra 20kg of toddler + backpack with me, but I figured it was better for me than my much taller partner to cross carrying it all. A bit wobbly going across, and a bit unsettling viewing the patches in the chain link as you’re right in the middle, but we did it! After crossing the bridge, a DOC sign details the 3 walking tracks that intersect at this point: Left to Kiwi Burn Hut (1hr 30min), forward to Kiwi Burn Loop Track (3hr 30min), or right to South Mavora Lake (2hr 30min). We decided to take the shorter route to Kiwi Burn Hut first and went left. Since I was carrying such a heavy load, my walking pace was a little slower than the suggested times shown on the sign. The first hour of the walk is super easy and even a bit peaceful, taking you on a flat walk along the Mararoa River and through the Snowdon Forest. A few small streams crossed the path along the way, but were really easy to cross without getting wet feet. With the sound of running water most of the way and the bird chirps coming from above, there were heaps of talking points to keep our young one mentally engaged and entertained. Besides the nearby river at the start, this track is totally safe to let toddlers tot around on too. Before we even started to work up a sweat, we were out of the forest and entered an open, flat grassy clearing. We followed the path stamped down into the knee high grass and the orange triangle markers. We crossed the very windy Kiwi Burn a few times as we rounded to the left of the clearing. Just as I began to think about the lack of shade and the scorching sun on us, we saw something amazing. The top of the hut finally came into view. I was shocked to see it so soon, as we truly hadn’t walked for long at all. It was a very welcome sight though with a cranky, hungry toddler on my back. After an hour and a half of easy walking, we had made it to Kiwi Burn Hut. Kiwi Burn Hut Kiwi Burn Hut overlooks a large, open valley filled with grassy wetlands surrounded by lush green mountains. There’s lots of room for little ones to safely play both inside and out. Behind the hut is a small, shallow stream which is great fun for kids on a hot summer’s day. Inside the hut we were pleased to find two separate bedrooms, each with 6 wooden bunks. We didn’t have the hut to ourselves, so this really eased my mind having the privacy of a separate room in case our little guy didn’t sleep so well that night. A luxury you don’t often get! The kitchen has a spacious bench top for preparing meals, a sink with running water (fed by the rain water tank outside) and a wood-fired stove. The stove could potentially be a hazard to young ones who don’t yet understand the concept of heat or fire, but there’s plenty of room inside to keep them far enough away from it. Outside we found 3 metal fire pits covered with a metal grill, perfect for grilling up meat or late night smores! Back to the Carpark from Kiwi Burn Hut From Kiwi Burn Hut you have two options to get back to the parking area. The shorter route, returning on the same track you came in on (1hr 30min) or the longer route, walking the full loop track back (2 hours). We were curious about what more views the full loop track offered, so opted to take the longer path to the left. Right away we lost sight of the path, but every few minutes we spotted a tiny orange triangle peeking up out of the 1.5 metre high grass. At times it didn’t even feel like we were following a track anymore, just stamping our own way forward. Not only was it hard to constantly dodge sharp grass from poking both mine and my child’s eyes, we also had to avoid tons of prickly weeds scattered throughout the bushes. Lastly, there were a ton of small streams hidden under the wet, dewy grass that were impossible to see until you had already stepped in (or nearly tripped over) them. Wet boots, wet pants, blisters, no shade cover and the very bumpy terrain underfoot made this section quite unenjoyable for us. When my son wanted a break from the carrier, we had to keep pushing forward because there weren’t many suitable spots to put him down for at least an hour and a half. It was mentally tough, and for a while there I think we all regretted the choice to take the long way back to the car. But we were so relieved to re-enter the forest again that we quickly forgot about the tricky section now behind us. After another hour of easy, peaceful walking through the forest, we arrived back at the swing bridge. Overall, it took us just over 4 hours to complete the full Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track. We all agreed that we did not wish to ever repeat the wetlands portion of the walk again, but would happily return to the hut via the shorter walking track. Despite the tough walk on day two, the chance to easily stay overnight in Mavora made it all worth it. The final verdict is in: Kiwi Burn Hut is the perfect hut for families with young children. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 12.5 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 300 meters Time: 4 hours Hut Coordinates: 45°21'18.7"S 168°05'27.4"E Mountain Mamas NZ is an online community of New Zealand based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. mountainmamasnz.com instagram.com/mountainmamasnz facebook.com/mountainmamasnz Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 24

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The adventures don't have to end ‘after kids’, they're only just beginning. We are an online community of New Zealand-based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. We regularly share hiking trails, campsites, outdoor guides and inspirational posts on our social media and website. Mountain Mamas © Kayla Laatz The adventures don't have to end ‘after kids’, they're only just beginning. We are an online community of New Zealand-based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. We regularly share hiking trails, campsites, outdoor guides and inspirational posts on our social media and website. Mountain Mamas © Kayla Laatz The adventures don't have to end ‘after kids’, they're only just beginning. We are an online community of New Zealand-based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. We regularly share hiking trails, campsites, outdoor guides and inspirational posts on our social media and website. Mountain Mamas © Kayla Laatz Mountain Mamas NZ Kayla Laatz Are you a mama wanting to spend more time outdoors with your family? Do you want to meet and go tramping with other like-minded mamas? Mountain Mamas NZ is an online community of New Zealand-based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. We regularly share hiking trails, campsites, outdoor guides and inspirational posts on our social media and website. Its a place to learn new skills, build your confidence, get inspired and connect with other local mamas throughout Aotearoa. The benefits to spending more time in nature are endless; but sometimes finding the motivation and support to make it happen can be difficult. Learning new skills and stepping outside your comfort zone, while simultaneously navigating life as a new parent, is even harder. The adventures don't have to end ‘after kids’, they're only just beginning. Get involved by following us @mountainmamasnz on Instagram and Facebook. Tag us in your outdoor family adventures using #mountainmamasnz to be shared and to inspire others. Kayla Laatz mountainmamasnz.com facebook.com/mountainmamasnz instagram.com/mountainmamasnz Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 32

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption New Year gathering at Waihora, Motukarara, Canterbury. ©2023 Linda Butler Join the club All Points Camping ALL POINTS CAMPING CLUB of NZ We are proud to sponsor this issue of Camping the Kiwi Way Brought to you by NZ’s inclusive, friendly, camping club, for your reading pleasure. Family membership to the All Points Camping Club gives you: ✶ Membership support ✶ Friendly, inclusive camping events ✶ Nationwide savings ✶ Lobbying support for campers’ rights. You don’t have to have a self-contained vehicle to join. You don’t have to be a member to come to our events. It’s more than just a club, it’s like one big family. Come along to one of our events near you.Bring the tent, bring the kids. Image: ©2024 Margaret Earle Join now only $35NZ’s national camping club Join here: www.allpointscampingnz.org ✶ When the benefits far exceed the cost you’d be crazy not to take it up. ✶ Our values: compassion, inclusion, support and encouragement Top image: Motukarara, Canterbury. ©2022 Linda Butler. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 40