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  • foxton-beach

    10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Spring Fling Foxton Beach M Richardson All sorts of campers at the Foxton Beach Spring Fling camping weekend. All Points Camping. ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 21

  • wairere

    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

  • tempting

    11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Waihora, New Year: Ray gave us a lesson on his new water bladder and water pump, which runs off his cordless drill. Interesting and tempting to purchase! ©Linda Butler Waihora, New Year: Ray gave us a lesson on his new water bladder and water pump, which runs off his cordless drill. Interesting and tempting to purchase! ©Linda Butler GO TO Here & there last summer tempting! Interesting and tempting to purchase! Linda Butler Waihora, New Year: Ray gave us a lesson on his new water bladder and water pump, which runs off his cordless drill. Interesting and tempting to purchase! More ©2025 Linda Butler. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 7

  • puzzle-solution

    5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Have you found the names of these small towns? Puzzle solution Have you found the names of these small towns? Do you know if they are located in the North or South? After you have identified all of the towns in the grid there are 24 remaining letters. Working from left to right and top to bottom you will discover a three-word phrase! Download pdf of the solution Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 38

  • the-summer-issue

    10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 In this issue Double-Digit Highways – SH32,West of Taupo, SH45, Taranaki’s surf coast highway, and SH60 to Collingwood. Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Making camping more accessible for everyone involves more than installing accessible toilets. Travelling with pets A list of resources I’ve found helpful on our travels with our furry family member, Pippa. CampFest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us in Bulls for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. Recipes Favourite and quick camping meals including great ideas for a quick meal on the first night. Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes ( Greg's Eye ) About Camping the Kiwi Way We hope this magazine will unite the many different camping groups we have in NZ to create a unified voice and energy for sustainable camping for current and future generations of New Zealanders. ISSN: 2815-8261 (Print)ISSN: 2815-827X (Online) ©2024 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson editor@campingthekiwiway.org | campingthekiwiway.org Published quarterly by All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc &NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd Order or subscribe Printed copies including postage:$44 for a year (4 issues)$13.50 for a single copy editor@campingthekiwiway.org Read it here online, get a PDF campingthekiwiway.org/issues-camping-the-kiwi-way Or subscribe for a printed copy campingthekiwiway.org/buy-or-subscribe Advertising editor@campingthekiwiway.org For sizes and prices see ckw.nz/advertising Share your stories If your group or club is promoting NZers enjoying our great outdoors, we would like to share your stories. • Tenting, caravanning, motorhoming, van camping, bike camping, hiking and more. • Camping photos and stories. • Club stories and photos. • Upcoming events that include camping. • Opinion pieces on camping issues. Photos 1mb or more in size. Email words and (separate) images: editor@campingthekiwiway.org Contributions close Feb 1 for the Autumn issue May 1 for the Winter issue Aug 1 for the Spring issue Nov 1 for the Summer issue But, for late-breaking articles talk to the editor. Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 1

  • clubs-groups-spring22

    1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption 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 & Kiwi Pop Top Campers New Zealanders go Camping: Clubs & groups 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 1 Spring 2022 , p 27

  • summer-23, fc-reefton

    It was a winter stay by the river in Reefton, on The West Coast. We are allowed 2 consecutive nights (certified self-contained). Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Reefton Up Miriam Richardson STOP and STAY It was a winter stay by the river in Reefton, on The West Coast. We are allowed 2 consecutive nights (certified self-contained). Right next door is the hotel which is a free pop (if you buy something in the hotel), so you can swap between these two if you want a longer stay in Reefton. There’s a lovely walk along the river, past the summer pool to the camping ground. Return via the main street, Broadway, which has a number of cafes each with food worth a try. (Image, Broadway, Stewart Nimmo, CC BY-SA 4.0) There’s lots of historical interest here. The visitors’ centre has engaging historical work on the coal mines which gave us this town, including a replica underground mine. Reefton was the first town in NZ to get electric street lights, powered by the Reefton Power Station on the Inangahua River, way back in 1888. There are several walking tracks, including one to the site of the power station, a tramping track, and track for experienced off-road cyclists. Snow on the hills behind Reefton. ©2023 M Richardson Uncredited photos ©2023 M Richardson STOP and STAY Where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. Stop and Stay is a free resource for NZ campers and travellers, brought to you by campers for campers. It might be a country pub for a meal, a rural property, a council reserve, a DOC camp; it might be a commercial campground or a unique day-stop or cafe. Please add your recommendations to the list. Anyone one can access the list or make recommendations. It’s free, too, for property owners to be on the list. Remember to always check with hosts first — phone numbers are provided on most listings, and keep in mind that some properties have restrictions. Dog-friendly properties are indicated on each listing, as are wheelchair accessible properties. STOP and STAY | Add a place to Stop and Stay Up Up SStay-Reefton2-MNR_mw.webp SStay-Reefton-MNR4_mw.webp SStay-Reefton_Stewart_Nimmo_CC_mw.webp SStay-Reefton2-MNR_mw.webp 1/4

  • winter-tips

    8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold favourite tips and tricks for cold Winter tips from our previous issues Editor Winter tips never go out of date... Winter’s here… Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors. ckw.nz/winter-tips Photo © 2023 Bette Cosgrove TIPS for the cold Camping in the winter (tent or van) needs to be pretty organised and good gear is needed. I do most things, from being out and about in my van to tramping and snow-holeing. ckw.nz/tips-cold Photo ©2022 Daniel Munro More cold season tips Sharing our best hacks which made life so much easier on a recent Matariki vanning trip. ckw.nz/tips-cold-more Photo ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Insulation: Preparing for the cold winter “brrrrrr’s” Darn, we could only get the new heater up to 10ºC on that night, and woke to a -3ºC frost. Eventually we were told the poor insulation and many windows in the bus were the problem. ckw.nz/brrrr Photo ©2023 Linda Butler Pegs for tough weather A commercial and a DIY (metal) version of a peg for windy weather. ckw.nz/pegs-for-wind . Photo ©2023 M Richardson A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack sewn into the awning. ckw.nz/stove-jack Photo ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid It was cold at Mavora Lakes I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year. ckw. ckw.nz/mavora-cold Photo ©2022 Daniel Munro Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 31

  • cruzar

    9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans Funnily enough, our business name ‘Cruzar’, came from our old dog! Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story Brenda Brian Funnily enough, our business name ‘Cruzar’, came from our old dog! Every time we opened a van door, he’d happily jump in and explore. Just look at that face. My partner Andy and I kicked off Cruzar Custom Campervans 5 years ago. It felt like a natural next step since 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 and let’s just say, a change in lifestyle was calling our names! In 2019 we bought and converted a charming 1991 Toyota named Goldie (above right). We had our very first official holiday together in him. Sadly, it was also our last… haha! We started Cruzar after that, and the rest is history! Why not do it yourself? Most people come to us for two reasons: our high quality, custom-built fit-outs and superb customer service. Andy, as an expert coach builder and trained engineer, has a handle on all things conversion. I work with the build and design side of the conversions and handle all customer inquiries. In other words, I’m the happy one on the end of CCC’s phone! Our conversions are bespoke — tailored to each client’s unique wants and needs. We keep our clients involved every step of the way, always ensuring they’re happy with our progress. At the start, they share what they envision for the conversion, and we share our ideas, products and designs. Then we get to work on bringing their ideas to life! People come to us at different stages — some already with a van, others without, and others with a van that only needs a partial conversion. Sometimes we guide people in vehicle choice, depending on the budget and size they want to work with, whether it be a vehicle big enough for a family or a couple doing short trips. Changes along the way … …when the initial design is far from the end conversion? We always strive to communicate the final plan clearly in order to avoid changes during the building process. If a new idea pops up, we’re open to it, but we try to stick to the original plan as much as possible. We believe in open communication and never make changes without keeping our clients in the loop. Say we realise during the build that there is more room for the bed than first anticipated — we’d chat with you to see if you’d like to go bigger or use the space differently. We’re always very conscious of not over-capitalising on a build. If someone is looking at doing something where an alternative could be used, we’ll share that idea. Vans for rent vs vans for personal use Through our years of experience, we’ve learned a lot about what people enjoy in vans. Both for personal and rental vans, we take on owners’ feedback to ensure their fit-outs are versatile, well-spaced, and feel just right. When converting vans for rental, we take all these insights into account, striving for adaptability and smart use of space. We want everyone to feel comfortable and avoid that cramped feeling. When it comes to personal vans, it’s all about tailoring the design to what that particular person envisions. We listen closely to their ideas and build from there, making sure it’s a perfect fit! Concerns about getting a professional conversion People worry about what happens if they want to make changes during the build, given we usually buy the materials and products in advance. Changes can slow things down, and are often difficult to execute when a client has a tight timeframe. We always do our best to be flexible, but the truth is that less interruptions mean a smoother ride! People often wonder about the “by-hand” aspect. How can we guarantee great results? Reassurance and clear communication are the answers. We trust each other in each unique, custom-built journey, ensuring each van is built with care, not computer systems. Layouts and what goes into the van can be a concern. We guide our clients through this, stressing the importance of taking time to get it right. At the beginning, they usually send us photos and ideas of what they want. Then, we work with them to fill in any gaps and ensure they haven’t missed anything, like how they’re going to power the van or heat it. “Have you thought about…?” is our go-to question! Colours, themes, and interior design also worry some people. We collaborate on these aspects, assisting with colour schemes and creating a harmonious design. If they’re handy with wiring or interior design, we work with their skills, weaving everything together for a beautiful, cohesive look. Plus, we’re happy to work with clients all over the country, and even those abroad! Distance isn’t a barrier for crafting the perfect van. The process It differs, but generally it goes something like this: Inquiry and introduction. We tell the client who we are and what we offer and they decide whether we’re the right fit for them. First meet (in person if they’re near, video call if they’re remote). We take all their ideas, draft a layout and put together a plan of action. If they’re happy with everything, we organise a start date and ask for a 50% deposit. Drop off. The client brings their vehicle round. We go through the plan and tick everything off to ensure understanding both ways is clear. Conversion begins. First, we strip the van out, put down a new floor, mark out and measure the new layout. First check-in. Once that’s complete, we have the client come back / video call again to check that they’re happy with progress. At that point, any changes that they want made, we can. Conversion continues. After we’ve finalised the colour scheme, we start the building process. Regular check-ins. The beginning of the build is quite slow and unexciting with just plumbing and wiring, so we just give fortnightly updates. Then, we give weekly updates as the build proceeds. Some people like to see photos of finished van but the majority like to get a surprise and see it for the first time when they pick it up. So around two weeks prior we stop sending photos so there is a surprise. Pick-up. Clients pay their final invoice, and then arrive to do a tour of the van. We show them how everything works and reassure them that we’re available afterwards for them to give us a call if they have any questions. We understand that there’s heaps to take in when they pick it up, so it’s totally understandable that they will have follow ups! Before they head off, we always like to make them aware that because it’s a new conversion there could be some squeaks. We do a “squeak test” before they go out, but there is usually a settling in period. We have an open-door policy. People can call in and have a look whenever they like. The most common kind of builds: pros and cons One of the hottest trends right now is having a permanent bed with lots of storage underneath. People are still 50/50 on showers. Those who go for one tend to opt for an external shower for more space inside and a cheaper price. For cooking, slide-out kitchens on the passenger’s side still tend to be the most popular. People adore these because they can whip up meals under the awning, it keeps the camper’s interior smelling fresh, and it’s removable so you can easily take the cooker to the beach or a picnic table. Hot water is a mixed bag — those turning their vans into homes usually go for it, while weekend adventurers might settle for a cold splash. And guess what? Everyone’s going solar and LED and lithium batteries are the new cool kids on the block. Roxy, our favourite conversion We had a blast building a 1993 Toyota Coaster! The design, the colours, the cozy seating area, and that kitchen layout were simply fantastic, and the clients were just awesome. And then there’s Roxy, my absolute favourite project (above). I guess I liked converting her so much because I had total creative control, and was able to freely play around with colours and designs. It’s so inviting and comfy, giving you that light, open, and clean vibe. And you wouldn’t guess it, but the colour scheme all started with this one cushion from Briscoes. Having hot water, a Max fan, and a gas cooker inside is just the extra layer of luxury I wanted in a camper. It was a bit like a creative playground because we could show our clients what we’re capable of without any pressure. Fun times indeed!◼️ Cruzar Custom Campervans Ohoka, Rangiora, Christchurch cruzarcustomcampervans.co.nz cruzar.customcampervans@gmail.com facebook.com/Cruzarcustom Images ©2024 Cruzar Custon Campervans Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 11

  • waikawa-bay

    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

  • two-nights-again

    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

  • mavis-whangarei

    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

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