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

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption 10-tips-PassingTruck.png Their main type of accident is jack-knifing 10 Tips for safe caravan towing Collyn Rivers 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. Overtake whilst towing with great care. Pic: AL-KO, rvBooks.co.au Tip One: limit speed Never tow above 100 km/h (especially if overtaking). Driving too fast is by far the major cause of caravan-related accidents. Tip Two: do not exceed maximum legal weight Never load a tow vehicle or trailer above the maximum weight limits stipulated by the manufacturers. Doing so is illegal, dangerous and will invalidate your insurance. Knowing the weight of your tow vehicle and trailer is as important as carrying your passport overseas. Tip Three: correct weight ratio Ideally, a laden trailer’s weight should exceed a laden tow vehicle’s weight (ideally only 80%). If you follow this recommendation, in RV Book’s opinion, you will have no need for a Weight Distributing Hitch. The use of such a hitch is advisable if the caravan‘s laden weight exceeds the tow vehicle’s laden weight, but that vehicle’s ‘cornering power’ is then inherently reduced. Tip Four: adequate tow ball mass It is essential to have your trailer’s front end heavier than its rear. For camper trailers, not less than 5% of the trailer’s laden weight should be on the tow ball. For Australian caravans the percentage should be 8% to 10% (the longer and heavier the caravan, the higher the percentage needed). UK/EU-made caravans are by and large much lighter — they need 6–7%. This mass must remain reasonably constant. It should not vary as water tank content varies. Towing stability is since proven to relate to tow ball mass. The lower the trailer’s percentage of its weight on the tow ball, the lower the stability. Furthermore, the lower that tow ball mass, the lower the so-called critical speed. The critical speed is that above which a strongly snaking caravan cannot be driver corrected. Any heavy trailer longer than about 5 metres with less than 7% tow ball mass is (in RV Books’ opinion) an accident waiting an opportunity to happen. Its critical speed may be as low as 50–70 km/h. Find out more about critical speed here: ckw.nz /why-roll-sway Tip Five: Correct weight distribution Heavy items in a trailer should be stowed low down and close to the axle(s). Store only lighter items higher up and away from the axle(s). Never store heavy items at the front or rear of the trailer. Tip Six: limiting height Keep everything as low as feasible across your entire rig consistent with adequate ground clearance. The lowest part of a rig is usually the tow vehicle’s differential housing/s or exhaust. Tip Seven: tow vehicle choice Choose a tow vehicle that has: • A maximum towing capacity greater than the laden weight of your trailer. • An adequate maximum tow ball allowance for your trailer. • Has the longest possible wheelbase (i.e. distance between its front and rear axle/s). • Has the shortest possible distance from rear axle to tow ball. Find out more about choosing the right tow vehicle here: ckw.nz/choose-tow-vehicle . Tip Eight: trailer choice Choose a trailer that: • is as light as possible • is as short as possible • has the longest possible distance between the tow ball and its centre of mass. Extended A-frames help, but at the expense of increased turning circles. Tip Nine: Tyres Use ‘Light Truck’ tyres to assist trailer and tow vehicle handling. Their stiffer sidewalls enable them to carry their maximum weight at all times, and they are better able to resist yaw and snaking. They are a little noisier and have a slightly harder ride compared to normal tyres, but safety is more important. Never increase the tow vehicle’s front tyre pressure for towing. Always increase the tow vehicle’s rear tyre pressure by 50‑70 kPa (7–10 psi) whilst towing. In borderline cases simply using these pressures eliminates the need for a Weight Distributing Hitch. Tip Ten: Read our book Why Caravans Roll Over—and how to prevent it Our book — Why Caravans Roll Over—and how to prevent it — explains just how and why caravans roll over. It has many pages that advise how you can reduce the risk. An invaluable feature is a Question & Answer section that enables you to assess your own rig’s likely stability. It shows how to remedy the failings. Reproduced with permission. ckw.nz/10-towing-tipsrvbooks.com.au Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 9

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption My van ©2025 Roland Jones re-build_104-before.webp ©2025 Roland Jones My controller was in the far corner of the bed with the fuse box underneath (out of sight), this meant that I had to completely re-wire the van. ©2025 Roland Jones I purchased some 18mm plywood (non-construction. This has a beautiful grain and NO knots. ©2025 Roland Jones The fridge cabinet was the first to be installed. I had built it to the maximum height possible and leaving line of sight for the driver out the rear window. Storage in a small ©2025 Roland Jones I was pleased with the improvements to the electrical system ©2025 Roland Jones New toilet, a CHH toilet model 3924T which I got on special for $399. It is a larger capacity 24 litres On the side of the sink unit is a hose which is dual purpose — as a shower and a wash down for the toilet, if required. ©2025 Roland Jones I fitted a low profile waste to the sink and carefully routed the pipes around the back to ease filling the water tank. ©2025 Roland Jones I am aware that it is not a requirement to put the sticker on my van, but if I can educate other campers, I will. ©2025 Roland Jones Roland at Campfest ©2025 Jo Ward 172 days on the road planned Re-building my Toyota van part 2 Roland Jones After travelling around the country in my campervan I became aware of some shortcomings in the design. It was difficult to access the fuse box etc; I needed better storage capabilities; and of course, a new toilet. I didn’t like the idea of fitting a bracket for my existing toilet as this would have meant that the bottom unit would have to be lifted over the seat and out the back door, not easy. Also, the sink was too high, I needed to revamp the plumbing to make the sink more accessible. My controller was in the far corner of the bed with the fuse box underneath (out of sight), this meant that I had to completely re-wire the van. Although I am quite familiar with electrics, it was a task that was not easy. Cabinets I purchased some 18mm plywood (non-construction. This has a beautiful grain and NO knots. After removing the existing cabinets and of course marking all the cables with what they were connected to, I was able to take measurements and design the units. Then I gave everything a coat of varnish to protect the ply. The fridge cabinet was the first to be installed. I had built it to the maximum height possible and leaving line of sight for the driver out the rear window. Storage in a small campervan is always an issue, but with the fridge higher I gained a large drawer underneath, with a bonus that I could access the fridge contents a lot easier. Plumbing After the fridge unit was completed I installed the water and sink unit. I fitted a low profile waste to the sink and carefully routed the pipes around the back to ease filling the water tank. The waste water can either be emptied using the 20mm tap, bottom front, or completely removed by undoing the quick-fix coupler. Electrics I was pleased with the improvements to the electrical system, the fridge had an isolating switch (brass), top right-hand side, and the water pump left-hand switch. Above the water pump switch, is the battery indicator. The controller is now very easy to read and the fuse box is mounted to the far right under the fridge switch. On the left-hand side of the fridge panel, I have fitted the 200W inverter. Underneath is the control box for my diesel heater. To the right-hand side of the inverter is a spare USB double port which I use to plug in my mozzie zapper, lol. Toilet I invested in a CHH toilet model 3924T which I got on special for $399. It is a larger capacity 24 litres. As I will be on the road for weeks at a time I thought it would be more suitable. In the very corner I fitted a toilet brush from Temu, it has a water catchment tray underneath to catch any drips. On the side of the sink unit is a hose which is dual purpose — as a shower and a wash down for the toilet, if required. Service, warrant, travel I had a full service on the van and was was very fortunate that the guy was there from NZ Lifestyle Camping so he checked my van out and has organised a green warrant which arrived before I left. I am aware that it is not a requirement to put the sticker on my van, but if I can educate other campers, I will. I am departing Auckland in Feb, heading down to the Bulls CAMPFEST then on to the South Island for 172 days on the road. Back in Auckland mid-August. So, if you see me at a freedom camping site please pop over and say hi. See you on the road. Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 19

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Al Points Camping gathreing at Waihopai Community Centre and Reserve Our All Points Camping NZ park and camp was at the Waihopai Community Centre and Reserve, 16km away from the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival. ©2024 Marty Ireland Jet trail overhead. We had a large area to choose from. We had a large area to choose from, with the use of the small hall with lounge, kitchen, toilets and river-fed fresh water supply. ©2024 Marty Ireland. A mercy dash by Morgan Plumbing Friday saw the need for a mercy dash by the local plumbers (Morgan Plumbing) to effect running repairs on the toilets which was done with efficiency and much appreciated. ©2024 Marty Ireland Setup at Waihopai ©2024 Marty Ireland Setup at Waihopai ©2024 Marty Ireland Arriving at Waihopai. ©2024 Marty Ireland Setup at Waihopai ©2024 Marty Ireland Water supply ©2024 Marty Ireland. A private stretch of river. ©2024 Marty Ireland A private stretch of river. ©2024 Marty Ireland ©2024 Marty Ireland A private stretch of river. ©2024 Marty Ireland Nibbles Day visitors joined us to swim in the private swimming hole, enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles and wide ranging discussions, as one does, along with some good laughs as we tried and tasted home-made spirits.©2024 Marty Ireland wine food waihopai pre dinner drinks and nibbles.jpg Day visitors joined us to swim in the private swimming hole, enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles and wide ranging discussions, as one does, along with some good laughs as we tried and tasted home-made spirits.©2024 Marty Ireland drinks, nibbles, discussions, good laughs Waihopai camp and the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival Marty Ireland Marlborough’s iconic wine and food event was held at the Renwick Sports Domain in Blenheim in February, which living up to its reputation for sunny, fine weather. Previously held at the Brancott Vineyard, attendees felt the change of management and venue detracted, and the new payment system, that seemed to attract extra fees, took the joy out of the experience for many. Our All Points Camping NZ park and camp was at the Waihopai Community Centre and Reserve, 16km away, past the renowned Spy Base facility, now minus the two controversial cover domes. For $20 per van per night we had a large area to choose from, with the use of the small hall with lounge, kitchen, toilets and river-fed fresh water supply. Friday saw the need for a mercy dash by the local plumbers (Morgan Plumbing) to effect running repairs on the toilets which was done with efficiency and much appreciated. We were a small group from Blenheim and Christchurch, and day visitors joined us to swim in the private swimming hole, enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles and wide ranging discussions, as one does, along with some good laughs as we tried and tasted home-made spirits. The weather was hot and sunny with a temperature drop-off in the morning and some strong wind one evening dropping some guy ropes on the awnings. One stunning feature was the stars visible over head at night time. A great weekend in a great place. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 36

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Playing in the surf, Kāwhia Alice and her brother Tom playing in the surf at Kāwhia, 2009 ©2024 Graham Leslie Bush walk Family bushwalk, Punakaiki, West Coast. 2006 ©2024 Graham Leslie Playing in the surf, Kāwhia Alice and her brother Tom playing in the surf at Kāwhia, 2009 ©2024 Graham Leslie Being able to get out into nature Alice Leslie “Being able to get out into nature and go places that I would not physically be able to reach on my own is such a joy and privilege.” Family bushwalk, Punakaiki, West Coast. 2006 “Ninety percent of my childhood memories are from spending time in nature, going on bush walks and camping. “ ◊ Read Alice’s story about camping and accessability . Images ©Graham Leslie Alice and her brother Tom playing in the surf at Kāwhia, 2009 Family bushwalk, Punakaiki, West Coast. 2006 Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 4

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones ©2024 Roland Jones Watching the sun appear over the distant hills really made an impact. The re-build of my Toyota van Roland Jones It was the 19th January 2021. I had a fishing trip at Kawhia. As I had recently purchased a van for my business, I decided to throw a mattress inside and head off. After a great day’s fishing and a few beers afterwards, I put my head down for the night tucked up in my sheets. I woke up early the next morning and reached out and opened the door. It was so peaceful with a slight breeze. The smell of the sea and watching the sun appear over the distant hills really made an impact. I was bitten by the lifestyle. With retirement pending, I realised this was a fantastic opportunity to explore our beautiful country. After a lot of encouragement from my wife and daughter I fitted out my first campervan. As time progressed, I added more features— I added overhead cabinets. I upgraded the electrical system (with a lot of advice from fellow members) — with a 140W solar panel I had more power than I needed. Originally, I was going to fit thermal curtains then I decided to install wooden shutters. The unexpected bonus was that they kept out the lights of other campers arriving late at night , plus kept the van warmer. I also installed a diesel heater, amazing, warms the van up, but I have to have it on its lowest setting otherwise I’m toast. When I built the van, I knew that sometime later I would have to upgrade it. The utility drawers only came out about half way as I had used some old drawers I had removed from a kitchen. This was not a problem until my wife had a new mattress made for my van. I was able to lift the old mattress to get to the odd item in the back of the drawers but the new mattress was very rigid and heavier, making it almost impossible to get to the back storage units. Time to upgrade I completely removed all the old units. I built a new, double-shelf unit. The left drawer and centre drawer contain the everyday items, drawer #3 hits the wall of the van, however it does open approx 400mm, therefore I can keep tools, guy ropes and pegs there. If I do need something out of the back of drawer #3 then I can completely remove drawer #2 . All drawers have little rollers on the back to ease the open and close and they have magnetic catches. Stage 1 completed Stage 2, later this year, I will re-build the fridge cabinet and bench top, plus install a new toilet. I need it all completed for my next big trip in the South Island — 5 months, starting Feb 2025.◼️ Photos ©2024 Roland Jones Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 7

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Dickson Holiday Park For Auckland campers Dickson Holiday Park Dickson Holiday Park Opoutere Coastal Camping For Auckland campers Opoutere Coastal Camping Wentworth Valley Camping Ground For Auckland campers Wentworth Valley Camping Ground Paeroa RV Centre Waikato For Auckland campers Ruapuke Motor Camp For Hamilton campers Ruapuke Motor Camp Bowentown Beach Holiday Park For Hamilton campers All Seasons Holiday Park For Hamilton campers Lakes Ranch For Hamilton campers For Hamilton campers Dudding Lake For Wellington Campers Hydrabad Holiday Park Waiterere For Wellington Campers Ashhurst Domain Campground For Wellington Campers Eketahuna Motor Camp For Wellington Campers Ekatahuna Ashley Gorge Holiday Park For Christchurch campers Kowai Pass Campground For Christchurch campers Kowai Pass Campground Pines Holiday Park Hanmer For Christchurch campers Mt Somers Domain For Christchurch campers It’s nice to have a backstop for a first adventure. STOP and STAY City dwellers: your first camp away: Stop and Stay Stop and Stay What makes a good first camp for new campers? My guesses are: away from home but not too far — two hours max. Kind about forgotten things — shop nearby, alternative shelter. Kind about not getting all the gear working right — access to a kitchen, to a bed (collapsing air bed?), shelter (missing poles, ropes or pegs? We are all too cold?). Kind about choosing a spot (easy to get in and out, no getting bogged, flooded or blown away). Commercial campgrounds have all or most of these, which is a good failsafe for a first adventure. Some camps have shops, or there are shops nearby. Most have playgrounds, most allow dogs. All of these sites allow tents as well as vans, campervans, motorhomes, caravans. Discount key: apc: All Points Camping Club; nzmca: NZ Motor Caravan Association Jump to your city: Auckland | Hamilton | Wellington | Christchurch | Dunedin Auckland campers Dickson Holiday Park 1.5hr drive Thames apc and nzmca discount small shop on-site dogs are generally welcome; on-lead. Thames: drive 6min, bike 14min. bike-friendly dicksonpark.co.nz Opoutere Coastal Camping Coromandel 2hr drive opens mid October apc and nzmca discount shop on-site no dogs Whangamatā: drive 20min. opouterebeach.co.nz Wentworth Valley Camping Ground, Whangamatā 2.25hr drive dogs allowed no kitchen or rubbish no open fires /charcoal BBQ gravel road and a ford Whangamatā: drive 12min. wentworthvalleycamp.co.nz Paeroa RV Centre, Waikato 1.5hr drive apc and nzmca discount in the town device charging paeroamotorhomepark.co.nz Hamilton campers Ruapuke Motor Camp, Raglan 1hr drive Raglan dog friendly ruapukemotorcamp.co.nz Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, Waihi 1.5hr drive BOP apc discount dog friendly Waihi Beach: drive 10min, bike 24min. Waihi: 19min. bowentown.co.nz All Seasons Holiday Park, Rotorua 1.75hr drive Rotorua apc and nzmca discount dog friendly town: drive 14min, bike 29min. allseasonsrotorua.co.nz Lakes Ranch, Rotorua 1.75hr drive Rotorua apc discount Rotorua: drive 22min. lakesranch.org.nz Wellington campers Dudding Lake, Marton 2.5hr drive Rangitikei dog friendly Marton: drive 12min, bike 37min. Wanganui: 20min. duddinglake.nz Hydrabad Holiday Park Waiterere, Horowhenua 1.5hr drive beach: walk 5min. (there is a sister site closer to the beach) waitarerebeachcamps.co.nz Ashhurst Domain Campground, Manawatu 2hr drive Manawatu dog friendly Ashhurst: drive 4min, bike 8min, walk 28min. ckw.nz/ashhurst Eketahuna Motor Camp, Wairarapa 2hr drive Wairarapa dog friendly town: bike 5min, walk 15min. eketahunacamp.com Christchurch campers Ashley Gorge Holiday Park, Oxford 1hr drive Nth Canterbury apc discount pet friendly options small shop onsite Oxford: drive 9min, bike 26min. agkhp.co.nz Kowai Pass Campground, Springfield 1hr drive Springfield dog friendly Springfield: 2min, walk16min, bike 4min ckw.nz/kowai-pass Pines Holiday Park, Hanmer 1.75hr drive dog friendly options Hot pools: walk 16min, bike 4min. pinesholidaypark.co.nz Mt Somers Domain 1.25hr drive pets by arrangement, on leads. in the township mountsomers.co.nz more Dunedin campers Knottingley Park& Arboretum, Waimate 2hr drive Waimate dog friendly Waimate: drive 4min;cycle 7min, walk 36min. ckw.nz/knottingley Naseby Holiday Park 1.5hr drive Otago Naseby: walk 10min, bike 4min. nasebyhp.nz more Glenavy’s Waitaki River Motor Camp, Oamaru 1.75hr drive Sth Canterbury pet friendly local shops and hotel; Oamaru: drive 15min. waitakimotorcamp.co.nz ◼️ Photos from the campground websites. Copyright belongs with them. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 34