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- all-points
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
- caravan-towing
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
- rebuild2
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
- waihopai
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
- 4 Winter 2023, winter-nokomai
4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Winter at Nokomai Station Dallas Hibbs Up Winter at Nokomai Station on the way to Queenstown. ©2023 Dallas Hibbs Up Up 1/0 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org
- 4 Winter 2023, get-on-bike
4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Get on Ya Bike Fiona Thomson Up We cycled the13.2km return trip from the Karangahake Gorge carpark, near the Karangahake Tunnel, to the charming Waikino Station Café. On some parts of the trail, mobile phone coverage can be patchy. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The 1100-metre long brick-lined tunnel was dry and well-lit, however a torch or cycle lamp also helps with visibility. Departing the tunnel, you ride straight out onto a dramatic bridge that crosses the river below, with road traffic crossing above the tunnel mouth. The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy, as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. Relics of the old gold mining era can be seen along the trail, with information boards and historic machinery providing opportunities for a break from cycling. The remains of the Victoria Battery were fascinating to explore, and provided several photo opportunities. The remains of the Victoria Battery. ©2023 Fiona Thomson This was once a booming industrial area, where the mining battery operation could be heard from the town of Waihi, approximately 10km away. The Waikino Station Café provided us with a delicious and leisurely lunch before our return journey. The café provides a variety of options to suit most dietary requirements and budgets. The Waikino Station Cafe ©2023 Fiona Thomson This section of the Hauraki Cycle Trail is a great ride — a fellow APC member (Graham Leslie) hadn’t ridden a bike for years, but found this trail easily achievable. ©2023 Fiona Thomson Up Up The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. get_IMG_5287.webp Cycling beside the remaining railway track The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy, as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The Waikino Station Café The Waikino Station Café provided us with a delicious and leisurely lunch before our return journey. The café provides a variety of options to suit most dietary requirements and budgets. ©2023 Fiona Thomson get_IMG_5287.webp 1/9 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org
- Pipiriki | Camping the Kiwi Way
Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Pipiriki Andrew Morton Eight days so far; 1300km in the car plus 216km on the mountain bike, and 45 days to go. I stopped at the church at Pipiriki on the Mountains to Sea cycle trail. Andrew Morton ©2023 Andrew Morton Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 11
- get-certified
8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption NZLSC-promo-H.webp GO TO Autumn Gold Getting your camping vehicle certified Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd NZLIFESTYLECAMPING.COM NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure 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 testing officers continues to offer self-containment through the current NZ Standard, NZS 5465:2001 which is recognised by commercial and private host properties and is valid for 4 years. Starting June ‘24 we will offer certification with the new green warrant for those who specifically request it. This will probably require vehicle modifications. We don’t recommend moving to the new ‘green warrant’ scheme yet, but advise waiting until the errors in the system are fixed by government. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk being fined. We are committed to supporting all types of campers. For camping vehicles containing portable toilets, a limited certificate can be issued which identifies your vehicle as self-contained for staying on all other land in NZ (commercial, private, club-owned) or at events requiring self-containment. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you: nzlifestylecamping.com | North Is | South Is Fees Our standard processing and issuing fee is $48 for blue warrants, and $63 for green warrants. ✚ testing officers charge for their time. ✚ green warrants incur a government levy of $120. l 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 Freedom camping & self-containment 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling ︎ nzlifestylecamping.com Self Containment | www.nzlifestylecamping.com | New Zealand NZ Lifestyle Camping. A NZ wide self containment issuing authority. Supporting NZ campers and self containment testing officers throughout NZ. Contact one of our skilled testing officers tio assist you with your self containment certification. - nzlifestylecamping Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 4
- wahine-on-water
Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption WOWSK_H_190602.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE meet other like-minded women kayakers Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) Dallas Veitch Imagine an idyllic campsite on a secluded beach. You are sipping a cold drink in your deck chair, enjoying sunset views, a pleasant ache in your arms and shoulders. Your kayak is pulled up just beyond the gently lapping waters of high tide. Welcome to the world of kayak camping! Packing up your camping gear into a kayak can let you access an enormous variety of coastline and lakeshore that most people, even in other boats, can’t reach. However, kayaking on open waters is not a proverbial stroll in the park. Specialized skills and equipment are required to navigate safely in a marine environment, and these can be difficult to acquire for many people. Women, in particular, face challenges in developing the technical and leadership abilities necessary to step out from the shadow of male paddlers and confidently lead such journeys. The Wāhine on Water Sea Kayakers collective has been recently developed to address these issues. We offer a means to meet other like-minded women kayakers, monthly online talks from speakers describing expeditions or skills such as packing for kayak camping trips, and in person events. Three weekends in Raglan, Marahau, and Dunedin will feature instruction from qualified coaches. Registration will be open shortly at wowsk.nz website. So if the idea of camping via sea kayak appeals to you but you don’t know where to start, or if you are a woman sea kayaker who wants to expand your horizons, please join our WoW SK community. 🏕️ Dallas Veitch dallas@wowsk.nz | Rose Campbell rose@wowsk.nz Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 8
- summer-23, end-of-road
End of the road, top of the west coast, north of Karamea, one of New Zealand’s truly isolated places. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up The end of the road Up David Liddall End of the road, top of the west coast, north of Karamea, one of New Zealand’s truly isolated places. This little postcard scene looks like a tropical paradise, balmy and serene — at the time the alpine passes were snowed closed throughout the rest of the island, evidence of how really exceptional this idyllic piece of coast is. Highly recommended. ©2023 David Liddall David Liddall Contact: david@ckw.nz Up Up Highly recommended end-karamea-David-v2_mw.webp end-karamea-David-v2_mw.webp 1/1
- More for councils and government, Issue 6 | Camping the Kiwi Way
Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 10, Summer 2024 Cover image: Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About TESTING DYNAMIC ISSUE 10 Table of contents Double-digit highways Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman Next Butchers Dam aurora Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Next And people wonder why I like camping Next Springing Next What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Next Camp Fest ‘25 Next All roads lead to Camp Fest Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Next Freedom camping news Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Next But I am not freedom camping… Next A roof-top tent Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail Next What is out there Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown Next The Wairau Next Getting your camping vehicle certified Next Dealing with a caravan flat Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Next Old Blue Next Kea attack Next First time out with my new tent Next Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Next Temple Stream Next Marfells Beach Next Exploring Clandyboye Next Being able to get out into nature Next Making camping more accessible for everyone Next Caravan tales Next Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Next What a view to wake up to Next Danseys Pass Next From rugby to pets — How Covid19 started the tail wagging on HELPP VET Next Pippa in the hammock Next Planning to camp with your pet? Resources Next My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Next The Slow Road Next My day at Ferrymead Next NZ Cheese Festival Next A long weekend on the Waikato River Next Safe toilet chemicals Next The fairy forest walk Next Teeming at Terako Downs Next Terako Downs entrance Next Up, up the Waiorongomai Valley Next Favourite and quick camping meals Next Alice cooking dinner on the BBQ Next Heating a pie Next Ordinary cycle Next Fishing in the snow Next Trying out my new quilt Next GAME: DOC campsites 4: Lower North Island Next HOBBIES: Disc golf Next Stop and Stay: City dwellers: 2nd camp: more adventurous Next Lake Poaka Next Rays Rest Next DOC update Next Uretiti Next King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu Next Foxton Beach Next Three nights at Conway Flats Next Fantastic time at the Onearo campground Next Come camping Next Festivals Next The All Points Camping Club of NZ Next A summer of content: editorial Next Councils & Government Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Read Safe toilet chemicals Read A summer of content: editorial Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read Freedom camping news Read Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Caravan tales Read Safe toilet chemicals Read View More
- Issue 5, Editorial
Uncertain times, but enjoy our country to the max. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Editorial Miriam Richardson For those of us camping in tents, or with vans, buses or motorhomes with fixed toilets, the recent law changes are having little immediate impact. Those with portable toilets, and those planning self-containment in their vehicle, are living through a long, slow time of uncertainty while they wait for clarity so they can choose how and whether to upgrade their setup and or pursue other camping options. Let’s encourage our councils to make space for campers of all stripes; they can do it if they have a will. As we enjoy Spring and get ready for the Summer it is time to make the most of our camping opportunities, whatever they are. Share what you know This issue we have featured Stop and Stay, a free listing of recommended places (p12). Add your recommendations for free camping spots, campgrounds, DOC sites or private places that allow people to stay. Those of you camping with dogs, let others know which places are great for you and your pets. Which places are great to take teenagers? toddlers? grandchildren? Where are the places where the fishing is good; or kyaking, cycling, or other pursuit? Love small towns This issue we feature Waiau, a tiny town in North Canterbury with a lot to offer (p23). What small towns have you visited that welcome campers? Let us all know: add their overnight spots to Stop and Stay. We want the small towns to welcome and love us: lets stay some nights, spend some dollars, add some value, explore and enjoy the place. And let’s leave the remote and beautiful places just as beautiful when we leave as when we arrive. Tiaki mai. Miriam Richardson Up Up Up make the most of our camping opportunities, whatever they are 1/1








