Hi, I’m Fran and I have lived on the road a long time. It’s a great life. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Hi, I’m Fran Up Franziska Hi, I’m Fran and I have lived on the road a long time. It’s a great life. ©2023 @Franziska RV and Tiny House Living NZ Up Up tiny-fran-rv_mw.webp tiny-fran-rv_mw.webp 1/1

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption honeymoon_H_Model A at summit Lindus Pass 26 Jul 1960-3.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there A 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 Graham Leslie In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan. I was not there, obviously, and can only tell you what was passed down in family stories, some of which are true. A favourite story that is not true was that my dad borrowed the Model A for the honeymoon and never took it back. He had apparently been given it earlier when my grandfather got a new Citroën. The Model A was our family car until 1969. I remember trips away in the Model A as cold, wet and tediously slow with a cruising speed of 35mph (about 56km/hr). (The car is still in Mum’s garage!) Model A Stewart & Adrienne at Summit Hasst Pass. Jul 27 Jul 1960. ©2025 Graham Leslie Anyway, back to The Honeymoon. They got married in Christchurch and headed off in the early afternoon in their best honeymoon outfits for Akaroa. First they got a flat tyre and a group of bikies helped change the wheel to keep their nice clothes clean. Then a bit further on they got stuck in the mud where the road had been washed out. After being rescued by a farmer and his tractor they then stopped on the foreshore to wash the mud off and finally make it, rather late, to the hotel in Akaroa. My dad was six foot two and turning up in a suit after six o’clock closing time caused a stir as they thought he was part of a police raid for illicit drinkers. Bruce Hotel Akaroa. ©2025 Graham Leslie A couple of days later they picked up the caravan and headed up into the McKenzie Country. The road was so muddy that they travelled parts of it with chains on, doing 5mph. I think I heard that it was easier to come off the road and drive on the tussock at times. They went ice skating at Tekapo. By the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. Although the photo (above) shows the grader following behind, I believe it was the other way around and they followed the grader through the snow over the pass (above). I know they went to Queenstown and took a trip to Glenorchy and Kinloch at the head of Lake Whakatipu. They went by boat as the road to the top of the lake did not open until 1962. The other place they went to was Haast. The road to Haast had also not been completed and didn’t open until November that year. As my dad said “ We followed the road and when the road ran out we drove down the river beds ”. Model A Fords may not have been 4WD but they had great clearance. They didn’t take the caravan on this bit. They expected boarding house accommodation at Haast, but it was closed for the winter and they slept in the back of car on freshly-cut fern to make a bed. They hadn’t bought any food except some wedding cake and chocolate, but managed to get a tin of spaghetti from the general store which they ate cold. I guess that’s why I grew up having great, but somewhat chaotic camping holidays. 🏕️ Images ©2025 Graham Leslie Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 26

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Product photo All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery. Solar basics for dummies Wayne Ravelich The sun is a wonderful free resource that provides, heat, warmth, and with the use of modern solar panels, also power. Solar power for us campers is a simple process. All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery. The panel converts the sunlight into electricity. The controller takes that electricity and transforms it to a source of energy that can be used to charge the battery. The battery then stores that electrical energy until it is required to be used. Effectively the solar panel and controller are just a fancy battery charger. The battery supplies your power to run the lights, the inverter, if you have one, and any electrical devices. During peak sun hours some power will be supplied directly from the controller. Saying that, the important thing to remember is that most of the power you use comes from the battery. Solar panels Solar panels are the first link in the power chain and come in a variety of styles. • Rigid, the most common style and most efficient. • Flexible, light weight. • Portable, either folding ridged type or blanket, with built in controller. Solar panel output deteriorates with age and dirt, so keep the panels clean— just a light wash, don’t scrub. Panel output has improved greatly in the last few years. An old 75W panel may only produce 40W but a new 150W panel could fit in the same space (from experience). The biggest problem I come across is not enough solar to keep the batteries charged. Solution is ADD more solar, either fixed, if space allows, or a portable panel. Solar controllers Controllers come in two types. • PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation): the least efficient but cheaper and good for small panels. • MPPT (Multi Point Power Tracking): the best by far but more expensive. Batteries Batteries come in lots of types for different uses. In a solar power system, we use the “deep cycle” batteries. A car battery is not deep cycle but would work, for a while. Car batteries are designed to start cars, high current 400 to 800amps for a few seconds. Deep cycle batteries provide lower current (amps) continuously, a 100ah (amp hour) battery will provide 10amps for 10 hours. A 200ah battery will provide the same 10amps for 20 hours. The more power you need, the bigger or more batteries you require. Two 100ah batteries connected in “parallel,” that is positive to positive and negative to negative, gives you 200ah. Having lots of batteries give you lots of storage and lots of potential power, BUT you will need lots of solar panels to keep the batteries charged. The rule of thumb is twice the amp hours equals the minimum solar panel size. A 100ah battery needs 100 X 2 = 200Watt panel to fully charge the battery. Let’s look at battery types. ◼️ Lead Acid batteries are similar to your car start battery with lead plates and sulphuric acid. ◼️ AGM batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat) is also lead plates and the acid is absorbed into a mat to stop it sloshing around. ◼️ GEL Batteries are designed not to emit gas during charging and are similar to the AGM, but they can be used on their side or standing up. ◼️ Lead-carbon batterie s are an advanced lead acid battery which use a common lead positive plate (anode) and a carbon composite negative plate (cathode). The carbon acts as a sort of ‘super capacitor’ which allows faster charging and discharging, plus prolonged life at partial state of charge. ◼️ Lithium Batteries come in a couple of formats, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide batteries are the more common “cheaper” lithium battery and not as safe as some other forms of Lithium battery. The LiFePO4 (Lithium iron phosphate) batteries are a bit more expensive but are the safest of them all. LiFePO4 batteries generally have a BMS (Battery Management System) built in and will shut the battery down if there is a problem. Controllers and chargers Solar controllers have settings for the different battery types as the batteries charge differently. You cannot mix battery types in your solar system. A lot of solar controllers do not have a Lithium setting so check first. The same applies to battery chargers. Topping up your “house” battery from the “start” battery or alternator is a good idea and can be done in motor homes and caravans. For lead acid batteries I recommend the use of a Dual Voltage Sensitive Relay (DVSR) to prevent the start battery going flat. If you have Lithium “house” batteries, you need to use a DC/DC charger (below, right) set to ‘lithium’. A standard battery charger or car alternator provides 13.8Volts, but lithium needs 14.6Volts minimum to fully charge. A little on inverters Inverters convert 12V DC from your battery into 230V AC to run your domestic appliances. Inverters come in two types, modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. Pure sine wave inverters are dearer and far better than modified sine wave. If you are going to be using electronic appliances get a Pure Sine Wave inverter. The inverter needs to be as close as possible to the battery and have BIG supply cables. A 2kW fan heater draws 8amps from the inverter, the inverter draws 170amps from the battery so the battery cables must be large enough to carry that load or you will have a fire. Fuses and circuit breakers for safety need to be everywhere. From the solar panels to the controller, from the controller to the battery and from the battery to the load and/or inverter. Sunlight A last note, solar power needs sunlight. Solar works great in the summer. In winter there is a lot less sun and the cold can affect the batteries. Also, the further south you go the less sun there is to charge your system. Overall having a good solar system in your camper makes for better, easier camping. If in doubt If in doubt, ASK a specialist that knows solar. Facebook is not a specialist. I hope this helps you better understand the magic of solar power. ◼️ Images are product photos. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 9

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Obscure When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Obscure When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Beautiful obscure things Gary Hitchcock When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 15

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Preparing tea. ©2023 M Richardson Poptop and campsite with the neighbour's dog. ©2023 M Richardson The camp kitchen. ©2023 M Richardson The hooks in the willows stay put from year to year. ©2023 M Richardson Ready for cooking. ©2023 M Richardson All very handy. ©2023 M Richardson Behind the kitchen the tarp protects the day room. ©2023 M Richardson The camp kitchen ©2023 M Richardson The camp oven got taken home each winter. ©2023 M Richardson When you need lots of hot water the big thermette was perfect. Sometimes, though, you take a bucket over and get hot water from the shower boilers. ©2023 M Richardson Sharing the summertime Miriam Richardson I was incredibly lucky to be invited to visit at a ‘permanent’ summer camp run by a 4WD club, several summers ago. A large field bounded by a stream and its fringe of willows, well out of sight of the road — room for everyone to have their own relatively private campsite. There is a central arena, with space for kids on bikes, and a New Year bonfire. They have shared long drops and hot showers — throw a log in the shower boiler whenever you walk past on the way to the loos. The land is leased over the summer period, and each spring group members head out to see what havoc the winter wove. They tidy up and or repair their camp sites, trim the trees, set up the long drops, digging new holes with their handy post-hole digger, chop fire wood for the boiler, set up the showers and tame the grass. Weekends begin the season, then the long summer break when families come and stay for weeks. When work calls, some families stay on, welcoming the workers back for weekends; then school goes back, and camping is a weekend affair again, until the final tidy up — filling in the long drop holes, securing the toilets and showers for the winter, packing down the camping gear and kitchens and taking stuff home. The camp setups are as varied as the people. There are buses, caravans, tents, and mixtures and variations of them. There are day rooms, keeping the sun and rain off. Some families share a kitchen and living area and have their family tents as bedrooms. Some use a totally portable kitchen, others, like the one pictured, have a more permanent kitchen setup, repaired or adapted, as required, each year. This kitchen even has herbs. This kind of ‘permanent’ camping, families sharing the summertime year to year, differs from a regular campground experience. Though it does remind me of my uncle’s camping in the 1960s— at a campground, but each summer the same site, the same set of families: lives from quite different places, sharing just the summer holiday. Perhaps if freedom camping becomes more difficult we will create more of these shared spaces for our summering.   n Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 25

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Table of contents, Summer, issue 2 Editor 2 Implications for councils of the proposed ‘Nash bill’ 4 Editorial: A long hot summer 4 How many freedom campers are there? 4 Buckets, gladwrap, and gossip 5 Taking a left turn 8 Gore Bay 9 Cycle touring: Part II, Southland to the West Coast 13 Camping / caravan Tips 14 Freedom camping, November 1964 15 Worth a detour Marakopa 16 Wild Camping with a dog 17 Pick and pedal 19 The wild Wairarapa coast 20 Game: National Parks 20 Game: South Island Lakes 21 How we solved a problem and started a new business 23 Caravan & Motorhome Electrics 24 Pannekoeken for breakfast 24 Freedom camping on the East Cape 25 Camping without a fridge 27 Choosing an internet provider 28 Talking to four van loads of international tourists 29 Hints and tips on toilet cassettes 30 Test the person not the vehicle: Responsible Campers Association 31 Instagrammable 32 Katikati coastal estuary cycle way 32 Fishing at Kingston 33 Preparing for the cold winter “brrrrrr's” 34 Tanners Point 34 Purakaunui Bay Campsite 35 Clifden suspension bridge 36 NZers go camping : clubs & groups on Facebook Cycling groups Women travelling Camping groups 37 Hitting the Northland beaches — Stop and Stay 38 EVENTS — Camping 38 EVENTS — Festivals and Shows Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 3

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing the beautiful coast between Kaikōura and Blenheim STOP and STAY King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu Marty Ireland Weather was a blustery nor-west but warm to set up in. A wee meet and chat was had before a pleasant sunset. We were 2 local Marlborough All Points Camping members and a traveling Dunedin member enjoying the Kekerengu camp on the beautiful coast between Kaikōura and Blenheim. The camp was not very full so amenities and spots were not under any pressure. There were stars out on Saturday night, but Sunday dawned overcast with a cool breeze. Another member arrived to join us for lunch and a home-made spirit tasting. A drive into the back valley was taken later in the afternoon and some tasty treats at the store were enjoyed. Sunday night was again stars, Monday however dawned cool and overcast for the pack up; a return home for some, and continuing journey for others. Photos ©2024 Marty Ireland Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 19

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing more adventurous places where you will be cast on your own resources STOP and STAY Stop and Stay: City dwellers: 2nd camp: more adventurous Last issue we looked at some safe places to go for a first camp away from the city ( ckw.nz/first-camp ), this time we suggest more adventurous places, where you will be cast on your own resources more, but still less than 3hrs from home. You will need to pick a safe site (ground firm? branches that might fall? if there is a flood in the night? (more: ckw.nz/choosing-a-spot ) remember to bring everything you need (all the pegs and all the poles, the water) etc.) Not all of these allow dogs/pets. Here is a selection of dog friendly places: ckw.nz/dog-stop-stay or check out all our listings here: stopaandstay.org . More on camping with pets. Auckland campers Tuppence Parkover • DRIVE: 1:46hr Pirongia, Waikato • FEE: yes. • Must be self-contained. • Dogs on leads. Private POP, near the village. Base for walks in the forest park: extinct volcanoes, caves, dramatic gorges. Image ©Tuppence Parkover Horahora • DRIVE: 1:49hr Waikato • Free, max 2 nights. • Dog friendly. • Toilets. On the banks of the Waikato River. Swim, boat, fish, paddle board, row. ckw.nz/horahora Image: ©2023 Angela Bryan Uretiti Beach (DOC) • DRIVE: 1:52hr Northland • FEE: yes. Must book. • Toilets. Safe water. Hot showers. • No dogs, no fires. Walks. On the Te Araroa Trail. Swim at the patrolled beach. ckw.nz/doc-uretiti | More Image: ©2024 Roland Jones Parua Bay • DRIVE: 2:19hr Northland • Free, max 3 nights. • Toilets. SC not required. • Dogs OK. Beachside reserve with a boat ramp. Swim, fish, kayak etc. ckw.nz/parua-bay Image: ©Brendan Pol Hamilton campers Ray’s Rest • DRIVE: 1:14hr Firth of Thames • Free, max 2 nights. • Must be self-contained. • No dogs. • More Beside the sea, beside a bird sanctuary. Image: ©2024 M Richardson Ocean Haven Farm, Otaua, North Waikato • DRIVE: 1:21hr • FEE: yes. ckw.nz/ocean-haven • Pets ok on leads. North of the river mouth on the coast. byo water and, optionally, horse. Image ©Ocean Haven Farm Lake Whakamaru Reserve, Waikato • DRIVE: 1:26hr • Free. >2 nights you need a (free) permit. • Toilets, BBQ, boat ramp. • Dogs allowed. ckw.nz/whakamaru On the banks of the Waikato River, on the River Trails. Read more Image: ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Whakaipo Bay (DOC), Taupo • DRIVE: 2:03hr • Free. ckw.nz/doc-whakaipo • Must be self-contained. No tents. • No fires. • Dogs allowed, under control. On the shores of Lake Taupo. Bike tracks, walks. Read more Image: ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Wellington campers Kaitoke, Hutt Valley, Hutt Valley • DRIVE: 0:44hr • FEE: yes. ckw.nz/kaitoke • Fires allowed in some places. • Dogs ok, under control. Camp, swim, tramp, bike, kayak, raft, picnic. Image: © NZ Fun Adventures Morisons, Greytown, Wairarapa • DRIVE: 1:16hr • FEE: yes. ckw.nz/morisons-50yrs • No fires. Dogs on leads. • No-flush toilet. Under trees by the Ruamahanga River. Swim, fish, paddle board, kayak. Read. Image: ©Bette Cosgrove Totara Reserve, Pohangina, Manawatu • DRIVE: 2:16hr • FEE: yes. totarareserveregionalpark.co.nz • Un/powered sites. • No dogs. Native forest, walking tracks, swimming holes, adventure playground. Image: ©Totara Reserve Kai Iwi Campground, Whanganui • DRIVE: 2:36hr • FEE: yes; discount: APC & NZMCA. • No fires. Dogs on leads mostly. By the sea. Fish, walk, swim (summer patrol), playground. Family-friendly. Nearby: Bason Botanical Gardens & Westmere Lake wildlife reserve. kaiiwibeach.co.nz Image: ©2024 M Richardson Christchurch campers Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury • DRIVE: 1:02hr Inland scenic route • FEE: yes. rakaiagorgecamp.net • Water, toilets, kitchen-shelter; hot showers in summer. • Dogs on leads. Winter: open with honesty box. Beside the gorge bridge, looks out over the valley. DOC walk, jet boat, fish. ckw.nz/doc-rakaia Image: © Rakaia Gorge Campground Lake Pearson (DOC), Arthurs Pass • DRIVE: 1:34hr • FEE: yes. Must book. • No-flush toilets. SC not required. • No dogs, fires, or power boats. In the Craigieburn Forest Park. Tents OK. Swimming, walks, wildlife. ckw.nz/doc-lake-pearson Image: ©2024 M Richardson Peel Forest (DOC), Sth Canterbury • DRIVE: 1:47hr • FEE: yes. Must book. • No pets of any kind. No fires. • Showers, flush toilets, kitchen. Accessible facilities. Un/power sites. No internet or mobiles. ckw.nz/doc-peel-forest Image: ©DOC Lake Camp, HIgh Country, Mid Canterbury • DRIVE: 1:50hr • Free. Donation box. • No dogs. ckw.nz/lake-camp • No-flush toilet. Lord of the Rings country behind Mt Somers. Beautiful. More in issue 1 and issue 8 . Image ©2024 Linda Butler Dunedin campers Trotters Gorge Camp (DOC), North Otago • DRIVE: 1hr • FEE: yes. Must book. • No-flush toilet. • No fires. Dogs on leads. Camp in the bush. Geosite. River-sculpted caves, sea views, birds. Too wet for vehicles in winter. ckw.nz/doc-trotters ckw.nz/doc-trotters-tracks ckw.nz/geosite-trotters Image: © Whitestone Geopark. Slope Point, Catlins, Southland • DRIVE: 2:43hr • Free. • No-flush toilet. Roomy. An easy flat walk across private farmland to the point (no access during lambing, Sep–Nov). Image ©2024 Tony Knight Bendigo, Cromwell, Central Otago • DRIVE: 2:5hr • Free, max 3 nights. • Tents ok. Large vehicles. • Toilets, rubbish bins, boat ramp. • A LINZ campsite. ckw.nz/linz Swim, fish, kayak, paddle-board. Image: ©2024 M Richardson Lake Poaka (DOC), McKenzie Country • DRIVE: 3hr • Free, max 4 nights. • No-flush toilet. • Tents are ok; no need to be SC. • No dogs. No open fires. more ckw.nz/doc-poaka Image: ©2024 M Richardson ◊ Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 42

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp Marty Ireland Up Looking for a one stop camp for the family with the dog as well ? Then Quinneys Bush is the place to go. Started as a Christian-based camp some decades ago, although not pushed or unduly promoted, it is now the basis for an acceptable strict camp policy which gives a safe, fun family environment during the summer season. It is 1 hr 45 min from Blenheim, 40 min from Nelson, 55 min from Murchison. This is a popular spot during peak season so book early. There is plenty of sheltered space between sites even when full. Besides tent and caravan sites (powered and unpowered) there are cabins and permanent tents and caravans to hire. There are set daily times for multiple flying foxes, a large water slide, a small motorbike course, trailer rides, and a go cart track. There is also a skate ramp, farmyard pets, turtle pond, tame eels and and a large, safe swimming hole to cool off in. On-site wood-powered boilers provide hot water to the very clean ablution blocks and kitchens and offer a warm seating spot on the cooler evenings. Free braziers are available and firewood is sold each evening: a great marshmallow-toasting and family meeting point at the end of the day. Nearby is a real fruit icecream and honey shop. Take your push bike and use the camp exercise loop track or just use it to get around the generous campsite. Nearby is easy forest riding including an old unused rail tunnel, and a local cafe offering good coffee and a selection of affordable meals and snacks. Check out their online virtual tour. 255 Kohatu-Kawatiri HWY Motupiko 03 5224249 quinneysbush@xtra.co.nz quinneysbush.co.nz Up Up Check out their online virtual tour. 1/4 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption doc-update-H.webp Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC How to dress for success in the great outdoors The right clothing will not only ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip but could literally save your life. Here’s some top tips for how to dress for the colder months. 
Photo | DOC ckw.nz/dress-outdoors Great Walks mythbusting There’s been a bit of misinformation going around about booking our Great Walks. We’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions. Photo: Milford Track | DOC ckw.nz/great-walks-myths Temporary closure of Northland tracks for cyclone recovery Two of Northland’s popular walks at Mangawhai Cliffs and Mt Manaia will be closed while they are repaired and enhanced after damage by Cyclone Gabrielle. Alternative tracks are available. Photo: Damage to Mangawhai Headland Walkway February 2023 | DOC ckw.nz/northland-tracks Cathedral Cove options Closed by extreme weather in Feb 23, three options are being considered. One is a short-term fix which would see construction of new steps and a boardwalk to reinstate a section of the existing track, while the two others would be long-term repairs involving installation of a cantilevered staircase and steps to the beach. 
Photo: Cathedral Cove damage Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC ckw.nz/cove-options Teaching the cultural story of the environment in Taranaki Te Ara Taiao is an education programme teaching school children about the environment and culture around them in Taranaki. 
Photo: Patuha maunga (known as Kaitake), one of the maunga 
that students learn about. | DOC ckw.nz/taranaki-story New suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga Within Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, it has been designed for a lifespan of 100 years, and to withstand the sub-alpine Manganui Gorge’s winds, weather conditions and a one in 250-year Mt Taranaki Avalanche. Supported by two massive masts at either end, the bridge sits 49.5m above the floor of the gorge. Photo: Suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga .
Wayne Boness |DOC ckw.nz/manganui Jos Divis cottage restoration celebrated Family members from the Czech Republic were among those who gathered at the old gold mining township of Waiuta today to celebrate the restoration of Jos Divis’ old home. Czech émigré Divis (1885–1967) was a keen amateur photographer who documented gold mining life during the heyday of the town, about 35 km from Reefton.
Photo: Jos Divis’ restored cottage at Waiuta | DOC ckw.nz/waiuta Dog attack believed to have killed 19 gulls in Kaikōura Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC are reminding people to control dogs in coastal areas after 19 gulls/tarāpunga were found dead at Kaikōura’s South Bay, seemingly killed by a dog or dogs. “Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe. We have witnessed seals attack unsuspecting dogs in the past.” Photo: Dead gulls South Bay, Kaikōura | DOC ckw.nz/dogs-gulls Quad bikers trash national park track Quad bikers trash national park track. In March a group of quad bike riders has caused extensive damage in Arthur’s Pass National Park in Canterbury, crushing sensitive vegetation, trashing boardwalks and leaving a trail of empty alcohol cans in their wake. 
Photo: The quad bike people of interest. | DOC ckw.nz/quads Canterbury spotted skink in serious trouble One of our rarest, seldom-seen skinks is even more threatened than we had thought, with fewer than 1000 mature individuals. It is now classified as Nationally Critical — the last step before extinction. Most Canterbury spotted skink populations are on private and council land. 
Canterbury spotted skink Image: James Reardon | DOC ckw.nz/skinks DOC Ōtepoti Visitor Centre to close DOC is closing its Ōtepoti Dunedin Visitor Centre and will focus on wildlife advocacy in the city in other ways. The i site will continue to provide visitor information and share wildlife advocacy information. Information about wildlife, tracks and huts in the region can be found on the DOC website. 
Photo: Sandy Bay lookout. | DOC ckw.nz/otepoti GO TO Autumn Gold DOC update DOC How to dress for success in the great outdoors The right clothing will not only ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip but could literally save your life. Here’s some top tips for how to dress for the colder months. Photo | DOC ckw.nz/dress-outdoors Great Walks mythbusting There’s been a bit of misinformation going around about booking our Great Walks. We’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions. Photo: Milford Track | DOC ckw.nz/great-walks-myths Temporary closure of Northland tracks for cyclone recovery Two of Northland’s popular walks at Mangawhai Cliffs and Mt Manaia will be closed while they are repaired and enhanced after damage by Cyclone Gabrielle. Alternative tracks are available. Photo: Damage to Mangawhai Headland Walkway February 2023 | DOC ckw.nz/northland-tracks Cathedral Cove options Closed by extreme weather in Feb 23, three options are being considered. One is a short-term fix which would see construction of new steps and a boardwalk to reinstate a section of the existing track, while the two others would be long-term repairs involving installation of a cantilevered staircase and steps to the beach. Photo: Cathedral Cove damage Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC ckw.nz/cove-options Teaching the cultural story of the environment in Taranaki Te Ara Taiao is an education programme teaching school children about the environment and culture around them in Taranaki. Photo: Patuha maunga (known as Kaitake), one of the maunga that students learn about. | DOC ckw.nz/taranaki-story New suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga Within Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, it has been designed for a lifespan of 100 years, and to withstand the sub-alpine Manganui Gorge’s winds, weather conditions and a one in 250-year Mt Taranaki Avalanche. Supported by two massive masts at either end, the bridge sits 49.5m above the floor of the gorge. Photo: Suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga .Wayne Boness |DOC ckw.nz/manganui Jos Divis cottage restoration celebrated Family members from the Czech Republic were among those who gathered at the old gold mining township of Waiuta today to celebrate the restoration of Jos Divis’ old home. Czech émigré Divis (1885–1967) was a keen amateur photographer who documented gold mining life during the heyday of the town, about 35 km from Reefton. Photo: Jos Divis’ restored cottage at Waiuta | DOC ckw.nz/waiuta Dog attack believed to have killed 19 gulls in Kaikōura Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC are reminding people to control dogs in coastal areas after 19 gulls/tarāpunga were found dead at Kaikōura’s South Bay, seemingly killed by a dog or dogs. “Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe. We have witnessed seals attack unsuspecting dogs in the past.” Photo: Dead gulls South Bay, Kaikōura | DOC ckw.nz/dogs-gulls Quad bikers trash national park track Quad bikers trash national park track. In March a group of quad bike riders has caused extensive damage in Arthur’s Pass National Park in Canterbury, crushing sensitive vegetation, trashing boardwalks and leaving a trail of empty alcohol cans in their wake. Photo: The quad bike people of interest. | DOC ckw.nz/quads Canterbury spotted skink in serious trouble One of our rarest, seldom-seen skinks is even more threatened than we had thought, with fewer than 1000 mature individuals. It is now classified as Nationally Critical — the last step before extinction. Most Canterbury spotted skink populations are on private and council land. Canterbury spotted skink Image: James Reardon | DOC ckw.nz/skinks DOC Ōtepoti Visitor Centre to close DOC is closing its Ōtepoti Dunedin Visitor Centre and will focus on wildlife advocacy in the city in other ways. The i site will continue to provide visitor information and share wildlife advocacy information. Information about wildlife, tracks and huts in the region can be found on the DOC website. Photo: Sandy Bay lookout. | DOC ckw.nz/otepoti Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 39

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Old General Store at Tikitiki, East Cape Public Toilets in Kawakawa, Northland Consider stopping for a night or three at one of the smaller towns or villages Hidden gems: Small Towns Wayne Ravelich Small Towns are interesting unique and disappearing Many of the small historic towns around New Zealand are becoming ghost towns and will be lost to us forever unless, we the traveling community, do something about it. As campers, we travel and explore New Zealand, from the mountains to the beaches and most places in between. We spend money on food, fuel, and activities as we pass through an area. Consider stopping for a night or three at one of the smaller towns or villages Public Toilets in Kawakawa, Northland Old General Store at Tikitiki, East Cape Consider stopping for a night or three at one of the smaller towns or villages. You will be amazed at what you might find. They often have hidden gems tucked away just off the main road. Even if you can only stop for lunch or a cuppa you will see interesting new things and meet new people along with supporting a small town. We have all said “we must look at that next time” — next time may be too late. These towns are dying at an alarming rate. We cannot stop the tide, but we can slow it down. Every little bit helps. Social media has its place and can be used to promote towns and attractions. If you find one of the hidden gems, post it online, so others know and can also visit. The more visitors an area gets the more prosperous it becomes and less likely to vanish. We cannot save the world alone but together we can make a difference. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 17

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption planning-toilet-H.webp GO TO Autumn Gold capacity to hold enough waste for 3 days Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? Bette Cosgrove There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. The toilet receptacle must have the capacity to hold enough waste for 3 days of use by the number of people camping in the vehicle. This number appears on the warrant. Consider if you need 12v power or separate water source for flushing. This may determine your choice. Options : chemical cassette toilets swivel cassette toilets compost waterless loos (more p16) DiY compost loo separation tank toilets bagged waste compost toilets marine toilets with small waste tanks incineration toilets plumbed toilets with black tanks. Larger motorhomes or caravans often have black tanks, but these aren’t an option when space is limited. What does “fixed” mean? Fixed simply means attached so the toilet cannot be removed from the vehicle. Fixed does not mean permanently plumbed in. The base must be permanently fixed to the floor or onto a fixed sliding platform that is bolted down. If the toilet is in the vehicle and the waste tank/s can be safely lifted out within the vehicle to be emptied, then this meets the rules. You do not have to only empty the waste via an external compartment or door. Portable toilets don’t meet the new criteria because their base waste tank has to be removed for emptying. A modified portapotty is highly unlikely to meet the new standard. What physical space is ok? You don’t need a separate toilet or shower room to fit it into. The rules state that you must be able to “use” your toilet within the vehicle. There is no demand to have it always available when your bed is made up. If you can access it and use it, it passes. Sealed tanks The waste tanks must have a fully sealable lid or gate closure — not just a closing toilet lid. What does it mean for a toilet to be vented? A pipe vent is all that is required, there is no need for a fan unless the toilet manufacturer requires it. You currently need to breach the permanently fixed, sealed cassette toilet to add a vent pipe to the removable tank to comply. Some cassette toilets have extra vent systems designed to fit them, some do not. You will nullify any warranty for a new cassette toilet by modifying it yourself. Make sure the vent connection can be easily detached from the cassette and ensure there is no way it can spill when removing or carrying it to empty. See p12 for more on venting, including on toilet cassettes. 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 ︎ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 10