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- tips-cold
1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mavora in Winter ©2022 You are going to need a good plan to deal with wet clothes and gear. There will be lots of it. TIPS for the cold Ian Ganderson Spring still sends cold weather our way. Consider these winter tips, and don’t be daunted. Camping in the winter (tent or van) needs to be pretty organised and good gear is needed. I do most things, from being out and about in my van to tramping and snow-holeing. Your sleep system needs to be up to the job. I’ve used the word ‘system’ on purpose. You will need to keep everything organised to minimise things getting wet and water/rain/snow getting in. It’s a game of small gains. Lots of small gains add up to keep you warm and snug. You are going to need a good plan to deal with wet clothes and gear. There will be lots of it. You are going to need good waterproofs and good insulating layers. Moisture in all its forms is the enemy of feeling warm. Ventilate and air out in the sun your sleep system whenever you get the chance. Insulation in vans is primarily for reducing condensation. It certainly helps keeping things warm too. I’ve made 10mm foam insulated window covers from KMart camping mats and some suckers I found at an RV centre. They work really well. Don’t block up all your vents. Some air flow is required to let the humid air you breath out to escape. Worst case scenario is carbon monoxide poisoning, of course: get a CO alarm. In the winter the risk is significantly higher. Thermal underwear makes for super great pyjamas. Ditch the cotton, it will hold onto any dampness. BY: Ian Ganderson Photo: Mavora Lakes, ©2022 Daniel Munro Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 15
- bbq-permits
6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption bbq-charcoal-ben_mw.webp Do you need a permit for your BBQ? Fire and Emergency New Zealand Charcoal You don’t need a fire permit for a charcoal BBQ or grill in a restricted fire season if you meet the following safety requirements: ● You must have a suitable way to extinguish it within easy reach. ● Don’t use on an apartment balcony, deck, under a roof overhang or within other enclosed areas. ● You must have a suitable way to extinguish the fire within easy reach — a maximum of 5 metres away. ● You must not leave unsupervised while burning. Source: ckw.nz/charcoal-bbq-safety Gas You don’t need a fire permit for gas BBQs, cookers or heaters, but we recommend you: ● Check the fire danger and avoid lighting when the fire danger is Very High or Extreme. ● Regularly check and maintain any gas fittings and connections. ● Have a no-go zone to keep kids and pets safe. ● Have a suitable means to extinguish your fire within easy reach, a maximum of 5 metres away. ● Do not leave your fire unsupervised while burning. n Source: ckw.nz/gas-bbq-safety © Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) Photo: © 2011 Ben Sutherland CC2.0 Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 24
- seven-days
7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A self-contained caravan at Waihopai. ©2024 M Ireland substantial unnecessary costs 7 days a week Gary Stoneley 7 days a week, NZ Lifestyle Camping works to support NZ campers and the commercial vehicle industry that require certified self-containment — to meet central and local government requirements. At a recent industry-wide meeting, there was a consensus that the new PGDB-administered self-containment regulations are not fit for purpose. There are substantial unnecessary costs on campers and the industry. The Government is being lobbied to urgently fix the issues. We recommend holding off on getting a new green warrant at this time unless it is essential for you to do so. The new regulations may be yet be amended or the legislation repealed. From 7 June this year we cannot give new (or renew) blue warrant cards that can be used for freedom camping. Check out where existing blue warrant cards work on PAGE 6 . If you have a fixed toilet, consider renewing your blue warrant before 7 June, so you can continue to freedom camp as long as possible. PROS and CONS: SEE p8 . The 4-year blue warrant card will continue to be recognised by most private and commercial host properties, at events, including club events and any land not managed by Councils or LINZ. If camping in an area designated for ‘all campers’ or ‘non self-contained vehicles’ by councils, the green warrant is no more effective than a current blue warrant. There are now thousands of private host properties throughout NZ, plus DOC campsites and council-managed reserves that welcome all campers: your blue warrant will likely suffice. NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd is continuing to certify vehicles under the current NZ Standard. There are a few plumbers issuing green certs under the flawed regulations. SEE p2 If and when we know that the substantial issues with the new regulations are resolved NZ Lifestyle Camping will move to becoming a certifier under the new scheme. In the meantime the pressure is on the Government to fix this. 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 adhere to the requirements of the current NZ Standard, NZS 5465:2001, for the self-containment of motor vehicles. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk of receiving a $400 fine. We remain committed to supporting all types of campers throughout NZ. For persons with 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 I sland | South Island . Fees • NZ Lifestyle Camping has a standard processing and issue fee of $45 to cover the costs of issuing the required documentation and maintaining our national network. • This is as well as any fee testing officers may charge for their time. ( The new green warrant system will be more much expensive). We wish everyone safe travels. We encourage ‘Leave no Trace’ principles when camping. Kind regards,Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping LtdPh 027 246 9778 nzlifestylecamping.com LIFESTYLECAMPING.COM Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 21
- rv-camper-services
1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Business services Editor Any relevant business can list here; it is free. Anyone can recommend a business to add to the list. No endorsement is implied. North Island RV and Camper Business Services South Island RV and Camper Business Services These listings are maintained by NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd. To list your business make a recommendation make a correction or alert them to an error, please email admin@nzlifestylecamping.com Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 33
- charly
7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Hydraulic lift Charly means “free man” or “valiant” — giving wheelies the freedom to travel. ©2024 Milner Mobility NZ’s first wheelchair accessible campervan Designed and built by ACM Motorhomes on an IVECO cab and chassis. ©2024 Milner Mobility Accessible kitchen ©2024 Milner Mobility Travelling up front The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front! ©2024 Milner Mobility Accessible kitchen ©2024 Milner Mobility Within reach ©2024 Milner Mobility NZ’s first wheelchair accessible campervan Designed and built by ACM Motorhomes on an IVECO cab and chassis. ©2024 Milner Mobility giving wheelies the freedom to travel Charly the campervan Milner Mobility New Zealand’s first wheelchair accessible campervan, CHARLY, will soon be available for hire. Launched in January by Milner Mobility it has been designed and built by ACM Motorhomes with the assistance of wheelies, on an IVECO cab and chassis. Charly means “free man” or “valiant” — giving wheelies the freedom to travel. The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front! It has an accessible bathroom, can be driven with hand controls, and has an hydraulic lift. 60% of each rental is donated to its sponsors CatWalk and the NZ Spinal Trust . More: Milner Mobility Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 18
- hey-govt
7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Camping The Elgrand is self-contained for camping on its own, or I use it to tow the caravan. Flexibility. ©2024 Gary Stoneley I just want to go camping. It’s healthy, its fun, and it keeps me sane. Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health Gary Stoneley I go camping for my mental health. Bev and I have done this for over 25 years. It is our choice to go camping with a caravan, but I could use my Elgrand van if I wanted. I’m not happy with the NZ Government interfering with my choice of leisure time by restricting how I go camping. I consider myself a responsible camper and pretty much everyone I know is. Whether they have a tent, trailer camper, small van, housebus or caravan I have rarely seen fellow campers not respecting the environment. I remember in the 1990’s staying at a campsite somewhere, or maybe on a caravan club rally and being taught how to remove a patch of turf (to be replaced later) and let the kitchen waste water soak into the ground below the surface, or to have a bucket with a couple of holes in the bottom so all the solids were kept and water drained away. A loose cap on a waste container did much the same. That’s not something you see so much any more. It wasn’t uncommon for the caravan waste water to be used to water trees, away from activity areas. Any residual food matter was soon gobbled up by hungry little animals. Campers now, are far more aware of the negative effect of chemicals and the health risk of not disposing of waste water properly. But it’s not unusual in a rural setting to be told, just dump it on the ground or around trees. Didn’t dishwater deal to aphids on plants? The expectations placed on campers are now much higher than they were 20 to 30 years ago. The first New Zealand Self-containment Standard was published in 1990 and was a joint effort by multiple organisations and government departments working together. Initially only covering motorhomes and caravans — people were living in these it seemed — the Standard set some minimum expectations for both the occupant’s health and reducing environmental harm. A real plus about this was that weekend camping events could be held at venues like schools or reserves without facilities and organisers could say their campers were self-contained and took all their waste with them. It was an extension of the Caravan Club and wider camping adage of ‘Pack in, pack out’. Skipping forward a quarter of a century and self-containment has become a government regulatory tool for NZ’s vehicle campers. Yes, it is targeted and policed at those who chose to camp in a vehicle, with considerable infringement fees. And it is affecting my mental health and the mental health of thousands of NZ campers and our supporting industry. Why is the NZ government restricting and penalising NZ campers, who choose to use a vehicle to camp rather than a tent? Our family caravan has a permanently fixed, sealed, toilet, but the NZ government wants us to fit an external vent to it. It’s pointless and will just fumigate the camper next door. My trusty Elgrand I can’t enjoy for camping anymore, unless I permanently fix a toilet into it. Well that screws up putting sheets of gib in it now. It’s stressful just thinking about all this. Should I even bother getting a new ‘green’ warrant card for freedom camping? If I don’t submit, where can I camp at no cost? Hey, NZ Government, Stop screwing with my leisure time activity! It’s affecting my mental health! I just want to go camping. It’s healthy, its fun, and it keeps me sane. “Camping in all its different forms puts us on the doorstep of the great outdoors and provides a clear pathway to a healthier and happier lifestyle – one in which people appreciate nature more and are active outdoors. Given the many negative events that have been happening in recent times at home and abroad, anything that helps people to feel better about themselves and each other is vitally important.” Sabina Voysey, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Director General Read the report: ckw.nz/outjoyment Download : ckw.nz/outjoyment-pdf DOC has also given us articles about 'outjoyment' A new free guide to help improve well-being by connecting with nature for therapy is available in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne. Short walks, sightseeing, photography, and bird and wildlife watching were the most popular outdoor activities for kiwi and international visitors. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 20
- apc-morisons
7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024 All Points Camping at Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024 All Points Camping at Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove All Points Camping at Morisons Bush Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 21
- organise-weekend
1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A gathering on an Ohope orchard A group of us met up in Ohope, Bay of Plenty. in August 2022. ©2022 Angela Bryan Poptop campers meet up ©2022 Adam Beaumont How to organise a group weekend Mary Reid We all look forward to the catch ups, the fun, laughter and good times; doing as much or as little as we choose at the venues. I give a venue address and date, at the right price, along with a list of possible activities that members can explore, including just relaxing and lazing and refreshing ourselves. We regularly have around 20–25 people at our camps in a range of motorhomes, caravans, buses and yes tents too, along with up to 6 dogs. We have a wide range of people of all ages and senses of humour. Happy hour (and beyond) can often mean a good belly laugh or three as people get the mood going and the stories flowing. BY: Mary Reid, All Points Camping Club in Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Keep on making memories, having fun, meeting new people and exploring: #campingTheKiwiWay Photo: An All Points Camping gathering on an Ohope orchard (Bay of Plenty). August 2022 Photo: Poptop get together ©2022 Adam Beaumont Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 26
- editorial
5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mag-F-0923-CTKW.webp make the most of our camping opportunities, whatever they are 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 5 Spring 2023 , p 4
- van-dog-beach
5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption tiny-van-dog-beach-TH.jpg At the beach Steve Allen ©2023 Steve Allen Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 4
- whanganui
7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Traction engine rides ©2024 Margaret Earle Traction engine rides My granddaughters particularly liked the traction engine rides and dancing to the music at the various stages around the central business district. ©2024 Margaret Earle Vintage and classic cars On Saturday the main street was packed with a display of vintage and classic cars and other vehicles of those eras. ©2024 Margaret Earle Vintage and classic cars On Saturday the main street was packed with a display of vintage and classic cars and other vehicles of those eras. ©2024 Margaret Earle The vintage weekend is an annual event held over Wellington Anniversary Weekend. Music at the various stages around the central business district. ©2024 Margaret Earle More music Music at the various stages around the central business district. ©2024 Margaret Earle Dancing to the music Dancing to the music at the various stages around the central business district. ©2024 Margaret Earle SteamRail Wanganui ©2024 Margaret Earle Wanganui Aeroclub ©2024 Margaret Earle Aeroclub We drove out to the Whanganui Aeroclub on Sunday morning to see the planes on display. My three-year-old granddaughter had lots of fun climbing into the cockpit of a top-dressing plane and a couple of others that were open to view. ©2024 Margaret Earle Aeroclub We drove out to the Whanganui Aeroclub on Sunday morning to see the planes on display. My three-year-old granddaughter had lots of fun climbing into the cockpit of a top-dressing plane and a couple of others that were open to view. ©2024 Margaret Earle Aeroclub We drove out to the Whanganui Aeroclub on Sunday morning to see the planes on display. My three-year-old granddaughter had lots of fun climbing into the cockpit of a top-dressing plane and a couple of others that were open to view. ©2024 Margaret Earle All Points camp at the Whanganui Intermediate School In January, 70 adults and 25 young people took part in an All Points camp at the Whanganui Intermediate School. ©2024 Margaret Earle A mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans We were camped in a mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans and many camped as family groups or groups of friends. There was a great sense of community during the weekend. ©2024 Margaret Earle A mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans We were camped in a mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans and many camped as family groups or groups of friends. There was a great sense of community during the weekend. ©2024 Margaret Earle A mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans We were camped in a mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans and many camped as family groups or groups of friends. There was a great sense of community during the weekend. ©2024 Margaret Earle A mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans We were camped in a mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans and many camped as family groups or groups of friends. There was a great sense of community during the weekend. ©2024 Margaret Earle A great sense of community at the All Points Camp. All Points camp at the Whanganui Intermediate School. ©2024 Margaret Earle Come and camp with us next year Whanganui vintage camping Margaret Earle In January, 70 adults and 25 young people took part in an All Points camp at the Whanganui Intermediate School. They were camped in a mix of caravans, tents, motor homes and small vans and many camped as family groups or groups of friends. There was a great sense of community during the weekend. The Intermediate School is in walking distance of the many events held during the Whanganui Vintage Weekend. The vintage weekend is an annual event held over Wellington Anniversary Weekend. The first vintage weekend was held in 2012 and the following year the Whanganui Vintage Weekend Trust was formed to grow the event for the benefit of the Whanganui community. Over the course of the weekend a great variety of events are held. Many of these events are free or very low cost. My granddaughters particularly liked the traction engine rides and dancing to the music at the various stages around the central business district. We also visited the steamboat and tram museums on Taupo Quay. On Saturday the main street was packed with a display of vintage and classic cars and other vehicles of those eras. Lots of the activity takes place by the Whanganui River including a riverside market on the Saturday and a Riverside Shindig with live music and food stalls on Sunday. Some locals and visitors get dressed up in vintage outfits and we saw a few steampunkers strutting around as well. On Saturday night the town reverberated to the bands playing on the stages in the main street. We drove out to the Whanganui Aeroclub on Sunday morning to see the planes on display. My three-year-old granddaughter had lots of fun climbing into the cockpit of a top-dressing plane and a couple of others that were open to view. There were also planes taking off and landing on the nearby runway, including a vampire jet and a DC3. After the visit to the Aeroclub we dropped in at the SteamRail Whanganui workshop for a jigger ride. This is the fourth time All Points has used the Intermediate School to camp during at the Whanganui Vintage weekend. By using the school grounds we can keep the camping fees low. The money we raise is donated to the school. The Whanganui Intermediate school grounds are a big grassy site on two levels with a playground and a swimming pool. This year the weather was tropical — hot, sunny, humid, and even a torrential downpour on Saturday afternoon. The school pool was a great place to cool off. On the Sunday evening we had a communal dinner when many of us came together with our food, drinks, tables and chairs. Low-cost camping and community fundraiser. Holding camps to coincide with local community events is a great way to provide low-cost accommodation for out-of-town people who want to visit these events. Schools, scout halls and other community or group facilities are a practical option for these types of weekend. They have the sorts of facilities that campers require and it’s a great fundraiser for them. Come and camp with us next year for the Whanganui Vintage weekend and look out for other All Points camps organised to support local community events. n All Points Camping Club of NZ JOIN US: allpointscampingnz.org For only $35 (1st year) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 36
- purakaunui
2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Purakaunui Bay Campsite ©2022 Kayla Laatz Purakaunui Bay ©2022 Kayla Laatz Purakaunui Bay ©2022 Kayla Laatz Purakaunui Bay Campsite Kayla Laatz What a stunner this place was! Its a DOC campsite with long drop toilets, water taps, and fire pits. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach. Getting there, there’s about 20 minutes of gravel road with a few cattle crossings; nothing too steep. There were a few other caravans parked up. Just be aware the grass can be quite muddy. For this particular DOC camp site you can book online in advance or pay on arrival by bringing exact change. We saw tons of playful seals and heaps of brave surfers too! 10/10. Catlins, Southland. Photos ©2022 Kayla Laatz Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 34











