6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Teardrop camping ©2023 Andrew Morton ​ Teardrop camping Andrew Morton Teardrop camping. Cycling in Central Otago. ©2023 Andrew Morton Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 13

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9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Quinney's Bush ©2024 All Points Camping Club ​ All Points Camping Club of NZ 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 Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 40

Ready for a family weekend away camping Previous Next Tracey Johnson Ready for a family weekend away camping. ©2022 Tracey Johnson ​ Previous Next 1/1 ​ Advertisment ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 2 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption fridge-portable_mw.webp fridge-compressor_mw.webp fridge-3way-back_mw.webp fridge-4_th.webp fridge-tall_mw.webp fridge-4_mw.webp ​ RV Fridge Basics Collyn Rivers Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. They also differ in their ability to cool in hot weather. The major differences in how well they work are largely due to how well they are installed. This article covers the basics. Absorption fridges (three-way) These (in RVs) are powered by the alternator whilst driving and the RV’s auxiliary battery for roadside stops. They are intended to run on grid power or LP gas at all other times. When running on LP gas an 8.5 litres cylinder typically lasts three weeks. It is not feasible to run them only from solar or battery power. RV fridge basics are such that to cool satisfactorily, three-way fridges must be installed correctly. Far from all are, resulting in poor performance. As a result, they have an undeservedly poor reputation amongst RV owners. If installed properly three-way fridges work well away from grid power. They cannot, however, rapidly freeze fresh fish. Three-way fridges cool via a liquid that has a very low boiling point. This liquid is heated until it vaporises (boils). The vapour then flows into an evaporator inside the fridge, absorbing unwanted heat. That heat is then dissipated externally. Compressor fridges These are now by far the most commonly used in RVs. They work by compressing a gaseous refrigerant into a smaller and liquid volume. This forces the gas’s molecules closer together — thereby heating them. If then allowed to expand, the (heat) energy its molecules contain is now within a larger volume of space, so the gas becomes cooler and absorbs heat from the refrigerator’s contents. That heat is then released, via external cooling fins, to where it does not matter. From thereon the Second Law of Thermodynamics ensures that things of different temperatures tend to equalise in temperature. Most fridges intended for rvs use 12/24 volt motor-driven compressors but almost all run optionally on 230 volts AC. They are thermally and electrically efficient — particularly the top of the range units made from 2018 onward (that have variable-speed compressors). These fridges run well from solar. Compressor fridge energy usage Until 2014 or so, most compressor fridges ran constantly until they reached their preset temperature. A thermostat then cut the power. The power was restored when the internal temperature rose a degree or two above the set level. In ambient temperatures of 25C or so they typically ran in a 40:60 on/off ratio. This ratio varied as the contents cooled, but could be continuous in very hot areas. Fridge vendors usually quote their product’s steady-state energy draw. A fridge’s daily draw, however, substantially relates to how long the fridge cycles on — as opposed to off. A fridge that draws 1.25 amps but cycles on for a total of 16 hours a day thus uses 20 Ah/day. Another fridge that draws 1.5 amps but cycles on for 12 hours a day, uses only 18 Ah/day. So consider only a fridge’s daily draw . Compressor fridge: energy draw At 27.5 º C ambient, and set to 4 º C, most efficient compressor fridges of 40–80 litre draw about 0.7 Ah/day per litre. This progressively falls — to about 0.5 Ah/litre/day for fridges over 150 litres or so. Compressor fridges that have variable speed motors (they run constantly, adjusting speed as needed) use about 25% less energy. Fridge-freezers, with the freezer at -14 º C to -8 º C, draw only marginally more once their content is frozen. This is because their insulation is thicker. RV fridge basics As with fridges generally, RV fridge basics dictate they increase their draw by about 5% per every 10 º C higher in ambient temperature and by the same amount if set colder. Energy usage varies slightly from brand to brand — with the variable speed units generally more efficient. Installation, ambient and set temperatures and usage all affect consumption. If freezing is not required, energy is saved by using a chest freezer (providing it can be set to +4 º C). Not all can. Many RV users prefer an electric fridge if travelling extensively and spending only a day or two at powered sites. Given space for solar modules, an energy-efficient 12-volt fridge can be used successfully for extended periods away from grid power. However, a fuel cell or a generator is advisable for energy back-up during periods of little sun. Or hook up your RV to the tow vehicle and go for a long drive. Top- versus front-opening fridges Top-opening refrigerators are marginally more efficient than door-opening units. This is because cold air is retained when opened. That lost from door opening units can be minimised by using plastic drawers to block that cold airflow. One minor drawback of top opening fridges is that water vapour condenses in the bottom of the chest and needs removing every week or so. A curiosity of RV fridge basics is that most-needed items migrate to the least accessible area. Portable fridges Many RV owners would like to have a second fridge inside their tow vehicle. This is handy when shopping (although an Esky filled with ice works just as well for short distances). Consider having a 40–60 litre compressor fridge in the tow vehicle. You can power that fridge by about 200 watts or so of solar on the tow vehicle’s roof, charging a 100 amp hour AGM or lithium battery. This enables you to run the fridge constantly from solar alone. This is not feasible if your roof carries a boat up there — but that is never a good idea anyway. If tow vehicle rooftop solar is not used, the tow vehicle fridge will need to be run from a second battery in the tow vehicle. Or have one fridge that is electric and the other fridge LP gas. RV fridge standards There are no local performance standards for RV fridges. European-designed three-way fridges, however, must meet EU Standards that include ‘Climate Classes.’ These define the ambient temperature at which the fridge must deliver its claimed performance. Climate Class: ● SN (sub-normal) is from 14 º C to 32 º C, ● N (normal) from 18 º C to 32 º C, ● ST (sub-tropical) from 18 º C to 36 º C , ● T (tropical) from 18 º C to 43 º C. Regardless of brand, Climate Class ‘T’ fridges can only be positively identified by the letter T following the ‘Climate Class’ box on their compliance/rating plate. RV Books believes the ST (but preferably the more costly T) units are the only three-way fridges suitable for travelling in the hotter parts of Australia and the northern island of New Zealand. RV fridge summary An RV fridge of 80–100 litres is likely to be ample for most RV users. Freeze-dried food is equally edible, and storable at ambient temperature. Fridge energy draw depends mostly on how well the fridge is installed and used. A correctly installed RV fridge may draw half the current of an incorrectly installed one and cool far better in hot climates. Do not overfill RV fridges (and make sure nothing can break in transit). Avoid putting in hot items. Set the internal temperature no colder than the recommended +4º C (fridge) and -14º C to -18º C (freezer). Reduce fridge power consumption by cooling them in your home fridge before a trip. If your RV has a fridge-freezer, conserve energy by overnight de-thawing any food needed the following day. Next issue: Make caravan fridges work as claimed Reproduced with permission.rvbooks.com.au . Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 18

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Self-contained in a tent. ©2024 Tony Kissel none of those involved in regulating it seem to really care about self-containment, per se What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? Miriam Richardson Self-containment is at the heart of the the latest raft of freedom camping changes instituted in 2023. What is ‘self-containment’? The NZ Standard gives us our definition of self-containment. To provide “for the containment of solid waste, toilet waste, and grey waste water, resulting from the approved number of occupants’ daily activities, and to supply their minimum fresh water needs, for at least three days.” NZ Standard, Self containment of motor caravans and caravans (NZS 5465:2001), © 2024 Standards New Zealand. Do you need a fixed toilet to be self-contained? No . Can you be self-contained and use a portable toilet in a toilet tent? Yes . Does a preference for using public toilets mean you aren’t self-contained? No . Does the one-in-many-million chance of catching Legionnaires disease feature in self-containment? What?! No! Do cassette toilets enable the containment of toilet waste? Yes . Do toilet cassettes have any problems doing it? No . Does every toilet cassette in the country need to be modified to be self-contained? No . (Do the new regulations require such a change? Yes . Why? Ignorance on the part of the regulation writers. ) What is the point of self-containment? The point is protecting the environment by making sure all those enjoying it can keep their waste contained and can dispose of it safely and cleanly in the right place and time. How did we get here? When the NZMCA first mooted self-containment as a way to protect the environment, they focused on facilities rather than behaviour. It’s much easier to work out if there is a toilet, than it is to know that a person truly knows that peeing or shitting in the bushes is not acceptable. (Oh, men, should I have left peeing in the bushes out? ) The Responsible Campers Association promoted an alternative, a teaching-based option, where campers learned how to handle their waste responsibly. Sadly, this got little traction. Climbers and trampers learn to handle their waste responsibly; it can be done, even without a vehicle. Many of the reported problems with travellers and waste are not about facilities within their vehicles so much as actions taken by the travellers: education might have successfully managed this, particularly for short term visitors. Many are self-contained but are not “certified self-contained” Some are self-contained to the same criteria as those who get certified, and some follow the definition and intent of self-containment but not all the details of the standard. It is not hard to contain your waste, and jumping through the certification hoops has only become necessary as exclusionary laws have been enacted, barring those who are not certified. There is now a legal requirement to be ‘certified self-contained’ if you want to freedom camp which means having passed the test to prove your vehicle meets either NZS 5465:2001 the ‘old’ standard (blue warrant)(until 7/6/25) or the new regulations for a green warrant. Certifying for self-containment: the laws and regulations Strangely, nowhere in either the Freedom Camping Act 2011 , or the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 do they trouble to define self-containment. They define enforcement officer, freedom camp, motor vehicle inspection, motor vehicle inspector, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and even the humble ‘registration plate’, but not what they mean by “self-contained”. The Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023 which are the new regulations for self-containment, don’t define it either. They define blackwater, greywater, wastewater, wastewater system, Board, certificate of self-containment, self-containment levy, self-containment authority, enforcement officer, and warrant card, but nope, not “self-containment”. The government department charged with making the regulations, the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), does not show any awareness what it means. The simplest reason to infer from these omissions is that none of those involved in regulating it really care about self-containment, per se. Being either ignorant, or able to ignore, what self-containment actually means, they can regulate to the tune of their other imperatives which are more about restricting freedom camping to large vehicles and wealthier people, than to containing waste and protecting the environment. Given that the laws and regulations are not based on any definition of self-containment, it is perhaps explicable that they demonstrate a lack of knowledge around how motorhome waste can be safely and sensibly managed, they perpetuate ex-Minister Nash’s peculiar fetish around the fixedness of toilets, and they give plenty of rope, I mean scope to show how little house-based plumbers know about vehicle-based plumbing. Usually this ignorance would have been ameliorated by the Select Committee process, and by consultation with experts during the formation of the regulations. Sadly the Select Committee process was knee-capped by the then-opposition members (now the government), and those tasked with developing the regulations seem to have taken shortcuts with the consultation, only choosing to hear who or what suited them, and their lack of knowledge and professionalism is evident in the regulations, for all to see. Unintended consequences: the mandate for large campers The shift from small vehicles to large vehicles is going to increase the impact of each traveller on the environment. Being larger, heavier, and taller, they will make a bigger impact on the roads, on the phyiscal environment and intrude much more on the scenic view. Notes The NZ standard NZS 5465:2001 About the standard Download a PDF of the standard (this free download is time limited). PGDF on self-contained vehicles MBIE on freedom camping changes Freedom camping law The Regulations 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 10

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Windows Our bus has a lot of windows ©2022 Linda Butler More windows Our bus has a lot of windows ©2022 Linda Butler Lots of windows! Our bus has a lot of windows ©2022 Linda Butler Our yurt incarnation Op shop curtains purchased and now we sit draft-free with a feeling of sitting in a yurt in the back of the bus. ©2022 Linda Butler Drivers window insulation hat only left the driver's window area. We heard about insulation paper that builders use. We bought about 10 meters, cut it down to each individual window. ©2022 Linda Butler Sealing the edges or the window insulation. We used a heat gun and sealed the edges on the insulation for the driver's window.©2022 Linda Butler Now’s the time to plan or prepare your caravan, bus or motorhome for next winter. I asked Linda to tell us about her journey to warm up their bus. Editor Preparing for the cold winter "brrrrrr's" Linda Butler My husband Martin and I met up with Ray Harris the winter before last at Waihi Gorge. Our first night in the bus in winter. Darn, we could only get the new heater up to 10ºC on that night, and woke to a -3ºC frost. We opened the oven door, lit the gas and waited for sunshine. I'm proud of my hubby, he did agree to stay another night, but we enjoyed the warmth of Ray's 30º heater that evening, while playing cards until bedtime. This was from our newly installed diesel heater. Oh boy, we soon wondered if there was actually nothing wrong with the old gas one after all. The installers spent a lot of hours trying to work out the problem. Even with lagged pipes the heater wouldn't get warmer than 18º. Finally we were told the poor insulation and many windows in the bus were the problem. So over the last few months we came up with a plan. Purchased woollen carpet; it won’t need underlay, we were told. Tick With the curtains closed around our beds we still had a draft coming from the windows. We have a silver rail in front of the window. No probs. Op shop curtains purchased and now we sit draft-free with a feeling of sitting in a yurt in the back of the bus. Tick The carpet did need underlay as we still felt it cold. Fixed. Tick Hubby couldn't stand the cold on his body from the bus wall lining under the window by the bed. He needs a bit more fat on him! So we bought yoga mats. Nice and thin. Can lay under the mattress when not in use. Perfect. Tick Stumbled on a net curtain to cover the door for insects and thought, why not also get a long curtain to cover the door for cold? Found one that fits a treat and hangs around my passenger-side headrest when not in use. Another draft fixed. Tick The venetian blinds in the kitchen: we found just enough curtain to cover over them as well.We are going to be so snug! Tick The bathroom felt like a bucket of ice. We hung a curtain cord and threaded a towel by its own hem. That kept the cold off our arm. Easy to wash. Tick Might try leaving the door open in the evening to let the heat from the cabin flow in. That only left the driver's window area. We heard about insulation paper that builders use. We bought about 10 meters, cut it down to each individual window size, then used a heat gun and sealed the edges. This hopefully will help with the frost also! We hope... Since doing all this, we have been unable to get out to try it, other than 2 nights at Lake Camp before winter really hit, after the carpet was put in and we had our curtains over the back windows. That little made a big difference. We are looking forward to next year when we hit the road. Late August after we return from Europe. We will be snug as a bug in a rug. We hope! Don't give up. Get ready for those winter blues… brrrrr… Photos ©2022 Linda Butler Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 33

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Gumboots at Taihape ©2023 M Richardson Rangatikei Mangaweka ©2023 M Richardson Mangaweka ©2023 M Richardson Rangakitei Rangatikei ​ Camping and exploring in the Rangitikei Gregory Smith Rangitikei encompasses a large area (4483km2 ) that is generally well-serviced by secondary roading, a multitude of one-way bridges (some say the most in New Zealand), dirt roads and the most beautiful and varied scenery you will ever come across in a single regional council district. The region is directly bordered by Whanganui, Manawatu and Ruapehu District Councils, and is mostly contained within Horizons Regional Council with a small remote area encompassed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The land spreads from the western white sand beaches through river escarpment up to the Central Plateau. It is fed by two major State Highways, SH1 and SH3, three major river systems and part of Te Araroa — New Zealand’s Trail. From SH1 (Bulls to Waiouru) and SH3 (to Whanganui) secondary roads snake off from these arteries, while tertiary roads (mostly unpaved, dirt roads) are like a spider web connecting all the farms and stations together. The southern boundary is girt by the Rangitikei River up to Mangaweka, where it heads east, following the Kawhatau River into the hills. Then it follows the hills north into vast, empty, native forest land until crossed by the Taihape–Napier Road (aka The Gentle Annie). Other than the state highways and The Gentle Annie, there are few roads suitable for larger vehicles such as campers, but where you can access the back roads, do so, for the magnificent scenery. The locals are friendly and may direct you to camping sites, if you stop for a chat and ask nicely. The northern boundary is through the Kaimanawa Forest Park, south of Waiouru, then west towards Rangiwaea (literally, in the middle of nowhere on dirt roads) and south to Papanui Junction on the Turakina Valley Road. The western route, from Taihape through Papanui Junction is a most scenic route, suitable for all vehicles in the dry weather. There is a point where views to the sea can be enjoyed, remarkable, from so far inland— a lot of sites along this route boast good views. Park well off the road as farmers use this road and are ruthless in their driving abilities. The wee, unfortunate Whangaehu forms the Northern limit on SH3, which follows Whangaehu River to the sea. The site is unfortunate as it is on a floodplain and due to regular river overspills, renders most housing uninsurable. The Rangitikei District Council prides itself to offer freedom camping throughout it’s boundaries and is ‘Motor Home/Caravan Friendly’. “We offer clean, clear night skies for star gazing in rural areas.” Visit this site for a wide range of activities: rangitikei.com Most early access was via the river, leaving the roads undeveloped. With an historically low population (just over 1 household per km2), the large nature of farm stations, the coastal steamer routes that bypassed Rangitikei (in favour of Foxton/Palmerston North and the Wanganui ports), this situation has, arguably, barely improved. But this lack of development is a benefit to sightseeing. Here are a few tips Park in designated areas, not just on the side of roads, as farmers use these roads with large machinery at all hours and large cattle trucks are plentiful. Be aware of your own security, and ensure you have cell coverage (even if your own provider has no signal, emergency calls can be made on any provider’s network from any phone). Leave no trace, and do help clean up whenever stopping, to keep the place pretty for the next visitor. Drive to the conditions, respect locals and give way to other vehicles (and animals) on the road, as their livelihoods depend on access; you are a visitor to their domain. Read more, with camping sites, interesting routes and local attractions on our website.: ckw.nz/rangatikei There will be locations and attractions I have missed. Some deliberately as this is about camping, but I do recommend that wherever you go, stop and talk to the locals: they have endless knowledge and are usually very willing to offer their suggestions. SH1 Taihape Home to the Taihape-Napier Road (the Gentle Annie). Magnificent views, but put aside a whole day, or two to traverse its twisting hilly course into the Rangitikei from the Hawke’s Bay. Camping at the halfway point just inside the boundary cannot be beat. North east of Taihape, off Hautapu Street in Papakai Park, is a nice stream and picnic area (mozzies permitting). Gumboots at Taihape. ©2023 M Richardson Overnight camping is allowed, but gates are shut at dusk. Start of the Hautapu River walk (4 km; risk of flooding). Huge number of fast food outlets in town. Give cooking a break and also shop the second hand stores. Check out the gumboot throwing arena near the railway station and test your arm (gumboots are usually in attendance). River Anduin from Lord of the Rings is inland from Taihape but inaccessible. Best views are from Mokai River Bridge, access from the Gravity Canyon road (Gorge Road) just before you get to Utiku. Well worth a few days to explore this forgotten area and arguably the best river views in New Zealand. Utiku and south Stop and enjoy the history of wool as Utiki was the hub of wool spinning. Families would stop from miles around to buy their next years’ worth of wool. There may be parking at the old petrol station on SH1 as the owner has a second hand shop in Taihape and can be asked. Otherwise there is a rest area with tables just south of the town. If you’ve taken the inland route from Gravity Canyon, you’ll come out just before the Mangaweka climb. I suggest you avoid the hill and head South to McKinnon’s Bush Reserve on Potaka Road. Great camping to be had on the banks of the Kawhatau River. Then head left on Kawhatau Road for a scenic route to Mangaweka (dirt roads). Stop at Ruahine Dress Circle Reserve for a dip in the most scenic swimming hole in New Zealand. I challenge you. Then stop at the lookout back on Manawatu Scenic Route towards Mangaweka. (I cheated, this is in the Manawatu, but so close to Rangitikei) Mangaweka and Rangitikei River access Coming in from the east you’ll cross our newest bridge (still one lane) and find Rangitikei Camping Grounds. One of the most scenic places you’ll stay. Pay for your spot at Awastone (back over the river) or in the kiosk (if manned). Do the walk to the old Mangaweka Power House and Dam. Some good footwear is advised (numerous dead jandals seen beside track). A short drive traversing part of the old Mangaweka Track can be accessed via Te Kapua Road, just south of the Mangaweka township. It loops back to SH1, north of the town. Overnight parking is available at the Mangaweka Hall car park near the public toilets. Visit the Museum on Sundays. It is a fantastic collection, lovingly curated and cared for by locals. Art is the thing in Mangaweka. EV Charging is available in the township. ChargeNet and Tesla Supercharger. Look out for the Mangaweka Scenic Reserve Track (1.4 km) Stop on the climb south for more fantastic views of the Rangitikei River white stone cliffs. Ohingaiti The Ohingaiti Tavern offers truck stop accommodation and meals. Over the main highway in the old school grounds is Ako Retreat and the host is now offering powered sites for self-contained vehicles, in addition to a 3 brm home for stays. Just to the north is Flat Hills Café and Tourist Park ( https://www.flathills.co.nz ). An awful lot of effort has gone into creating a one stop facility and it offers everything you’ll need to stay. Otara Road takes you to Whitecliffs Boulders where a day can easily be lost in the wonderland. Whitecliffs Boulders Track (3.9 km) (closed for lambing Aug-Oct). Vinegar Hill Campground, not exactly in Rangitikei as you cross the river to access, but this campground is very scenic. Just avoid New Years period as it hosts a large contingent of campers. Hunterville An alternative scenic route (dirt) is to take Ongo Road to the west of Hunterville, and then north via Turakina Valley Road where a lot of camping opportunities beside the river can be found. You can get lost in these dirt roads, so be sure of your route. Final destination is back to Taihape. Or turn south off Ongo road onto Mangahoe Road then take Turakina Valley Road South to Turakina. If you like, turn left before Turakina on Makuhao Road and head towards the Tutaenui Reservoir where a walk around the lake can be enjoyed as well as a car park for an overnight stay (be prepared to be woken early by dog walkers and MTBs using the track). Just South of Hunterville is the Bruce Park area on the right (the old SH1 route), Aldworth Road, which boasts 1 hour bush walk, and a limited car park with toilet facilities. Bulls Site of Camp Fest 2023. There is a motel/camp site to the South of the town. Freedom camping can be had nearby. Southbound, cross SH1 at the Rest Area just before the bridge and traverse the dirt road towards the river under the bridge to an open area. Freedom camping can also be obtained at the Domain (during Camp Fest) on the carpark in front of the rugby clubrooms. Just be sure you want to stay all night as the gates are locked at dusk. EV Charging is available at the Bulls Community Centre. Scotts Ferry There is a small campsite at the entrance to town. Toilets and the site features a “weather rock”. Access to the river stopbank behind affords nice walk to the river mouth. Walk through town to the beach. Avoid whitebaiting season and stormy weather as it is busy with regulars and the site is prone to flooding. The old Coach Road crossed Rangitikei River at this point, forcing a significant diversion for travellers. Later on, another ferry crossing at Ferry Road, Bulls, provided a shorter route until the Bulls bridge was built. The old ferry was restored and is a feature at the entrance to the township. SH3 Whangaehu A small road towards the sea is probably the shortest route to the Tasman Sea from any state highway in Rangitikei. However, there is cross country required over farmlands (close gates that are closed, leave open gates that are open) to a camping site which is favoured by whitebaiters. This area is subject to flooding and soft soils, therefore should be avoided in rain and non-4wd vehicles. Ratana The seat of the Ratana religion where government meets on TW Ratana’s birthday to hand over the fiscal envelope and assure the continuation of government. It is accessed by a dead-end road that is well signposted. No formal campsite, but the locals are friendly and may direct you to a suitable site if you ask nicely. Turakina The town no longer has a tavern and only boasts a petrol station and 2 cemeteries. The café at the antiques shop is no longer operating, but the shop is worth a stroll through. Koitiata This is the beach west from Turakina and has a lovely campsite near the shore. Overruns from the camp are contained in a area on the other side of the road. It may appear to be free camping, but it is reserved for paying campers. There is limited space on the side of the road, or if 4wd capable, towards the beach down a sandy track. Marton Site of the annual Country Music Festival which hosts over 400 campers at Sir James Wilson Memorial Park to the east of the town. Located off Marton's Wellington Rd behind Marton Memorial Park is a lovely short walk. The loop path is of exceptional quality and takes about 20 minutes to walk around. Lots of mature trees and tranquil spots to sit and gaze at the trees, right in the heart of Marton township. There is an NZMCA park behind Marton Park, but as RDC allows freedom camping, you can take advantage of some lovely overnight spots around town, especially Totara Street and Marton Park where public toilets are located (avoid Saturday morning sports though). Head North up Tutaenui Road to the reservoir for a good walk and more camping sites. Dudding Lake Ten minutes drive north of Bulls is a sensational recreational facility. The lake is great for swimming, boating, jet-skiing and water skiing. Fishing is permitted as the lake is stocked with trout and has a good population of perch. The campground is located next to the lake and has powered and non-powered sites for tents, campervans, caravans, and hall for rent. There is a 2km walkway around the lake planted with native trees and great views of birdlife at the upper end. https://duddinglake.nz/ References: https://www.localcouncils.govt.nz/lgip.nsf/wpg_url/Profiles-Councils-by-Region-Manawatu-Wanganui?OpenDocument Accessed 10/02/2023 Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 12

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lake Aniwhenua Ohope gathering An All Points Camping gathering on an Ohope orchard (Bay of Plenty). August 2022 ©2022 Angela Bryan Keep on making memories, having fun, meeting new people and exploring: #campingTheKiwiWay. News from clubs and groups Mary Reid Easter: Lake Aniwhenua camp Wow what a great camp; we went from expecting 8 or 9 people to having over 20, with a range in numbers of nights spent at the camp, as well as day-trippers adding to the vibe. But what a fantastic camp site —staying lakeside all the water sports were on offer, trees, walks, kids adventure playground including flying, and apart from the night chill we had fab days, albeit with the pesky wasps and/or mossies. We had the expected awesome camp social times with nights full of great humour and friendship as we caught up with members we knew and got to know the newbies — fab to see so many new faces rocking up to the Waikato-BoP camp and we all look forward to the next time we see you. Keep the wheels rolling. BY: Mary Reid, All Points Camping, Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Share stories and images from your group’s meetings and events. Anything that would be of interest to other campers, and or would encourage others to join your group or participate with you. Get your photos and stories to us by 1 Nov for the Summer/December issue. Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 26

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2022 Cheine Matheson ​ Mavis is finally out and about Cheine Matheson Mavis is finally out and about on her maiden overnighter to test all the r&m before the real camping trip in a couple of weeks. Cheine Matheson. Photo © 2022 Cheine Matheson Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 32

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption FRI, 02 Dec: Pāuatahanui Battle Hill (Wgtn) Fri 31 Mar: Kimbolton Sculpture Festival For more camps keep an eye on allpointscampingnz.org/events & ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) EVENTS — Camping ​ FRI, 02 Dec: Pāuatahanui Battle Hill (Wgtn) A Club camp — guests welcome but registration is required. Battle Hill is a historic site within a short distance of Porirua and nestled under Transmission Gully. Feed the eels, enjoy a farmland nature walk. Campfires yes, but dogs no, as it’s a working farm. Families with tents welcome. All Points Camping ckw.nz/battle-hill Sat, 10 Dec: Visit the true centre point of NZ Waiohine Gorge Camping Its 9km (return) with an expected fitness level required (good). If you can walk for 4–6hrs return and don't mind up hill sections then you should be fine. We are excited to visit a place that not many people know about or access. NZ Fun Adventures FB: ckw.nz/true-centre WED, 21 Dec Mt Thomas Wooded Gully Camping Arthur’s Pass National Park, Canterbury Join our NZFA ambassador Craig Steele at this gem of a location for a couple of nights. 21–23rd. Booking required. DOC camp fees apply (or a DOC pass). ckw.nz/mt-thomas NZ Fun Adventures facebook.com/nzfunadventures THU, 29 Dec: Reporoa New Year Camp Taupo All Points Camping Club 7th Birthday and New Year camp. Club members and guests are welcome to join us. Please register. All Points Camping ckw.nz/new-year FRI, 3 Feb: Morisons Bush Wairarapa Camp by the Ruamahanga River: tents, caravans or campers. Great for kids. Co-incides with the Martinborough Fair. All Points Camping ckw.nz/morrisons Fri, 17–19 Mar : CAMP FEST Bulls Domain, Rangitikei A weekend of camping, at CAMP FEST. All campers — tents, trailer campers, teardrops, caravans, motorhomes are welcome. All Points Camping route54.org/campfest fun@route54.org FRI 31 Mar: Kimbolton Sculpture Festival Join us for an amazing weekend camping at the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival. The Festival day is Saturday 1 April. All campers — tents, trailer campers, teardrops, caravans, motorhomes welcome. All Points Camping ckw.nz/kimbolton For more camps keep an eye on allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 38

4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2023 Daniel Munro ©2023 Daniel Munro ©2023 Daniel Munro ©2023 Daniel Munro ©2023 Daniel Munro ©2023 Daniel Munro ​ It was cold at Mavora Lakes Daniel Munro It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around. I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year. But she went along with it. Mavora Lakes last night, it was cold. Minus 2ºC when I woke up this morning, and still plenty of snow around too. But a sack of firewood, extra blankets and hot water bottles meant we were very cozy in the little camper. Photos ©2023 Daniel Munro Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 11