Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption water_water-hog-attached_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change opinion, observation and a discussion topic Water water everywhere Marty Ireland Water Water everywhere not a drop to spare… poetic licence in the slight quote change. On a recent club camp I did a wee survey of the parked vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, buses and others to observe the water supply and disposal systems. A roll-away Filling an on board tank. Of 19 campers, there were 10 using a hog with rollaway, 7 with full on-board water and waste tanks, and 2 with a mix of supply and disposal. Water hog I did this with the personal experience of using a 50l water hog for supply and rollaway disposal tank, and having a daughter visit our caravan and use the fresh water rather wastefully. Upon chastisement, I proceeded to show her where the water was coming from, where it was going and the efforts to supply and dispose. Using a manual supply system of hog and rollaway tank makes one appreciate the efforts to do so and water-conservation thinking does kick in. I understand 1litre of water is 1kg so a full hog or rollaway tank is 50kg, nearly a dead body weight to move around when setting up, disposing and carrying as onboard cargo. The benefit of a hog is the flexibility to fill and dispose on demand, the ease of how and where to do so and not having to move your vehicle when you are set up for an extended stay. Those with inbuilt tanks have to consider whether to fill up before they go or onsite and/or consider whether their vehicle can approach, use, and exit from the dump or water service — access is not guaranteed. The weight of carrying onboard must be factored in, and maybe how the vehicle travels and tracks with that weight. Caravans have to consider the weight of water, as its location affects the stability and safety while driving (many carry the water in their tow vehicle for this reason). Onboard tanks are likely to carry more than a hog or rollaway, giving a longer, uninterrupted stay, and there is no need to actually carry the water, as the water is delivered via hoses. No right or wrong here, just a personal decision of what works best for you, be it your travel plans and systems, or your camp set up. 🏕️ Do your own personal survey next camp, observe, ask and learn. Photos from the internet Up Up Summer 2025 , p 10

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing DOC update DOC How to be a low impact camper Get the most out of your stay at a DOC campsite, minimise your impact and respect people, wildlife and places. Image: Camping on the Whanganui Journey © Laura Honey | DOC ckw.nz/doc-camping Time to get out and explore Tairāwhiti “We’ve got some beautiful spots on our doorstep waiting to be explored,” says DOC Senior Ranger Moira Lee. “Te Kuri Walkway in Gisborne, Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay, and the DOC campground in Anaura Bay are all open for visitors. IMAGE: Anaura Bay © Moira Lee | DOC ckw.nz/tai-rawhiti-24 | ckw.nz/east-coast-24 DOC Northland readies for a busy summer DOC is gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of campers expected to flock to popular Northland campsites. Northland’s DOC campsites have always been a favourite for summer holidaymakers, offering unique experiences from coastal views to tranquil bush settings. We encourage people to plan ahead and book early where possible, especially during peak times and be aware of the rules in place to protect these special places. No dogs. Image: Mimiwhangta Campground with campers © DOC ckw.nz/doc-northland-24 Lighting fires on public conservation land Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land. Image: Christina Wray | Creative Commons ckw.nz/doc-fires Meat the G.O.A.T Wild goat meat is one of the most lean and high-protein meats. In the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition DOC teamed up with Cazador restaurant to share some tasty wild goat recipes. Image: DOC © Cazador restaurant cazador.co.nz | ckw.nz/goat-recipes Leave Denniston relics where they lie DOC has a simple message for locals and visitors to top West Coast tourist destination and Tohu Whenua site Denniston — “leave Denniston relics where they lie.” Image: Denniston relics © DOC` ckw.nz/relics Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study. But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks. Each of the reserves has unique features. ckw.nz/wc-10yrs | ckw.nz/wc-marine | Image: ©DOC Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop over sub-alpine tops and around rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as our 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. Image: ©DOC ckw.nz/11th-great-walk | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-24 | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 44

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption A coiled power supply cord A coiled power supply cord Magnetic Field Around a Wire Whenever current travels through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated. ©2024 nationalmaglab.org The perils of a coiled power supply cord Arthur How It has come to my attention that some caravanners are connecting a 230 volt power supply, via a lead, that is “coiled on a reel”, which is not completely “uncoiled” from the cable drum. This is not good practice, as the cable, when supplying power to a caravan or any appliance, is carrying voltage & current, which will create a “magnetic field” around the cable conductors. When a cord or cable, is coiled on a drum, the magnetic field is stronger and more intensely concentrated, which in turn, can cause a “transformer effect” and load up the cables which then run at a higher temperature, stressing the insulation of the 230 volt supply cable to the motorhome/caravan (or appliance). Image and text: ©2024 nationalmaglab.org Magnetic Field Around a Wire Whenever current travels through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated. A magnetic field is created anytime current runs through a conductor. A fact famously stumbled upon by Hans Christian Ørsted around 1820. MORE: ckw.nz/magnetic-field Image and text: ©2024 nationalmaglab.org Completely unwind the cable from the cable drum when you plug it in to power to avoid this overloading, cable stress and it running at a higher temperature. Arthur How is a Registered Electrical Inspector and does EWOF inspections in Foxton, Manawatu. FIND YOUR LOCAL EWOF inspector. GO TO Celebrating Summer don't do it Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 34 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Baking in the Omnia stove-top oven The Omnia is a great Swedish invention, like the Trangia camping stoves. ©2024 Megan Hieatt Pizza in the Omnia Megan Hieatt I just tried making pizza in the Omnia Oven. It looks and smells good, just have to wait for it to cool down and stop bubbling! I pricked and precooked the base for 5 min and cooked the pizza for 15 mins. The base was a simple 1 cup flour 1 tsp BP and salt, and mixed with water and rolled out to fit into the Omnia ring. The oven was preheated to 200ºC when I cooked the base and dropped to about 125ºC when I put the pizza in, with my gas ring on full bore. The Omnia is a great solution if you don’t have an oven, it works on the gas ring. So far I’ve made roasts, scones, and scalloped potatoes, and now pizza! The Omnia is a great Swedish invention, like the Trangia camping stoves. I had to sacrifice having a proper oven and glass-topped hob due to the weight compared to the Spinflo I now have, so the Omnia means I can still have that functionality. GO TO Celebrating Summer a great solution if you don’t have an oven Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 32 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Editorial Miriam Richardson When I began assembling this issue I came up against a dilemma. If I focused on the many wonderful summer camping stories, the government might be able to use this magazine to say the slipshod new freedom camping self-containment laws and regulations were not spoiling things for New Zealand campers. Sadly, the changes are bringing restriction, distress, anxiety, and insoluble dilemmas for many of us ( p20 ). To give a balanced picture, I have included the serious stuff, putting it on the left pages while we celebrate summer on the right-hand pages. Match your side to your mood. Many campers, who will soon be barred from freedom camping, have used this summer to enjoy it while they can. Until their self-containment certificates run out or the government’s deadlines arrive, they can continue to freedom camp. Some regions are failing to follow the law during the transition period, which has given campers a needlessly stressful time. ( p18 ). ( Check p6 to see what your particular blue warrant allows you to do, and for how long.) Check out page 8 for suggestions on how to manage over the transition period, if you want to freedom camp. The new laws bring in a raft of new offences: I thought we might need to actually know what they are, so you will see them in “ordinary” language on page 12 . Since it is now an offence to “prepare to freedom camp” as evidenced by “parking”, consider having a notice for your dashboard to let enforcement officers know what you are intending to do ( p14 ). Once they get trained in mind-reading we wont need these notices, but until then… Can you do your bit to shake up the powers-that-be? If commonsense was going to prevail we wouldn’t have a problem now. We need to apply political pressure to persuade politicians to be sensible. See page 16 for some options. Many voices may bring action, while lone voices will be ignored. Add your voice, if you can. At the same time as pondering the challenging thought of taking political action (shudder) to protect freedom camping, take heart from the many wonderful stories from summer campers. All over the country people have been out and about and enjoying the dry and the heat, tolerating the wind and the wet, and making the most of it. Read all about it. Read on… Tiaki mai. This magazine is brought to you by All Points Camping Club of NZ & NZ Lifestyle Camping 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) GO TO Celebrating Summer How to inspire without sweeping things under the carpet? Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 4 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Sea Lion As there were expectant mother sea lions on the sand, waiting to give birth, we took shelter from the sun with a stroll through the trees on The Old Coach track alongside the estuary. ©2024 Heather Auckram The Catlins To avoid the volumes of holiday traffic on SH1, we took the slower-paced Southern Scenic Route from Fortrose and were glad we did. ©2024 Heather Auckram Tautuku Bay As we approached Papatowai the road wound through bush covered hills and came out at the must-stop Florence Hill lookout. The view is picture perfect; golden sands of Tautuku Bay, white surf, the expanse of a blue Pacific Ocean. ©2024 Heather Auckram DOC camp The DOC camp is a bush framed camp tucked behind the local store. ©2024 Heather Auckram Escape to Papatowai Heather Auckram After the chaos of Christmas our frazzled nerves needed restoring. We threw a few supplies into the campervan and headed for the healing calm of Papatowai. To avoid the volumes of holiday traffic on SH1, we took the slower-paced Southern Scenic Route from Fortrose and were glad we did. There was pure scenic magic round every bend; farms, quaint cottages, sea, wetlands, bush, sealed and unsealed roads and hardly any people. As we approached Papatowai the road wound through bush covered hills and came out at the must-stop Florence Hill lookout. The view is picture perfect; golden sands of Tautuku Bay, white surf, the expanse of a blue Pacific Ocean. The DOC camp is a bush framed camp tucked behind the local store. Dogs allowed. You need to book online and there are no designated sites. The next day started with blue skies and went from hot to hotter. As there were expectant mother sea lions on the sand, waiting to give birth, we took shelter from the sun with a stroll through the trees on The Old Coach track alongside the estuary. It’s the original route the horse-drawn coaches took after coming off the beach. The Lost Gypsy Gallery and the local store both make great food, with the store having fuel and supplies too. I could get no wifi signal on the Spark network. I simply had no choice but to just enjoy the disconnection from the world beyond the hills and just breathe. Absolute bliss. Thank you Papatowai from a fully restored human. n Photos ©2024 Heather Auckram GO TO Celebrating Summer absolute bliss DOC. Not currently affected by law changes Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 11 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing I asked others what they like to cook when they are camping Favourite and quick camping meals Margaret Earle At the All Points camp at Foxton Beach School over Labour weekend I asked others what they like to cook when they are camping. Here’s some of their suggestions. These include some great ideas for making a quick meal on the first night of a camp. Dinner in less than 15 minutes John gave me three suggestions of quick meals for two people. He makes these on the two-hob burner in his campervan. ◗ Cook some rice and heat a can of stewed meat and veges. ◗ Cook some rice and serve with canned tuna and heated frozen veges. ◗ Chicken stir fry: ◗ Slice up a chicken breast and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of chicken stock. ◗ Fry the chicken in a little oil. ◗ When the chicken is cooked on the outside, add ¼ to ½ a jar of sweet and sour sauce and some frozen veges. Heat until the chicken and veges are cooked. ◗ Serve with cooked rice. First night salmon risotto This is a quick and tasty dish that Bette often makes on the first night of a camping trip. It uses a single burner. For 2 adults: Packet of smoked salmon Bag of fresh spinach leaves Juice of 1 lemon 2 tomatoes, chopped Celery, chopped (optional) 2 packets of pre-cooked rice Grated parmesan cheese ◗ Put all ingredients in a pot and heat them through. Serve. Apfel Pannenkoeken (Dutch apple pancakes) These pancakes are a tradition is Bette’s family and she often makes them for breakfast when she is camping. ◗ Make your favourite pancake mix and add diced fresh apple. Cook as thick pancakes in a small frying pan. Try serving them with coconut yoghurt or lemon curd. Camping mini pizzas Nicky suggested a range of toppings that you can add to English muffins to make mini pizzas. ◗ Halve an English muffin and toast on both sides ◗ Place topping on the inner side of both halves ◗ Grill until topping melts. You can cook them on a BBQ as well as under a grill. Topping ideas: Chopped onion, tinned cream corn and grated cheese. Tomato paste, pepperoni salami (or bacon) and mushrooms. Tinned spaghetti and grated cheese. Ham, pineapple and grated cheese. Meat lovers — 2–3 types of meat (such as ham, salami, chorizo sausages, bacon) and grated cheese. …. or use whatever is in your cupboard and fridge. Meat loaf from the freezer. Pre-cooking and pre-freezing makes cooking easy Cheryl often pre-cooks and pre-freezes food before she leaves home. ◗ Make a stew the day before that can be reheated on the first night of your camp. ◗ Make a meat loaf or bacon and egg pie at home. Cut it into slices and freeze it in snap lock bags (to avoid any leaks). These can then be kept in your camping fridge for a few days or a freezer for longer. You can heat the slices or eat them cold as part of a dinner or lunch. Meat loaf also makes a good sandwich filling. Corn fitters Wendy uses the following recipe for corn fritters when she is camping. ◗ Beat together: 1 tin of creamed corn 1 tin of whole corn (drained) 2 eggs Chopped bacon (optional) 1 tsp baking powder & flour (or self-raising flour) ◗ Add 1 tsp baking powder and sufficient plain flour to make a thick batter. Alternatively, you can use self-raising flour and omit the baking powder. ◗ Heat butter or oil in a frying pan. Place large spoonfuls of batter into the pan and cook until golden. Flip and cook on other side. Remove from pan and continue making corn fritters with the remaining batter. Caroline suggested making a corn stack by placing cooked bacon between 2 corn fritters. Things you might not have thought of taking camping ◗ Small containers of jelly and fruit. These can be served with tinned cream rice for pudding. ◗ A container of grated carrot and beetroot. This can be used for salads or sandwiches. You can also add grated cheese to the mix. Don’t be alarmed when the beetroot turns the mix purple!!! ◗ A small portable smoker. This is a great way to cook steak, fish, chicken or mussels and isn’t a fire risk. ◗ One or two small containers of microgreens. These will provide you with a supply of fresh salad veges. ◗ A bean sprouter. You can buy sprouting jars and lids as well as stacking sprouters. Transporting basil seedlings in the caravan sink ◗ Herb seedlings. These can be added to salads and lots of other dishes. Basil is our favourite as it is great with fresh tomatoes. n Soil-sprouted seeds on my dashboard. ©2024 M Richardson More: micropod.nz Soil-sprouted seeds on the dashboard. ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 39

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption More for councils and govt, Issue 7 Editor In the Autumn issue 4 Editorial 6 Self-containment warrant cards 8 How to manage the freedom camping transition period 10 What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? 12 Enforcement of freedom camping rules 14 ‘I am not freedom camping’ cards 16 No more freedom camping for these responsible campers 18 Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West 19 small town: Taihape: the perfect stopover 20 Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health 21 7 days a week Camping in action 5 Celebrating Summer 34 Living an endless summer 37 Three octogenarian campers 40 Events — Camping 41 Festivals and Shows GO TO Celebrating Summer Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 2 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Beautiful, free, handy. STOP and STAY Lake Poaka Miriam Richardson This is a free DOC camp between Twizel and Tekapo. It is a large flat area, with spectacular mountain views. There is a single long-drop toilet. You don’t need to be self-contained, and tents are ok. No dogs. No open fires. Max 4 nights See the gallery for more photos You turn off SH8 on the Lake Pukaki side of the Pukaki Canal onto the gravel access road, along the banks of the canal. Take it slow, it is rough and rutted. Ignore the first road down from the canal bank as it is very steep and soft. Carry on to the next, easy-access road, which brings you down at the western end of Lake Poaka. There are tracks which let you choose any location around the lake. Get your camera out. You can walk, swim or cycle. Handy to the Ruataniwha Conservation Park.Fishing depends on a permit, but if you are fishing the Pukaki Canal, it provides a handy camping spot. DOC: ckw.nz/doc-poaka | ckw.nz/doc-ruataniwha Photos: Autumn ©M Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 43

I’ve always dreamed of travelling around my own back yard in a van and I finally did! BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Around my own back yard Maia Steiner I’ve always dreamed of travelling around my own back yard in a van and I finally did! I saved up and brought myself Wally (my van) in May 2022. I worked 6-day weeks to save up some travel money and left for my solo adventure on my 20th birthday! I got home a few days before Christmas and sold my van not long after, for the same price I brought it for. All in all it was an awesome trip I will never forget! Get out there and travel our awesome country! Photos ©2023 Maia Steiner Up Up Up My solo adventure began on my 20th birthday Click on the gallery for a full size view Watching the sunrise in Bluff Cruising on the open road. 
No where to be — everywhere to see. Heading for Te Anau. Me and Wally at Port Waikato! Watching the sunrise in Bluff 1/26

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption SI-cara_H_tekapo_150023-2.webp SI-cara-frankie-WA0003.jpg SI-cara-stclair_111140.jpg SI-cara-buthchers_150547.jpg SI-cara-butchers_145402.jpg SI-cara-Patch_103858.webp SI-cara-wanaka_WA0005.jpg SI-cara-wanaka_101405.jpg SI-cara-tekapo_150023-2.jpg SI-cara-tekapo_173510.jpg SI-cara-hawea_143338.webp SI-cara-hawea_143414.jpg SI-cara-aoraki-1.jpg SI-cara-aoraki-2.jpg SI-cara-benmore_144935.jpg SI-cara-benmore_135801.jpg SI-cara-benmore_140250.webp SI-cara-benmore_142523.webp SI-cara-benmore_115659.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there April is a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape. South Island caravan adventure Rose Campbell We set off on a radiantly sunny day in late March for our two week trip down south. The trip was timed to celebrate a birthday, visit family and friends, and to have some biking, hiking and kayaking adventures. Once the BaseCamp was packed, the gas bottle filled, and the kayaks and bikes loaded— Steve and I were on our way from the port hills of Nelson to the start point of our journey. Luckily we made it to the Top 10 campground in Hanmer by 5pm, just in time to set up camp before the rain started. In no time we were soaking in the hot springs and enjoying the feeling that our holiday was underway at last! Frankie, the Lagotto, who at the ripe old age of 13 is valiantly managing arthritis and failing joints, aided by a truckload of meds. St Clair Beach, Dunedin Dunedin Day 2 of our trip was a long haul all the way from Hanmer to Dunedin where we set up camp at the Dunedin Holiday Park and enjoyed one day of warmth and sunshine and some outdoor fun with family. The cold southerly blast suddenly hit the next day, on the dot of 9am, lowering the temperature by several degrees, and reminding us that we were in a direct line with the Antarctic weather system. Despite the weather, it was a fun few days camping out by St Clair beach, with Dunedin Arts Festival events to keep us entertained in the evenings, and some excellent food at nearby cafes. We highly recommend the Italian pizza at Esplanade right on St Clair beach (above), and Thai food at Spirit House, just a few doors along — both with an immediate connection to the surf rolling in on the beach below, through their front windows — and both offering imaginative vegetarian options on their menus. W ā naka Day 5. Keeping a close eye on weather reports we stocked up on supplies, and headed over to Wānaka next where we were lucky to be able to set up camp with friends at Albert Town. This was a spectacular time of year to be in this alpine landscape, with the glow of autumnal colours, and the deep, glassy stillness of the lake for our kayaking expeditions. Highlights included a paddle down from Dublin Bay to the Stevensons Arm of the lake, in pristine conditions (above), followed the next day by a trip out on the lake from Glendhu Bay around Roys Peninsula. The next day the weather forecast was spot on, and the strong winds determined that riding the bike trail was the best option. It was an exhilarating ride all the way from Albert Town, down the bike trail along the Clutha River, and then a gentle pedal around the lake front, with coffee stops along the way. From there the single trail track leads you up around the cliffs all the way around to Glendhu Bay. The timing was perfect — the rain hit just as the bike was loaded onto the ute and we headed into Wānaka to get the best ever Indian street food from the Delhi Hutt Food Truck in the industrial area around the back of the township. The food is prepared by the most inspiring young couple who work tirelessly in an impossibly tiny kitchen to produce their take-out deliciousness. By the time we had sat under their umbrella and enjoyed a mango lassi while they cooked and chatted, the rain subsided, and in no time we were down at the lake edge enjoying our picnic in the last of the sun on a blanket on the edge of the sand. We had hoped with the arrival of the windy conditions that we would get out on the lake the next evening for some sailing, however it was in fact so windy that we had to sit in the pub instead and just talk about what fun it might have been. We had some really memorable meals with friends during our stay, including Taco Tuesday at Amigos in Wānaka, followed by a drive over to Arrowtown the next evening to the Fork and Tap to enjoy a heartwarming Irish music jam session with some seriously good local musicians who were friends of our host in Wānaka. In fact, we were spoilt for choice this week with Festival of Colour shows in the evenings, and events during the day to choose from. Patch, the springer spaniel Daily bike rides along the Clutha with Patch, the springer spaniel, were very fun, and I was delighted when he shepherded me around Deans Bank MTB track, which runs from the end of the campground as you leave town. Our host Paul had been instrumental in building the trail, which is noted for its flow and nice technical details, and Patch knew it like the back of his paw. Glimpses of the river as you weave up through the forest are spectacular, and the ride across the tussocks leads you back to the final descent into the park. After the ride you really have earned your coffee and almond croissant from Pembroke Patisserie, which is so popular there are queues at peak times. Lake Hawea The 40 minute ride along the bike track from Albert Town to Lake Hawea is a great way to enjoy the landscape (above), and I discovered Sailz café in Hawea is the perfect refuelling stop. This café serves such delicious spanakopita, that I was compelled to return the next day for another round. From Sailz the bike track is a flowy ride with just a few short hills to manoeuvre until you reach the last bay before John’s Track takes you up and around the end. The ride along the trail above the lake that day was spectacular to say the least — in perfect, sunny, calm autumn conditions. ...the sudden arrival from the sky of a surreal flying figure We cooled off with a swim in the lake, which was so cold that it took a good 15 minutes before I was finally immersed — I took the slow approach, one centimetre of skin at time. Meanwhile, Francesca, the Italian water gal was in doggy heaven as she paddled her way off into the distance, feigning deafness when we called to her. What took our breath away next though, was the sudden arrival from the sky of a surreal flying figure running towards us across the water. A paraglider from the cliffs above us, who landed dramatically on the lake and flawlessly stepped onto the beach. Followed some 10–15 minutes later by the second arrival. Not for the faint-hearted. Lake Benmore Lake Benmore The return journey was decided by the weather, with a disturbed flow of air bringing heavy rain to the West Coast, and fine weather inland. We bade farewell to our wonderful Wānaka friends and headed away collecting birthday cake treats at Tarras Country Café on our journey up to Lake Benmore (above). The trip over Lindis Pass was spectacular, and although still fine, we could feel that the cold front was on its way. We stopped at Sailors Cutting and had a look at the campground, which seemed largely populated with empty caravans. Realising that there was an exciting section of the Alps to Ocean to ride from here, we downloaded my bike, and I rode the 16kms of single track bike trail that wound its way around the cliffs of Lake Benmore (below). Its remoteness and beauty makes for a really memorable ride, but being on my own I took care not to marvel too often at the views, as the drop-offs down to the lake were breathtaking in places. Steve met me on the track high above the Benmore Dam, and by this time the wind was picking up and the weather was changing. We camped that night in the Loch Laird Campground (below), on the Waitaki River below the Benmore Dam, which was eerily deserted. While there were a number of caravans with fairy lights and clotheslines, only one other couple were in residence that night. The rain started around 7pm and then the chill. We could feel that not far away there was probably snow. Aoraki The next day was cold and wet, and we packed up camp and headed towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. And how lucky we were with the weather — the mountains had a fresh coating of snow which we could see in the distance as we drove into the Glentanner Campground. Having set up camp we headed up to the village and did a short hike up Kea Point Track which ends at a viewing deck with close-up views of Mt Sefton, the sudden roar of an avalanche reminding us of the alpine environment we were in. The next morning we were very excited to awake to see the first rays of sun creep over Aoraki/Mt Cook with the beauty of Lake Pukaki below us. We enjoyed breakfast with those most spectacular views, and then drove first thing to the village to get parking before the crowds arrived. From there we hiked up the Hooker Valley Track, before coming to the viewing point of Mueller Glacier and the first swing bridge which crosses the Hooker River. There are two more swing bridges to cross on the trail, before finally arriving at the glacier lake with amazing views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (above), the Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps. We were so fortunate to have done this walk which is now closed, as the first bridge was badly damaged in a recent storm and the track is closed for now. After returning to Glentanner for lunch we then headed to the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track which takes you up to views of the lower Haupapa/Tasman Glacier and lake and the mountains at the head of the valley. The hot showers in the lovely new facilities at Glentanner were very welcome at the end of the day. Lake Tekapo The drive the next morning as we headed out along Lake Pukaki was stunning with its glistening glacial turquoise waters stretching for miles. Heading towards Tekapo the trip was only marred by the delay due to a crash caused by an out of control camper van, which closed the road for a period of time. Fortunately there were no fatalities. We reached Tekapo Holiday Park by early afternoon, and after setting up camp, we were straight onto the water with our kayaks to make the most of the still conditions (photo p6). Back at camp, we were able to catch the last of the sun over drinks and snacks at the picnic table (above), followed by more lovely hot showers to warm us up. Hanmer Our last night on holiday was back at Hanmer Top 10 where we started the journey, with another soak in the springs to end the day, and plenty to reminisce about. We were very lucky with our trip that the weather stayed fine when we needed it, and we were able to adjust our activities and expectations according to the conditions. The South Island has so many places to discover and endless possibilities for new adventures. Needless to say, we are already planning the next trip! 🏕️ Photos ©2025 Rose Campbell & Steve Johnston Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 5

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Camping the Kiwi Way Table of contents, Spring, issue 9 Editor 2 Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? 2 Freedom camping and self-containment: where are we at? 2 More for councils and government 3 Featured in the Spring issue 4 Editorial 5 Steampunk— from north to south and back again 7 The re-build of my Toyota van 8 The West Coast in winter 9 Solar basics for dummies 11 Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story 13 Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights 15 A night in an arboretum 16 Cautionary tyre tale 17 A winter day on Farewell Spit 19 On the shoulder of a god 19 It was freezing 20 Buying used caravans: What you need to look for 21 Buyer beware 22 HOBBIES Home roasted coffee beans 23 Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ 24 Kiwi ingenuity & insults 24 Fix’n’Rail 25 A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ 26 Challenges for local councils 27 North Island hot pool safari 30 RECIPES Making the most of your pressure cooker 31 RECIPES Girdle scones (aka griddle scones) 32 GAME DOC campsites 3: Central NI Fill in the spaces 33 The Aratiatia Dam 34 Stop and Stay City dwellers: your first camp away Stop and Stay 35 Stop and Stay Parua Bay 35 Stop and Stay Waikawa Bay 36 EVENTS Come camping 37 EVENTS Festivals 38 DOC update 39 Getting your camping vehicle certified 40 All Points Camping Club of NZ Self Containment and freedom camping 2 Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? 2 Freedom camping and self-containment: where are we at? 23 Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ 24 Kiwi ingenuity & insults 24 Fix’n’Rail 25 A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ 26 Challenges for local councils Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 3