​ BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Photos: from event websites Kaiau Camping Fri, 4–6 Oct, Kaiaua, Firth of Thames Auckland and Waikato gather at Kaiaua’s freedom camp. There’s a 20-vehicle limit, so APC members and guests only. Dogs and tents ok. Photos: from event websites Kaitoke Week Day Camp Mon, 7–9 Oct, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt Welcome to our first camp during the week. Photos: from event websites Near the end of the whitebait season Fri, 11–13 Oct, Onaero, Taranaki All campers welcome including tents & bring a friend to Onaero Campground. Pets on leads. ckw.nz/whitebait Photos: from event websites Music, Movies, Birdsong: Terako Downs Fri, 25–27 Oct, Canterbury, Hurunui Music, movies and birdsong at Terako Downs. Bring your instrument or use our guitar for a jam session. Wine tasting. Relax. All welcome including tents. Photos: from event websites Spring camp at Foxton Beach Fri, 25 Oct–28 (Labour weekend) Foxton Beach Join us at Foxton Beach School. Tents and camping vehicles of all kinds. On Sunday join in the Spring Fling. Photos: from event websites Garden Marlborough Thu, 7–11 Nov, Blenheim Are you intending to spend time at Garden Marlborough, NZ’s premier Garden event? gardenmarlborough.co.nz. Stay at a local campground. Your local club rep, Martin Ireland, will have a catchup with you all at Dodson Street Beer Garden: rsvp to get the time and day. Photos: from event websites Steampunk the Thames camp Fri 8–11 Nov, Thames, Hauraki Come camping and join the fun at this year’s Steampunk the Thames festival. Photos: from event websites Making the most of the camping season in the Manawatu Fri, 15–17 Nov, Ashhurst, Manawatu All campers welcome including tents. Walking tracks, fishing, swimming, playground. Or relax and enjoy great company. Dogs on leads. Castle Claremont Fri, 15–17 Nov, Canterbury Yet another amazing location! Tents welcome. Enjoy the magical surroundings as you relax in the garden and enjoy the birds. ckw.nz/claremont Relax before the Christmas Rush just out of Wellington Fri, 29 Nov–1 Dec, Battle Hill, Porirua All welcome including tents and friends. No dogs. Catch up and make new friends. Families are welcome New Year Camp on the Kapiti Coast Sat, 28 Dec–2 Jan, Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Enjoy a New Year break on the Kapiti Coast. All welcome to the Sea Scouts including tents & prospective members. Or pop in for a chat and a cuppa. It’s a short walk to the beach and local shops. ​ Come camping Editor For the latest camps see: allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Before we get to the camping events, remember our monthly meetups. Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. GET THE LATEST: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Wellington different each month, so find us on facebook. ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am. Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Plenty of parking for larger vehicles. Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the variety of stores. Camping events Kaiaua camping Fri, 4–6 Oct, Kaiaua, Firth of Thames Auckland and Waikato gather at Kaiaua’s freedom camp. There’s a 20-vehicle limit, so APC members and guests only. Dogs and tents ok. ckw.nz/kaiau | ckw.nz/kaiau-rsvp Kaitoke Week Day Camp Mon, 7–9 Oct, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt Welcome to our first camp during the week. It is in the school holidays so bring the kids. Tents ok. ckw.nz/kaitoke | ckw.nz/kaitoke-rsvp Near the end of the whitebait season Fri, 11–13 Oct, Onaero, Taranaki All campers welcome including tents & bring a friend to Onaero Campground. Pets on leads. ckw.nz/whitebait ckw.nz/whitebait-rsvp Music, Movies, Birdsong: Terako Downs Fri, 25–27 Oct, Canterbury, Hurunui Music, movies and birdsong at Terako Downs. Bring your instrument or use our guitar for a jam session. Wine tasting. Relax. All welcome including tents. ckw.nz/terako | ckw.nz/terako-rsvp Spring camp at Foxton Beach Fri, 25 Oct–28 (Labour weekend) Foxton Beach Join us at Foxton Beach School. Tents and camping vehicles of all kinds. On Sunday join in the Spring Fling. ckw.nz/foxton | ckw.nz/foxton-rsvp Garden Marlborough Thu, 7–11 Nov, Blenheim Are you intending to spend time at Garden Marlborough, NZ’s premier Garden event? gardenmarlborough.co.nz . Stay at a local campground. Your local club rep, Martin Ireland, will have a catchup with you all at Dodson Street Beer Garden: rsvp to get the time and day. ckw.nz/garden | ckw.nz/garden-rsvp Steampunk the Thames camp Fri 8–11 Nov, Thames, Hauraki Come camping and join the fun at this year’s Steampunk the Thames festival. ckw.nz/steampunk-thames ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-rsvp Making the most of the camping season in the Manawatu Fri, 15–17 Nov, Ashhurst, Manawatu All campers welcome including tents. Walking tracks, fishing, swimming, playground. Or relax and enjoy great company. Dogs on leads. ckw.nz/ashhurst-camp ckw.nz/ashhurst-rsvp Castle Claremont Fri, 15–17 Nov, Canterbury Yet another amazing location! Tents welcome. Enjoy the magical surroundings as you relax in the garden and enjoy the birds. ckw.nz/claremont ckw.nz/claremont-rsvp Relax before the Christmas Rush just out of Wellington Fri, 29 Nov–1 Dec, Battle Hill, Porirua All welcome including tents and friends. No dogs. Catch up and make new friends. Families are welcome ckw.nz/b4-xmas | ckw.nz/b4-xmas-rsvp New Year Camp on the Kapiti Coast Sat, 28 Dec–2 Jan, Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Enjoy a New Year break on the Kapiti Coast. All welcome to the Sea Scouts including tents & prospective members. Or pop in for a chat and a cuppa. It’s a short walk to the beach and local shops. ckw.nz/new-year-kapiti ckw.nz/new-year-kapiti-rsvp Camps coming later Check here: ckw.nz/apc-events Morison’s bush, weekday camp TBC Wed, 5–Sun, 9 Feb, Wairarapa CampFest 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb, Bulls Domain, Rangatikei ckw.nz/campfest-25 ckw.nz/campfest-25-rsvp Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival ‘25 Sat, 8 Mar, Havelock, Marlborough ckw.nz/havelock-25 ckw.nz/havelock-25-rsvp Easter camp, Patea 2025 TBC Taranaki ◼️ Photos: from event websites Up Up ​ , p 36

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

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Bette camping at Morisons Bush Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove they may not inspect inside your vehicle Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? Miriam Richardson Certified Blue before 6/23, any toilet OK to freedom camp on public land † until 6 June 2025 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blue, fixed toilet OK to freedom camp on public land † until 6 June 2025 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Last chance for new or renew 6 Jun ‘24 Certified Blue portable toilet You may not freedom camp on public land † . NEW: Certified Green (fixed toilet only) OK to freedom camp on public land † . Lasts 4 years. Private land All of these are OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled land), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Good for 4 years or until the card expires. What to do Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles. The new freedom camping law specifically states that ‘short term parking’, and ‘ day-trip excursions,’ are not freedom camping. Recovering from driver fatigue continues to be allowed, and is, specifically, legally, not ‘freedom camping’. † What is ‘public land’? All land managed by district and local councils is covered. This can include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. Currently LINZ has 5 freedom camping areas in Central Otago and the McKenzie Country, and the new law applies. As at Feb 2024 DOC has made no changes relating to self-containment: the existing standard applies (portable or fixed toilet) for sites that require self-containment. ckw.nz/linz Inspection of self-containment warrants An enforcement officer may inspect your warrant card . If asked, you must produce the self-containment certificate . An enforcement officer may not inspect inside your vehicle. More on enforcement p12 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 6

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Andrew morton Autumn, Otago, biking Biking in Otago in Autumn Andrew Morton aking a bike trip around Otago. The teardrop camper at Champagne Gully on Lake Dunstan. Autumn. Andrew Morton. Photo ©2022 Andrew Morton Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 14

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Best pullout kitchen at Campfest 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove ​ Best pull-out kitchen at Campfest Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 31

4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lake Taupo ©2023 Angela Bryan Durie Hill Tower ©2023 Angela Bryan Tunnel access to Durie Hill Tower ©2023 Angela Bryan Durie Hill ©2023 Angela Bryan Homing Pigeon ©2023 Angela Bryan Waimarie Paddle Steamer ©2023 Angela Bryan Loo with a view ©2023 Angela Bryan Riverview Scenic Reserve - Murchison ©2023 Angela Bryan ©2023 Angela Bryan ©2023 Angela Bryan ©2023 Angela Bryan ©2023 Angela Bryan Maruia Falls The Maruia Falls, on the way, are well worth the stop for a short walk and there’s plenty of room to park up for a lunch break. ©2023 Angela Bryan Waimakariri River ©2023 Angela Bryan Waimakariri River Bridge Waimakariri River ©2023 Angela Bryan Waimakariri River ©2023 Angela Bryan Waimakariri River ©2023 Angela Bryan Waimakariri River ©2023 Angela Bryan DOC park Hanmer ©2023 Angela Bryan lets_Waimakakariri 3.webp ©2023 Angela Bryan DOC ablutions Hanmer ©2023 Angela Bryan lets_Cape Farewell 2_MW.webp ©2023 Angela Bryan Whatamango Bay ©2023 Angela Bryan lets_Cape Farewell 2_MW.webp ​ Let’s go south for a few weeks’ Angela Bryan Let’s go South for a few weeks.’ How many weeks?’ ‘Eight.’ ‘How about six?’ ‘OK. let’s see how it goes.’ That’s pretty much how the conversation with hubby went when I saw an opening to get him away in our 6.5m Leisureline caravan for more than a long weekend or a couple of weeks holiday. So after booking ferry crossings we were off. First stop over was the shores of Lake Ohakuri in the Taupo area. Early March had some decently nice days to just chill out and unwind from all the preparation needed to be away from our orchard for an extended period. Peace and quiet, nice cuppa and hot pools to relax in, although they were a bit cooler than normal due to the large amount of rain from the two recent cyclones. We had decided we would avoid the main highways where possible on this trip and get to see a bit more of the country — stop off at those places we just normally drive through, and have a look around. Our next destination was Raetihi, travelling the western side of Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. There is some beautiful scenery through this area. ©2023 Angela Bryan So our next destination was Raetihi, travelling the western side of Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. There is some beautiful scenery through this area. We rocked up to the Raetihi Holiday Park mid afternoon and got one of the last two powered sites they had. Who would have thought Raetihi is a busy place? Well it certainly is. The holiday park is the base for a lot of rafting and tramping trips and there were people coming and going constantly. A lovely small park with reasonably priced sites and the most amazing ablution block you will ever see. If you’re in this area stopping in here for the night is a must, just for the showers. Recently built, the block contains all the usual amenities. The lights turn on automatically when you walk into the toilets, nice but no big deal. When you walk into the shower cubicle, big enough for mum and a couple of kids, the light turns on, the fan turns on, and the heat lamp turns on . Yes, the heat lamp . There’s no reaching to the back of the shower to turn it on and getting wet at the same time, loads of room to keep clothes and shoes dry and the pressure, did I mention the pressure? The showers are free and the place is spotless. Well done Raetihi Holiday Park . I am impressed. Ohakune From Raetihi it is an easy drive to Ohakune to take a ride on the cycle track around the town, you can even get a shuttle up to Horopito and bike back into Ohakune. iSite staff assured me it is downhill most of the way, but I’ll take their word for it. We cruised around the riverside track and then stopped off at The Chocolate Éclair Shop for the biggest sweet treat ever. There are lots of cafes in Ohakune to suit every taste. It is an easy drive up to the Whakapapa ski field where there is nothing going on at this time of year but amazing views. Wanganui Lakeside was a perfect spot to base ourselves for some sightseeing around Wanganui, bike riding and paddle steaming, not to mention checking out the local cafés. ©2023 Angela Bryan From Raetihi it was on to Whanganui via SH4. We had been told about Lakelands Holiday Park on the shores of Lake Wiritoa on the outskirts of Whanganui. We were not disappointed, a lovely peaceful spot right on the shores of the lake and only a 10 minute drive into the city. A perfect spot to base ourselves for some sightseeing, bike riding and paddle steaming, not to mention checking out the local cafés. Mmmm that’s the second time I’ve mentioned cafés. When we’re away we feel some responsibility to contribute to the local economy so instead of going out for dinner, which can be a lottery when you don’t know the area, we have an early lunch at a café. This covers the morning coffee fix and keeps us going through until we are feet up with a cuppa and scones back at the caravan. Manawatu & CampFest After seeing Whanganui it was off to the Manawatu where we parked up at a friend’s place for a week while visiting friends and family in the area before heading to the CampFest at the Bulls Domain. This is a great free camping spot as well. I wasn’t sure what I had got myself into when I offered to help out at CampFest, but I must say it was one of the most enjoyable camping weekends we have ever had. Loads of chilled-out relaxed campers in every mode of camping you could think of and everyone generally had a great weekend. We will be back for next year to meet more of our fellow campers and make new friends. More on CampFest Cook Strait So it was off across Cook Strait to the South Island, the last sailing before all sailings were cancelled due to 11m swells. It wasn’t pleasant, but we got there. Canterbury On the mainland it was on to Canterbury for another family catch-up. We turned off at Amberley and took the scenic road through Rangiora and Oxford and down the southern side of the Waimakariri River. Waimakariri River ©2023 Angela Bryan There seemed to be lots of lovely spots that one could stop over for the night if the local freedom camping bylaws allow (we didn’t check as we were headed for family again). Have you ever stopped at Darfield? It is only 45 minutes out of Christchurch and on the main highway to the West Coast but it is well worth a stop. The best bakery around with a massive selection of pies, and loads of small crafty shops to browse around, and again, with a couple of lovely cafés. There’s a very easy cycle track and if you want to leave the village we found the local roads easy to navigate and there was not much traffic. But at some point we were biking into the wind — just as well our bikes have batteries. Hanmer Springs The DOC camp on the outskirts of Hanmer. ©2023 Angela Bryan From Canterbury it was back on the road up SH1 heading to Hanmer Springs to meet up with motorhoming friends. We arrived to a stunning sunny afternoon, 25 degrees, and parked up at the DOC camp on the outskirts of town. Nice flat spaces on the banks of a stream with a very serviceable toilet block (see picture in the slideshow), and sandflies, loads of sandflies. There is a very pretty forestry walking and bike track and even a bike skills park where you can test your balance abilities. Probably not on the e-bike. Over the next 24hrs the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees and by the time we left there was snow below the tree line. We drove through the Lewis Pass with light snow falling. Murchison The Buller river, from Lakeside Holiday Camp. ©2023 Angela Bryan Our plan for this trip was to see as much as we could of the Tasman area so we headed north, stopping off for a couple of nights at the Riverside Holiday Park in Murchison. The Maruia Falls, on the way, are well worth the stop for a short walk and there’s plenty of room to park up for a lunch break. Riverside Holiday Park is, as it says, right on the river. With a lovely walk through the Kahikatea Reserve right on the boundary of the Kahurangi National Park. ©2023 Angela Bryan It has a great communal kitchen area with a large deck looking out over the river, complete with couches and armchairs for just chilling out and relaxing. There is a jumping pillow to keep the kids happy and they have well laid out level sites, all with power and water right there. While in Murchison, a short drive up the Buller Gorge takes you to the longest swing bridge in NZ, very entertaining for those that have a head for heights. On the other side there is a bush walk to a 300yr old kahikatea and then you can take the flying fox back across the river. Tasman There is so much to see and do in the Tasman-Golden Bay area. Holiday parks galore and also loads of park over properties and places where you can freedom camp. There are the most amazing cycle trails. The Great Taste Trail goes from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, through the Motueka Valley to Tapawera and on to Belgrave, Wakefield and back into Richmond and Nelson. We conquered an easy ride through vineyards and into Richmond comfortably with a stop off for lunch to refuel. You could do more or less as the mood takes you. There is a plethora of tourist attractions in the area: a visit to the Classic Car Museum in Nelson and Hoglund Glass Blowing Studio ckw.nz/glass filled in a rainy afternoon for us. The Tasman area seems to have a township every 20 kilometres and there’s something to stop and see in every one of them. From downtown Nelson, Tahunanui, Stoke, Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Wakefield — just loads to see and do. Wakefield has one of the best bakeries around with the famous Wakefield pies. Definitely worth a stop off. Then there is Appleby, Mapua, Ruby Bay and Rabbit Island. A detour off SH 60 via the Moutere Highway takes you to Upper Moutere Village, a visit here is a must. It is the home of the Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. Unfortunately it was closed for the two nights we were there so we didn’t get to check it out. But the village has some quaint shops, cafés and a really good fish and chip shop. On the western side of the Tasman area is Motueka, well worth a wander through the town. If you’re keen, you can cycle this whole area. Motueka also has the best dump station that we came across in our whole trip. Easily accessible from both directions for the biggest of vehicles and room for two vehicles to use it at the same time, plus a fresh water fill up. Golden Bay After not enough days in the Tasman area we headed west over the Takaka Hill. Now that is a hill. 257 corners, a lot of them hairpin. Unfortunately there is nowhere to stop and take photos of the amazing views when you are towing a caravan, but it is so beautiful. Cape Farewell ©2023 Angela Bryan We made our way through Takaka and Collingwood on to Pakawau where we based ourselves to visit Cape Farewell. There are tours that take you all the way out to the lighthouse on Farewell Spit but we decided to have a look around by ourselves for the day. Cape Farewell is a fairly impressive place but if you don’t like heights it is very unnerving. We decided to take a drive to Whanganui Inlet and perhaps go on to Mangarakau and see the West Coast. After an hour of driving on rutted, gravel road I felt like my bones were about to fall apart so we decided to turn around. Not a road I would drive again but the scenery is so worth it. It was back to camp and a nice long walk along Pakawau’s beach to relax. Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Café have a free camp area on the outskirts of Takaka. It is easily accessible and a large area for the biggest of rigs. This was a great base while we investigated the Takaka area with the added bonus that you can try your hand at fishing as well. They say fishing is about the vibes you send down the line, well we didn’t have the right energy flowing at all. No fish for us after a couple of hours of casting and reeling it back in. So time for a coffee and some lunch at the café and watch the people who stood just where we had been catch two fish in five minutes! Oh well, free entertainment; you only pay for what you catch, and they will smoke it for you as well. If you are in Takaka, The Wholemeal Café is well worth a visit or two, or three. It was recommended to us by fellow campers and it didn’t disappoint. One of the nicest cafés we visited on our trip, at least according to the other half. A stroll through the main street of Takaka, which is also the main highway, will fill in a good part of the afternoon, there are so many interesting shops to stop off and have a look at. The men might not agree, but hey… A short drive from Takaka is the Labyrinth Rocks . The outcrop of limestone rocks forms a labyrinth of paths that twist and turn and you never quite know where you will end up. Fun for all ages, just let the child inside free to imagine. The drive to Pohara, Tarakohe, Ligar Bay and Tata Beach is well worth it. You can stop off and visit the Abel Tasman Monument on the way which has amazing views of Golden Bay. At Port Tarakohe you can see where the road has been cut under the ancient rock formations. It was back over the mighty Takaka Hill into the Tasman area on Easter Friday, the traffic going to Takaka was bumper to bumper including a cyclist on the way down the hill — hope he had good brakes. Winblue Farm is a lovely park over property between Hope and Brightwater, quiet with free fruit from the gardens and within cycling distance of the Great Taste Trail if you are feeling like some exercise. Mapua Village is a quaint little village with quite a few boutique shops and art galleries, nice for a coffee and a wander. You can drive out to Kaiteriteri and around the bay to Split Apple Rock, or take a kayak tour via the water if you prefer. The rock sits just off a lovely secluded beach which is a 10 minute walk from the road, all downhill. Trouble with that is it is a long haul back uphill on the way out. You don’t realise how steep it is on the way down, but it is well worth the walk. Wairau Valley and Blenheim Departing Tasman we decided to take the long road to Blenheim via St Arnaud and the Wairau Valley. The scenery is just stunning, driving along the river and through the vineyards. Our park up for our last few nights in the South Island was at Spring Creek Holiday Park , a lovely park that has a creek running through it complete with friendly eels to feed. So much to do in Blenheim, a visit to the Omaka Aviation Museum is a must or on a Sunday you can grab a coffee and sit in the carpark and watch all the vintage planes come and go. If you’re lucky while you’re in Blenheim you might get to see the Passchendaele steam train ckw.nz/steam, we just happened upon it while we were visiting the iSite. According to locals it comes out for special occasions or if there is a cruise ship in port. Again there are some great cycle trails as well, through the vineyards and up into the hills. Port Underwood ©2023 Angela Bryan We took a drive out to Port Underwood and on to Picton from there. Now that is a road you don’t want to drive while towing the caravan, or in the motorhome. Thankfully we had some local advice and didn’t. It is only 60kms but takes the best part of two hours to drive. Must be one of the narrowest and windiest roads in the country, but when you get to the top the views are just astounding. It’s one of those roads that you are glad you drove, but you’ll never drive it again. So back north on Bluebridge’s Connemara and thankfully it was a pleasant sailing. Something we did on this trip that we’ve never done before was book a cabin on the ferry, both ways. It was well worth the $40 — on the rough sailing it was nice to have somewhere I could rest. We will definitely do it again, both the cabin and the trip. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 5

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ South Island lakes: fill in the blanks Rhonda Marshall Fill in the blanks Download a printable pdf Solution Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 29

6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (RailTrail_5604) Clyde, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5305) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5379) Mocha in his 'buddy rider' ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5400) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5478) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5514) RailTrail_5547_mw.webp ©2023 M Richardson There are many tunnels on the Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5578) Curious: Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5588) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5592) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (RailTrail_5592) Omakau, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5636) The highest point marker, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5664) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5686) Brian Turner poem, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5709) NZ Railways nail. Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5734) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5764) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5875) Solar System sculptures. Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5885) Mile marker, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5954) Showing our overnights and our turn around points on the Otago Rail Trail. ©2023 M Richardson Tiroiti free camp, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5969) Interesting work inside the tunnel, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5994) Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson (Railtrail_5998) Heading down the valley to Middlemarch, Otago Rail Trail ©2023 M Richardson, Railtrail_6029 ​ You have to be here… Miriam Richardson We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled. We headed to Clyde to test out our gear and our selves, to buy a passport and take some starting-out photos.Three of us had electric bikes, one was muscle-powered. Mocha in his Buddy Rider We all had motorhomes or vans, and our route was planned so that we rode to a mid point then back, moved to the next park up, returned to the mid point then home to our vans again. Effectively we were riding the trail in both directions at once. We were not very fit, so the daily rides had to be under 25km, a planning challenge ably met by our intrepid leader Sue. Mocha, Sue’s companion, travelled in his “buddy rider.” 152 km to cover; twice. We were in no rush: we took a leisurely 11 days. The track surface was mostly good, with some uncomfortable, poorly-repaired places, and though it was never steep, it felt like it at times. Electric bikes are very good for not overworking muscles, but sitting on a bike seat requires its own kind of fitness training; even with our relatively short daily rides the sitting was a challenge. We woke to a flock of sheep and a closed gate at the free camping spot by the river in Omakau (photo, right), just over the bridge from the town. The overnight fee at Haye’s Engineering, Oturehua gave us entrance to their intriguing exhibits. Eight days in, we were at Waipiata, one of my favourite spots: a lovely domain with free camping (donations welcome), a pub, with superb pies (one now and two for later) a historic village to wander through, and various rail sculptures and memorabilia especially for rail-trailers. It was here we realised how well we had jelled as a group. Three of us ready to go, standing with our bikes, while our 4th was still making her morning cuppa. She looked out her window, oops — the time is now! We were happy while we waited. Enjoying the morning. No hurry. No sideways looks. Four relative strangers enjoying our journey. 1943 Hyde memorial It was quintessential NZ to meet a school friend at the Hyde railway accident memorial on our lunch stop. She is now a Wellingtonian and school was over 50 years ago. Middle of nowhere, “ fancy meeting you here … ” That’s NZ. The sky, the clouds, the hills, the vista changed as we travelled, but always vast and uplifting. We struggled sometimes, we had some glitches with our electric bikes. Our muscle-powered companion kept pace, right until the very last stretch, when the threat of rain had her disappear into the distance leaving us way, way behind. I really lovely ride, well worth the effort. Sue and Mocha at the finish gate. Our overnight parks Alexandra; Chatto Creek at the tavern; Omakau, a free camp by the river (above); Oturehua at Hayes Engineering; Ranfurly NZMCA park; Waipiata in their beautiful domain; Tiroiti a free camp (below), and finally Middlemarch at the campground. Viewed from the trail, the Tiroiti free camp, above, is a stretch of firm parking alongside a quiet side-road. You have to be here; you have to feel the deep slow surge of the hills, the cloak of before, the wrench of beyond. From ‘Van Morrison in Central Otago’ by Brian Turner Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 8

5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Classic A Classic Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 26

5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption monowai-F-4-wide.webp Super safe for kids to splash in The lake is shallow and covered in soft moss, making it super safe for kids to splash in. The campsites themselves are spread out under the forest canopy directly beside the east shore of the lake. We admired the glistening of the water between the tree branches. Picnic tables A boat ramp, fire pits, picnic tables, long drop toilets, a walking track and a small dam are all just mere steps away. A half hour return walk We also really enjoyed the half hour return walking track beginning in the camping area. Walking amongst the shade of the trees, listening to the bird song, and admiring the native plants and fungi along the way to the panoramic Lake Monowai Lookout. Our son leads the way the track to the Lake Monowai Lookout was a very flat and family-friendly stroll, and was perfect for letting our son lead the way. The lookout The panoramic Lake Monowai Lookout Lake Monowai Fishing? A popular spot to fish for brown and rainbow trout The sun heated it right up Since there was so much shallow water, the sun heated it right up, making it comfortable for our toddler. He played in the water for hours Our little guy played in the water for hours while us parents got to sit back, relax and watch the boats float by all day. our most favourite freedom camping site yet Lake Monowai campsite Kayla Laatz, Mountain Mamas NZ Our small family of 3 set up camp in a quiet and secluded paradise in the heart of Fiordland National Park. We picked Fiordland because it offers so many opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, hunting and nature walks too. The best part though? This no-cost campsite is open to all non-self-contained campers, making it super accessible and affordable for us to visit. Not surprisingly, this spot fills up fast in the summer months. It’s first come first served to stay overnight here and there’s only enough room for about 10 groups of tent campers maximum. Campervans squeeze into a small gravel area that might fit 4 vehicles at most. The campsites themselves are spread out under the forest canopy directly beside the east shore of the lake. A boat ramp, fire pits, picnic tables, long drop toilets, a walking track and a small dam are all just mere steps away. Nearby signs let us know that this is a popular spot to fish for brown and rainbow trout too. Talk about having everything you need within close walking distance.From our tent site, a tiny path through the trees led us directly to the shore of Lake Monowai. It was shallow and covered in soft moss, making it super safe for kids to splash in. Since there was so much shallow water, the sun heated it right up, making it comfortable for our toddler. Our little guy played in the water for hours while us parents got to sit back, relax and watch the boats float by all day. A few kayakers too. We also really enjoyed the half hour return walking track beginning in the camping area ( front cover photo ). Walking amongst the shade of the trees, listening to the bird song, and admiring the native plants and fungi along the way to the panoramic Lake Monowai Lookout. It was a very flat and family-friendly stroll, and was perfect for letting our son lead the way. All weekend the forest provided the perfect shaded canopy to escape the heat, while still getting to enjoy the sun’s rays beaming off the water. As we cooked our food over the fire and ate our lunch at the picnic tables, we admired the glistening of the water between the tree branches. A soft breeze blew through just enough to keep us cool. At night the moon reflected brightly off the water and a nearby dam provided the faint sound of rushing water to fall asleep to. Stargazing was surreal here since there are no towns within at least a 90 minutes drive. That night, our whole whanau fell asleep to the peaceful sounds of the forest and awoke to a cotton candy sunrise reflecting off the water. It doesn’t get much better than that. In all of the South Island, this is our favourite freedom camping site yet. Next time we visit though, we’re bringing a lot more sandfly spray and making sure our food is locked far away from the possums! Lake Monowai Campsite (Fiordland National Park) Free campsite Non self-contained 2 Long drop toilets 1 Non-treated water tap Campfire rings + grills No dogs allowed Mountain Mamas NZ Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 11

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ Gore Bay Linda Butler There are two ways to get to Gore Bay. One via Cheviot township. Wow, that's such an awesome drive. The other entrance is near Donnet. This drive takes you past the Cathedral Cliffs. What an amazing spot. Gore Bay Camp is a small camp. We had to pre-book our site, and pay by cash when the custodian did his rounds in the evening. The facilities are old, but usable. Such a great place to go for a weekend break close to our home in Christchurch. We were fortunate to have a front row seat. Oh gosh. The sunrise was so pretty. And I loved the reflection effect on the windows of the bus. Hubby enjoyed a wander along the shoreline while I read my book at the front of the bus and chattered to our neighbours. No internet. No EFTPOS. No shop! No where for milk. Not unless you drive into Cheviot. Can't wait to go back again! North Canterbury. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 8

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ 5th wheeler best in camp Marty Ireland Quinney’s Bush camp: ‘5th wheeler best in camp’. Marty Ireland Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 27