8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Admiring the view at the Albert Town campground Mountains and the Clutha at Albert Town campground. Wanaka campground, view from my site. Glendhu Bay, lake front sites. Glendhu Bay campround Glendhu Bay campround Autumn colours and snow on the mountains Camping at Wanaka Miriam Richardson I have spent quite a bit of time in Wanaka as the season turned into Winter. A beautiful place for Autumn colours and snow on the mountains, yet surprisingly mild. Admiring the view at the Albert Town campground Albert Town is a basic campground 5km from Wanaka on either side of the road to Hawea. The Clutha side has flush toilets, water and rubbish while the other has just a long drop. Both are low cost. Pay at the eft-pos machines at the gate. The view from my site at the Wanaka campground The Wanaka Holiday Park is in town, walking distance to all that Wanaka offers. It has sites with marvellous views over the sports field to the mountains. Power, water, rubbish, playgrounds, facilities of most kinds, and the public dump station next door. Lake front sites at Glendhu Bay The Glendhu Bay camp is 11km from town, with lakeside sites, power, water, rubbish, 3(!) dump stations, a laundry, as well as great facilities, and a small shop. A pizzeria on site in summer. Over the road, free range eggs. There are winter long term rates. Another phot o | and another . | About the camps: ckw.nz/wanaka-camps Images ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 37

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption The Woodturners Kauri Gallery Parkover NI Dargaville, FREE thewoodturnersstudio.co.nz Offers overnight parking as well as woodturning tuition, a gallery and a shop. Great views of the river, close to dairy, an opshop, takeaways and shopping. WHO: self-contained vehicles, cabins. FACILITIES: large vehicles. Low cost ACTIVITiES: woodturning, kauri gallery, 20 mins walk to town or museum. Dargaville Museum NI Northland, Dargaville, LOW COST dargavillemuseum.co.nz Overlooking the town and river, it tells fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast, Māori, maritime & pioneer. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITiES: picnic spots, walking tracks, cycle trail, also see the Heritage Machinery Museum, pā site. Historic Maritime Museum and Park NI Paeroa, LOW COST historicalmaritimepark.co.nz Home to a collection of goldfield/maritime history. Beautifully laid out grounds, river board walks, daily boat rides and friendly hosts. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, power available ($), ACTIVITiES: museum, picnics, river cruise, rail trail, walking tracks, cycling, kayak launch, pet friendly. Coach House Museum NI Fielding, Manawatū, LOW COST coachhousemuseum.nz Enjoy an outstanding collection of rural NZ heritage— over 140 years of history. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: large vehicles, toilets (open hours), water, pet friendly, wheelchair access. Activities: museum, walk to town. Hawera Holiday Park NI Taranaki, COSTS ckw.nz/hawera-hp Peaceful camp at the edge of town. Hawera’s museums are unique and innovative: Elvis, an underground canal boat ride, local models. WHO: cars, tents, motorhomes. FACILITIES: dump station, power, toilets, showers, kitchen, lounge, laundry, wifi, BBQ, family friendly, 5 mins walk to the CBD, pets by arrangement. ACTIVITIES: 3 museums, galleries, climb the tower, 4 opshops, swimming, walking, cycling. Tui Mangatainoka Reserve Campground NI Pahiatua, Wairarapa, FREE ckw.nz/tui Located across the road from the famous Tui Brewery, where you can take a tour. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: toilets, dump station, water, restaurant, pet friendly Activities: brewery tours, walks, swimming, picnics, kayaking, fishing. Antique & Classic Boat Museum SI St Arnaud, LOW COST classicboatmuseum.co.nz Park beside the museum, and enjoy the collection of in-board, out-board and non-powered boats. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: none. ACTIVITIES: museum, walks, cycling, swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, tramping, local adventures. Hanmer DOC Amenity Area SI North Canterbury, FREE A reasonably flat free camping area near town: hot pools, ice rink, shopping, eateries. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: toilet just next door, 15 mins walk to town. ACTIVITIES: hot pools, swimming, museum, craft and art galleries, shopping, eateries, golf, walking, tramping, cycling, many adventure opportunities. Milford POP, Frenally Craft Shop SI Temuka, Sth Canterbury, LOW COST ckw.nz/fb-milford-pop This former school has space to unwind and socialise, indoor and out. Buy crafts or craft supplies. Take a class. Come for a visit, and stay over if you are self-contained. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: craft shop, classes, morning & afternoon teas, pet friendly. Activities: playground, indoor/outdoor social areas, crafting classes. House of Hop Brewery and Restaurant SI Geraldine, FREE facebook.com/houseofhopnz
 houseofhop.co.nz Situated in a quiet rural setting with on site restaurant and craft brewery where you get epic craft beer and sensational food. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: large vehicles, playground, , sheep and alpacas to watch, pet friendly. activities: brewery, restaurant, walks. Naseby Holiday Park SI Central Otago, COSTS nasebyhp.nz In the “ice capital of NZ”, with historic old buildings, quaint pubs and café food. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: power, water, dump station, rubbish, toilets, showers, laundry, kitchen, lounge, playground, wheelchair access, large vehicles, 10 min walk to the town. ACTIVITIES: luge, curling, ice-skating, dog sled riding, Dark Skies star gazing, walks, mountain biking, orienteering, cycling, walking, gold panning, close to Otago Rail Trail. Tui Base Camp SI Tuatapere, Southland, COSTS tuibasecamp.co.nz Walk to the Bushman’s Museum, craft and art galleries. Family friendly, weekly rates. WHO: tents, vans, campervans, backpackers. FACILITIES: toilet, showers, laundry, kitchen, power, spa, sauna, dump station, playground, wifi, café, bar, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: museum, galleries, mini golf, bush walks, tramping, guided trips, jet boating. GO TO Autumn Gold for the rainy days STOP and STAY Stop and stay in winter Stop and Stay Places that provide poor-weather activities onsite or nearby. stopandstaynz.org NORTH ISLAND The Woodturners Kauri Gallery Parkover Dargaville, LOW COST thewoodturnersstudio.co.nz Offers overnight parking as well as woodturning tuition, a gallery and a shop. Great views of the river, close to dairy, an opshop, takeaways and shopping. WHO: self-contained vehicles, cabins. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITiES: woodturning, kauri gallery, 20 mins walk to town or museum. Dargaville Museum Northland, LOW COST dargavillemuseum.co.nz Overlooking the town and river, it tells fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast, Māori, maritime & pioneer. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITiES: picnic spots, walking tracks, cycle trail, also see the Heritage Machinery Museum, pā site. Historic Maritime Museum and Park Paeroa, LOW COST historicalmaritimepark.co.nz Home to a collection of goldfield/maritime history. Beautifully laid out grounds, river board walks, daily boat rides and friendly hosts. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, power available ($), ACTIVITiES: museum, picnics, river cruise, rail trail, walking tracks, cycling, kayak launch, pet friendly. Coach House Museum Fielding, Manawatū, LOW COST coachhousemuseum.nz Enjoy an outstanding collection of rural NZ heritage— over 140 years of history. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, toilets (open hours), water, pet friendly, wheelchair access. ACTIVITIES: museum, walk to town. Hawera Holiday Park Taranaki, COSTS ckw.nz/hawera-hp Peaceful camp at the edge of town. Hawera’s museums are unique and innovative: Elvis, an underground canal boat ride, local models. WHO: cars, tents, motorhomes. FACILITIES: dump station, power, toilets, showers, kitchen, lounge, laundry, wifi, BBQ, family friendly, 5 mins walk to the CBD, pets by arrangement. ACTIVITIES: 3 museums, galleries, climb the tower, 4 opshops, swimming, walking, cycling. Tui Mangatainoka Reserve Campground Pahiatua, Wairarapa, FREE ckw.nz/tui Located across the road from the famous Tui Brewery, where you can take a tour. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: toilets, dump station, water, restaurant, pet friendly ACTIVITIES: brewery tours, walks, swimming, picnics, kayaking, fishing. SOUTH ISLAND Antique & Classic Boat Museum St Arnaud, LOW COST classicboatmuseum.co.nz Park beside the museum, and enjoy the collection of in-board, out-board and non-powered boats. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: none. ACTIVITIES: museum, walks, cycling, swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, tramping, local adventures. Hanmer DOC Amenity Area North Canterbury, FREE A reasonably flat free camping area near town: hot pools, ice rink, shopping, eateries. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: toilet just next door, 15 mins walk to town. ACTIVITIES: hot pools, swimming, museum, craft and art galleries, shopping, eateries, golf, walking, tramping, cycling, many adventure opportunities. Milford POP, Frenally Craft Shop Temuka, LOW COST ckw.nz/fb-milford-pop This former school has space to unwind and socialise, indoor and out. Buy crafts or craft supplies. Take a class. Come for a visit, and stay over if you are self-contained. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: craft shop, classes, morning & afternoon teas, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: playground, indoor/outdoor social areas, crafting classes. Join All Points Camping for a weekend here in September 2024 ckw.nz/clandeboye House of Hop Brewery and Restaurant Geraldine, South Canterbury, FREE facebook.com/houseofhopnz houseofhop.co.nz Situated in a quiet rural setting with on site restaurant and craft brewery where you get epic craft beer and sensational food. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, playground, sheep and alpacas to watch, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: brewery, restaurant, walks. Naseby Holiday Park Central Otago, COSTS nasebyhp.nz In the “ice capital of NZ”, with historic old buildings, quaint pubs and café food. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: power, water, dump station, rubbish, toilets, showers, laundry, kitchen, lounge, playground, wheelchair access, large vehicles, 10 min walk to the town. ACTIVITIES: luge, curling, ice-skating, dog sled riding, Dark Skies star gazing, walks, mountain biking, orienteering, cycling, walking, gold panning, close to Otago Rail Trail. Tui Base Camp Tuatapere, Southland, COSTS tuibasecamp.co.nz Walk to the Bushman’s Museum, craft and art galleries. Family friendly, weekly rates. WHO: tents, vans, campervans, backpackers. FACILITIES: toilet, showers, laundry, kitchen, power, spa, sauna, dump station, playground, wifi, café, bar, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: museum, galleries, mini golf, bush walks, tramping, guided trips, jet boating. A list for travellers and campers in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. View, download or print: stopandstaynz.org Add your spots for stopping: ckw.nz/add-one-now Open to all, courtesy of NZ's national camping club, All Points Camping . Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 40

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

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption limestone crags set up for climbing and abseiling (byo gear and skills)/ ©2024 Emma Pearson limestone crags set up for climbing and abseiling (byo gear and skills). ©2024 Emma Pearson celebrate-waipu-3.jpg ©2024 Emma Pearson celebrate-waipu-6.jpg ©2024 Emma Pearson The campground: Big flat 9m by 9m tent sites plus parking (vehicle camping sites available too), well-equipped kitchen, flush toilets and hot showers ©2024 Emma Pearson The campground: Big flat 9m by 9m tent sites plus parking (vehicle camping sites available too), well-equipped kitchen, flush toilets and hot showers ©2024 Emma Pearson A campfire... ... playground, farm animals to visit and super helpful and friendly owners. ©2024 Emma Pearson In two minds Emma Pearson In two minds about posting this as it was so wonderful to have had it all to ourselves (the way I like it this side of Xmas!) for 3 nights! But its such a cool place I can’t not share and recommend it. I just got back from camping at Waipu Caves Farm Park (not the same as Waipu Caves DOC campsite), Northland. Such a cool place that’s only recently opened to public camping. My 3 boys absolutely loved it, as did I! Big flat 9m by 9m tent sites plus parking (vehicle camping sites available too), well-equipped kitchen, flush toilets and hot showers, fantastic network of walking and biking tracks around limestone boulders and crags and (marked) tomos, a cave tour (stalactites and glow worms; see page 25 ), river with swimming holes, eels, crayfish etc to discover, limestone crags set up for climbing and abseiling (byo gear and skills), a campfire, playground, farm animals to visit and super helpful and friendly owners. Definitely my new favourite spot and would definitely recommend it! n ©2024 Emma Pearson GO TO Celebrating Summer My 3 boys absolutely loved it, as did I! Camping ground. Not affected by law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 9 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 The fairy forest walk Martin & Diana Ireland We did the fairy forest walk at Dog Walk Stream, Hanmer, and lo and behold the fairies camp too! ©2024 Martin & Diana Ireland Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 41

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Camping the Kiwi Way In the Spring Issue 9 Editor Steampunk – from North to South and back again: “It’s a chance to get dressed up and some have fun” page 5 The re-build of my Toyota van: I woke up to the smell of the sea and the sun rising. I was bitten by the lifestyle. Page 7 Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights: If you are new to towing it is not hard to master. Page 13 Buyer beware: The caravan was only 9 years old. We pawed over the photos, checked questions asked… Page 21 The making of the Black Moa™ A new cassette toilet for small spaces. Page 25 Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 3

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Instagrammable: making the most of instagram Bette Cosgrove Up Instagrammable(v) beautiful enough to share on the Instagram.com app So many travellers, campers, and vanlifers are recording their journeys on 'the gram' these days, sharing snippets of their lives, packaged neatly in squares or reels. Instagram, the social media platform, is a quick and easy way to document and share to your chosen followers or a keen public, just where you've been and what you've seen. ‘Reels ‘or ‘carousels’ of photos and video snippets with background music, are simple to create and can make even the most basic scenery shot look like a luxe travel promo for camping or travelling adventures. It also creates a simple visual diary for your trips away or life on the road. Instagram is an attractive and often addictive 'look book' to scroll through, filled with recommended places to visit and shared experiences. It's a good place to start researching if you want to go on a roadie or camping trip of your own. Beware of what you see though stories Instagram feeds can often glorify or sanitise the sometimes cold, miserable or cramped reality of vanlife or camping adventures. Always be conscious that the carefully curated shots of stunning vistas, natural beauty, and carefree living might be missing the full truth of everyday challenges that weather, environment, crowds and lack of home comforts can create. Where to start? If you're keen to discover new places to visit or freedom camp, in our gorgeous country, then a good place to start is to search Instagram using the #hashtag #Coddiwompling You're bound to find an INSTA account with adventurous Kiwis, just like you, to follow. They're intent on finding out-of-the-way places to share their life 'in squares' so that their followers get a head start on which top spots to add to their itinerary. Try these recommended accounts for starters : @vangranz @adventureswithrosy @wandawompling @coddiwomple_van @lifedonedifferentlynz @wee.white.van @shazgram What is a hash tag? And how do you use it? Take a word. Put a # (hash) in front of it. Its a hashtag. Add the hash tag to your photos on instagram, your posts on facebook, any blog post you put on the internet. Just type it at the end. #coddiwompling Now you can find your and other peoples stuff that share the same hash tag. Your photos and posts will stand alongside others who also add #coddiwompling to their photos. Up Up Beware of what you see though stories coddiwomple_w_m.webp coddiwomple_w_m.webp 1/1

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing the perfect gift idea for a camper in your life The Slow Road Jonathan Collins I caught up with the authors and fellow camping adventurers of this amazing book, The Slow Road, which is available from ckw.nz/allenandunwin Kirianna is a Kiwi and Lockie is Australian; after the pandemic grounded Lockie’s career as pilot, they and their three children travelled all around Australia in their custom-made kombi. They recently shipped their custom van to New Zealand and spent most of 2023 travelling and documenting their trips around the country. Here is what they have to say about their book. “This guide documents our journeys through NZ from 2022 to 2024. It is an essential resource for anyone contemplating a trip by van or caravan, offering valuable information for camping enthusiasts, van buyers or renters, and individuals seeking sun and sand. The book includes details about the places we visited in both the North and South Islands, featuring recommendations from locals, hidden gems, cultural and historical landmarks, sunset and sunrise viewing spots, as well as tips for fishing, swimming, skiing, and experiencing NZ’s diverse natural and cultural wonders. “Moreover, it delves into kitchen essentials, healthy road-trip food ideas, and a collection of recipes, along with advice on where to stay, eat, play, and explore in key North and South Island destinations.” Kirianna and Lockie have been sharing their adventures through YouTube and Instagram. @theslowroad_ This is the perfect gift idea for that camper in your life who has everything or perhaps treat yourself to a guide and inspiration for your next adventure. I will be popping in-store to Paper Plus to grab a copy for our van. Happy reading campers. (ISBN: 9781991006585) Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 29

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Events For More camps, keep an eye on: allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) 23-25 June BOP/East Cape Mid-Winter Christmas Lakes Ranch, Ōwhata, Rotorua Camping with hot pools and a mid winter Christmas pot luck, dessert provided. Ian Read, All Point Camping More ckw.nz/bop-midwinter Venue lakesranch.org.nz RSVP ckw.nz/bop-rsvp 24 June Camp Cook Out Battlehill Farm Forest Park, Wellington Are you a BBQ master, can you tame the flame? Come pit your skills against some of the best amateurs around Wellington. Seriously though it's all for fun and family oriented. There will be two categories: 1 kids kick butt (fun, help allowed, not serious) 2 Braai and fry (international cook off) 3 adults on fire (be prepared to be fully judged) Chose your class, register your attendance and be prepared to sizzle. Jonathan Collins, NZ Fun Adventures FB ckw.nz/camp-cook-out 1 July Mid-Winter Christmas Meet and Greet Fielding Join with All Point Camping Central club members for a fun Mid Winter Christmas dining experience at the 'Famous in Feilding' Murray's Irish Bar. There is a large parking area out the back for overnight sleepers. Ettienne Lambrecht, All Points Camping NZ Camping Club More: ckw.nz/fielding-mid-winter RSVP by 22 June: ckw.nz/fielding-rsvp Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 34

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption get_IMG_5287.webp Cycling beside the remaining railway track The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy, as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The tunnel The 1100-metre long brick-lined tunnel was dry and well- lit, however a torch or cycle lamp also helps with visibility. ©2023 Fiona Thomson Tunnel and bridge Departing the tunnel, you ride straight out onto a dramatic bridge that crosses the river below, with road traffic crossing above the tunnel mouth. ©2023 Fiona Thomson In front of a dramatic bridge We cycled the13.2km return trip from the Karangahake Gorge carpark, near the Karangahake Tunnel, to the charming Waikino Station Café ©2023 Fiona Thomson Relics of the old gold mining era The remains of the Victoria Battery on the left. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The remains of the Victoria Battery Waikino Station The Waikino Station Café The Waikino Station Café provided us with a delicious and leisurely lunch before our return journey. The café provides a variety of options to suit most dietary requirements and budgets. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. Get on Ya Bike Fiona Thomson We cycled the13.2km return trip from the Karangahake Gorge carpark, near the Karangahake Tunnel, to the charming Waikino Station Café. On some parts of the trail, mobile phone coverage can be patchy. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The 1100-metre long brick-lined tunnel was dry and well-lit, however a torch or cycle lamp also helps with visibility. Departing the tunnel, you ride straight out onto a dramatic bridge that crosses the river below, with road traffic crossing above the tunnel mouth. The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy, as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. Relics of the old gold mining era can be seen along the trail, with information boards and historic machinery providing opportunities for a break from cycling. The remains of the Victoria Battery were fascinating to explore, and provided several photo opportunities. The remains of the Victoria Battery. ©2023 Fiona Thomson This was once a booming industrial area, where the mining battery operation could be heard from the town of Waihi, approximately 10km away. The Waikino Station Café provided us with a delicious and leisurely lunch before our return journey. The café provides a variety of options to suit most dietary requirements and budgets. The Waikino Station Cafe ©2023 Fiona Thomson This section of the Hauraki Cycle Trail is a great ride — a fellow APC member (Graham Leslie) hadn’t ridden a bike for years, but found this trail easily achievable. ©2023 Fiona Thomson Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 14

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources. Orange Sky are providing shower and laundry services to many in flood-affected areas right now. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Camping The Elgrand is self-contained for camping on its own, or I use it to tow the caravan. Flexibility. ©2024 Gary Stoneley I just want to go camping. It’s healthy, its fun, and it keeps me sane. Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health Gary Stoneley I go camping for my mental health. Bev and I have done this for over 25 years. It is our choice to go camping with a caravan, but I could use my Elgrand van if I wanted. I’m not happy with the NZ Government interfering with my choice of leisure time by restricting how I go camping. I consider myself a responsible camper and pretty much everyone I know is. Whether they have a tent, trailer camper, small van, housebus or caravan I have rarely seen fellow campers not respecting the environment. I remember in the 1990’s staying at a campsite somewhere, or maybe on a caravan club rally and being taught how to remove a patch of turf (to be replaced later) and let the kitchen waste water soak into the ground below the surface, or to have a bucket with a couple of holes in the bottom so all the solids were kept and water drained away. A loose cap on a waste container did much the same. That’s not something you see so much any more. It wasn’t uncommon for the caravan waste water to be used to water trees, away from activity areas. Any residual food matter was soon gobbled up by hungry little animals. Campers now, are far more aware of the negative effect of chemicals and the health risk of not disposing of waste water properly. But it’s not unusual in a rural setting to be told, just dump it on the ground or around trees. Didn’t dishwater deal to aphids on plants? The expectations placed on campers are now much higher than they were 20 to 30 years ago. The first New Zealand Self-containment Standard was published in 1990 and was a joint effort by multiple organisations and government departments working together. Initially only covering motorhomes and caravans — people were living in these it seemed — the Standard set some minimum expectations for both the occupant’s health and reducing environmental harm. A real plus about this was that weekend camping events could be held at venues like schools or reserves without facilities and organisers could say their campers were self-contained and took all their waste with them. It was an extension of the Caravan Club and wider camping adage of ‘Pack in, pack out’. Skipping forward a quarter of a century and self-containment has become a government regulatory tool for NZ’s vehicle campers. Yes, it is targeted and policed at those who chose to camp in a vehicle, with considerable infringement fees. And it is affecting my mental health and the mental health of thousands of NZ campers and our supporting industry. Why is the NZ government restricting and penalising NZ campers, who choose to use a vehicle to camp rather than a tent? Our family caravan has a permanently fixed, sealed, toilet, but the NZ government wants us to fit an external vent to it. It’s pointless and will just fumigate the camper next door. My trusty Elgrand I can’t enjoy for camping anymore, unless I permanently fix a toilet into it. Well that screws up putting sheets of gib in it now. It’s stressful just thinking about all this. Should I even bother getting a new ‘green’ warrant card for freedom camping? If I don’t submit, where can I camp at no cost? Hey, NZ Government, Stop screwing with my leisure time activity! It’s affecting my mental health! I just want to go camping. It’s healthy, its fun, and it keeps me sane. “Camping in all its different forms puts us on the doorstep of the great outdoors and provides a clear pathway to a healthier and happier lifestyle – one in which people appreciate nature more and are active outdoors. Given the many negative events that have been happening in recent times at home and abroad, anything that helps people to feel better about themselves and each other is vitally important.” Sabina Voysey, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Director General Read the report: ckw.nz/outjoyment Download : ckw.nz/outjoyment-pdf DOC has also given us articles about 'outjoyment' A new free guide to help improve well-being by connecting with nature for therapy is available in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne. Short walks, sightseeing, photography, and bird and wildlife watching were the most popular outdoor activities for kiwi and international visitors. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 20