Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption SS_Athenree-_20250902_090853.webp SS_Athenree-_20250902_090905.jpg SS_Athenree-_20250727_215332.webp SS_Athenree-_20250727_215048.webp SS_Athenree-_20250727_215015.webp SS_Athenree-_20250727_215131.webp GO TO as the seasons change Finalists for the 2025 Holiday Park of the Year STOP and STAY Athenree hot springs and campground Maggie O’Rourke Near Waihi, Bay of Plenty. Hot pools all year around is a treat if you stop and stay at Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park. This is the first campground I’ve been too that offers this many free nights: stay 4 pay 3 or stay 7 pay 5. With a max stay of 7 weeks this is a great winter stay-over. Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. They offer an All Points Camping discount on nightly rates if you aren’t staying long enough for their special deal. There is a shuttle service to Waihi and Katikati; Waihi Beach RSA will do pickups and drop off; and a local taxi driver is available (talk to reception). This is a pet-friendly camp though there are restrictions over Christmas and Easter. The owners/management and staff are awesome and treat you like you’re not just a guest. Just recently after 100km plus strong winds, they rang everyone in campers and caravans to check if they were okay — I’ve never before been to a campground who would do that. This is true service, thanks Peter and Belinda. This camp was one of the finalists for the 2025 Holiday Park of the Year. Cabins, motels and camping sites are available. Facilities are clean and they offer hot-pools, shop, kiosk with coffee and pies, TV room, laundry, dump-station, kitchen and bathroom of course, and they are pet-friendly.There is a children’s playground across the road; kayaks and bike buggies are available for hire. Do not book online, contact them directly for all discounts and availability. Site fees (Oct 2025): Adult $28, children $19 per night. Don’t forget to show your APCNZ card to receive your discount. Cabins from $95; there’s a dog friendly cabin. Check their Facebook pages and website for cabin deals. Camp sites only: April through to November, excluding school and public holidays: choose either the club discount or these special deals. Stay 4, pay 3 — Stay 4 nights on one camp site and only pay for 3. Stay 7, pay 5 — Stay 7 nights on one camp site and only pay for 5. n athenreehotsprings.co.nz 1 Athenree Road, Athenree, 
Bay of Plenty 07 863 5600 Photos: ©2025 Maggie O’Rourke 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 30

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-four-camping-2_H.webp spring-four-camping-1.webp spring-four-camping-3.webp GO TO as the seasons change We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Four of us went camping. Linda Butler We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Still plenty of skin left for them to feast on tomorrow. Wooded Gully, North Canterbury. ©2025 Linda Butler Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption a-short-trip-52-wimbledon_8.webp a-short-Route52-book-cover.webp a-short-trip-52-waihi-falls_1.webp a-short-trip-52_3.webp a-short-trip-52-akitioSch-_2.webp a-short-trip-52_10.webp a-short-trip-52_4.webp a-short-trip-52_9.webp a-short-trip-52_6.png GO TO as the seasons change A short trip to some big country — Route 52 Christine Batt In early September, a travelling companion and I headed from Palmerston North for a few days exploring with my caravan along Route 52, on the east coast. The inspiration for the trip came from seeing Simon Burt talk at the Featherston Book Town about his newly published book, “Route 52. A Big Lump of Country Unknown” in which he records a number of trips into the area, with his caravan in tow. route52.nz Heading to the Tararua District from Palmerston North with the caravan was easily managed over the new Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway, which is a sensational piece of engineering, and thank goodness for a slow lane to accommodate slow towers. The worrying bit of road was the Dannevirke/Weber Road, which was fearsomely described by Simon Burt , who had badly damaged his caravan when he went through there. It was my caravan that was being towed and I was more cautious than my companion, but with a lot of encouragement I agreed to give it a go. What an anti-climax! The expectation of hitting the bad bit never eventuated, and when we asked the locals, it transpired that the road had been extensively repaired 4 years before. The benefits of caravans vs camper vans is an ongoing discussion and we decided to maximise the caravan and car potential by basing ourselves at the POP at the Wimbledon Tavern and taking the car out for day trips. The Wimbledon Tavern (top) is an icon of NZ rural pub style , and has a round pool table, which is one of a kind. Hosts, Susan and Eric, were welcoming and informative and accommodated us for 3 nights, 2 of which we enjoyed delicious pub food. We would have eaten at the pub each night , but in early September, it was closed on Mondays. The first day trip was a round trip, recommended by Eric, with the first leg being inland to the Waihi Falls. They were in spectacular flow — our reward for tolerating quite a lot of rain over the previous couple of days . From there we took the Waihi Valley Road to Pongaroa. The Pongaroa pub has a reputation for a very good seafood chowder but is also closed on Mondays in early September. We hungrily sat outside the pub and made use of the first good internet service since Dannevirke. After an admin catch up , we took the Coast Road to Akitio which is a lovely old-school coastal community with holiday baches, a boat club (below), Norfolk pines, thundering ocean and with freedom camping permitted on the foreshore. The return trip was via the River Road from Akitio and then the Glenora Road (narrow and gravel) and out to Ti Tree Point, then back to the caravan for the second night, and very welcome food. The next day was another exploration, generally north of Wimbledon. First stop was Herbertville and a walk to Cape Turnagain, where in 1769 Captain Cook realised that he had completed a circumnavigation of the North Island and turned to head North again. We realised we were running low on petrol so headed for Pōrangahau which, enquiries assured us, has a pump, but no 96, so that lead to a reasonably big detour to Waipukurau. This was well worthwhile as the Two Taniwha Street Food container-shop served delicious sliders accompanied by beer. We were a bit fixated with finding food by this stage. Now fed, and not yet done with exploring back roads and coastal communities, we took advantage of the trip to Waipukurau to head out to the evocatively named township of Blackhead and then along the coastal roads back to Wimbledon. This is certainly beautiful and remote part of the country, and our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head into this fascinating area for longer stays. Keep in mind: The area is being heavily impacted by pine forests, and the small communities that would have previously managed through the custom of locals are struggling as people are replaced with trees. Because of limited internet coverage, maps are essential. The Kiwi Maps Rural Road Maps 250 series, maps 7 and 8 covered the whole trip, and much more country waiting for the next adventure. My map reading skills were very rusty — a shortcoming that was commented on more than once. In preparation I suggest that you read Simon Burt’s book, buy the maps, listen to the Warratah’s song about Cape Turnagain and stock up on food and petrol, or at least enough to get you to Waipukurau for a slider and a beer. 🏕️ Photos: ©2025 Christine Batt Up Up Summer 2025 , p 5

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption buyer-beware-disputes tribunal-H.webp GO TO as the seasons change We won!!! Buyer beware update: We won! Anon We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. (Read our story about it: ckw.nz/buyer-beware) The fact that we had an issue on our first night helped us win our case, and that the seller mentioned it was water tight. I’d also asked if he kept it, what improvements he would do, to which he responded ‘nothing needed doing’! What we learned When buying a caravan, a seller is usually keen and helpful with regards to viewing etc especially from a distance. Ours wasn’t. Not keen to hold it or accept a small deposit. We should have walked away at this stage. Dishonest sellers Since our experience we’ve heard of someone else who has issues with a leaky vehicle and another person who was scammed and paid for a caravan but there wasn’t one. Be wise in your research friends. Learn from us. It’s not worth the heartache and stress. Name withheld. More for buyers Buying used caravans From Collyn Rivers: Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Read the story in Issue 9 Or buy the book 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 38

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-going-to-walk-H.webp spring-going-to-walk.webp GO TO as the seasons change I forgot to pack my tramping boots I was going to walk to the end of the valley Tony Kissel I was going to walk to the end of the valley but I forgot to pack my tramping boots, the avalanche warning signs kind of put me off as well. Temple Valley. ©2025 Tony Kissel Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption 13-CKW-cover-25-Hero.webp GO TO as the seasons change Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Up Up Summer 2025 , p 1

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-home-5_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change As the seasons change Various Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-home-5_H.webp spring-home-2.webp spring-home-4.webp spring-home-1.webp spring-home-3.webp GO TO as the seasons change when you wake to find your kettle frozen solid STOP and STAY Home for the next week Tony Kissel Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. You know it’s been a cold night when you wake up to the water in your kettle frozen solid, and that’s inside the tent. A lovely view to wake up to, the highest peak is Mt Sefton (I think). ©2025 Tony Kissel Up Up Summer 2025 , p 8

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption firstaid-26013-H.webp GO TO as the seasons change You never know what to expect when you arrange a camp First aid practice at camp! Linda Butler We had so much fun at Woodbury Domain last week (August). You never know what to expect when you arrange a camp. This time it was a first aid tip. Penny was keen to put the newly learnt knowledge of how to assist someone up, into practice. Down on the floor she went! Leigh presented her jacket which was placed across her shoulders, then under her arms. You can use a blanket or a towel. Bonny stood on one side, Leigh on the other. One foot from each was placed in front of Penny’s feet for support. The arms of the jacket were crossed over Penny’s chest, the ladies used these to help pull Penny up. Never pull on someone’s arms to get them up, if you can avoid it. It wasn’t too bad for a first attempt. A bit untidy, but Penny did say she felt quite safe throughout the entire procedure. Phew. 
Let’s hope we don’t have to use it…🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 34

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption SS_Omokoroa-_20250908_093106.webp GO TO as the seasons change between Katikati and Tauranga STOP and STAY Omokoroa Domain Maggie O’Rourke Bay of Plenty Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati. Freedom camp 3-night stay in a one month period. Dump station and fresh water on-site. 9 spaces and 2 large-vehicle spaces Public toilets, cold showers, children’s play ground, a free gas bbq at the northern end and access to the wharf at the southern end. There is an Omokoroa Beach store, and upstairs a bar, restaurant and cafe; boat ramp, wharf, there’s a restaurant at the boat club (but only members can use the bar and club area). A dedicated, small ferry service is available from Omokoroa to Matakana Island. I haven’t been able to find a timetable anywhere. Did see the ferry. Omokoroa to Tauranga cycle trail: you can now cycle all the way along this fantastic 19km route. Every Saturday there is a market at the Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd. omokoroabeach.nz/parks-reserves/omokoroa-domain Omokoroa Domain 4 The Esplande Omokoroa. There is also 2 other 3-night stays in the area: you can camp at Cooney Reserve (no dogs) and Omokoroa Sports Ground (according to the Rankers app). Photos: ©2025 Maggie O’Rourke 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 32

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption doc-franz-josef-carpark-1920.webp GO TO as the seasons change parking fees, doing your bit, and new tracks DOC Update DOC DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites Car parks at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau and Aoraki will be part of a paid car parking pilot this summer. Free parking for 20 minutes, $5 per hour, $20 per day. Annual passes for locals and regular visitors. Payment machines will be installed and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. ckw.nz/doc-paid-parking Photo above: Crowded Franz Josef Glacier car park © DOC
Photo below: White Horse Hill car park at Aoraki © DOC Do your bit for nature Discover small ways you can make a big difference for nature Find your action Love our wild places Protect nature wherever your path takes you. Half of all Kiwis visit a national park or protected area every summer. Be nature’s eyes If you see a native animal in need of help, or something that’s just not right, call it in. Check, clean, dry Join freshwater lovers in the fight against didymo and other unwanted pests. One drop is too much: dry it! Keep wildlife safe around dogs Enjoy getting out in nature with your dog without putting native wildlife at risk. Dogs are the single biggest threat to kororā/little penguins and adult kiwi. ckw.nz/doc-do-your-bit Photo: Tents and camping set ups at Whakahoro campsite. © DOC Daniel Deans Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction A new network of DOC tracks showcasing recent mining heritage has opened just outside of Reefton. It includes 22km of biking and walking tracks to and within part of the previously closed OceanaGold Globe Progress mine site. Visitor facilities include a shelter, interpretation panels telling the story of the site, and toilets. ckw.nz/doc-reefton-mine Images © DOC 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 25

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption SS_Papamoa-_20250909_063200.webp GO TO as the seasons change stunning spot, amazing sunrise STOP and STAY Harrison Cut, Papamoa Maggie O’Rourke ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Up Up Summer 2025 , p 33