Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-happy-friday-carterton-H.webp spring-happy-friday-carterton.webp GO TO as the seasons change a multi use free site in Carterton Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Bette Cosgrove Penultimate winter camping weekend. Thanks Carterton District Council for a multi-use, free site. Expecting 1°C tonight. ©2025 Bette Cosgrove Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption Frustration-QTown-council_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change they could invest in practical solutions that benefit everyone Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Bette Cosgrove Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there. Despite increasing demand, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has yet to take a practical approach to their Freedom Camping Bylaw that balances access, environmental protection, and infrastructure. Many are asking a simple question: Why can’t QLDC designate safe, sensible overnight camping areas near existing public facilities? These spots are already used by day visitors — yet self-contained campers, who leave no trace, are being penalised or pushed out. While QLDC claims that more sites will be open to camping under their new bylaw, the fine print tells a different story. The criteria to use rural roadside sites are so restrictive that, in practice, very few will be usable. Further adding to the confusion is misinformation around 14 newly-announced “freedom camping sites” — some of which are not under QLDC jurisdiction and were already available. Many are just public car parking areas, and campers are expected to vacate spots by 7am or 8am — making the 2-day allocated overnight stays virtually impossible. It’s important to remember that, by law, all areas (except reserves) should be open to camping unless there is a genuine reason to prohibit it. The previous QLDC bylaw was overturned in the High Court for not meeting this standard, and many, including NZMCA, argue the new bylaw is no better. (NZ Herald interview with NZMCA: youtu.be/tSdpxSTkfao .) It’s also difficult to ignore the irony of QLDC’s strict stance on campers while the council itself struggles with serious environmental issues — such as a $1.8 million failure at the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant and an additional $600,000 in legal costs ( ckw.nz/qtown-shotover ). Compared to this, the environmental impact of a responsible, self-contained camper is negligible. The truth is, 99% of freedom campers are respectful and self-contained, thanks to the new freedom camping law amendments of 2023. But there are only two public dump stations provided between Queenstown and Haast, limiting proper waste disposal options. What could a better solution look like? 1. Fix local pollution first Before targeting campers, QLDC should address ongoing local wastewater and pollution issues. 2. Support visitors with reasonable options If QLDC are going to continue to try to ‘designate’ freedom camping sites — then use existing infrastructure. Even basic, low-cost “pay to stay” areas would better provide for campers. 3. Use the International Visitor Levy appropriately: invest in practical solutions Instead of spending up to $500,000 a year — and untold amounts of ratepayer money — on restrictive bylaws and costly enforcement, QLDC could invest in practical solutions that benefit everyone. The freedom camping issue doesn’t need to be a battleground. With a little manaaki (hospitality), balanced views, and genuine use of community engagement, Queenstown could become a welcoming destination — without alienating responsible campers or overburdening locals. Watch this space. Because right now, almost no-one is winning. 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 2

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption road-trip_12957_H.webp road-trip_12966.webp road-trip_12969.webp road-trip_12975.webp road-trip_12978.webp road-trip_12998.webp GO TO as the seasons change a beautiful trip and some lovely connections Road trip for a mid-winter meal Heather Auckram The All Points Camping team in Canterbury were having a mid-winter dinner in a small town named Kirwee, somewhere on the Canterbury Plains. It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed. It would mean taking a road trip of several days to travel from the deep south to Canterbury, but that also excited me. I put a message on the APCNZ — Chat, Share on Facebook to see if anyone else in the club wanted to join me on the journey. Noel Clayton was going, so we arranged to meet. It was July. With the van windows defrosted, my campervan purred to life, and Loki dog and I rolled out of town, passing cows and sheep huddled together in steaming bundles on white frozen paddocks. Noel and his dog Milo, were waiting at the Hedgehope Hall. After a short greeting, he started up his Toyota Hiace and we headed off on our adventure. Our first stop was Lake Waihola (above) for a stretch of the legs in the warm winter sun, then on our way. We were keen to get through the bustle of Dunedin city and over the Leith Saddle to reach our first campsite beside the sea at Warrington. We woke to another frost. The dogs busied themselves barking at workmen building a new Surf Life Saving Club and getting pats from other overnight campers on their way for a morning play on the white sandy beach. Leaving Warrington, we headed north on State Highway 1, stopping at cafés for coffee and rest areas for dog stops. The coastal drive was stunning. The sea blue and the white waves rolled gently up onto the sand. We could have spent hours at the sea, but we had places to go. So, over hills, through small townships, across the flat plains of Waitaki, and over wide snow-fed rivers and joined the river of vehicles snaking through the city of Timaru. We arrived in mid-Canterbury late in the afternoon. It was getting late, so we decided to turn off for the night at Ealing, south of Ashburton. The Canterbury Plains were surprisingly green. Noel said it was most likely due to the large number of irrigation set-ups, water-races and canals that were enabling farmers to extend their productivity. We stepped out of our campervans on Saturday morning to a blaze of a mauve and orange sunrise — and another frost (below). We swung back onto State Highway 1 and about one hour later we pulled onto the grassy carpark of Thirsty Acres Bar & Restaurant in Kirwee. We found a nice spot to park under a grove of gum trees and beside Trevor’s motorhome. He beckoned us in for a coffee and no sooner had the jug boiled when Linda and Martin pulled up with their new caravan. More club members rolled steadily in, with warm embraces, laughter and hot coffee and biscuits, until all the less muddy spots on the grass were filled. Dinner was only a few steps away in the restaurant and the conversation flowed freely as we shared stories and travel tips, forging new and old friendships. As it so happened, the mid-winter meal was on the same night that the All Blacks were playing rugby against France and the restaurant had a big screen TV, which added to a great night’s entertainment. The following morning, goodbyes and contact numbers were exchanged before some headed to the Oxford market, some home and others to the dog park. Some stayed on until Monday. Monday morning broke to another frosty but sunny morning. There were several routes we could take to head back to Southland. Noel suggested we go via the Rakaia Gorge as I had heard much about its beauty but never seen it. There, I was happily cruising through the rolling countryside on a sunny morning in my van, when I noticed a sign announcing the settlement of ‘Windwhistle’. I was just pondering the reasons for the name when suddenly the camper was heading down a huge split in the earth, down a steep zig-zagged road, white with frost. I am pretty sure I rode my brakes all the way down into that wide river valley. I can tell you; I needed that coffee at Methven. My nerves were shattered! We stayed a couple of nights at my cousins (also APCNZ members) at the peaceful Milford Huts Lagoon, where we dined on bbq-ed mutton-birds and roast beef. Of course, the conversation was all about fishing and camping. Again we woke to a cold frosty morning. We decided to spend the night at the Hampden NZMCA camp as it was right on the beach. After all, it doesn’t freeze down by the sea. We each bought a feed of Hampden’s famous fish n’ chips and climbed into our vans to spend a cosy night with the warmth of our heaters and a good book. Minus 6! It was the first time in two winters of sleeping in my campervan, that I have actually woken because I was cold. Noel was worried his sliding door was frozen shut, but with a bit of brute force, he managed to slide it open and let Milo out for his morning walk. The sunrise was a stunning pink and lavender, but much to our surprise the pools of water down at the beach were covered in ice and all the taps were frozen. We thought we had better go back and check the app for road conditions. To our amazement, we learned that schools and some businesses in Dunedin were closed until 10am due to the dangerous icy road conditions. We must cross The Kilmog hills to reach Dunedin. They are steep and winding and much of it in shade, so we decided to cross about mid-day. To fill in time, we drove to the Moeraki Boulders café for a hot drink with a million-dollar view. Thankfully, it was an easy drive over the hills and through the city. We stopped again at Lake Waihola for a final cuppa and a sausage roll before parting ways. As I drove back along the vast kilometres of the sheep- and cow-dotted pastures of Southland, the only sounds were the steady rhythm of the tyres on the tar seal and the snoring of a content and tired Loki dog. It was a beautiful trip and we made some lovely connections with fellow club members. All in all, it was well worth taking the journey for a mid-winter dinner. 🏕️ Photos: ©2025 Heather Auckram Up Up Summer 2025 , p 19

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption hospital-bus__3H.webp hospital-bus__3.webp hospital-bus__2a.webp hospital-bus__1a.webp hospital-bus__1c.webp hospital-bus__1b.webp hospital-bus__20.webp hospital-bus__4.webp hospital-bus__24.webp hospital-bus__27.webp hospital-bus__23.webp hospital-bus__30.webp GO TO as the seasons change done with the utmost care and to a very high standard The hospital visit for my bus Kelvin Watson In February 2019 I bought a 1992 Hino Rainbow motorhome. Although it was already 27 years old it was in very good condition as far as rust was concerned. But rust never sleeps. I have had to get patches fixed, but finding a panel beater willing to do the repairs was almost impossible. I kept on top of repairs as best I could, but I also knew the time was coming when major repairs were needed. Earlier this year I found Chris at Rigs’n Things in Stratford who was willing and able to do the repairs needed. The business is owned by Merv Hooper and Chris Fredrickson is the workshop manager. Both Merv and Chris are qualified coach builders so are very capable of undertaking any repairs necessary. Merv also runs RV Solar which specialises in solar and electrical solutions for recreational vehicles. In March my bus went into the Rigs’n Things hospital for some major surgery. The operation was done by Dr Chris with the utmost care and to a very high standard. 28 March. The hospital visit for my bus is getting closer to discharge. Dr Chris has been working his magic and mending all the broken bits. It just needs a couple of band-aids and we will be back on the road. 1 April Woo hoo I get my discharge tomorrow. The band-aids have all been removed. The skin grafts look good. Now I just have to clean up the mess. 10 April Yesterday I got my clean bill of health for my camper. I got my COF. I have no hesitation in recommending Rigs N Things for any motorhome repairs and a bonus is they give All Points Camping members a 10% discount on their labour costs. n Photos: ©2025 rigsnthings.co.nz Home - Rigs'N Things - RV Solar Rigs’n Things & RV Solar Taranaki Rigs’n Things Ltd Taranaki We have a small and very experienced team specializing in the design and construction of small truck bodies, tipping decks, and a range of custom vehicle solutions. We are NZTA Up Up Summer 2025 , p 13

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption GO TO as the seasons change Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Which warrant cards are valid? Certified Blue before 6/23, any toilet OK to freedom camp on public land† until 7 June 2026 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blue before 6/24, fixed toilet OK to freedom camp on public land† until 7 June 2026 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blueportable toilet You may not freedom camp on public land. Certified Green (fixed toilet only) OK to freedom camp on public land†. All cards are valid on private or commercial properties, crown land that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled, club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made, unless they choose otherwise. † What is ‘public land’? Land managed by district and local councils. Can include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. Currently LINZ has 5 FC areas and the new law applies. The new law applies to DOC sites that require self-containment. The government has extended their transition period: some blue warrant cards will be acceptable until 7 June 2026. Check above to see if your warrant card holds good for freedom camping. ckw.nz/linz ckw.nz/doc-csc Get your vehicle self-contained Up Up Summer 2025 , p 2

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

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption campfest-woodbury-fb3_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change a family-orientated weekend Campfest South Island Linda Butler Campfest South Island November 14-16 2025 Woodbury Domain 538 Woodbury Rd Woodbury, (Geraldine) All campers are welcome campfestnz.org info@campfestnz.org | 027 277 0752 Register on line | You can pre-pay There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Casual activities will be scattered around the gazebo area where young can challenge the older generations to a round… it might be Cornhole or Ladder Golf to name a few, or a hit on the wall at the tennis courts using a racket and ball supplied. Maybe Whack a Rat is more your thing… There is also a great flying fox and playground to entertain… Waihi Gorge is up the road for those that like a fresh dip in the mornings. Pets are welcome, on leads, but not around social areas please. Going for a walk with your pet? Ask someone to join you! Our first evening we will begin with a shared tea and a casual getting to know each other. Marshmallows on the Kool Grill are on the menu. Bring your favorite musical instrument and play a few chords together. Raffles are available on Friday and Saturday, 3 tickets for $5. Wait ‘til you see the prizes! Saturday, the coffee (with nibbles) and ice cream carts arrive, Archery Club set up for approx an hour or so tuition session on using a bow and arrow (limited to just 16 people, $25 each: email info@campfestnz.org to book your spot). Rock painting and kite making will be available. After lunch we have a workshop on The Good, Bad and Ugly of living full-time on the road , and a chat on Self Containment with Gary Stoneley from NZ Lifestyle Camping. The hall committee are going to make burgers for tea on Saturday night . This is a fundraiser for their hall. After tea we will be entertained by a mix of line dancing and country music. With a horse race tossed in. Sunday, for those that travel with their cycles, an opportunity for a bike ride with Trev before lunch and pack up. There are: Toilets. Dump station nearby at Hislop Street, Geraldine. Have some cash for optional extras. We have… Book swap table. Used camping equipment sales area. Opportunity to advertise your camper: for sale $20. 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 20

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption Estuary at the Foxton Beach Boat Club Estuary at the Foxton Beach Boat Club ©2025 M Richardson GO TO as the seasons change Editorial Miriam Richardson This is the 13 th issue of the magazine, which started in spring 2022, 4 years ago. Next issue will be the start of year 5 and we are changing to 3 issues a year: Autumn in April, Winter in August, Summer in November. Our Autumn issue will share your stories from the summer camping season: the places, the joys, the experiences, the surprises and the learnings. The winter issue will showcase the hardy souls who camp all year round, (might this encourage you to try it too?). There will be ideas for the warmer months; advice on the off-season maintenance on your gear. The summer issue will get to you just before summer starts. We will look at getting going again or getting started. We will showcase different places to go and encourage you to bring your friends, children, grandchildren, in fact anyone you can inveigle, to share the camping experience. As we move into summer, take photos of your gear, your tents, your clever innovations, your meals, your spectacular surprises. Snap pictures of your catch, the find, the camp, the boat, the view, the walk, the kayak, the swim. This magazine is BY campers FOR campers. By you. For you. Your stories are our stories. No camp is insignificant, no story too ordinary. Share your enjoyment and encouragement so all of us are inspired to get out into our great and beautiful outdoors. Tiaki mai, tiaki atu,Miriam Richardson, Editor. 🏕️ Photo: Estuary at the Foxton Beach Boat Club ©2025 M Richardson Up Up Summer 2025 , p 4