Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption More for councils and government, Issue 3 Editor 3 NZ is a camping culture 11 Can the travelling camper save NZ's small rural communities? 19 If the law changes: managing self containment 28 The power of freedom camping bylaws 29 Waiting on a law change: the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill Camping in action 3 More than 700 campers 5 Tautuku Hut Track: Family-friendly tramping in the Catlins 10 Why do I love camping so much? 12 Camping and exploring in the Rangitikei 21 Cycle camping 3: Completing the South Island circuit 23 Mountain biking 26 Kaweka Forest Park 31 Waihopai Reserve 31 Chameleon Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 2

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly-onearo_H_ 2.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Taranaki STOP and STAY Just some more pics from Onearo Sally Perfect Photos ©2025 Sally Perfect Northern Taranaki, between Waitara and Urenui. Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 12

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Our little escape pod Rhonda Marshall We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Prepacked with clothing, footwear, bedding, food, medication, water, gas, solar power, cash, fridge, cooking and toilet facilities, even books and games, we know, if disaster strikes, we can tend to our needs and offer support to others too. Rhonda Marshall Photo ©2023 Rhonda Marshall Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption giving new life to portable toilets Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail Mustafa Pasha Kiwi Camping Culture Meets Innovation Camping is an iconic part of New Zealand’s lifestyle— a cherished time for reconnecting with nature, spending nights under starry skies, and exploring the rugged beauty of Aotearoa. However, as the Kiwi camping community grows, so does the challenge of balancing outdoor enjoyment with regulations and environmental sustainability. Fix’n’Rail, an inventive new solution developed right here in New Zealand, is designed to make portable toilet systems easier, safer, and legal. What is Fix’n’Rail? a simple solution with big impact Approved by NZ Lifestyle Camping, this innovation helps those looking to upgrade to meet New Zealand’s new self-containment regulations for freedom camping, that require that campervan toilets are permanently fixed. The Fix’n’Rail bracket gives campers a way to secure their existing portable toilet in place. The portable toilets that are supported by this device are: Rocktrail, 145, 365, 165 Dometic, Seaflo, and Burnsco. Durable, lightweight, and easy to install Crafted from resilient materials, the Fix’n’Rail bracket is lightweight, durable, and designed for easy installation. Simply mount it in your chosen space, snap in your portable toilet, and you’re ready for the open road! This ease of use means that seasoned campers, as well as newcomers, can install it without hassle or professional help, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. Sustainability and the circular economy The design behind Fix’n’Rail supports a circular economy by giving new life to portable toilets that may otherwise end up in landfills. Rather than purchasing new equipment to comply with regulations, campers can use Fix’n’Rail to repurpose their current toilet, reducing waste and conserving resources. It’s a small step that contributes to a larger movement of eco-conscious camping. Where to get Fix’n’Rail Available directly from MystEnterprise.com ( ckw.nz/fix-n-rail ), the first batches land in NZ in December. Final thoughts Fix’n’Rail is more than just a product— it’s a movement towards sustainable camping practices that allow Kiwis to experience the best of New Zealand’s landscapes while preserving their natural beauty for generations to come. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time vanlifer, Fix’n’Rail brings you closer to a sustainable camping lifestyle that doesn’t compromise on comfort or convenience. So, if you’re looking to step up your eco-conscious camping game, Fix’n’Rail is here to help— one secure toilet at a time! ◊ Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 12

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Coffee Time Willis Blevins Up Coffee time. ©2023 Willis Blevins Up Up 1/0 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Camping the Kiwi Way, Summer 2024 In this issue Double-Digit Highways – SH32,West of Taupo, SH45, Taranaki’s surf coast highway, and SH60 to Collingwood. Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Making camping more accessible for everyone involves more than installing accessible toilets. Travelling with pets A list of resources I’ve found helpful on our travels with our furry family member, Pippa. CampFest ‘25 Pack up your tent or camping vehicle and join us in Bulls for a weekend of fun, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. Recipes Favourite and quick camping meals including great ideas for a quick meal on the first night. Table of contents Editorial Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes ( Greg's Eye ) About Camping the Kiwi Way We hope this magazine will unite the many different camping groups we have in NZ to create a unified voice and energy for sustainable camping for current and future generations of New Zealanders. ISSN: 2815-8261 (Print)ISSN: 2815-827X (Online) ©2024 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson editor@campingthekiwiway.org | campingthekiwiway.org Published quarterly by All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc &NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd Order or subscribe Printed copies including postage:$44 for a year (4 issues)$13.50 for a single copy editor@campingthekiwiway.org Read it here online, get a PDF campingthekiwiway.org/issues-camping-the-kiwi-way Or subscribe for a printed copy campingthekiwiway.org/buy-or-subscribe Advertising editor@campingthekiwiway.org For sizes and prices see ckw.nz/advertising Share your stories If your group or club is promoting NZers enjoying our great outdoors, we would like to share your stories. • Tenting, caravanning, motorhoming, van camping, bike camping, hiking and more. • Camping photos and stories. • Club stories and photos. • Upcoming events that include camping. • Opinion pieces on camping issues. Photos 1mb or more in size. Email words and (separate) images: editor@campingthekiwiway.org Contributions close Feb 1 for the Autumn issue May 1 for the Winter issue Aug 1 for the Spring issue Nov 1 for the Summer issue But, for late-breaking articles talk to the editor. Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 1

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption autumn-erewhon_0044_H.webp ©2018 M Richardson Clydesdales at Erewhon, 2018 ©2018 M Richardson One set of horses ready for the wagon. ©2018 M Richardson Horses and wagon ©2018 M Richardson Horses and wagon being readied for passengers. ©2018 M Richardson On the wagon Clydesdales at Erewhon, 2018. ©2018 M Richardson The turning point of the trail. ©2018 M Richardson Elegant bottom ©2018 M Richardson Blinkers ©2018 M Richardson Clydesdales at Erewhon M Richardson A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon, so far inside the Southern Alps it has West Coast weather. Canterbury. ©2018 M Richardson ckw.nz/erewhon Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 11

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Our new Southern Star caravan ©2025 Gary Stoneley Inside. ©2025 Gary Stoneley For us the large U shape seating area, and deep front shelf offered a potential work area, room for all our gadgets. ©2025 Gary Stoneley The Bailey Senator next to the Southern Star. ©2025 Gary Stoneley We settled on a 2nd hand high spec Audi Q7, with electronic air suspension and 3500kg towing capacity. ©2025 Gary Stoneley As soon as we saw the open plan layout and spaciousness of the caravan we got interested. ©2025 Gary Stoneley choosing_5.webp ©2025 Gary Stoneley GO TO Here & there last summer sales service was a breeze Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy Gary Stoneley Camping comes in all forms, from tarpaulins and tents through to large caravans and motorhomes. After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan (and 4 children) followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. We had to consider budget, how long we intend to keep it for, size, and features. Would the new caravan handle the high usage we demand of it and take the beatings dealt out by some of New Zealand’s roads? Our preference was for another tandem (2 axle) caravan as we have found they seem to handle NZ roads better plus they can take a higher payload. Having worked in the industry with dealers and repairers and being involved in caravan and camping organisations I had seen that all brands of caravans, whether European-, Australian-, NZ- or USA- made could sometimes develop leaks or suffer breakages. Bev and I agreed that the new caravan would need to meet our needs for both business and relaxation and be comfortable enough to sit up and work all day while being able to stretch out without knocking elbows and knees. Being self-sufficient when off-grid, with lots of solar, water and a decent fridge-freezer was a must for us, plus a comfortable bed and large washroom. We expected a lot, but we wanted to get it right. So the long search began. Our large Bailey Senator had done us well for over 13 years and many thousands of miles. Finding caravan number 3 wasn’t an easy job. We considered multiple European and UK Caravans, always well-featured and lighter for towing. We considered multiple Australian caravans, large and heavy, some with slide-outs and some without. The benefit of a slide-out being more living space but often this is countered by difficulty to access areas when the slide-out is in. We like to stop regularly, going shopping, exploring and making a coffee; we are often in tight spaces and fitting into campsites with a slide-out could be an issue for us. For us, a slide-out was not an option. So it was time to explore caravan yards, motorhome shows and check out other people’s homes on wheels. Bev and I were up at Thames for the Steam Punk Festival with the All Points Camping Club when we decided we would pop along to Tauranga and again go caravan hunting. We decided to pop into Country RV at Tauranga. In 15 minutes our decision was made. Country RV in Tauranga are the North Island agent for Leisureline and Southern Star Caravans. Both are built in the Leisureline factory in Hamilton, along with Zephyr caravans and the factory has been building quality caravans since 1973, more than 30 years, and one of the few NZ caravan builders remaining. It’s a nice feeling to buy NZ-made but it was the quality fit-out and construction that sold us on the Southern Star. We had to step up quite high to get into the caravans in the showroom and access may be an issue for some people, but as soon as we saw the open plan layout and spaciousness of the caravan we got interested. For us the large U shape seating area, and deep front shelf offered a potential work area, room for all our gadgets. The cabinetry is finished to a very high standard. With lots of power points plus 12volt and usb outlets throughout the van, charging and running multiple devices wouldn’t be a problem. Backed up by 880 Watts of solar and 200 Amp-hour lithium batteries, the caravan would be good to go even on the cloudiest days. Our preference was for an SUV rather than a ute for towing and we settled on a 2nd hand high spec Audi Q7, with electronic air suspension and 3500kg towing capacity. Once the caravan is connected to the car, the car automatically adjusts the car’s ride height (which we can also adjust as needed). The remote electric brakes and rear camera make towing a breeze and the old-school leaf springs keep the van tracking well. The sales service with Country RV in Mt Maungaui (Tauranga) was a breeze and we were able to make some changes to the layout to meet our needs. Currently we are using the new caravan every second weekend and can’t wait to take longer trips in a few months time. North to South, East to West we intend to give the caravan a hard workout and have every confidence it will handle it. Some of the features of our Southern Star caravan: • 880W solar panels, that will still charge in part sunlight. • Hard-wired 2000W inverter, power to all points. • 2 x 100Ah lithium LiFePO4 batteries. • Victron charger, controller and smart shunt • Dometic 188L compressor fridge that runs continuously. • Automatic satellite dish. • 2 smart TV’s. • Autoterm diesel heater. • Wireless reversing camera. • 172 litres fresh and waste water. Both the Leisureline and Southern Star branded caravans are very similar. We liked the deep front locker with slide out gas bottles that make them easy to fit and turn on and off. Queen-sized bed, large shower, heated towel rail. At our age being comfortable is important and the NZ-built Southern Star caravan was our choice and the price was competitive. There are many other well-made, terrific caravans out there to suit peoples’ different camping and travelling needs. It’s definitely worth checking them out to choose the one that best meets your needs. Safe travels. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 16

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption a new coddiwompling adventure SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us. South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth. ckw.nz/south-tara Our first stop on the way was Pātea, home of the iconic waka sculpture and the ‘Poi ē’ hit-makers, The Pātea Māori Club. Mana Bay, Pātea Freedom camping is possible at Mana Bay beach, including tents, at Seaview Lookout or the York Street picnic area. The church opshop here offered up some handy second-hand items for the van. After filling up with home-baked treats from the Lunch Shack at Hawera, we headed for nearby Waihi Reserve with sheltered spaces for tents and vehicles. The high sand cliffs are a natural wonder here and its a perfect place to join the Coastal Walkway at high tide. We then headed on to SH45 proper, with ever-changing views of the mountain always on our right shoulder. Opunake A highlight was the quirky surf town of Opunake, with multiple free camp options for both tents and self-contained vehicles. The headland site is spectacular if there’s no wind, otherwise, seek shelter at the alternative Lakeside Recreation Grounds, Hurst Park or Middleton Bay. Local shops and cafes welcomed us. A visit to Cape Egmont’s iconic lighthouse is well worth the detour at Pungarehu. And consider a right hand turn here to head towards the mountain to visit the historic settlement of Parihaka with its unique place in our nation’s history. The drive over ancient volcanic rubble beds is a very special roller-coaster ride heading north into Oakura and we took opportunities to take side roads to the coast to check out the surf breaks at top spots like the famous Stent Road on the wild west coast. Each stop added to the magic of this coastal adventure! n Photos ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Next: SH60 Images: ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 6

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The lake behind the dam. Lake Aratiatia ©2024 M Richardson The car park. ©2024 M Richardson The car park fills up before the water release starts. ©2024 M Richardson Watch those rocks in the flow: one ©2024 M Richardson Watch those rocks in the flow: two ©2024 M Richardson Watch those rocks in the flow: three ©2024 M Richardson The froth as the water starts Looking down from the dam as the water flows. You will want to watch this more than once. Choose a different view point each time. ©2024 M Richardson Compare with previous Not only has the froth moved, but the cahnnel has fillled. ©2024 M Richardson Before the release These photos are from the lookout, at the end of lovely bush walk. These photos were taken 8mins apart, looking up towards the dam ©2024 M Richardson After the release These photos are from the lookout, at the end of lovely bush walk. These photos were taken 8mins apart, looking up towards the dam ©2024 M Richardson It is breathtaking watching the water fill the rapids. The Aratiatia Dam Miriam Richardson This is a magical free stopover in a humble carpark. In winter, at 10am, noon and 2pm, they release the water from the lake to fill the Aratiatia Rapids. It is spectacular. The carpark fills in the hour before the release, so time your arrival well outside of these times so you can get a suitable park. Its not particularly flat, so more choice is better. There are lovely walks and a cycle track along the lake. aratiatiarapids.co.nz It is breathtaking watching the water fill the rapids. These photos are from the lookout, at the end of lovely bush walk. These photos were taken 8mins apart, looking up towards the dam. ◼️ More release photos: Images: ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 33

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption keeping-up-MNR_2467_H.webp GO TO Autumn Gold This issue and the last issue Keeping up with self-containment Editor In this issue: 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling ︎ 43 RV and business services From issue 7, Autumn 2024 We are in the ‘transition period,’ moving from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to the new ‘green’ warrant system. So you want to freedom camp, Issue 7, p8 Enforcement of freedom camping rules, Issue 7, p12 Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, do you know you have been ‘infringed’? What information are you required to give? And more. ‘I am not freedom camping’ cards, Issue 7, p14 . Every camping vehicle is now at risk of substantial fines, as the new offence of “preparing to freedom camp” is defined as “parking”. Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West, Issue 7, p18 . Why stick to the law if you can get away with whatever takes your fancy? Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system, Issue 6 p2 . A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope. What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? Issue 7, p10 Photo: ©2024 M Richardson Freedom camping & self-containment 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling ︎ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 14

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Visitors at Mautohe Cathedral Cove ©2025 DOC Cape Farewell, Pūponga Farm Park ©2025 M Richardson Aoraki/Mt Cook from Sealy Tarns. Michael Hamilton Creative Commons Remotest hut: Gorge River Hut. © DOC Whariwharangi Campsite.: Sharon Hart | CC BY 2.0 Northern Buller’s albatross in Peru. © Javier Quiñones Whio live year-round on fast flowing rivers and streams ©DOC DOC update Visitors flock back to Mautohe Cathedral Cove Hundreds of people a day are visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove’s famous beach following the reinstatement of walking access to the Coromandel beach. DOC has a new process to manage weather and landslide-related risk at the Cove. Watch for any track warnings or closures on DOC’s website. ckw.nz/mautohe New management for Puponga Farm Park Two parties have been chosen to manage Pūponga Farm Park, adjacent to Golden Bay’s Onetahua/Farewell Spit. HealthPost Nature Trust will carry out restoration work in the Triangle Flat area of the farm park. They will build a predator fence across the base of the spit to provide a line of defence against reinvading predators. They will work closely with Pest Free Onetahua, a large-scale conservation project removing pests on Onetahua/Farewell Spit and the surrounding areas. The farm and crossing road area will remain open to the public. ckw.nz/puponga Image:Cape Farewell, Pūponga Farm Park | ©2025 M Richardson $35-rate IVL tourist dollars supports the conservation estate $30 million from the the previous $35-rate International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will be used to fund more than a dozen projects to boost biodiversity and the tourist economy. $11 million for tourist access and safety, including upgrades to huts, suspension bridges, car parks, facilities. $19 million for reducing the spread of predators and invasive plant species to protect biodiversity. The funding covers work across the next three years. ckw.nz/govt-funding-IVL Image: Aoraki/Mt Cook from Sealy Tarns. Michael Hamilton | Creative Commons Favourite West Coast huts On the West Coast you’ll find a huge range of tramping opportunities. A few West Coast staff share their favourite huts and adventures. ckw.nz/wc-huts Image: Remotest hut: Gorge River Hut. © DOC The Great Walks DOC has announced that bookings for the 2025/26 season for New Zealand’s Great Walks and other huts and campsites will open in May. ckw.nz/great-walks-25 Mythbusting: There’s been a bit of misinformation going around about booking our Great Walks. We’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions. ckw.nz/gw-myths Image: Whariwharangi Campsite.: Sharon Hart | CC BY 2.0 There and back again — an albatross’ tale If you’re after epic adventures, you can’t look past the story of Carlos Zavalaga, who followed Northern Buller’s albatross all the way from Peru to the tiny island of Motuhara in the Chathams and back again! ckw.nz/albatross Image: Northern Buller’s albatross in Peru.© Javier Quiñones The ten-buck-duck: Whio Take a duck-dive into the shallows for a quick wade around the ducks of Aotearoa. Includes advice on being decent to ducks. ckw.nz/10-buck-duck Image: Whio live year-round on fast flowing rivers and streams | ©DOC Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 33