7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Swimming www.gonatural.co.nz Camping au naturel www.gonatural.co.nz shed your clothes along with the stresses of every day life Camp au naturel gonatural.co.nz There are many ways to have a summer camping holiday, and everyone has their own reasons for choosing where they camp, how they camp and who they camp with. Some like the resort style camping holiday where everything is laid on for both adults and kids, while others choose to go bush, where they have peace and quiet and can get right down to the basics of camping. And some folk choose to go where they can shed their clothes along with the stresses and worries of every day life. Do you remember those halcyon days as a child when you could run around the house or back yard without clothes and no one thought anything of it. When Mum would strip your togs off at the tide’s edge to rinse the sand off and you’d do the mad dash to the car laughing all the way. As a teenager, that first midnight skinny dip at the beach, just because you could. Ahhh if only we could relive those carefree moments, when it didn’t matter that you were as naked as the day you were born. Well, there are several places around New Zealand where you can camp au naturel , in the buff, clothes-free. Where you can sit out in your camp chair with a good book and feel the breeze on your skin, all of your skin. Where you can lie in the sun for that all over tan and no one is going to bat an eyelid. Where you can go for a swim in the pool or a dip in the hot tub free of the clinging of togs then lie out for a gentle breeze and the sun’s rays to dry you off. Interested? Sounds like it’s too good to be true, but it isn’t. If you want the ‘shed it all’ holiday you’ve got a few choices in New Zealand. There are two commercial naturist campgrounds along with several naturist clubs that are well set up for camping holidays or if you’re lucky enough to find that really isolated spot with no else around to see what you are or are not wearing. There are also several beaches, some close to campgrounds and holiday parks that are frequented by naturists regularly. In fact you can be naked on any beach in New Zealand if you choose to. There is no specific law in New Zealand that prevents anyone from being naked on a beach or anywhere for that matter. Provided you are not engaging in offensive or disorderly conduct, obscene or indecent exposure anyone can go for a skinny dip or get that all over suntan. So why would you want a naked camping holiday? Why not? For starters there are the health benefits of sun exposure and vitamin D. Keeping in mind you still have to be sensible and use sunscreen or cover up when it gets too hot. Creating a positive body image is not easy in today’s world. Self-esteem is greatly enhanced in the naturist lifestyle and our own self-esteem increases when we accept ourselves for who we really are. However, it isn’t until a person gives it a try, that they can experience that concept for themselves. Latest research shows that vitamin D may play an important role in mental health. The recent Mental Health foundation annual awareness week was themed ‘Nature is Key’. We all know that getting out in the fresh air and sun just makes us feel better and all the more so if you are clothes-free. Having a camping holiday without the need for clothes brings a whole new meaning to the word holiday. For starters there is only half the amount to pack. Just imagine getting home and there is only a load of towels to go through the wash and not a mountain of dirty clothes. Get caught in the rain, there are no clothes to try and get dry in the tent or caravan. The kids won’t be rummaging through bags and drawers looking for their clothes every morning, they will be up and gone. And swimming without togs, once you’ve tried it you will never want to wear togs again. The number of different interests and hobbies that one can participate in these days is as wide and varied as the people who go camping, so why not include these within your camping holiday. If you are a seasoned naturist or just think you might like to dip your toe into the world of naturism there are multiple opportunities to include it while you’re camping. For more information check out www.gonatural.co.nz Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 35

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Bus gallery, Whangamomona Stopped at Taumarunui, I heard the following weekend was ‘Republic Day’ at Whangamomona, deep in the Forgotten World Highway. I came up with the idea of using my bus as a gallery, attaching paintings along the side with magnets. So paying my stall fee, I set up beside the whip cracking and log splitting exhibits. It was a wonderful experience and bought back the sense of community that was common in my childhood. I sold a painting and got another commission which took me to Opunake and the wonderful Mt Taranaki (that is usually still called Mt Egmont by the locals). Port Tarakohe Takaka Hokitika The obscure, forgotten little places A small paint kit, a few good brushes… David Liddall From the time I left school I was compelled to travel, hitchhiking everywhere (including Asia) till getting my licence at twenty-five, thereafter owning a succession of vehicles that doubled as campers, the longest owned of these being a 1972 pop top Kombi van, used daily for about 28 years. Prior to turning 50 I bought my current bus, a Mitsubishi Fuso, 7,500kg, 7.5m land sailing boat, built by a boat builder with very good design and functionality. Also dating from my school days was my interest in drawing and painting, and after initially trying oil and ink, once I discovered quality water colour paint, I was hooked, especially with it’s portability. Being able to carry a small paint kit and a few good brushes, all that’s needed is some good watercolour paper and a little pot of water and you have the means of expressing a memory or reproducing or creating a wonderful scene, something that will remain long after I’ve shuffled from this mortal coil. My travel and painting passions were put aside for periods of my life as I pursued a career in nursing, working in a variety of areas, surgical nursing, including a few years as a scrub nurse in theatre (Whangarei) psychiatric (Seaview Hospital, Hokitika and Whangarei) emergency care (Whangarei) and lastly, night RN in a MetLifecare facility at Mt Maunganui (my home town). After thirty years I took early retirement, largely financed by the sale of my Kombi (it seemed too ridiculous to tow a campervan behind a campervan) and I moved to Northland to be closer to my son and grandkids, locating at the little coastal community of Whananaki. Finding a source of print production I sold a number of prints to people I’d met passing through the campground and other local places. 19 years on the road: my current road trip Late in 2022 I left Northland to visit my brother in Thames and Coromandel, exploring right to Fletcher Bay, the outer tip of the peninsula. The clouds were ominously massing after New Year and I got out of that vulnerable peninsula in the following days, heading back north. Seeing the devastation behind and ahead, I spontaneously turned around and headed south instead (retirement is such a liberating state of being, to allow such decisions) stopping at Taumarunui when I heard the following weekend was ‘Republic Day’ at Whangamonoma, deep into the Forgotten World Highway. I came up with the idea of using my bus as a gallery, attaching paintings along the side with magnets. So paying my stall fee, I set up beside the whip cracking and log splitting exhibits. It was a wonderful experience and bought back the sense of community that was common in my childhood. I sold a painting and got another commission which took me to Opunake and the wonderful Mt Taranaki (that is usually still called Mt Egmont by the locals). With the delays to ferry services I spent longer in Wellington than expected but had lots of fun painting scenes around the city and did another commissioned work. Due to the sailing cancellation I spent a couple of nights at the Evans Bay Marina freedom camping area, to find lots of others in the same position, over seventy vans there that first night, and due to the excessive numbers some parked in the centre, between the two outside allocated spaces. In the morning the efficient council issued $150 fines to everyone parked outside the lines; nice to see bureaucracy doesn’t rest, even during a national transportation crisis. Being very aware of the environmental disaster moving toward us, I’ve determined to reduce my carbon footprint as much as I can, though I have given a lot of thought to the rationale of travelling at all, but our footprint exists regardless of where we exist, so I endeavour to spend longer in interesting places off-grid and independent (fortunately my bus is independent of external input if the sun is shining) rather than dashing hither and yon, and have found that it is the obscure, forgotten little places that hold the most interest and subject material for paintings and rewarding experiences. My favourite places so far are found in the high country of Central Otago and the upper West Coast, especially north of Karamea, such lush subtropical bush and coastal locations, and the Ida Valley. I am drawn to place names like Drybread and Blackball, getting to know the locals of Seddonville, and the muffins at Gentle Annie. I’ve been privileged to leave artwork in many places in my wake and hope they bring pleasure, however for most of this journey, I’ve done what I call my ‘cafe paintings’, taking my travel brushes and paints with a little watercolour pad to a cafe, have breakfast or a muffin and tea or coffee while I sketch out a scene from my phone, and do a miniature painting. They take about forty minutes and are very pleasurable to paint. Over the following few days I decide who to send it to, put a stamp on the back, write a thoughtful note to my friend or family member then post it off. To date I’ve done nearly forty such paintings. One friend receiving one, was told by his post lady she’d never delivered an original painting before. It’s a fabulous way to share my journey with others, and imagine the surprise they get receiving a little painting in the post. Maybe you’ll get one one day. Contact David: david@ckw.nz ‘Republic Day’ gallery on the bus, Whangamomona Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 25

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Visitors ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Visitors ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Snoozing in the shade ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Shady walks ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Enjoying the shade Gary Hitchcock Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. n Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. Gary Hitchcock ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock GO TO Celebrating Summer 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 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Tony Knights My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Don’t miss local A & P shows when you travel the country.above. See the gallery ©2024 Tony Knights Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 23

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing popular with families and tents Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Heather Auckram If you are travelling along the Southern Scenic Coast then 10 minutes out of Riverton, turn off Highway 99 and follow the Thornbury Gropers Bush Road. A short drive along the road you will cross a bridge over the Aparima river and see Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve on both sides of the road. It is free to camp for up to 28 days. It has a new long-drop toilet, gravel at the top section, grass at the bottom section and is sheltered from the wind by large trees. Be warned the grassy area gets wet and muddy after rain and many a vehicle has been towed out by the local farmer. It is spacious enough to easily accommodate large vehicles. It is popular with families, tents and all vehicles both self-contained and not, but never so crowded that you won’t find a spot. Do keep your pets under control as it is surrounded by working farms. The Aparima River runs beside the camp. Swimming and fishing are allowed but not during times of heavy rain as it can flood over the paddocks quickly. ◊ Images ©2024 Heather Auckram Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 20

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Our morning view, heater on Helen Garthwaite Our morning view, heater on. Ruapehu. Hoping for warmer when we get to Kimbolton today. ©2023 Helen Garthwaite Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 27

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The Tautuku Hut ©2023 Kayla Laatz Arriving at the hut. ©2023 Kayla Laatz From admiring the golden treetops at sunset, to listening to the sound of the nearby Tautuku River, the crackling sounds of the fire and the drops of rain hitting the roof — it was a nature lover’s paradise. ©2023 Kayla Laatz We picked this as our first overnight tramp with our babies Tautuku Hut Track: Family-friendly tramping in the Catlins Kayla Laatz Tautuku Hut is a lesser-known DOC hut in the Catlins. Starting from the same car park as McLean Falls, the Tautuku Hut Track is short and sweet, making it a great first overnight tramp for families. Taking the detour to McLean Falls adds an additional half hour / 1.5 km of walking — definitely worth it! The Tautuku Hut Track is short and sweet Myself and another mama picked this as our first overnight tramp with our babies. With at least 15 to 20 kg on each of our backs, we tramped 10 kilometres across two days. It was the peak of summer, and this was the perfect introductory tramp for us. Overall, the trail was super easy to follow as long as we kept our eyes set on the orange triangle markers along the way. Soon after starting the walk, we entered a dense forest filled with kamahi, rata, and podocarp. On the mossy ground we spotted lots of mushrooms and there are beautiful ferns along the way too. Right off the bat, we faced a steep uphill climb lasting for just over an hour. It was a killer lower-body workout, especially with a big pack and a toddler on your back. We were fully shaded the entire time, but it got really hot and humid, as there was very little air flow amongst the trees. Lots of snack breaks helped us and the wee ones to happily (and sweatily) power through. There were two fallen trees on the track which we had to crawl under on our hands and knees. If you aren’t juggling a pack and a baby at the same time, you’ll probably get away with just crouching down real low. But for us, it was a tight squeeze with a baby in front and a big pack on the back. There’s also a handful of large trees to climb over, but most of the track you’re just stepping over the occasional tree root so it’s no big deal. It recently rained, so we faced a lot of muddy sections along the way. Some have dry paths going around, others give you no choice but to cross through the middle. Ankle deep mud at the worst though, which wouldn’t be a problem for those wearing ankle-high boots. After nearly an hour and a half of climbing, we were relieved the track flattened out a bit more as we reached the top of the mountain. Between the trees we saw a small sliver of a view overlooking some of the other mountains in the Catlins Forest Park. From there it was a quick breeze to the Tautuku hut. The track actually went slightly downhill for 15 minutes before we arrived at the open, grassy clearing that the hut sits in. Tautuku hut is a standard, non-serviced DOC hut that is completely free to stay at. There’s no booking in advance, it’s first come first served. A lot of hunters stay here, which was made clear by the machete, animal skull and hunting gun holder we found inside the hut. I later learned that the Tautuku mountains house lots of red deer, pigs and goats. The hut itself is a one bedroom shack that was previously a garage donated to DOC, and recently renovated to include a covered wooden deck and long drop toilet! There are 4 wooden bunks and mattresses along with a few basic cooking supplies such as pots, pans, a can opener etc. The deck makes for a cute wee dining area complete with two seats and a table. It’s a lovely spot to watch the sunrise or sunset while sipping on a cuppa. Outside, the Tautuku River is just a minute’s walk away. It’s shallow but with a constant flow. Signs in the hut say the rain water collected is clean and does not need to be treated before drinking but all we found was an open-top barrel with floaties in it, so we decided to boil water from the stream instead. Around the corner there’s a fire ring with tree trunks for seats. Dry wood is stacked underneath the deck. Outside, the Tautuku River is just a minute’s walk away. It’s shallow but with a constant flow. Signs in the hut say the rain water collected is clean and does not need to be treated before drinking but all we found was an open-top barrel with floaties in it, so we decided to boil water from the stream instead. Around the corner there’s a fire ring with tree trunks for seats. Dry wood is stacked underneath the deck. From admiring the golden treetops at sunset, to listening to the sound of the nearby Tautuku River, the crackling sounds of the fire and the drops of rain hitting the roof — it was a nature lover’s paradise. I rocked my little boy to sleep that night in one of the most peaceful places we have ever been together After a long day of playing and exploring, I rocked my little boy to sleep that night in one of the most peaceful places we have ever been together. Until the next adventure at least! Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 9 km Trail Type: Out-and-back Elevation Gain: 350 meters Time: 3 hr 30 min Hut Coordinates: 
46°33'13.5"S 169°19'29.8"E Mountain Mamas NZ is an online community of New Zealand based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. mountainmamasnz.com instagram.com/mountainmamasnz 
 facebook.com/mountainmamasnz See Mountain Mamas NZ group story Photos ©2023 Kayla Laatz Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 5

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Understanding your motorhome, caravan, fifth wheeler You can download the contents and a chapter of each book to judge its usefulness before you buy. How to choose and Buy an RV If you are thinking of buying, Collyn has this comprehensive book just for you:. There is so much to learn, to use and manage your rv well. The Caravan & Motorhome Book Miriam Richardson Understanding your motorhome, caravan, fifth wheeler Australian Collyn Rivers has travelled in a wide range of different sorts of RVs. He learned in real life. He has crossed the centre of Australia 12 times, travelled through Africa, towed a 40 year old caravan 700 km north of the Arctic Circle. He’s dealt with every issue you are ever likely to encounter on the road. He’s also an engineer and a writer who can translate complex topics into real English and has a number of books to help you understand∞ manage, build and or modify a recreational vehicle. His books are often in local libraries; you can buy them at jaycar.co.nz or online (Australia) rvbooks.com.au -- Choose > Our books 
or buy a kindle version from amazon.com.au ($AU14.27). You can download the contents and a chapter of each book to judge its usefulness before you buy. If you have your caravan, trailer or motorhome already, or are planning to build your own, this book 
is an ideal and comprehensive reference book. There is so much to learn, to use and manage these well∞ and I have found it really useful to understand the ins and outs, even if I intend to employ an rv professional to do the actual work. It is a book you can dip into, find and read what you need to know at this moment∞ and a reference book to refer back to. The book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. Among other things it covers the different kinds of vehicles, lighting, LPG, water, toilets, showers, heating, solar, batteries, inverters, mains power, fridges, TV, comms, preparing for a trip, keeping safe∞ and more. Highly recommended. If you are thinking of buying, Collyn has this comprehensive book just for you: How to Choose and Buy an RV: Here's how to get it right first and every time BY: Miriam Richardson Next issue: Caravan and Motorhome Electrics Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 14

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption I hear people on Facebook saying ‘I am with xxx and I have no speed problems.’ This is not a big help... Getting the internet on the road Miriam Richardson There are two ways to get on the internet while on the road: with your mobile phone or with mobile broadband. ONE: mobile phone Modern mobile phones use the internet routinely: have you checked your email? viewed a YouTube video? read Facebook? used Campermate? used Google? All of these use the internet through your phone connection. The plan on your phone determines how much internet you can use in a month. TWO: mobile broadband There is a network of towers through NZ that allows Netspeed and Wireless Nation to give travellers access to mobile broadband. Modem To connect to mobile broadband you need a modem. Generally travellers get an adapter to connect the modem to their 12v/24v power. Choosing: mobile phone or mobile broadband? If you are content to do all your internet connection through your phone, stick with a mobile plan. If you want to connect a tablet, iPad or a computer as well as your phone, you have a choice. To choose a plan you need an idea of • how much data you need, • where you might travel, • what devices you want to connect to the internet, and • whether you want to use your phone as the modem. How much data do you need? What do you normally use? Look back on the last few months of internet use, if you can. Will you continue to use the internet the same? Might you use use less when travelling? Might you watch TV through the internet and use a lot more? Hot spot the phone or use a modem? To use your phone to connect all your devices to the internet, you need a plan that allows you to do it: it is called ‘hot spotting’. When you ‘hot spot’, your phone becomes a wireless network that lets other phones, computers etc get online via the phone. The phone needs to sit where the signal is good while you are using it as a modem. Coverage: where can I get a signal? Your phone/internet provider has an online map that shows their coverage — where you can expect to get a signal. Mobile phones have stronger and more complete cover near towns and cities. Different providers share the towers. The coverage maps show the strength of the signal. There are dead zones with no coverage at all (no towers). Speed The biggest complaint people make is about the speed of the internet when they are travelling. There are several reasons why the internet could be slow. You are comparing it to a fibre connection at home. Mobile broadband is slower than fibre. It just is. You are a long way from a tower, so the signal is weaker, or there is something between you and the tower. Try moving. The nearest tower has lesser capacity. Some towers have greater capacity than others. Areas with few people may well have lesser capacity — and a bevy of motorhomers enjoying the back of beyond at the same time might overload it. You are parked up with a bunch of other travellers who are all using the same tower at the same time to get online. (Netspeed, Wireless Nation and local providers are all using the same towers.) You, or your neighbours are doing something that uses a lot of data: downloading video, visual phone calls, online TV or listening to radio, all use quite a bit of data. The locals are busy and using the same tower at the same time. The modem or its connection needs refreshing: do a speed test ( www.speedtest.net ), and then talk to your provider. _____________ I hear people on Facebook saying ‘I am with xxx and I have no speed problems.’ This is not a big help: it all depends where they have been travelling, how far they have been from the mobile tower, when they tend to use the internet, and how many others are using it at the same time. There might be particular times when the towers are being overworked: before work; after school; evening entertainment time (video and TV use a lot of data). Try after 11pm, at 1am, at 6am: if the speed is good, then it is a competition problem. ____________ Aerials Having an aerial on the roof might improve your internet connection. BY: Miriam Richardson Photo: ©2022 Miriam Richardson Next issue: How to choose an internet provider Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 23

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Festivals & Shows Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 35

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption smallest-1.webp smallest-3.webp smallest-2.webp smallest-2-angel.webp smallest-2-sign.webp smallest-4.webp smallest-5.webp The smallest church Margaret Earle We visited New Zealand’s smallest church which is just south of Dargaville. The grounds around it have some interesting curiosities. Photos ©2023 Margaret Earle Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 32

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Check out their online virtual tour. STOP and STAY Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp Marty Ireland Looking for a one stop camp for the family with the dog as well ? Then Quinneys Bush is the place to go. Started as a Christian-based camp some decades ago, although not pushed or unduly promoted, it is now the basis for an acceptable strict camp policy which gives a safe, fun family environment during the summer season. It is 1 hr 45 min from Blenheim, 40 min from Nelson, 55 min from Murchison. This is a popular spot during peak season so book early. There is plenty of sheltered space between sites even when full. Besides tent and caravan sites (powered and unpowered) there are cabins and permanent tents and caravans to hire. There are set daily times for multiple flying foxes, a large water slide, a small motorbike course, trailer rides, and a go cart track. There is also a skate ramp, farmyard pets, turtle pond, tame eels and and a large, safe swimming hole to cool off in. On-site wood-powered boilers provide hot water to the very clean ablution blocks and kitchens and offer a warm seating spot on the cooler evenings. Free braziers are available and firewood is sold each evening: a great marshmallow-toasting and family meeting point at the end of the day. Nearby is a real fruit icecream and honey shop. Take your push bike and use the camp exercise loop track or just use it to get around the generous campsite. Nearby is easy forest riding including an old unused rail tunnel, and a local cafe offering good coffee and a selection of affordable meals and snacks. Check out their online virtual tour. 255 Kohatu-Kawatiri HWY Motupiko 03 5224249 quinneysbush@xtra.co.nz quinneysbush.co.nz Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 13