8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Autumn-Lake-Wardel_0413_H.webp GO TO Autumn Gold freedom camping Lake Wardel M Richardson Autumn snow behind Lake Wardel, a free camping spot near Twizel, McKenzie Country. ©2022 M Richardson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 37

1 Spring 2022 News from clubs and groups Up Mary Reid Easter: Lake Aniwhenua camp
 Wow what a great camp; we went from expecting 8 or 9 people to having over 20, with a range in numbers of nights spent at the camp, as well as day-trippers adding to the vibe. But what a fantastic camp site —staying lakeside all the water sports were on offer, trees, walks, kids adventure playground including flying, and apart from the night chill we had fab days, albeit with the pesky wasps and/or mossies. We had the expected awesome camp social times with nights full of great humour and friendship as we caught up with members we knew and got to know the newbies — fab to see so many new faces rocking up to the Waikato-BoP camp and we all look forward to the next time we see you. Keep the wheels rolling. BY: Mary Reid, All Points Camping, Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Share stories and images from your group’s meetings and events. Anything that would be of interest to other campers, and or would encourage others to join your group or participate with you. Get your photos and stories to us by 1 Nov for the Summer/December issue.
 Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Keep on making memories, having fun, meeting new people and exploring: #campingTheKiwiWay. Lake Aniwhenua Ohope gathering An All Points Camping gathering on an Ohope orchard (Bay of Plenty). August 2022

 ©2022 Angela Bryan Lake Aniwhenua 1/2

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Waikato River Trails Waikato River Trails Waikato River Trails Biking the Waikato River Trails Glyn Wooller, Waikato River Trails Waikato River Trails recently attended the motorhome and campervan show at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. We were delighted and slightly overwhelmed with the interest in cycling, particularly from those with ebikes, and the keen interest in the camping areas along the trails. Here’s the exciting opportunities for your stay and cycle journey on the Waikato River Trails. The Trails are just over 100km long, extending from Atiamuri in the south to Lake Karapiro in the north. Seventy km is off-road and just over 30km on-road. The Trails largely sit close to the beautiful Waikato River with stunning scenery along each bend and it touches the villages of Atiamuri, Whakamaru, Mangakino and Arapuni. Cafés await you at Whakamaru, Mangakino and Arapuni. About half the use of the Trails is cycling the other half walking or running. Now the great news, if you have a campervan or caravan. Thanks to South Waikato and Taupo District Councils there are a number of fantastic riverside reserves available for camping, each directly connected to the trails. Dunhams reserve, Lake Whakamaru, Whakamaru reserve, Mangakino Lakefront reserve, Lake Mareatai, Jones Landing, Lake Arapuni and Little Waipa Reserve, Lake Karapiro. The Waikato River Trails website has detailed maps including all reserve locations. For maps and more information about the Waikato River Trails visit our website waikatorivertrails.co.nz . Have a great summer and we hope to see you on the trail — enjoy the ride, the cafes and remember if you need a shuttle there are great operators to help you out. A request from South Waikato District Council Freedom camping is welcomed at the following South Waikato District reserves: Little Waipa, Jones Landing, Lake Whakamaru Reserve and Dunhams Point. All these camping reserves have public toilets, BBQ, rubbish bins and shower facilities. Also boat ramp access. Council ask that you get a camping permit from the council website, it only takes a few minutes: ckw.nz/waikato-camp-permit Glyn Wooller, Waikato River Trails Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 11

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Talking_w_m.webp #vanlife #ontheroadagain #freedomcampingnz Talking to four van loads of international tourists Bette Cosgrove On my last roadie I met and chatted with four van loads of international tourists from UK, Australia and Germany who have been freedom camping around NZ in small (slider-type) hire vans from Escape or Jucy. How wonderful to welcome them back as tourists. Things I learned from all four groups. They absolutely LOVE our country and feel privileged to be able to enjoy our natural beauty They travelled up and down both islands. They spend a lot of money — on food, petrol and hireage. They found NZ was very expensive! They were all here for minimum 5-6 weeks. They clean up after themselves — their vehicles and campsites were spotless. They all commented about our 'four seasons in one day' weather. v They could not understand why their small vehicles might no longer qualify for CSC, if the law changes and restricts where they could stay. They all felt this law change might discourage visitors from coming if freedom camping was more limited. They use apps and chat to other travellers to find top spots and had met some lovely people. They didn't use their onboard portapotties because they said there were always toilets where they stopped in the allocated/restricted freedom camp or DOC sites. One couple couldn't understand why some toilets were locked at night. A good question. One family, in a Jucy van, here for 8 weeks, had used the portapotty twice for their young son. They had never had an inspection by a council officer. It was great to meet them all briefly. Another special part of being on the road. Haere mai all you fabulous tourists. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 28

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Hammock Time ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Hammock time Bette Cosgrove Hammock time, Tokomaru Bay ©2024 Bette Cosgrove GO TO Celebrating Summer Free camping with a non-fixed toilet. Impossible after law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 5 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 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

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption events_H_glendhuBay-MNR_1064.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Come Camping Mark your calendars now Pre Spring @ Woodbury AUG: 22–24 , Fri, Woodbury, Sth Canterbury Who is willing to brave any weather? We have the use of the Pavilion all day Saturday. ckw.nz/woodbury-pre-spring ckw.nz/woodbury-pre-spring-rsvp 9 Hole Golf Hop OCT: 19–23, Sun, Greta Valley, Nth Canterbury Join us for 4 days & nights of golf and camping. Limited numbers. ckw.nz/golf-oct25 ckw.nz/golf-oct25-rsvp Camp at Steampunk the Thames NOV: 7–10, Fri, Thames, Coromandel Join us at camp for the 10th anniversary of Steampunk the Thames. The camp is at the Thames Sea Scout Hall. This is a fun weekend for all ages with entertainment, competitions, dancing, prancing, gears and gadgetry. steampunkthethames.co.nz ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-25 ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-25-rsvp South Island Campfest 2025 NOV: 14–16, Fri, Woodbury, Sth Canterbury Family fun and entertainment from 2pm 14th November.cSomething for everyone. APCNZ’s FIRST South Island Campfest. ckw.nz/si-campfest-25 ckw.nz/si-campfest-25-rsvp Waiterere beach NOV: Fri 21–23, Fri, Waiterere, Horowhenua Hydrabad Holiday Park, Waitarere Beach. Details to come Do the hoki To Kaitoke DEC: 5–9, Fri, Upper Hutt Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington. Details to come Happy 10th Birthday All Points DEC: 24 –7 Jan, Wed, Motukarara, Canterbury Join us at the Waihora Domain as we celebrate Christmas, New Year, horse racing and birthdays! We will be camping from Christmas eve for two weeks. Come when it suits. ckw.nz/waihora-dec25 ckw.nz/waihora-dec25-rsvp New Year at Paraparaumu Beach DEC: 29–2 Jan, Mon, Kapiti, Wellington Join us for a relaxed New Years camp at Paraparaumu Beach Sea Scouts Hall site. Its just a short walk to the beach, estuary and local shops, and beside a large park and sports area. ckw.nz/new-year-25 ckw.nz/new-year-25-rsvp 2026 Waitangi at Morison’s Bush FEB: 5–9, Thu, Morison’s Bush, Wairarapa Details to come . Waitangi Weekend Bluff Farm FEB: 6–8, Fri, Oxford, Canterbury Winter camping was such fun that now we want a summer camp. Who is keen for a dip in the Ashley Gorge? ckw.nz/bluff-farm-waitangi-26 ckw.nz/bluff-farm-waitangi-26-rsvp Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games MAR: 3–15, Fri, Palmerston North All Points Camping will be managing the camping for this event – details later. For the latest camps All Points Camping events . NZ Fun Advcentures (FB) Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Parking for larger vehicles. Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the stores. Wellington Differs each month, so watch for us on Facebook Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 38

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption SS_Brunel-16663.webp GO TO as the seasons change the night sky is filled with thousands of stars STOP and STAY Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount Heather Auckram Southland I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains? Take the Southern Scenic Route from Tuatapere to Manapouri and on the main road, at the turn-off to Lake Monowai, stands the rustic and charming, Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar. A wonderful place to stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch or a hearty meal. There is good wheelchair access and free internet inside the cafe. You can eat inside or eat al fresco under the wide verandah. There is plenty of room for larger vehicles to turn and park on the flat stone and grassed area, which can house about 10 motorhomes. They ask a small fee of $10 per van per night, but you will need to be self-contained. Water is available. Pets are welcome but keep them on a lead. The cafe bustles with customers during the day, but at night you will hear the sounds of silence, broken occasionally by sheep, cows, ruru/moreporks or a lone milktanker. Above you the night sky is filled with thousands of stars. The cafe sits at the turn-off to Lake Monowai. Drive further along Borland Road and you will reach the lake, where you can take a short walk through the moss-covered bush (bring your sandfly repellent. You will need it). 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 31

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Ōparara Basin waharoa (gateway) Karamea, Kahurangi National Park. ©2024 Andrew Morton Ōparara Basin viewpoint The new viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the basin and includes interpretation for visitors such as a stone diorama explaining the geological formation of the area. ©2024 Andrew Morton Map ©2024 Andrew Morton Walking in the bush ©2024 Andrew Morton Walking in the bush ©2024 Andrew Morton Walking in the bush ©2024 Andrew Morton Walking in the bush ©2024 Andrew Morton Walking in the bush ©2024 Andrew Morton Mirror Tarn ©2024 Andrew Morton Moria Gate Arch ©2024 Andrew Morton Moria Gate Arch ©2024 Andrew Morton Moria Gate Arch ©2024 Andrew Morton Moria Gate Arch ©2024 Andrew Morton Karamea map We found this incredible destination, 50 minutes north of Karamea. Truly a Summer to remember Andrew Morton Currently on night 23 of this 86-night trip. In Murchison next week I celebrate my 250th night since getting my teardrop. (I’m heading for a 500-night goal in the next couple of years). After 23 days I have done 380+ km mountain biking, and driven 3000+ km. Truly a Summer to remember, this one. Many more rides in sight, including Queen Charlotte track in March, and many more places to go & people to meet and friends to catch up with. My wife joined me for a mini holiday yesterday— a16hr and 450km driving day. We found this incredible destination, 50 minutes north of Karamea: Moria Gate Arch and Mirror Tarn. ©2024 Andrew Morton GO TO Celebrating Summer my 250th night since getting my teardrop Free camping with a non-fixed toilet. Impossible after law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 15 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Heading over the Pigroot to St Bathans. SH85. ©2025 Heather Auckram Parked at the free camp at the St Bathans domain under a shady tree with a hot 32degree breeze blowing through the van. ©2025 Heather Auckram Loki dog enjoyed poking his nose into rabbit holes. ©2025 Heather Auckram quirky goal posts ©2025 Heather Auckram GO TO Here & there last summer quirky goal posts The Pigroot SH85 Heather Auckram Headed over the Pigroot to St Bathans. Parked at the free camp at the domain under a shady tree with a hot 32 degree breeze blowing through the van. Loki dog enjoyed poking his nose into rabbit holes on the rugby field with the quirky goal posts. The Pigroot, SH85, runs from Palmerston on the coast via Ranfurly to Alexandra in Central Otago. There was a town and a pub called Pigroot during the 1870s and 80s. St Bathans is a 12km side journey. ©2025 Heather Auckram Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 5

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 NZ Lifestyle Camping We are support all types of campers. Getting your camping vehicle certified Gary Stoneley NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification NZ Lifestyle Camping operates as an independent national network for self-containment certification to support the NZ vehicle camping industry. You do not need to be a member of a club or organisation to get your self-containment certification through NZLC but must have a vehicle that is fit for the purpose of habitation. NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers continues to offer self-containment in accordance with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers, self-containment regulations. We are committed to supporting all types of campers We also offer alternative certification (low cost option) for those who do not freedom camp or for staying at host properties and events. This is suitable for vehicles with portable toilets and tiny homes as evidence of self-containment. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk being fined. NZLC Fees $63: Green (for ‘freedom camping’) warrant and certificate. ✚ Testing officers charge for their time. ✚ $120 government freedom camping levy. $48: Blue ( not for ‘freedom camping’) warrant and certificate. ✚ Testing officers charge for their time. $20: reissue of lost warrant card. Free: an email copy of a certificate. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you: nzlifestylecamping.com North Is: ckw.nz/cert-north South Is: ckw.nz/cert-south NZLC provides both blue and green self-containment warrant cards and documentation through our national network of testing officers. New blue warrant cards remain recognised throughout NZ but not for ‘freedom camping’ ( see p2 ). We wish everyone safe travels l We encourage you to ‘Leave no Trace’ when camping. Kind regards, Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd 027 246 9778 4 For further information check our website NZ  LifestyleCamping.com ◼️ Choose from an independent national network of more than 150 self-containment testing officers ©2024 NZ Lifestyle Camping Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 39

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption SS-tuppence-H-entrance_5.webp SS-tuppence-entrance_5.webp SS-tuppence-number2_4.webp SS-tuppence-cabbage-dog_1.webp SS-tuppence-pirongia_3.webp SS-tuppence-wellness_2.webp SS-cafe77-H.webp SS-cafe77-map.webp SS-cafe77-sign.webp SS-cafe77 sites.webp SS-reporoa--6.webp SS-reporoa--2.webp SS-reporoa--4.webp SS-reporoa--5.webp SS-reporoa--7.webp SS-reporoa-butchers-12.webp GO TO Here & there last summer STOP and STAY Stop and Stay, Central North Island Maggie O’Rourke This summer I decided that I would go and check out some of the stop and stays on the website. What a delight discovering these places and new ones. Maggie O’Rourke and keltic star Tuppence, Pirongia One of my stays was at Tuppence in Pirongia — one couldn’t stop singing the Penny Lane song after that. I was greeted by Ursula our host and parked up and was shown where everything was, including water, recycling and compost bin. It didn’t take long before I felt like I was at home for my four day stay. I told Ursula that I was meant to have a water filter put in that day and when her husband got home from work he put my filter in free of charge and had a quick look at my tyres to see if they were okay as he works at the tyre shop in Te Awamutu. Truly blessed and grateful. They have a very entertaining dog, who quite happily stole a cabbage I was given off my lap and never gave it back. What a delight, chasing a cabbage-eating dog. Really enjoyed staying here. They have a lovely quiet rural property on the edge of Pirongia Village and are great hosts. They are 5 minutes away from the village by vehicle and about 15 minutes walk to the shops. Te Awamutu is 15 minutes away and the Mobil Station has the only dump station in the area (but no water tap). Ursula and her hubby are members of All Points Camping and have been running this park-up property in Pirongia for 10 years and have just recently put the price up from $5 to $10 non-powered, $15 powered per unit. Bookings essential. Open all year around and pet friendly. Pirongia village offers the following: a Four Square, hairdressers, bakery, cafe, the hive gift shop, book exchange at the community hall, psychic reader, colour therapist, massage therapists, acupuncture, Tai Chi, community classes, monthly and annual craft market, church, sports grounds, and river walk. The historic museum and visitors centre tells you the history of the area and famous people like Mary Scott (novelist) and the Māori wars. They have a walking map of archaeological redoubt sites in the area. Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre pirongiaheritage.org.nz . The next Annual Craft Market, which I highly recommend is on a Sunday at the end of September. There are also walks available on Mt. Pirongia which is a 15 minute drive from Penny Road at the Pirongia Forest Park. I highly recommend the nature walk for a picnic or an outing. ckw.nz/doc-pirongia The highlight of my visit was exploring the village, going to the heritage centre, the walks, seeing the future site for the Pirongia Wellness Centre where I had a picnic with my cousin, and the Sunday Food and Craft Market, on the last Sunday of the month at the community centre, where I got some fresh veggies and something crafty and small for my bus. Cafe 77, Manawaru Another great place to go to is the Community View Motorhome Caravan Park and Cafe 77 at the heart of Manawaru. It’s a lovely rural spot 15 mins from Te Aroha and 20 mins from Matamata. They have a lot of visits from cyclists doing the Hauraki Rail Trail and tourists. It was lovely seeing our All Points Camping sign on their park over property, in the cafe window and the flyers inside. They make good coffee and yo yo biscuits the old fashioned way —super yummy. Booking is essential to park in the self-contained camping area. They can fit up to 20 vehicles (for a group) but normally there are 10 spots to park-up on the grass. Open all year around. For $10 a night per unit, you have access to the toilet block, power points to recharge your bikes and wifi, as mobile reception is bad here — ask for the wifi password at the cafe. Bookings can be made at reception next to the toilet block or online. A post box is provided to pay after hours. Also on site are bike racks, a bike tool kit and an air compressor. Cafe/reception is open from 8am–3pm with the kitchen closing at 1.30pm.There’s a large event area with a climbing wall and plenty of seating onsite. Lovely spot to either stay, visit the historic old dairy company, historic churches, or have a beverage or something to eat. ckw.nz/camp-cafe77 Rosie and Brian’s, Reporoa What a hidden gem for a POP. I now know why it was recommended to me by members. Is it worth staying here? 100% yes! When I rang to book my stay I got Brian on the phone, with a huge welcome and the directions of 2 yellow vegetable signs and where to park in the 2nd paddock with the caravans. Of course his directions were spot on, but I still managed to overshoot the drive — if you’re heading either way and see the Reporoa sign you’ve gone too far. I tell you, what a welcome! I think why people stay is due to our lovely welcoming hosts Rosie and Brian. They have been operating this site in their paddocks for 8 years, back then it was a gold coin to stay and to help campers out. Brian is a master grower, not bad for 79, 80 this year. Their market vegetable shop and Rosie’s knitted clowns are for sale for cash only. It’s been a delight to stay here for a week learning about our hosts and having homegrown fruit and veges on the doorstep. People travel from Taupo to get their fresh produce here. Though not classed as organic with a certificate, it’s pretty close without that label attached. The vege shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am– 5pm-ish. So what does this POP offer us? Well where does one start? The longer I stayed more I discovered. The cost is $5 per unit per night. ■ou need to be fully self-contained. Tents are welcome, but you need your own toilet. Generators are allowed but please be considerate. Vege shop is open to pay 7 days a week please put money in blue container if they are not in the house or garden. Open year round and no time limit on your stay. Pumice ground for winter stay overs. Potable water. Book exchange. Shelter hut and stage with a piano and couch. Compost bin. Fire pit and bbq area —firewood is available for a donation. Dogs welcome, on a lead. All ages and groups welcome (groups: book in advance). Members and non members welcome. Book your spot by contacting them by phone but please be considerate and don’t ring too late. Nearest dump stations: Rotorua, Wairakei BP (often blocked), Taupo and Kinloch. What’s in the area Fishing at the bridge or by boat on the Waikato River (Brian knows all the best spots); shopping or tourist activities in either Taupo, Rotorua or even the mountain. If you go to bookme.co.nz you may get a bargain of 20–90% off activities and food. Butchers Pool The best kept secret in the area is 19km away, towards Rotorua: Butchers Pool, a free thermal pool. It’s so secret that you think the Google Maps are wrong as there is no sign, but someone’s house numbers are on the fence. It seems the locals don’t want you to know their secret and the sign often disappears. Coming into the dirt road is like a tankers track narrow and rough, me poor girl got shook up a bit (the bus not me); I was praying that no-one took us on coming the other way as there is no room to pass. Toilets, changing rooms and rubbish bins are onsite. Hot thermal pools according to my thermometer sit between 40–42°C. Beware when you climb in as the steps are slippery and pay attention to the signs saying not to put your head under (to avoid bacterial meningitis, a danger at all natural hot pools). Reporoa is 21km away. Another delight. Reporoa Valley Traders & Post Shop; Awaken cafe (8am–5pm Mon–Fri), I highly recommend their coffee and food and the staff are so welcoming and helpful — I ended up asking umpteen questions on the area. The op shop behind the playground on the main street is open 11am–4pm Thursday only. There is a fish and chip shop (11am–7pm, every day). Bake House (5am–5pm/6pm); Reporoa Food Market plus Lotto (7.30am–6.30pm, every day.) The Woolshed Tavern offers drinks, meals, a bottle store and takeaway meals (11am–8pm or 10pm, every day); there is a car mechanic, a tyre shop, police, health centre, vet, and playground. Though Taupo is the same distance from Rosie and Brian’s as Reporoa, Reporoa is not as busy, you can find a carpark, find a seat at the cafe and you can relax way more. Bliss. Plus the Butchers Pool is free just up the road. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 30