9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lake Pukaki September 2024 ©2024 M Richardson I can’t get enough. Lake Pukaki Miriam Richardson Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 3

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Business services Editor Any relevant business can list here; it is free. Anyone can recommend a business to add to the list. No endorsement is implied. North Island RV and Camper Business Services South Island RV and Camper Business Services These listings are maintained by NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd. To list your business make a recommendation make a correction or alert them to an error, please email admin@nzlifestylecamping.com Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 33

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mackenzie Country, winter 2024. Cows crossing the bridge, Ohau B Canal, Mackenzie Country, August. ©2024 M Richardson Roll on summer. Editorial Editor We have had a mild winter, not so good for skiers, but really good for campers, and we head through spring into summer looking at a good forecast ( ckw.nz/niwa-1024 ), with a just a bit of risk of some heavy rainfall events. Cows crossing the bridge, Ohau B Canal, Mackenzie Country, August. ©2024 M Richardson As we continue on our journey towards the new horizon our governments have given us for camping in a Kiwi way, we are buoyed by the ingenuity that is enabling vehicle campers to meet the new self-containment requirements, while tent campers are only now becoming aware how the new law is shrinking their choices. Councils now have to create bylaws if they are to allow non-self-contained camping within their region, and many do not seem to feel any obligation to cater to the needs of tent campers at all. Meanwhile, NZMCA, while rescuing some publicly-owned camping grounds from neglect, is failing to rise to the challenge of supporting all NZ campers, when managing a public facility (more next issue). All Points Camping has a great list of camps coming up (p36), and if you are new to camping, check the ‘soft start’ suggesrtions from their Stop and Stay list (p34). Share your camping stories with us: successes and challenges too— lets keep each other inspired as we explore and enjoy New Zealand. ◼️ Tiaki mai, tiaki atu Miriam Richardson, Editor Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 4

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The power of freedom camping bylaws Bette Cosgrove Bylaws differ between regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, and do not exist in almost half of all council districts. Bylaws are created by local authorities — regional and district councils — to manage public land and facilities. Bylaws add to the current Freedom Camping Act 2011, which is the overarching national legislation. Bylaws used to restrict or prohibit freedom camping The Freedom Camping Act gives local authorities the right to manage and control freedom camping in their district. They can prohibit or restrict some areas, but they cannot apply a restriction across a whole region as the intent of the Freedom Camping Act is to make freedom camping a permissible activity. The Act allows authorities 3 reasons for making restrictions: in order to: protect an area; protect the health and safety of people who may visit an area ; or protect access to local authority areas. A bylaw also has to be the most ‘appropriate’ and ‘proportionate’ way of addressing the perceived problem and it must be consistent with the Bill of Rights Act which protects NZers rights and freedom to travel to public areas of our land. http://ckw.nz/bill-rights The Act allows bylaws to be enforceable, with a maximum fine of $200. Of the 68 district & regional councils which have bylaws? 38 have written and notified bylaws which can restrict or prohibit some areas of their public land from freedom campers staying overnight. 62 have allocated some freedom camping sites on public land. -- The other 6 have none, or only paid sites. 30 have no current bylaws, and generally allow freedom camping according to the Act. 31 have areas set aside for ‘non self contained’ freedom camping in a vehicle, but in many cases this means ‘not certified as self contained using the NZ Standard’. 50 councils have guidelines or bylaws restricting camping, -- 43 to ‘certified self contained’ vehicles -- 7 to a ‘self-contained’ vehicle.. 65 councils provide public toilets at campsites. -- 61 have toilets at every freedom camping site; -- 4 have some sites with and some without toilets. 3 councils do not offer freedom camp sites on their managed public land, contravening the Freedom Camping Act . Restricted areas Bylaws can state clearly that people may freedom camp in particular areas, but that there might be restrictions in place. Examples of some restrictions councils use: restricted to self-contained vehicles; restricted to a maximum of three consecutive nights in any four week period; restricted to designated carparks within a particular area; camping in a non-self-contained vehicle or a tent must occur within 100m of a public toilet. Self containment of vehicles as it may be used in bylaws If local authorities restrict freedom camping at a particular site to self-contained camping only, the following definition of self-contained vehicle may be useful: “Self-contained vehicle means a vehicle designed and built for the purpose of camping which has the capability of meeting the ablutionary and sanitary needs of occupants of that vehicle for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services or discharging any waste and complies with New Zealand Standard 5465:2001: Self Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans, as evidenced by the display of a current self-containment warrant issued under NZS 5465:2001.” From a model bylaw, Local Government NZ Note that “self-contained vehicle” is not defined in the Freedom Camping Act and that this is not the only example of how it may be definedThe NZ Standard 5465 is currently a voluntary standard for self-containment of caravans and campervans, which is not monitored by any government agency or written into any national legislation. You may download one free copy of the standard here: ckw.nz/standard . Compliance to the Standard is not mandatory, although it is not included in current legislation, it is used in some bylaws as a (legal) condition of restriction. The NZ Standard 5465 is included in the new bill before Parliament — the Motor Vehicle Self Containment Legislation — which has not yet passed into law. All information shared here is correct at time of publication, by researching all 68 councils’ published information about Freedom Camping Bylaws or Guidelines See also What’s in a name? If the law changes Waiting on a law change Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 28

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption tiny-aeropress_mw.webp Coffee while wild camping Outdoorsman Dave How do you prepare your coffee while wild camping? It’s fresh ground beans in an aeropress for me! ©2023 Outdoorsman Dave Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 33

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Game solution Rhonda Marshall Back to the game Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 38

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot: a great example The parks are wide enough for safety, and its easy to turn in and out; Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked; There is a large, clear sign; There is a dump station, water, rubbish & recycling bins, and it is walking distance to town; Sadly there are only 5 spaces in the only freedom camping spot in the town. A good cclear sign atWhakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot Big enough to read and positioned so you can read as you drive in. Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked. Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked at Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot. 2 parks full, 3 parks empty. Here we see a motorhome and a caravan parked, with 3 parks between them. Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot. The beautiful Tuapiro Reserve in the Bay of Plenty Alternate parking makes for fire safety at Tuapiro Reserve. This photo shows how vehicles have used alternate parks to give each other fire safety. But these campers are vulnerable, as others could park between, too close for safety, and blocking the doors. Tuapiro Reserve A clear map shows where to park A clear map shows where you can park at Tuapiro Reserve. Place. Space. Safety. What makes a great and safe freedom camping space? Miriam Richardson Physical space Turning space to get in and out easily. Room to open doors and put out a step. (BONUS: room for long vehicles.) Safe to park: gaps big enough for gas safety. (3m between vehicles.) Flat (lpg fridges need it flats). Room for all that turn up. Sealed or very firm ground, particularly in winter. Nice to have Close to town amenities — shops, banks, cafes. In or near a recreational area — lakes, walking / bike tracks, pools. Near or with any services: dump station, water, rubbish, toilet, shower, laundry. A fabulous view. Everyone loves a view. It needs a good sign. Hmmm. A good sign? Unambiguous wording. Truly, this is cannot be taken for granted. What kind of camping is allowed. Time restrictions. Where to park (and not park). Any restrictions or special conditions. BONUS: Big enough to read from the drivers’ seat. Whakatane’s McAlister St freedom camping spot: a great example The parks are wide enough for safety, and its easy to turn in and out. Motorhome parks (and non-parks) are clearly marked. There is a large, clear sign. There is a dump station, water, rubbish & recycling bins, and it is walking distance to town. Sadly there are only 5 spaces in the only freedom camping spot in the town. Pretty good view too, for an urban carpark. The beautiful Tuapiro Reserve in the Bay of Plenty Spaces are car-width, a clear map shows where you can park. Its a ovely place to park; plenty of room, great walks and views. This photo shows how vehicles have used alternate parks to give each other fire safety. But these campers are vulnerable, as others could park between, too close for safety, and blocking the doors. BY: Miriam Richardson Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 2

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Northland fire map Northland fire map Fire map on the website. The rules are different Before you light a fire DOC & NIWA Be aware of the risks of fires in forests, parks and rural areas. The rules are different in these areas compared to living and working in town. ckw.nz/fire-recreational Up-to-date weather observations and forecasts help you determine fire danger and safe behaviour. Check fireweather: fireweather.niwa.co.nz (Shown, below: Northland , 12 Mar) Keep a full bucket of water handy, as well as a fire extinguisher, if you light a fire. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 25

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A great two weeks at Waihora Domain Linda Butler It was a great two weeks at Waihora Domain in Motukarara. Linda Butler. Photo ©2023 Linda Butler Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 16

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson Waipu Caves ©2024 Fiona Thomson up close to the stalactites and stalagmites Hidden gem Fiona Thomson Recently when we were traveling south from Whangārei on State Highway 1, we spotted a sign for Waipu Caves. It was a spur of the moment decision to investigate further, as we turned onto a gravel side road. The road took us on a short journey through a variety of scenery including wetlands, farmland and native bush. On arrival, we were meet by the friendly staff who were just sending a group of school students off with their guides to explore the caves. We enjoyed our hour or so guided walk through the Milky Way Glow Worm cave, where our guide taught us about cave conservation, its geology and ecology. The concrete path, and stainless steel handrails, made for a nice experience as we got up close to the underworld cave formations of stalactites and stalagmites. This is a wet cave system, with water flowing deep below us. This provided just the right habitat to see New Zealand’s world-famous glow worms. There are a number of other activities available at the 320-acre park, including; caving, mountain biking, bush walks through naturally sculpted limestone formations, orienteering, abseiling, rock climbing and archery by arrangement. There are also campground sites set aside for tenting and parking motorhomes, at this newly opened attraction. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 25

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A coddiwomple to Tanners Point Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Park with a view at Tanners Point A stunning freedom camp parking spot. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Pohutukawa at Tanners Point A stunning freedom camp parking spot. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Bush and pohutukawa boughs, Tanners Point Bush and pohutukawa boughs reach down to the water along the coastal reserve walkway. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Out on the water, Tanners Point Fishers drift in to throw a line from the jetty, or putt out from the boat launch for a day on the water. An old time local wanders up the track, bare feet following his old terrier. Clear water on the bay track, Tanners Point Seniors meet to share the local gossip, retirees leisurely trek around the bay track and the clear water sparkles as the tide pulls up. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Recharging at Tanners Point Everything is greener and bluer than you've seen for ages, and the light recharges your soul batteries. Shhhhh don't tell too many people. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Tanners Point Bette Cosgrove Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. At a stunning freedom camp parking spot, bush and pohutukawa boughs reach down to the water along the coastal reserve walkway. Fishers drift in to throw a line from the jetty, or putt out from the boat launch for a day on the water. An old time local wanders up the track, bare feet following his old terrier. Seniors meet to share the local gossip, retirees leisurely trek around the bay track and the clear water sparkles as the tide pulls up. Everything is greener and bluer than you've seen for ages, and the light recharges your soul batteries. Shhhhh don't tell too many people. Katikati, Bay of Plenty. Photos ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 34

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Celebrating Summer Celebrating Summer Editor Six pages of stories from around the country and the season. EXPLORE THE STORIES Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 5