10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing this article explains all Safe toilet chemicals Collyn Rivers Safe toilet chemicals are essential, but some toilet chemicals kill essential bacteria in septic and environmental systems: some are toxic — this article explains all. To safely dispose of toilet waste is a major problem for caravan and motorhome owners who free camp. Safe toilet chemicals are essential as faecal matter endangers humans. Many toilet chemicals, however, contain non-biodegradable content. Worse, they kill essentially needed bacteria in ‘long drop’ and septic systems. Safe toilet chemicals So-called bio-stimulant products are environmentally friendly. Adding oxidising agents (or enzymes), speeds up nature’s breakdown of faecal matter. It also reduces smells. You can empty safely treated sewage into septic and sewage treatment plants, but not some so-called environmental systems. Environmentally safe toilet chemicals are oxygen-loving bio-stimulants — such as live bacteria and yeasts. Known-to-be-safe toilet chemicals include Bio-Pack, Odour-B-Gone, Aqua Kem Green and Aqua Kem Rinse (but not necessarily related products), and BioMagic. Their makers claim Envir-Chem, Reliance Bio-Blue, Century Blue Clean N Fresh, and Chempace bioFORCE to be safe. Biocides kill all bacteria Biocides kill all bacteria — good or bad. If you treat toilet waste this way it becomes allergenic: some people claim it possibly triggers cancer. Adding a further chemical reduces the stench of sewage broken down non-aerobically. The industry claims that sewage so-treated is disposable in sewage treatment plants. Biocidic chemicals, however, kill bacteria indiscriminately. This causes many that rely on septic tanks to have a concern about their facilities. Never use formaldehyde The major risk to the ecology is formaldehyde. The US Department of Toxic Substances Control states: ‘Chemical toilet additives include chemicals that are known to cause septic tank failures by killing the bacteria essential to the treatment process in the septic tank. Formaldehyde can thus cause these to die in holding tanks as it controls odour by killing bacteria. When a septic system fails, sewage waste does not break down. It can cause an increased risk to people in contact with raw sewage.’ The Department also warns against de-deodorisers such as Bronopol, Dowicil and Glutaraldehyde. Check the declared content of any product. One, promoted as ‘environmentally safe’, has the (obligatory) Material Safety Data Sheet stating it contains Bronopol. Chemtech’s Portasol claims to be environmentally friendly, but its data-sheet states it contains 10 g/L Glutaraldehyde. Be wary of home-made chemicals. Most contain bleach or Pine-O-Clean. Such material is cheap and effective, however, it kills essentially-needed bacteria. This is not a problem if the waste is disposed of in town sewerage systems. Do not, however, empty it into environmental or septic systems. Is Napisan a safe toilet chemical? Many RV owners suggest using Napisan (or similar) products. Napisan and its many look-alikes contain sodium percarbonate. This, in water, breaks down to soda ash and hydrogen peroxide. An additive makes the faecal matter smell less bad. This works well from an RV user viewpoint but content information, however, is hard to obtain for look-alikes. These may include chemicals that are poison to marine life. Some makers warn they are not safe to use in septic and similar systems. Some such products claim to be bio-degradable to Australian Standard 4351. But that Standard relates only to ‘surfactants’ — a detergent ‘wetting’ effect. It is thus not relevant. These products are cheap. They are, however, only border-line effective in breaking down faecal matter and reducing smells. Using them may damage the environment. Napisan — a professional view Emeritus Professor Ian Jenkins (previously Professor of Chemistry at Griffith University) has kindly provided an independent professional opinion on safe toilet chemicals. The authoritative article explains the active ingredient (in Napisan and associated products) that does the job is sodium percarbonate. It contains from 25%–35%. You can buy sodium carbonate (100%) in bulk. Brewing supply companies sell it for about $5.50 a kilo. Emeritus Professor Jenkins explains how to use it. Use only safe toilet chemicals You can safely use proven bio-friendly toilet chemicals to treat sewage for city sewage treatment plants. But if you travel a lot, be 100% certain the chemicals are bio-friendly. If not you can ruin costly septic systems. n Reproduced with permission, rvbooks.com Napisan article: ckw.nz/napisan You can buy sodium percarbonate from Binn Inn and on TradeMe. Editor Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 30

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption New Year gathering at Waihora, Motukarara, Canterbury. ©2023 Linda Butler Join the club All Points Camping ALL POINTS CAMPING CLUB of NZ We are proud to sponsor this issue of Camping the Kiwi Way Brought to you by NZ’s inclusive, friendly, camping club, for your reading pleasure. Family membership to the All Points Camping Club gives you: ✶ Membership support ✶ Friendly, inclusive camping events ✶ Nationwide savings ✶ Lobbying support for campers’ rights. You don’t have to have a self-contained vehicle to join. You don’t have to be a member to come to our events. It’s more than just a club, it’s like one big family. Come along to one of our events near you.Bring the tent, bring the kids. Image: ©2024 Margaret Earle Join now only $35NZ’s national camping club Join here: www.allpointscampingnz.org ✶ When the benefits far exceed the cost you’d be crazy not to take it up. ✶ Our values: compassion, inclusion, support and encouragement Top image: Motukarara, Canterbury. ©2022 Linda Butler. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 40

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024 All Points Camping at Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024 All Points Camping at Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove All Points Camping at Morisons Bush Bette Cosgrove All Points Camping at Morisons Bush, Waitangi Weekend 2024. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 21

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption It is a fascinating area with lots of ore wagon tracks still in place ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye It is very steep and a lot of hard work. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye This track is only 500m long but can take one hour to ascend. That gives you some idea of how steep the terrain is. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye It is a fascinating area with lots of ore wagon tracks still in place ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye There is various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye We climbed to the very top. ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye GO TO Springing We had a blast! Up, up the Waiorongomai Valley Greg Lokes After a cold morning out in the fog I headed back to the camper to thaw out my fingers and feet while having breakfast. At about 9 am Barb and I donned our tramping gear and went for a 4 hour hike along the bush trails that start at the Waiorongomai Valley carpark. We hiked to Butler’s Incline and climbed to the very top. It is very steep and a lot of hard work. We then descended the very, very steep New Era Branch Track, climbing down backwards in many places whilst hanging onto trees, roots and rocks. This track is only 500m long but can take one hour to ascend. That gives you some idea of how steep the terrain is. It is a fascinating area with lots of ore wagon tracks still in place along the hiking trails and various mining equipment and building ruins to see on the way. Due to all the rain there were numerous cascades and waterfalls spilling across the trails and also multiple fast flowing streams to cross. We had a blast! ◊ July 2023 ©2024 Greg Lokes FB: Gregs Eye ckw.nz/gregs-eye In the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. DOC: ckw.nz/doc-waiorongomai NZ’s oldest known railway: ckw.nz/oldest-tramway Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 36

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Playing in the surf, Kāwhia Alice and her brother Tom playing in the surf at Kāwhia, 2009 ©2024 Graham Leslie Bush walk Family bushwalk, Punakaiki, West Coast. 2006 ©2024 Graham Leslie Playing in the surf, Kāwhia Alice and her brother Tom playing in the surf at Kāwhia, 2009 ©2024 Graham Leslie GO TO Springing Being able to get out into nature Alice Leslie “Being able to get out into nature and go places that I would not physically be able to reach on my own is such a joy and privilege.” Family bushwalk, Punakaiki, West Coast. 2006 “Ninety percent of my childhood memories are from spending time in nature, going on bush walks and camping. “ ◊ Read Alice’s story about camping and accessability . Images ©Graham Leslie Alice and her brother Tom playing in the surf at Kāwhia, 2009 Family bushwalk, Punakaiki, West Coast. 2006 Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 4

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Tiny-worst_2065_mw.webp The worst part about going camping is coming home! Jayme Groeneveld Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people. Exploring new tracks and not knowing what is around the next corner is something that brings out the little kid in us and distracts the mind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a therapy only campers will understand!  
©2023 Jayme Groeneveld, Chilly Bin Adventures Instagram Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 21

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption SOG®: Fresh air in your toilet Corinne Lindemann-Roth Are you tired of using chemicals and having smells come from your Thetford or Dometic cassette toilet? Have you ever wondered whether there would be a more environmentally friendly way of using your caravan toilet? If so, a SOG® system is the solution for you! Nobody is a fan of unpleasant odours, especially not when on holiday and definitely not in confined living spaces such as those found in motorhomes and caravans. Now imagine being able to go to the toilet in your motorhome or caravan and be welcomed by nothing but the freshest of air! For owners of a SOG system, this dream is nothing but an everyday reality. Through the use of an electrically powered ventilator, SOG is able to remove any odours coming from the toilet and is also able to completely eliminate the need for toilet chemicals. This makes SOG good for both the environment and your wallet. The SOG system comes as a kitset which can easily be installed either by yourself, if you have the correct tools, or otherwise any RV workshop. These kitsets can be retrofitted to any existing Thetford or Dometic cassette toilet and come in three different vent location versions, depending on the van and space available: door, floor or roof installation are possible. Made in Germany, the SOG® System has been around in Europe for close to 30 years. Protect the environment and your wallet in the long run. You can find all of the information and all the SOG kitsets as well as the spare parts such as filters, fan motors etc. on Moutere Caravans website and online shop. mouterecaravans.co.nz/sog-system Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 16

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Away with the dog Heather Auckram We grab any chance to pack the Toyota Estima and the dog and just go. Here we are freedom camping beside the sea at Fortrose, Southland. Heather Auckram Photos ©2023 Heather Auckram Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 29

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption 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

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption DOC update DOC How to be a low impact camper Get the most out of your stay at a DOC campsite, minimise your impact and respect people, wildlife and places. Image: Camping on the Whanganui Journey © Laura Honey | DOC ckw.nz/doc-camping Time to get out and explore Tairāwhiti “We’ve got some beautiful spots on our doorstep waiting to be explored,” says DOC Senior Ranger Moira Lee. “Te Kuri Walkway in Gisborne, Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay, and the DOC campground in Anaura Bay are all open for visitors. IMAGE: Anaura Bay © Moira Lee | DOC ckw.nz/tai-rawhiti-24 | ckw.nz/east-coast-24 DOC Northland readies for a busy summer DOC is gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of campers expected to flock to popular Northland campsites. Northland’s DOC campsites have always been a favourite for summer holidaymakers, offering unique experiences from coastal views to tranquil bush settings. We encourage people to plan ahead and book early where possible, especially during peak times and be aware of the rules in place to protect these special places. No dogs. Image: Mimiwhangta Campground with campers © DOC ckw.nz/doc-northland-24 Lighting fires on public conservation land Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land. Image: Christina Wray | Creative Commons ckw.nz/doc-fires Meat the G.O.A.T Wild goat meat is one of the most lean and high-protein meats. In the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition DOC teamed up with Cazador restaurant to share some tasty wild goat recipes. Image: DOC © Cazador restaurant cazador.co.nz | ckw.nz/goat-recipes Leave Denniston relics where they lie DOC has a simple message for locals and visitors to top West Coast tourist destination and Tohu Whenua site Denniston — “leave Denniston relics where they lie.” Image: Denniston relics © DOC` ckw.nz/relics Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study. But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks. Each of the reserves has unique features. ckw.nz/wc-10yrs | ckw.nz/wc-marine | Image: ©DOC Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop over sub-alpine tops and around rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as our 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. Image: ©DOC ckw.nz/11th-great-walk | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-24 | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 44

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Opoutere Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel. Stop and Stay Campground at Opoutere Opoutere campground Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 13

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption bbq-charcoal-ben_mw.webp Do you need a permit for your BBQ? Fire and Emergency New Zealand Charcoal You don’t need a fire permit for a charcoal BBQ or grill in a restricted fire season if you meet the following safety requirements: ● You must have a suitable way to extinguish it within easy reach. ● Don’t use on an apartment balcony, deck, under a roof overhang or within other enclosed areas. ● You must have a suitable way to extinguish the fire within easy reach — a maximum of 5 metres away. ● You must not leave unsupervised while burning. Source: ckw.nz/charcoal-bbq-safety Gas You don’t need a fire permit for gas BBQs, cookers or heaters, but we recommend you: ● Check the fire danger and avoid lighting when the fire danger is Very High or Extreme. ● Regularly check and maintain any gas fittings and connections. ● Have a no-go zone to keep kids and pets safe. ● Have a suitable means to extinguish your fire within easy reach, a maximum of 5 metres away. ● Do not leave your fire unsupervised while burning.  n Source: ckw.nz/gas-bbq-safety © Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) Photo: © 2011 Ben Sutherland CC2.0 Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 24