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- Editorial: looking back, looking forward | Camping the Kiwi Way
Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Editorial: looking back, looking forward Miriam Richardson As the season turns we look back on our summer — the adventures, the challenges, the starry nights, friends (new and old), the places we have explored, the places we plan to explore later. On shanks’s pony, in kayaks, boats, bikes, cars, vans, caravans, poptops, teardrops, motorhomes, we have spread out over the summer, loving our country. The season has turned with catastrophic weather taking out roads and houses leaving many with sheer survival as their focus. The autumn and winter ahead will be challenging on many fronts, so each chance you get, for a night, a weekend, a few days: take up your bed and go out and restore your spirit; enjoy the rivers, the beach, the hills, mountains, if they are close enough, and if all else is beyond reach, take your bed into the back yard and enjoy the stars. This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 4
- caravan-sc
Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption bring_H_cara-2264.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE A big challenge was the toilet. Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level Lance and Robyn Jones I have been working on our 17 foot caravan to bring it up to the new requirements for freedom camping. A big challenge was the toilet. We purchased a CHH toilet, all the accessories for it and the caravan compartment door for the cartridge removal. A local vehicle inspector with Lifestyle Camping (who happens to be a flatmate) was advising and when the problem of cutting the hole in the side of the caravan came up he had a look, the spot would have been the location of an upright support for the caravan and possibly supporting the window as well. We looked at options and came up with the idea of mounting the toilet on runners fixed to the floor. This allowed the toilet to be slid forward to access the cartridge without a hole in the body of the caravan. I obtained a pair of 500mm triple action runners from the local Bunnings store, we sat the toilet on a piece of plywood, marked and cut out a profile piece matching the toilet base and screwed the ply to the top of the runners, then fitted the toilet onto the ply and the runners in place on the floor, we had to locate the runners 50mm from the wall to give the required space to access/remove the cartridge with ease. I built a cabinet around the toilet and this folds back against the wall exposing the toilet when required and when closed, serves as either a table or a seat. We had to cut down the sofa to allow room for the toilet. The squab was also cut down and the cover resized; also the back board was altered. The setup works perfectly and the self-containment standard was achieved without compromising the side of the caravan. 🏕️ Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 21
- am-i-fc
8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Am-I-fc-Am-I-Freedom-Camping-Check-Sheet-5.webp GO TO Autumn Gold Am I freedom camping? Bette Cosgrove Infographic created from the quiz by Leanne Edwards from Quirky Camper s You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping, and subject to freedom camping laws. Where and how to legally freedom camp is limited by the both law and bylaws to encourage responsible camping. You can freedom camp anywhere on public land: where there is no bylaw to prohibit it, and your vehicle has a current/valid warrant, ie. it is a certified Self-Contained Vehicle [SCV], in a tent (or temporary structure) where there is no bylaw prohibiting it, in a non-self-contained vehicle where it is specifically allowed (with or without added restrictions). Freedom Camping Act 2011: ckw.nz/FC-lawRegulations : ckw.nz/scv-regs Not many score more than half. How well can you do?16 = all correct] Your score and model responses are revealed when you submit your answers. No personal data is collected by this self test. Do the test: ckw.nz/fc-yes-no Sadly, the test is currently unavailable. We expect it to be back online soon. Editor, 11 Oct 2024. Article and "Is it Freedom Camping" survey: ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Infographic ©2024 Leanne Edwards & Bette Cosgrove 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 8
- cycle-camping
8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold Cycle camping Andrew Morton Cycle camping with a teardrop and a fly. ©2024 Andrew Morton Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 21
- Kekerengu | Camping the Kiwi Way
Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Kekerengu Marty Ireland Camping with friends at Kekerengu on the Kaikoura coast, halfway between Blenheim and Kaikoura. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 27
- summer-22, gore-bay-2
2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Gore Bay Linda Butler Up There are two ways to get to Gore Bay. One via Cheviot township. Wow, that's such an awesome drive. The other entrance is near Donnet. This drive takes you past the Cathedral Cliffs. What an amazing spot. Gore Bay Camp is a small camp. We had to pre-book our site, and pay by cash when the custodian did his rounds in the evening. The facilities are old, but usable. Such a great place to go for a weekend break close to our home in Christchurch. We were fortunate to have a front row seat. Oh gosh. The sunrise was so pretty. And I loved the reflection effect on the windows of the bus. Hubby enjoyed a wander along the shoreline while I read my book at the front of the bus and chattered to our neighbours. No internet. No EFTPOS. No shop! No where for milk. Not unless you drive into Cheviot. Can't wait to go back again! North Canterbury. Up Up 1/7
- kiwi-camping
7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption The final set up: at the beach. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn 7x4 Pinto Kingsider trailer Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Kiwi Camping Rooftop Tent & Annex We decided to go with a Kiwi Camping Rooftop Tent & Annex as it had the best layout for our family, easy access & the service from them was great. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Kitchen drawer The second drawer had a chopping board pull out tray that converted to a kitchen sink/washing area, 3 burner gas cooker that sat on the top, plate & cutlery drawer & a back section for other miscellaneous items (eg cooking spray, gas bottle, cleaning supplies etc) Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Two drawers The first drawer was 1 long drawer for waterproof storage boxes which would hold food & other things, the second drawer, the kitchen. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Frame and drawers ready for the next step. We decided to have a go at making our own camper trailer, as we already had the 7x4 Pinto Kingsider trailer. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Adding the ACM panels. The most nerve-racking thing of all was attaching the VHB tape to the frame & then securing the ACM panels which was extremely stressful as one false move & it can’t be un-done! Luckily it went without a hitch (& a huge sigh of relief) & the frame was finally together. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Gas struts. I went searching for gas struts for the rear door but after having a lot of factors to consider, I decided to get a professional to install them. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Window and side door. I am glad I did install the side door as it’s proved very beneficial during wetter weather as you can load everything from inside the tent/annex straight into the camper without it getting wet. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Curtains Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Lights, pockets, extras. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Pockets on the wall. Bed set up. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn North Island Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn South Island Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn Kiwi camping with a difference Shaun & Jenn It all started with a chance conversation with friends about a special birthday coming up (I won’t mention which one!) & the fact that I wanted to take my wife & kids on a trip to the South Island over Easter 2023 as our boys had never been. Being on a budget, we decided that camping was our best option but our current set-up/pack-down time was way too long & we always took way too much gear to fit in our car, plus we wanted to take the bikes & kayak as well. With our friends already having a tear drop camper (and an extremely fast set-up/pack-down time), we decided to have a go at making our own camper trailer, as we already had the 7x4 Pinto Kingsider trailer. I’d always wanted to make a lockable cover of sorts for it so my mind started working overtime with all the possibilities. After spending many hours watching YouTube videos to help with ideas on how to build one and things to incorporate, I formulated a plan. I would build a collapsible box for the top of the trailer that could be stored flat when not in use so that the trailer could still be multi-purpose. I decided to make the frame out of 25mm galvanised steel & would clad the outside in ACM panels (aka Signboard), held on with VHB tape (for those that don’t know — it’s basically double-sided tape which was scary to think that it would do the job but I was assured that it would). I wanted to ensure that the hinges on the doors would be fully waterproof so chose Centaflex hinges & they work great. The roof would then drop down on top of the frame to secure everything in place (along with a couple of bolts & homemade roof-racks) & then we attached the rooftop tent on top of that with quick release hinges. We ended up purchasing the roof top tent first as we could still use it while building the camper trailer. After looking at all the options, we decided to go with a Kiwi Camping Rooftop Tent & Annex as it had the best layout for our family, easy access & the service from them was great. Plus, the height profile of it when packed away suited our needs too, as height of the entire unit was something we needed to take into account as we wanted to be able to store it in our garage. The drawers were next to be made & after much input from my family (mostly from my wife!) on how they needed to operate (she wanted all the bells & whistles, lol!) I drew up a sketch on how it should look & am proud to say that it came out looking pretty much like it. Not being a woodworker, I stumbled along & got it done with the basic tools I had (& plenty of cursing), but it worked & I got the drawers finished. The first drawer was 1 long drawer for waterproof storage boxes which would hold food & other things, the second drawer had a chopping board pull out tray that converted to a kitchen sink/washing area, 3 burner gas cooker that sat on the top, plate & cutlery drawer & a back section for other miscellaneous items (eg cooking spray, gas bottle, cleaning supplies etc). I also made the back section of floor removable so that we could access anything that we stored under the floor at the front of the trailer which allowed room for the gazebo & other larger items. After not having much luck with a company getting back to me on welding the frame (I waited at least 2 months or more),family & friends came to the rescue & got it all done for me just before Christmas 2022. The sides, ends & roof were all attached together using riv nuts for easy dismantling later & foam tape for weatherproofing. Finding some of the hardware for the doors/hinges/easy release tent mounts proved to be very challenging & took up a lot of time & gas but as the weeks went by the collection of items grew until we had everything we needed. Next it was time to do the most nerve-racking thing of all & attach the VHB tape to the frame & then secure the ACM panels which was extremely stressful as one false move & it can’t be un-done! Luckily it went without a hitch (& a huge sigh of relief) & the frame was finally together. I then fitted quick release brackets for the roof-top tent on the homemade roof-racks & fixed it to the roof. I also mounted a solar panel near the back of the trailer that could be multi-directional to capture as much sunlight as possible. I wanted to make sure that there was side access to the camper trailer so I also installed a side door that could be accessed from inside the annex of the roof-top tent along with a small window on the opposite side for outside views & airflow. I installed a couple of extra air vents for additional air circulation too. I am glad I did install the side door as it’s proved very beneficial during wetter weather as you can load everything from inside the tent/annex straight into the camper without it getting wet. Last but not least, I went searching for gas struts for the rear door but after having a lot of factors to consider, I decided to get a professional to install them (& I’m glad I did) as they work extremely well. We added a couple of finishing touches (eg. LED Lights for inside the trailer & above the cooking area, Mosquito nets/flyscreens on the doors, window curtains, wall pockets for phones/books/torches/tissues etc) & then decided to make a quick run down to Miranda campground (Firth of Thames) for a weekend to test it out before going away on our big trip. It worked great & with a few extra things added when we got home: we were ready for our big trip! So, 3 weeks, 5000km We left from Auckland, drove down to Wellington via New Plymouth, got the ferry over to the South Island & then travelled around visiting lots of different (& amazing) places before making the return trip home. We clocked up at least 5,000kms! Some of our favourite places to visit were Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Dunedin, The Catlins, penguin & seal colonies, Te Anau, Manapouri, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, The Wanaka Toy Museum, the Clay Cliffs at Omarama, Lake Tekapo & we couldn’t resist a stay at Lake Taupo Holiday Resort on the way home (they have the best hot pools & a swim-up bar). Our little camping trailer survived the trip & actually went really well — so much so that we’ve used it a lot ever since! The only thing we would have done differently would be to spend longer in each place as there’s soo much beautiful countryside to see & activities to explore. Even though we’re very close to being fully self sufficient — we don’t have a self-containment certificate — but instead of staying in packed campgrounds we prefer the serenity of a basic campsite. Photos ©2024 Shaun & Jenn GO TO Celebrating Summer It all started with a chance conversation Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 23 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org
- ferrymead
10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing My day at Ferrymead Tony Knights My day at Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch. ©2024 Tony Knights See the gallery Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 19
- get-certified
10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing > 150 testing officers 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 the detail ). 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 10 Summer 2024 , p 47
- wairau
10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing a hearty breakfast on the Wairau STOP and STAY The Wairau Gary Wills After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day.◊ ©2024 Gary Wills Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 17
- Waiouru-museum
10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing a safe place to park up I really like the Waiouru Army Museum joymareephotography I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. ◊ ©2024 joymareephotography@ckw.nz Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 17
- Issue 3, RV services North Is
BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up RV services North Is Up Up Up 1/0










