Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption windy-packdown-H.webp GO TO as the seasons change have a plan, move quickly but be careful during the rush Windy Pack Down Tips Jonathan Collins Strong gusting wind has to be my worst thing when I’m camping. It really puts a camper to the test especially in terms of just how well a tent has been set up. When I look at damaged tents it is nearly always wind damage associated to missing set-up steps like having all of the guy ropes set out or pegs set into the ground correctly. One of the hardest things to do is to know when enough is enough, and when it’s time to pack up and leave. The very best time is just before the weather event hits. Not half way through it when the wind is still building strength. Often afterwards the damage is done so that’s a clear indication you might have left pack up too late. If you are caught out and packing up is what’s happening then here’s what I would do… Getting the tent down and away as fast as possible is going to minimise the chance for damage to occur. This is where an inflatable tent really comes into its own. You don’t have to manage getting poles out of pole sleeves while it’s a flapping mess on the ground. My wind tent pack-away goes like this… I fully empty the tent. I leave all the guy ropes out and pegs set in to hold the tent. It is at its strongest while it is correctly set up. I gather 4–5 things to weigh down the tent when it’s collapsed, like folded camp chairs etc. Once the tent is fully collapsed I place the weights on top of the material to stop it flapping around in the wind. Wind should be a lower speed at ground level. Once the material is weighed down I quickly remove all the guy outer pegs, then move into the base pegs. If it is crazy windy I might leave the pegs in on the prevailing wind side just to help hold the tent in place while I work. Once all the pegs are out and away in their peg bag I will fold the tent into a long slug-like line. You can use the wind to help you fold the edges over. Use the weights you have to hold things in place if needed. Roll the tent away as tight as possible (remember the more you roll it the tighter it will get). If the weather is particularly bad, I will spend less time getting the roll-away done and focus on getting the tent into a size that will fit back into the car. Even if it doesn’t go back in its bag properly, that’s ok. You can sort it out at home when you clean and dry it out. Now that the tent is away I will scan the camping area for all the things I have left on the ground. Hammer, peg bag, $20 note, camp chair or jacket etc. Obviously if you have helpers this can make everything easier, so use them to hold things down or in place while you work. The trick is to have a plan before you start, move quickly but be careful not to damage the tent during the rush. It’s a stressful thing to do, so try not to yell at your helpers and when it’s all done and in the car you should feel accomplished. Windy camp pack-ups are definitely one of the hardest things to do. 🏕️ ckw.nz/fb-windy-packdown NZ Fun Adventures | 
 facebook.com/groups/nzfacamping
 Photo: ©2025 NZ Fun Adventures Up Up Summer 2025 , p 17

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption not-always-geraldine-7-H.webp not-always-geraldine-5.webp not-always-geraldine-4.webp not-always-geraldine-3.webp not-always-geraldine-2.webp not-always-geraldine-6.webp not-always-geraldine-7.webp not-always-geraldine-8.webp not-always-geraldine-9.webp GO TO as the seasons change nine severe weather forecasts ! It’s not always sunshine & roses Andrew Morton It’s not always sunshine & roses out on the road. Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Luckily I am at the mild end of them all in Geraldine with 11.5mm rain today already of 17mm forecast. 1mm an hour at 8am so that’s my chance to pack up. We managed one day 50km ride in sun & dry conditions. Allan packed up & went home yesterday. I prefer to stick to the plan & enjoy every minute of my time away, whatever the weather. 🏕️ ©2025 Andrew Morton. Up Up Summer 2025 , p 23

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption butchers-pool-mnr_3508.webp GO TO as the seasons change a rock-a-bye drive to a lovely free hotpool Butcher’s Pool Miriam Richardson Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. The side road is a patchwork of deep pot holes, so its a rock-a-bye drive: up down, this side that side, fingers firmly crossed that the slow entry and exit from each hole will protect the tyres. The pool is the size of an old primary school pool, with steps and rails leading you into the water. The water was quite low, judging from the lines on the wooden walls, but still plenty deep for a standing soak among the bubbles drifting up through its floor. There was a bit of hot-pool-muck on the surface at either end, which I kept reminding myself was 100% natural, as I made sure to stay in the areas without any. There are toilets, and the car park was big enough for my 8m to turn easily. There were two cars there when i arrived and a couple of famillies arrived as others left. Others were there for a rest stop and a chin wag rather than a soak. Worth the slow 500m drive in; lovely hot water, and a lovely little nook nestled in the farmland. ©2025 M Richardson Up Up Summer 2025 , p 4

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption camp-shower-5-H.webp camp-shower-1.webp camp-shower-2.webp camp-shower-3.webp camp-shower-5.webp GO TO as the seasons change it works brilliantly A simple camp shower Graham Leslie Our friend Jean Roger said she used old plastic milk bottles to make a simple solar shower. We have just tried this on our sailing holiday and it works brilliantly. Fill some empty 2 litre plastic milk bottles with some clean water (clean enough to wash in at least). Leave these sitting around in the sun for a while. On the boat we filled them before we left port. Pre-prepare some additional milk bottle container tops with holes in them. I drilled about 10 holes in each top to make a shower rose. When you want a shower (like when you have just got out of the salty ocean) change the standard top on your milk bottle to your one with holes. The bottle has a convenient handle and you can direct the water exactly where you want it. No need to suspend a heavy 10 or 20 litre solar shower or fiddle with an annoying plastic tap. No water is wasted as you have total control to direct water as you want it. A two-litre bottle appeared to be enough to get wet, soap up, and wash off afterwards. If needed I reckon you could even add a bit of heated water if required. 🏕️ Images: ©2025 Graham Leslie Up Up Summer 2025 , p 10

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption midwinter-026020_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change there is something precious about meeting around the table STOP and STAY Mid winter dinner Canterbury Linda Butler There is something precious about meeting around the table. Sharing food, or in this case buying your own! We had over 20 meet at The Thirsty Acres in Kirwee. Some travelled from as far as Southland. Another from Ashburton, one from Amberley another from Oxford. Many from around Christchurch. Much chattering could be heard as jointly they tried to save the world as many do when they meet. Add to the mix a rugby game, a sip or two of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. We sure had a good time. Many left for their warm homes and cozy beds. Some of us stayed overnight. Actually a couple of nights for some. Here we are camping outside Thirsty Acres We heard that the restaurant enjoyed looking out the window seeing a group of us out there scattered around in an area below the carpark. Sleeping here was reasonably quiet considering it was right next to the main road. A little noisier on Monday with the early morning traffic starting. Not unbearable though. Overall a great weekend. I wonder where we will go next year? 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 35

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption te-puna-frog_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change a hidden gem with dragons Te Puna Quarry in spring Maggie O’Rourke I finally went to the quarry park at Te Puna in The Bay of Plenty. This is such a hidden gem with sculptures of dragons, a castle slide for kids, water wheel, art hiding in every corner, and all kinds of themed gardens. So glad I never went in summer last year, though the flowers would be stunning. The locals said it’s really hot as it’s open to all elements and also crowded then, so when one has a bus, spring is a great time to go. So I charged up the phone, had lunch and went for a wandering, getting lost in time and just lost, even though I had a map. I hardly took photos as I just wanted to take it all in and take it in I did. The higher you got the better the view of The Mount and surrounding sea. As I wandered around I talked to one of the many volunteers on the track as they were in clearing the park after 100km winds swept through. The gardens and the layout of the park is a credit to them. Plan for up to 2 hours and take your time as there’s plenty to see and heaps of places to rest and eat on the way. There is a curfew on opening hours as its closed at night. One wonders if they would stay open for a gathering of like-minded travellers, for a fee of course. Free to enter, donations are accepted to pay for these lovely gardens and sculptures and their upkeep. Toilets and picnic tables are on-site on various levels. There is venue hire for events. Dogs are allowed, on a lead. There are two parallel parks for campers and heaps of angle parks. If you have mobility problems there’s plenty to see on the bottom level though some of the tracks could be tricky if you had a walker or a wheelchair, especially for the hills and steps you have to climb. 110 Te Puna Quarry Road Te Puna, Tauranga Daylight saving time: 7am to 8pm Other times: 7am to 6pm. quarrypark.org.nz Photos: ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke & the Internet 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 38

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption emergency-bonfires-checkitsalright_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change keep up, keep up Emergency links on the road FIRE Fire danger fireweather.niwa.co.nz has maps showing the danger in the different regions. Checkitsalright.nz 
 Check before you light a fire. 
 How to prevent wildfires. 
 Be prepared for a wildfire. 
 Do you need a fire permit? WEATHER metservice.com/warnings/home (includes ocean swell). ROAD 1] Travel information: 
 nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information 2] Highway conditions: journeys.nzta.govt.nz 3] Freephone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS IS THERE A LOCAL EMERGENCY? RADIO Tune your radio to the local stations to know what’s what in the local area. RadioNZ has a list of frequencies, which vary around the country. Get a copy while you have internet: rnz.co.nz/listen/amfm 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 38

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption Frustration-QTown-council_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change they could invest in practical solutions that benefit everyone Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach Bette Cosgrove Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there. Despite increasing demand, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has yet to take a practical approach to their Freedom Camping Bylaw that balances access, environmental protection, and infrastructure. Many are asking a simple question: Why can’t QLDC designate safe, sensible overnight camping areas near existing public facilities? These spots are already used by day visitors — yet self-contained campers, who leave no trace, are being penalised or pushed out. While QLDC claims that more sites will be open to camping under their new bylaw, the fine print tells a different story. The criteria to use rural roadside sites are so restrictive that, in practice, very few will be usable. Further adding to the confusion is misinformation around 14 newly-announced “freedom camping sites” — some of which are not under QLDC jurisdiction and were already available. Many are just public car parking areas, and campers are expected to vacate spots by 7am or 8am — making the 2-day allocated overnight stays virtually impossible. It’s important to remember that, by law, all areas (except reserves) should be open to camping unless there is a genuine reason to prohibit it. The previous QLDC bylaw was overturned in the High Court for not meeting this standard, and many, including NZMCA, argue the new bylaw is no better. (NZ Herald interview with NZMCA: youtu.be/tSdpxSTkfao .) It’s also difficult to ignore the irony of QLDC’s strict stance on campers while the council itself struggles with serious environmental issues — such as a $1.8 million failure at the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant and an additional $600,000 in legal costs ( ckw.nz/qtown-shotover ). Compared to this, the environmental impact of a responsible, self-contained camper is negligible. The truth is, 99% of freedom campers are respectful and self-contained, thanks to the new freedom camping law amendments of 2023. But there are only two public dump stations provided between Queenstown and Haast, limiting proper waste disposal options. What could a better solution look like? 1. Fix local pollution first Before targeting campers, QLDC should address ongoing local wastewater and pollution issues. 2. Support visitors with reasonable options If QLDC are going to continue to try to ‘designate’ freedom camping sites — then use existing infrastructure. Even basic, low-cost “pay to stay” areas would better provide for campers. 3. Use the International Visitor Levy appropriately: invest in practical solutions Instead of spending up to $500,000 a year — and untold amounts of ratepayer money — on restrictive bylaws and costly enforcement, QLDC could invest in practical solutions that benefit everyone. The freedom camping issue doesn’t need to be a battleground. With a little manaaki (hospitality), balanced views, and genuine use of community engagement, Queenstown could become a welcoming destination — without alienating responsible campers or overburdening locals. Watch this space. Because right now, almost no-one is winning. 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 2

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption road-trip_12957_H.webp road-trip_12966.webp road-trip_12969.webp road-trip_12975.webp road-trip_12978.webp road-trip_12998.webp GO TO as the seasons change a beautiful trip and some lovely connections Road trip for a mid-winter meal Heather Auckram The All Points Camping team in Canterbury were having a mid-winter dinner in a small town named Kirwee, somewhere on the Canterbury Plains. It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed. It would mean taking a road trip of several days to travel from the deep south to Canterbury, but that also excited me. I put a message on the APCNZ — Chat, Share on Facebook to see if anyone else in the club wanted to join me on the journey. Noel Clayton was going, so we arranged to meet. It was July. With the van windows defrosted, my campervan purred to life, and Loki dog and I rolled out of town, passing cows and sheep huddled together in steaming bundles on white frozen paddocks. Noel and his dog Milo, were waiting at the Hedgehope Hall. After a short greeting, he started up his Toyota Hiace and we headed off on our adventure. Our first stop was Lake Waihola (above) for a stretch of the legs in the warm winter sun, then on our way. We were keen to get through the bustle of Dunedin city and over the Leith Saddle to reach our first campsite beside the sea at Warrington. We woke to another frost. The dogs busied themselves barking at workmen building a new Surf Life Saving Club and getting pats from other overnight campers on their way for a morning play on the white sandy beach. Leaving Warrington, we headed north on State Highway 1, stopping at cafés for coffee and rest areas for dog stops. The coastal drive was stunning. The sea blue and the white waves rolled gently up onto the sand. We could have spent hours at the sea, but we had places to go. So, over hills, through small townships, across the flat plains of Waitaki, and over wide snow-fed rivers and joined the river of vehicles snaking through the city of Timaru. We arrived in mid-Canterbury late in the afternoon. It was getting late, so we decided to turn off for the night at Ealing, south of Ashburton. The Canterbury Plains were surprisingly green. Noel said it was most likely due to the large number of irrigation set-ups, water-races and canals that were enabling farmers to extend their productivity. We stepped out of our campervans on Saturday morning to a blaze of a mauve and orange sunrise — and another frost (below). We swung back onto State Highway 1 and about one hour later we pulled onto the grassy carpark of Thirsty Acres Bar & Restaurant in Kirwee. We found a nice spot to park under a grove of gum trees and beside Trevor’s motorhome. He beckoned us in for a coffee and no sooner had the jug boiled when Linda and Martin pulled up with their new caravan. More club members rolled steadily in, with warm embraces, laughter and hot coffee and biscuits, until all the less muddy spots on the grass were filled. Dinner was only a few steps away in the restaurant and the conversation flowed freely as we shared stories and travel tips, forging new and old friendships. As it so happened, the mid-winter meal was on the same night that the All Blacks were playing rugby against France and the restaurant had a big screen TV, which added to a great night’s entertainment. The following morning, goodbyes and contact numbers were exchanged before some headed to the Oxford market, some home and others to the dog park. Some stayed on until Monday. Monday morning broke to another frosty but sunny morning. There were several routes we could take to head back to Southland. Noel suggested we go via the Rakaia Gorge as I had heard much about its beauty but never seen it. There, I was happily cruising through the rolling countryside on a sunny morning in my van, when I noticed a sign announcing the settlement of ‘Windwhistle’. I was just pondering the reasons for the name when suddenly the camper was heading down a huge split in the earth, down a steep zig-zagged road, white with frost. I am pretty sure I rode my brakes all the way down into that wide river valley. I can tell you; I needed that coffee at Methven. My nerves were shattered! We stayed a couple of nights at my cousins (also APCNZ members) at the peaceful Milford Huts Lagoon, where we dined on bbq-ed mutton-birds and roast beef. Of course, the conversation was all about fishing and camping. Again we woke to a cold frosty morning. We decided to spend the night at the Hampden NZMCA camp as it was right on the beach. After all, it doesn’t freeze down by the sea. We each bought a feed of Hampden’s famous fish n’ chips and climbed into our vans to spend a cosy night with the warmth of our heaters and a good book. Minus 6! It was the first time in two winters of sleeping in my campervan, that I have actually woken because I was cold. Noel was worried his sliding door was frozen shut, but with a bit of brute force, he managed to slide it open and let Milo out for his morning walk. The sunrise was a stunning pink and lavender, but much to our surprise the pools of water down at the beach were covered in ice and all the taps were frozen. We thought we had better go back and check the app for road conditions. To our amazement, we learned that schools and some businesses in Dunedin were closed until 10am due to the dangerous icy road conditions. We must cross The Kilmog hills to reach Dunedin. They are steep and winding and much of it in shade, so we decided to cross about mid-day. To fill in time, we drove to the Moeraki Boulders café for a hot drink with a million-dollar view. Thankfully, it was an easy drive over the hills and through the city. We stopped again at Lake Waihola for a final cuppa and a sausage roll before parting ways. As I drove back along the vast kilometres of the sheep- and cow-dotted pastures of Southland, the only sounds were the steady rhythm of the tyres on the tar seal and the snoring of a content and tired Loki dog. It was a beautiful trip and we made some lovely connections with fellow club members. All in all, it was well worth taking the journey for a mid-winter dinner. 🏕️ Photos: ©2025 Heather Auckram Up Up Summer 2025 , p 19

OUR ISSUES 13 Summer 2025 11 November 2025 • A short trip to some big country — Route 52 • The hospital visit for my bus • Come camping • Emergency links on the road Read online Read A4 PDF 11 Autumn 2025 30 March 2025 • Here and there last summer • Choosing a caravan • Loading a caravan • The joys of a camp oven Read online Read A4 PDF 9 Spring 2024 1 September 2024 • Towing your caravan • North Island hot pool safari • New choices for fixed toilets • Recipes for camping Read online Read A4 PDF 7 Autumn 2024 1 March 2024 • Navigating freedom camping law changes • Hitting the road full time • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 5 Spring 2023 1 September 2023 • Grandad’s Grandad’s caravan • Pros and cons of full time family travel • Why not stop and stay awhile? • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 3 Autumn 2023 1 March 2023 • CAMP FEST • Family friendly tramping • A beautiful country but... • Saving rural communities? • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 12 Winter 2025 31 July 2025 • South Island caravan adventure; • Chilly chilly chilly camping; • Off-grid power; • A honeymoon in 1960; • Making toast. Read online Read A4 PDF 10 Summer 2024 1 December 2024 • Double-digit highways • Freedom camping • Accessible camping • Travelling with pets Read online Read A4 PDF 8 Winter 2024 1 June 2024 • We enjoyed Autumn • The dangers of carbon monoxide • Composting and coddiwompling • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 6 Summer 2023 1 December 2023 • Mavis and all her DIY • 10 tips for family camping trips • Fire safety • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 4 Winter 2023 1 June 2023 • Let’s go south for a few weeks • Winter’s here: glorious times • Before the cyclone • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 2 Summer 2022 1 December 2022 • Take a left turn • Cycle touring • Caravan Tips • Stop and Stay • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

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

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption ss-sanctuary-fb11.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there STOP and STAY Stopping, Staying, Skiing Angela Bryan North Island: Stopping, Staying, Skiing Sanctuary Farm 1464 Whangaehu Valley Road, Kakatahi, Wanganui Amazing peace and serenity surround you in this little out of the way spot. Enjoy time just chilling out, maybe swim in the pool or sleep in the sun. Bring your horse, there is plenty of space for them. No other pets allowed, sorry. WHO: Room for larger vehicles including horse floats and the horse. No dogs sorry. FACILITIES: Toilets. ACTIVITIES: Only 30 minutes to both Central Plateau ski fields. Enjoy free use in the evenings to soak in my super duper eco friendly wood fired steam punk spa. Sip your favourite plonk and look at the stars. Gold coin donation would be mint… Stratford A&P Park 9 Flint Road East, Stratford Basic Stop and Stay property. Town-supply water and toilets on site. A short distance to shops and cafés. Nestled under Mount Egmont/Taranaki and close to historical sites. $5 per van per night unpowered, $10 with power. Honesty box located on hall door. WHO: Dogs allowed, 3 nights max. FACILITIES: Toilets, fresh water, large vehicles. ACTIVITIES: Only 30 minutes to the Manganui Ski Area. South Island: Stopping, Staying, Skiing Terako Downs 1759 Inland Road, Lyford, North Canterbury With 6 hectares of outstanding natural landscape at Terako Downs you will wake to the call of native birds and the trickling river. Enjoy the ambience of the sweeping landscape in the evening while exploring the region during the day. Must be self contained. WHO: Room for larger vehicles, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, kitchen. ACTIVITIES: Less than 30 minutes to Mt Lyford Ski area. More on Terako Downs in Issue 10 Waiau Tavern 18 Lyndon Street, Waiau, Nth Canterbury No charge for the night, butneed to buy something in the cafe/bar. There is grassed area, where the old hotel used to be, and some hard stand. There are walks and bike rides based in Waiau, and interesting historical exhibits all year, and a cob cottage and museum that is open most of the year. The locals are very welcoming and enjoy chatting with visitors. WHO: Day trippers, cycle campers, tents, vehicles large & small, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, fresh water, food and drink. ACTIVITIES: 45 minutes to Mt Lyford Ski Area. Read more on Waiau from issue 5 Bluff Farm POP 926 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford, Canterbury Bluff farm is a working dairy farm, with access to many walks, cycle tracks and Oxford is 10 mins away. Oxford has a variety of shops, cafes, working men’s club, pool, vet, supermarket and pharmacy to name a few. More . WHO: Tenters, small and large vehicles, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, shower, fresh water. ACTIVITIES: 75minutes to Porters Alpine ski area. Advanced Upholstery Darfield 3967 West Coast Road, Darfield, Canterbury 35km west of Christchurch, Darfield is a hub for holidays focused on activities in the Canterbury region. With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, close to the Waimakariri River and the limestone landscape of Castle Hill. Walk, explore, enjoy water sports, off road adventures walk or sit back to relax and revive. WHO: Self contained, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, laundry. ACTIVITIES: 50 minutes to Porters Alpine Ski area. 🏕️ stopandstaynz.org Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 36