Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption recipe-chicken-bread-3-H.webp GO TO as the seasons change scones, quiche, chicken bread and butter Recipes on the road Various Lucy’s gluten-free scones This recipe is a bit different as it uses a gluten free bread mix. Being gluten intolerant and both dairy- and plant-based-milk-free I have altered this recipe a bit. To get Lucy’s gluten free bread mix (lucysglutenfree.co.nz) you can buy through Volare Bakeries (Waikato, volarebread.com), some supermarkets, Binn Inns or health stores online. There is a brown bread mix available if you don’t want white. Keep some extra gluten free flour on hand, in case, like me, your ‘dash’ of liquid is a wee bit generous (oops). These scones aren’t like normal scones due to the psyllium husk in the flour. You can also make a pizza base, cinnamon scrolls or Lemon Maple Drizzle Cake using the bread-mix recipes online: 
lucysglutenfree.co.nz/blogs/recipes. They made great buns and are really filling. 410g Lucy’s The White One Bread Mix 15g (3tsp) baking powder 150g butter, cubed and chilled 250g (1 cup) milk of your choice + extra dash (or use lemonade or ginger ale instead) Optional: Cheese & onion 100g grated cheddar 100g diced onion Optional: Date & ginger 100g chopped dates 3cm piece of ginger, finely grated 20g brown sugar Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking parchment. If you are doing the date option: In its own bowl, rub ginger into the sugar, and set aside ready for topping the scones. Place flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl, along with the chilled butter. Rub butter into the flour mix until it resembles bread crumbs, 3–4 minutes by hand. If you feel the butter becoming too soft, chill the mix for 10 mins. (NOTE:Keeping the butter cold throughout the whole process, leads to a more delicate, layered scone). Add in milk and mix to combine. This is the time to add in onion, cheese (reserve a bit for the tops) or the dates, if you are using them. Divide mix into 100g pieces, and shape into firm rough squares by hand, making sure they are standing tall. Place on to the baking tray and brush a light coat of milk on the top of each scone. If doing extras, dollop the ginger-sugar mix or a sprinkle of cheese on top of each. Put scones straight into oven, bake for25mins, until golden. Maggie O’Rourke. Photos: ©2025 Maggie O’Rourke Crustless quiche 1½ cups milk ½ cup flour 1tsp baking powder 1 cup grated cheese 3 eggs 1 onion, finely chopped 2 slices bacon, chopped 1 tsp parsley 1 tsp salt pepper to taste 1 cup of veges. Suggestions: courgettes, grated; spinach/silverbeet, finely sliced; broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, cold mashed potato (I usually use 2–3 of these). Mix together milk, flour, baking powder, cheese and eggs. Then add onion, bacon, parsley, salt & pepper and veges. Mix well. Pour into a shallow oven tray/dish. Cook at 180°C for 20−25 minutes, until golden brown and firm to touch. Leave to stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Enjoy. Jo Ravelich Zero-carb chicken bread loaf Super yummy. I tried the mince version too but I prefer the chicken loaf. Great loaf to bring as a plate and its also gluten free. 500 grams chicken mince ½ cup parmesan (or any cheese) 5 large eggs ½ tablespoon oil Salt to taste 2 tsp baking powder Optional: your seasonings Preheat the oven to 185°C . On medium high heat, in your frying pan, cook your chicken in oil and salt. Let cool. In a blender (or use a stick mixer), add your cooked chicken, eggs, parmesan cheese and baking powder, any optional seasonings and blend until smooth. Place your bread batter in a well greased loaf pan Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Slice and serve! lowcarblove.com/blog/zero-carb-chicken-bread-loaf I made home made butter for the loaf — a messy adventure. See below. Maggie O’Rourke. Photos: ©2025 Maggie O’Rourke Home made butter: Kiwi Gold I think the last time I made butter was in a cooking class at college, and I never remembered it being so messy. Luckily I read the recipe first so I put a jug of water into the fridge to cool ready for the ice-cold bath. One thing I forgot to do was turn my hot water on to wash my hands after — yes I could have worn gloves, but the yellow mess between the fingers is super fun. I will soon tell you about that. Who’s tried making butter before? This is a once in a life time experience. Though the recipe says 5–7 minutes of mixing, it really depends on the mixer. I don’t have a fancy mixer in my bus, though was blessed to be at a camp ground so could use their power. The 7 mins went, then 10 mins and it looked nothing like what they said with separation of the buttermilk, I have no idea on how long it took, but finally, finally, it happened. I grabbed the icy water from the fridge, got the baking sheet out and an air-tight container. This is where the messy part comes in as you have to pick the butter up out of the bowl and squeeeeze the buttermilk out until it looks like a blob of butter, then you rinse in the cold water and squeeze more out. After several squeezing attempts you have butter. Then add some salt. Lick your buttery fingers and wipe off the rest Wrap it in the paper and put it in the container in the fridge. A spoonful of butter is super yum. Now what to do with the buttermilk? I tried making buttermilk icecream what a disaster that was. Homemade butter 2 cups heavy cream Salt to taste Add the heavy cream to an electric mixer. Start whipping the cream on low speed until it thickens slightly. Gradually increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue to whip for 5–7 minutes, scraping down the sides every now and then. Continue mixing past the whipped cream phase, and you’ll see the cream begin to break into butter (fat molecules) and liquid (buttermilk). Remove the butter from the mixer (save the buttermilk for use later!) and squeeze out any excess moisture by repeatedly squeezing the butter through your hands. Quickly rinse the butter under ice cold water and add salt to taste. Store in either an air-tight container or rolled up in parchment paper. Keep it in the fridge and use within 10–14 days. justinesnacks.com/homemade-butter Maggie O’Rourke. Photos: ©2025 Maggie O’Rourke 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 28

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption rvbooks-lightning-gelong_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change lightning risk in RVs is very low but far from random Lightning risk in RVs Collyn Rivers Lightning frightens, but lightning risk in RVs is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further. About 80% of those struck were using a land-line telephone. This risk is falling fast as people switch to risk-free mobiles. Golfers however are particularly at risk, especially if swinging a club. Also at risk is anyone using an umbrella during a storm, or walking on a beach. It’s not that hard to reduce the odds! Some areas of Australia are especially prone to severe thunderstorms. These include the Blue Mountains, the Dandenong Ranges, the Kimberley, and the north of Australia (generally during the monsoon season). The lightning risk in RVs in these areas is very much higher than in most other areas. It is primarily for those living or travelling in such areas that this article is intended. Image: Lightning strike over Geelong (Victoria) in March 2012. Pic: (by Rod Howard) courtesy Geelong Advertiser. How lightning strikes At all times, the earth’s surface carries a typically negative charge. The upper atmosphere carries a positive charge. As a storm develops, the voltage difference builds up to many hundreds of millions of volts. Once the voltage between ground and upper atmosphere exceeds a certain level, the air ionises (i.e. electrons become freer to move). This eases the passage of a lightning strike much as straightening or surfacing a road initially eases traffic flow. So-called ‘step leaders’ reach down toward earth and (like early pioneers, the one that gets there first tends to set the route for that which follows). On earth, objects respond by sending out positive voltage streamers. When such a streamer meets a step leader, a conductive link is formed. The resultant current flow generates so much heat that the surrounding air literally explodes — resulting in thunder claps. Lightning risk in RVs – seek shelter if outside The most dangerous place to be in a thunderstorm is out in the open but there is usually a fair amount of notice. A good rule is to seek shelter once a thunderstorm is within 10km. That’s about 30 seconds between seeing the lightning flash and hearing the thunderclap. Stay sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning is seen. If you are caught out, avoid becoming a positive voltage streamer — such as a golfer in mid-swing. Do not use an umbrella. You are actually safer if soaking wet as any current is more likely to pass through the wet clothing. If the risk seems very high, crouch down with feet together and with your head held low. Never shelter under a tree . If you have to stand, keep your feet as close together as possible. This is because a nearby strike causes voltage differences of thousands of volts per metre in the nearby ground. Having a few hundred volts difference between one foot and the other leaves you very dead. Absolutely do not lie down. Almost any form of building is safer than being outside but keep away from walls, metal plumbing etc. Do not use the loo (water is conductive). The lightning risk in metal-bodied caravans, motorhomes and coaches is exceptionally low. A metal structure (even of metallic mesh) provides a so-called ‘Faraday cage’ within which all current flows through the external metal to earth. Within such an RV you may not even be aware of a strike. If the storm is at least 10km away, lower the TV antenna (disconnect it at least). Physically disconnect all external power leads. Do not, however, do either if a storm is closer. ‘Cone of protection’ is a myth Ignore all campfire and forum internet mythology about the ‘cone of protection’ provided by tall trees and buildings. These attract lightning strikes. Such strikes cause a voltage gradient that spreads out on the ground beneath and near the sides of a tree or building. This can kill at up to 30 metres or more from that strike’s centre. Essentially nowhere outside a building or vehicle is safe whilst lightning is around. Whilst a vehicle’s tyres might appear to insulate the vehicle from earth, all rubber tyres now contain carbon. They are deliberately semi-conductive to limit static charge build-up. At lightning’s voltages, tyres become good conductors. In storm conditions, however, do not exit an RV holding the door handle whilst touching the ground. It’s best not to go outside anyway. All large external metal structures attached to a caravan or motorhome (e.g. air conditioners) should be bonded to the chassis using at least 6 AWG cable. Lightning rods These work by dissipating ‘electrical charge’ built up where the voltage difference does not become high enough to attract a ‘step leader’. They work best if they have a point at the top. That point concentrates and assists charge dissipation. A lightning rod is well worth having in lightning-prone areas — such as the Kimberley. Lightning risk in RVs that have fibreglass or composite bodied vehicles is reduced by having a conventional lightning conductor with a (sharp) spike. This should be well above the roof and earthed to the vehicle chassis via starter motor cable that runs externally. If you do this never use soldered joints as the massive current flow will melt them instantly. Instead have an auto-electrician crimp them for you. Lightning seeks the straightest path. To reduce lightning risk in RVs keep any such earthing cable as straight as possible and routed well away from where people may be. 🏕️ Lightning risk in RVs — further information For those seriously interested in lightning risk in RVs, the Standards reference is AS/NZS 1768:2007. Reproduced with permission rvbooks.com.au . 
Emphasis added. rvbooks.com.au/lightning-risk-in-rvs/ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 24

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption SS_Athenree-_20250902_090853.webp SS_Athenree-_20250902_090905.jpg SS_Athenree-_20250727_215332.webp SS_Athenree-_20250727_215048.webp SS_Athenree-_20250727_215015.webp SS_Athenree-_20250727_215131.webp GO TO as the seasons change Finalists for the 2025 Holiday Park of the Year STOP and STAY Athenree hot springs and campground Maggie O’Rourke Near Waihi, Bay of Plenty. Hot pools all year around is a treat if you stop and stay at Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park. This is the first campground I’ve been too that offers this many free nights: stay 4 pay 3 or stay 7 pay 5. With a max stay of 7 weeks this is a great winter stay-over. Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. They offer an All Points Camping discount on nightly rates if you aren’t staying long enough for their special deal. There is a shuttle service to Waihi and Katikati; Waihi Beach RSA will do pickups and drop off; and a local taxi driver is available (talk to reception). This is a pet-friendly camp though there are restrictions over Christmas and Easter. The owners/management and staff are awesome and treat you like you’re not just a guest. Just recently after 100km plus strong winds, they rang everyone in campers and caravans to check if they were okay — I’ve never before been to a campground who would do that. This is true service, thanks Peter and Belinda. This camp was one of the finalists for the 2025 Holiday Park of the Year. Cabins, motels and camping sites are available. Facilities are clean and they offer hot-pools, shop, kiosk with coffee and pies, TV room, laundry, dump-station, kitchen and bathroom of course, and they are pet-friendly.There is a children’s playground across the road; kayaks and bike buggies are available for hire. Do not book online, contact them directly for all discounts and availability. Site fees (Oct 2025): Adult $28, children $19 per night. Don’t forget to show your APCNZ card to receive your discount. Cabins from $95; there’s a dog friendly cabin. Check their Facebook pages and website for cabin deals. Camp sites only: April through to November, excluding school and public holidays: choose either the club discount or these special deals. Stay 4, pay 3 — Stay 4 nights on one camp site and only pay for 3. Stay 7, pay 5 — Stay 7 nights on one camp site and only pay for 5. n athenreehotsprings.co.nz 1 Athenree Road, Athenree, 
Bay of Plenty 07 863 5600 Photos: ©2025 Maggie O’Rourke 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 30

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-four-camping-2_H.webp spring-four-camping-1.webp spring-four-camping-3.webp GO TO as the seasons change We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Four of us went camping. Linda Butler We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Still plenty of skin left for them to feast on tomorrow. Wooded Gully, North Canterbury. ©2025 Linda Butler Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption a-short-trip-52-wimbledon_8.webp a-short-Route52-book-cover.webp a-short-trip-52-waihi-falls_1.webp a-short-trip-52_3.webp a-short-trip-52-akitioSch-_2.webp a-short-trip-52_10.webp a-short-trip-52_4.webp a-short-trip-52_9.webp a-short-trip-52_6.png GO TO as the seasons change A short trip to some big country — Route 52 Christine Batt In early September, a travelling companion and I headed from Palmerston North for a few days exploring with my caravan along Route 52, on the east coast. The inspiration for the trip came from seeing Simon Burt talk at the Featherston Book Town about his newly published book, “Route 52. A Big Lump of Country Unknown” in which he records a number of trips into the area, with his caravan in tow. route52.nz Heading to the Tararua District from Palmerston North with the caravan was easily managed over the new Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway, which is a sensational piece of engineering, and thank goodness for a slow lane to accommodate slow towers. The worrying bit of road was the Dannevirke/Weber Road, which was fearsomely described by Simon Burt , who had badly damaged his caravan when he went through there. It was my caravan that was being towed and I was more cautious than my companion, but with a lot of encouragement I agreed to give it a go. What an anti-climax! The expectation of hitting the bad bit never eventuated, and when we asked the locals, it transpired that the road had been extensively repaired 4 years before. The benefits of caravans vs camper vans is an ongoing discussion and we decided to maximise the caravan and car potential by basing ourselves at the POP at the Wimbledon Tavern and taking the car out for day trips. The Wimbledon Tavern (top) is an icon of NZ rural pub style , and has a round pool table, which is one of a kind. Hosts, Susan and Eric, were welcoming and informative and accommodated us for 3 nights, 2 of which we enjoyed delicious pub food. We would have eaten at the pub each night , but in early September, it was closed on Mondays. The first day trip was a round trip, recommended by Eric, with the first leg being inland to the Waihi Falls. They were in spectacular flow — our reward for tolerating quite a lot of rain over the previous couple of days . From there we took the Waihi Valley Road to Pongaroa. The Pongaroa pub has a reputation for a very good seafood chowder but is also closed on Mondays in early September. We hungrily sat outside the pub and made use of the first good internet service since Dannevirke. After an admin catch up , we took the Coast Road to Akitio which is a lovely old-school coastal community with holiday baches, a boat club (below), Norfolk pines, thundering ocean and with freedom camping permitted on the foreshore. The return trip was via the River Road from Akitio and then the Glenora Road (narrow and gravel) and out to Ti Tree Point, then back to the caravan for the second night, and very welcome food. The next day was another exploration, generally north of Wimbledon. First stop was Herbertville and a walk to Cape Turnagain, where in 1769 Captain Cook realised that he had completed a circumnavigation of the North Island and turned to head North again. We realised we were running low on petrol so headed for Pōrangahau which, enquiries assured us, has a pump, but no 96, so that lead to a reasonably big detour to Waipukurau. This was well worthwhile as the Two Taniwha Street Food container-shop served delicious sliders accompanied by beer. We were a bit fixated with finding food by this stage. Now fed, and not yet done with exploring back roads and coastal communities, we took advantage of the trip to Waipukurau to head out to the evocatively named township of Blackhead and then along the coastal roads back to Wimbledon. This is certainly beautiful and remote part of the country, and our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head into this fascinating area for longer stays. Keep in mind: The area is being heavily impacted by pine forests, and the small communities that would have previously managed through the custom of locals are struggling as people are replaced with trees. Because of limited internet coverage, maps are essential. The Kiwi Maps Rural Road Maps 250 series, maps 7 and 8 covered the whole trip, and much more country waiting for the next adventure. My map reading skills were very rusty — a shortcoming that was commented on more than once. In preparation I suggest that you read Simon Burt’s book, buy the maps, listen to the Warratah’s song about Cape Turnagain and stock up on food and petrol, or at least enough to get you to Waipukurau for a slider and a beer. 🏕️ Photos: ©2025 Christine Batt Up Up Summer 2025 , p 5

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption buyer-beware-disputes tribunal-H.webp GO TO as the seasons change We won!!! Buyer beware update: We won! Anon We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. (Read our story about it: ckw.nz/buyer-beware) The fact that we had an issue on our first night helped us win our case, and that the seller mentioned it was water tight. I’d also asked if he kept it, what improvements he would do, to which he responded ‘nothing needed doing’! What we learned When buying a caravan, a seller is usually keen and helpful with regards to viewing etc especially from a distance. Ours wasn’t. Not keen to hold it or accept a small deposit. We should have walked away at this stage. Dishonest sellers Since our experience we’ve heard of someone else who has issues with a leaky vehicle and another person who was scammed and paid for a caravan but there wasn’t one. Be wise in your research friends. Learn from us. It’s not worth the heartache and stress. Name withheld. More for buyers Buying used caravans From Collyn Rivers: Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Read the story in Issue 9 Or buy the book 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 38

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-going-to-walk-H.webp spring-going-to-walk.webp GO TO as the seasons change I forgot to pack my tramping boots I was going to walk to the end of the valley Tony Kissel I was going to walk to the end of the valley but I forgot to pack my tramping boots, the avalanche warning signs kind of put me off as well. Temple Valley. ©2025 Tony Kissel Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption 13-CKW-cover-25-Hero.webp GO TO as the seasons change Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Up Up Summer 2025 , p 1

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption spring-home-5_H.webp GO TO as the seasons change As the seasons change Various Up Up Summer 2025 , p 7

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

Introducing Stop and Stay, where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Why not stop and stay a while? Angela Bryan Introducing Stop and Stay, where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. NZ’s national camping club, All Points Camping, is proud to bring you their growing, nationwide, Stop and Stay listings for campers and travellers. With the NZ Government and local authorities moving to restrict camping access for both traveling NZers and for recreational campers, it is more important than ever to have recommended places to stop and stay. Finding that perfect spot to relax or get together with family and friends is getting harder and you shouldn’t have to belong to specific organisations to get access to an overnight park. Stop and Stay brings you this. It’s a free resource for NZ campers and travellers, brought to you by campers, for campers. Its free, too, for property owners to be on the list. Stop overs come recommended; some are discounted; they are scattered throughout the country: north, south, east or west there is likely to be a Stop and Stay property on your way. It might be a country pub for a meal, a rural property, a council reserve, a DOC camp; it might be a commercial campground to stay at or a unique day-stop or cafe to visit on your travels. Properties are recommended by the camping public, so you know that they are the best places for NZ travelling campers. Remember to always check with hosts first — phone numbers are provided on most listings, and keep in mind that some properties have restrictions. Dog-friendly properties are indicated on each listing, as are wheelchair accessible properties. Anyone one can access the list or make recommendations, not just club members. The listings can be accessed online on any device, they can be downloaded or printed: stopandstaynz.org Can it get any easier? Can’t find a property in the area you are travelling to? Some areas around NZ have more listings than others; we are always keen to add to the current listings, provided the property has come with recommendations from campers. Tell us about your favourite camping spot, no matter where it is, and what makes it special. Is it right off the beach for an easy fish before breakfast, is it a great spot to go camping with the family pooch, is it super family-friendly with great entertainment for the kids? We want to know. It is as easy as filling in a form: ckw.nz/add-one-now Our regional divisions:North Island: Upper NICentral NI Lower NI South Island:Upper SI Lower SI Symbols on each listing make it easy to find the property that suits you at a glance, including seaside, countryside, or mountains.If you want to fish, go boating , tramping or cycling we have pretty much covered all the options. New Zealand has so many hidden, out of the way little places that may not otherwise appear on your radar when you’re looking for that special place to Stop and Stay. If you find A SPOTdon’t keep it a secret: ckw.nz/add-one-now Some of those special places North Island Lake Aniwhenua Reserve,Bay of Plenty, Whakatane FREE This is a freedom camping area with basic toilet and shower facilities and a cooking shelter. The lake is a popular trout fishery and water ski area. Camping in non-self-contained vehicles and tents is allowed. Sites must be left clean. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water Activities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, boats and water sports Vinegar Hill, Manawatu Low cost/Free Awesome campsite located right next to the river. A peaceful, council-operated campground, situated just north of Hunterville on the bypass route into the beautiful Manawatu district. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Toilets and cold showers Activities: Fishing, swimming, cycling, hiking Cost: Low cost in summer; free in winter Historic Maritime Museum & Park, Paeroa, Waikato Low cost Five minutes from Paeroa the Historic Maritime Museum and Park has beautifully laid out grounds, river boardwalks and daily boat rides. Who: Caravans, motorhomes, vans:must be self-contained Facilities: Toilets, BBQ’s, fresh water Activities: Hiking, cycling, river boat rides, museum South Island Hanmer Amenity AreaHanmer Springs, Canterbury Free Just behind the DOC fenced compound is a lovely reasonably flat camping area. There’s a stream, several walking and cycling tracks. It’s an easy walk into the town and the famous Hanmer Springs pools. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans: non-self-contained is allowed; dogs allowed. Facilities: Toilets Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, cycling Round Bush CampsiteLake Ohau, Waitaki, Canterbury Free Beautiful beech forest, hung with mistletoe in summer, grows right up to the edge of Lake Ohau. Stunning views of Lake Ohau and the mountains. It’s a gravel road from the Ohau township. Bring insect repellant. Large vehicle access. 4 nights max. DOC. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Non-flush toilet, water from stream. Activities: Boating, swimming, walks, photography. Bendigo freedom campingCromwell – Lindis Crossing Rd Free A beautiful site between the road (SH8) and Lake Dunstan looking across to the Pisa Range. Flush toilets, rubbish bins. 3 nights max. No fires. Some road noise. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Flush toilets, rubbish bins. Activities: swimming, boating, walks. Up Up Up a growing, nationwide, Stop and Stay listing for campers and travellers SStay-lake ohau_1MNR218.webp SStay-ohau_MNR1133-2.webp SStay-F_lake ohau_1MNR218 copy.webp SStay-lake ohau_1MNR218.webp 1/8