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  • ferry-reserve

    11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Ferry Reserve ©2025 Wayne Ravelich GO TO Here & there last summer STOP and STAY A night at Ferry Reserve Wayne Ravelich A night at Ferry Reserve on our way to Morisons Bush. ©2025 Wayne Ravelich Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 11

  • fishing-freedom

    11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Otaki-river. mouth. Fishing. ©2025 M Richardson GO TO Here & there last summer Late summer fishing M Richardson Late summer fishing at the Ōtaki River Mouth free camp. February 2025. ©2025 M Richardson Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 15

  • warrants

    7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Bette camping at Morisons Bush Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove they may not inspect inside your vehicle Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? Miriam Richardson Certified Blue before 6/23, any toilet OK to freedom camp on public land † until 6 June 2025 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blue, fixed toilet OK to freedom camp on public land † until 6 June 2025 (or until your card expires, if earlier). Last chance for new or renew 6 Jun ‘24 Certified Blue portable toilet You may not freedom camp on public land † . NEW: Certified Green (fixed toilet only) OK to freedom camp on public land † . Lasts 4 years. Private land All of these are OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled land), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Good for 4 years or until the card expires. What to do Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles. The new freedom camping law specifically states that ‘short term parking’, and ‘ day-trip excursions,’ are not freedom camping. Recovering from driver fatigue continues to be allowed, and is, specifically, legally, not ‘freedom camping’. † What is ‘public land’? All land managed by district and local councils is covered. This can include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. Currently LINZ has 5 freedom camping areas in Central Otago and the McKenzie Country, and the new law applies. As at Feb 2024 DOC has made no changes relating to self-containment: the existing standard applies (portable or fixed toilet) for sites that require self-containment. ckw.nz/linz Inspection of self-containment warrants An enforcement officer may inspect your warrant card . If asked, you must produce the self-containment certificate . An enforcement officer may not inspect inside your vehicle. More on enforcement p12 Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 6

  • kiwi-camping

    7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS 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 It all started with a chance conversation 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 Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 23

  • home-roasting

    9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Marty Ireland ©2024 Marty Ireland ©2024 Marty Ireland ©2024 Marty Ireland ©2024 Marty Ireland ©2024 Marty Ireland Do it outside: the bean husks float, gently, everywhere. Home roasted coffee beans Marty Ireland I have been doing this since before Covid times and often take the necessary items with me in our caravan. Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or ale while roasting the beans. Green beans are sourced easily from TradeMe and there are a variety of types and country of origin — if they come from a source of high altitude the more likely the beans will be organic and spray free. Once I establish a contact and variety I’m happy with, I can deal direct with the supplier and they often send me sample beans to try. I usually purchase 1kg at a time paying $15 to $25. Larger quantities are more economical but you need to weigh up your usage against storage time and cost. A purpose made coffee roaster can be purchased from as little as $50 or up to hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on your final output either for personal use or intention to supply and sell. My choice is a simple popcorn machine, second hand $10 or new $35 , but of importance is the wattage, 750 Watt being on the fringe, 1000W or 1200W being the best. Fill the scoop to just under full Fill the scoop to just under full (above) and transfer to the machine. Transfer the beans to the machine I find between 7–9 minutes gives me a roast to my taste, so I set an Alexa alarm and sit back and enjoy my book or ale while waiting. Don’t make the mistake I made the first time and do this inside with a popcorn machine because the beans lose husks during this process and they gently float everywhere. Everywhere. There is an initial crack 2–3 minutes into the roast and then a second cracking around 4–5 minutes and from there its your choice as to how long and dark. I go for a dark glossy finish as a good sign and stage for my taste. Let the beans cool off in a large metal or glass bowl or on a tray then store in an airtight container for at least a week before using in a stand-alone grinder or coffee machine hopper. Let the beans cool off in a large metal or glass bowl for at least a week. With time and a few roasts, along with having a few varieties under you belt, you will enjoy the results and settle on a favourite. Does it save money? Generally yes, depending on the beans you purchase; and your time is free if you are camping while doing it ,so give it a crack. Enjoy! ◼️ Images ©2024 Marty Ireland Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 22

  • ss-comfort-zone

    8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold wave on your way in and wave on your way out STOP and STAY Comfort Zone, Whakatane Angela Bryan Comfort Zone is one of those properties you will just want to keep coming back to, whether you’re just passing through or you really want to stop and stay. Bill and Annette are the classic hosts, welcoming everyone with a smile and a wave and a plethora of local knowledge, and that is before you even get to your campsite. Take your pick from harder stand sites to the comfort of the grass. The large areas are sheltered by towering trees to keep you sheltered in the windiest of weather while still enjoying all day sun. But bring a torch, there are no street lights here to worry about, it is truly DARK. Just the stars to sit out and watch. Located near the Whakatane Airport with easy access for the largest of vehicles for travellers seeking a quiet place to park up. Back country roads make it easy to take a quiet bike ride into Whakatane township and for the more adventurous all the way to Ohope Beach. And the bonus, this is a free park over property. That’s right, no charge. Bill only has two rules. You must wave on your way in and wave on your way out. Once you’ve been to Comfort Zone, you will definitely be back. FREE 105 Aerodrome Road, Whakatane bill.matheson@xtra.co.nz 027 499 3981 Images ©2024 Comfort Zone A list for travellers and campers in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. View, download or print: stopandstaynz.org Add your spots for stopping: ckw.nz/add-one-now Open to all, courtesy of NZ's national camping club, All Points Camping . Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 41

  • connected-tourism

    5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption industry-F-byata-ziplinesm-logo.webp There is underlying energy and enthusiasm Building a connected NZ camping and tourism industry Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd To ensure that NZ has a sustainable recreational camping industry for the next decade and beyond it is imperative that related interest groups are more engaged and appreciative of the issues each group faces. Recently I had the opportunity to attend the BYATA (Backpacker, Youth and Adventure Tourism) conference in Christchurch. Connecting with others from across the tourism industry in a motivating, energised setting was like a breath of fresh air, recharging and invigorating me to continue to support our industry. Sited at the impressive Te Pae conference centre in central Christchurch it provided an opportunity to check out the vibrant city centre. With a wide range of industry speakers perhaps the most inspiring was from ChristchurchNZ.com . Rebranding Christchurch for the future as a playground (fun) destination for work, living and visiting exemplifies how life should be, and no doubt NZ’s camping community can relate to this. Concern was expressed by attendees and speakers on the significant harm caused by ex-Tourism Minister Stuart Nash’s offensive comments targeting budget travellers and campers and the heavy-handed freedom camping legislation pushed onto the industry. Other issues discussed were the reduced support for domestic tourism, migrant issues, the shortage of workers, affordable accomodation, and suitable rental vehicles; as well as increased financial costs and operator responsibilities. There is an underlying energy and enthusiasm across the wider traveller / camper supporting industry. There are issues but a lot of positivity across the industry. Roll on Summer 2023 / 2024. Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 10

  • toilet-tent

    9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption There is the toilet tent Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Toilet and shower tent Gary Hitchcock Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 25

  • nowhere

    3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption We jet boated upriver for approximately an hour. ©2023 Fiona Thomson We jet boated upriver for approximately an hour, through spectacular gorges, stopping to hear about historical and scenic interest spots. ©2023 Fiona Thomson We jet boated upriver for approximately an hour. ©2023 Fiona Thomson We jet boated upriver for approximately an hour. ©2023 Fiona Thomson My mother and aunt. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The bridge is a large concrete structure that was built in 1936 to provide early pioneering farmers access to their farms. Unfortunately the local area became a valley of abandoned dreams as the land proved unsuitable for farming. ©2023 Fiona Thomson The bridge is a large concrete structure that was built in 1936 to provide early pioneering farmers access to their farms. Unfortunately the local area became a valley of abandoned dreams as the land proved unsuitable for farming. ©2023 Fiona Thomson Nowhere special Fiona Thomson Our trip to the Bridge to Nowhere, on the Whanganui river, will always be a special memory that I share with my 84 year old mother. We camped overnight at Pipiriki on a non-powered site in our campervan. Cabins are available, with a clean communal kitchen and lounge area. We parked up in the provided day parking before donning our life jackets and wet weather gear. Our local guide and driver of the jet boat was helpful and knowledgeable. We jet boated upriver for approximately an hour, through spectacular gorges, stopping to hear about historical and scenic interest spots. After arriving at the Mangapurua landing, we were guided on a gentle 40 minute walk through native bush on a fern-lined track. The first hill up from the river was the most difficult — however my mother rose to the challenge and managed to walk the distance to the Bridge to Nowhere. The bridge is a large concrete structure that was built in 1936 to provide early pioneering farmers access to their farms. Unfortunately the local area became a valley of abandoned dreams as the land proved unsuitable for farming. Hot drinks and biscuits were provided at the bridge. We ate our own packed lunch before making the return bush walk and jet boating back to Pipirki. If you have the opportunity, this is a great day trip. Photos © Fiona Thomson Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 9

  • foray

    7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is ©2024 Louise Hamilton I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is ©2024 Louise Hamilton swimming and reading this afternoon Foray into paradise Louise Hamilton I can’t really take in how gorgeous the McKenzie Basin is. Very sore bum after cycling yesterday however, so swimming and reading this afternoon. ©2024 Louise Hamilton Canterbury High Country Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 5

  • recipes-girdle-scones

    9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Images ©2024 Lorraine Middleton Images ©2024 Lorraine Middleton Images ©2024 Lorraine Middleton Images ©2024 Lorraine Middleton Images ©2024 Lorraine Middleton You can cook them over a fire Girdle scones (aka griddle scones) Lorraine Middleton This is a very versatile and flexible recipe. You can make it up as a dry mix at home to take with you. I use my food processor, replacing the butter with margarine (which keeps better). Ingredients can be substituted, you can leave out the milk powder and just use milk when making them. I have also used lemonade and cream in place of the milk and butter, which worked well too. They can be cooked in a lidded frypan (my preference), on a hotplate or on a BBQ griddle. Ingredients 2 heaped cups flour 3 rounded tsp baking powder 3 Tbsp butter or margarine 1/4 cup trim milk powder plus chilled water to make 1 cup OR 1 cup milk Method ◗ Melt butter, leave to cool a little then add chilled water or milk. ◗ Add flour and baking powder and mix with a butter knife into a fairly soft dough (don’t over mix) adding more water if needed. ◗ Pat dough out to 2cm thick (approx) and cut into shapes to fit the pan. ◗ Cook over medium to low heat 5 to 7 mins each side until golden. To serve, split open and add your favourite toppings. Cook over a fire These are also great with the mixture twirled around and over the end (important!) of a stick. I use bamboo stakes. Cook over a fire. When cooked, pull out the stick and drop butter and golden syrup into the hole (we made that end so the butter and syrup don’t drip through). ◼️ Images ©2024 Lorraine Middleton Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 31

  • r-r-orton-bradley

    1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption R&R at Orton Bradley Park Just a little R&R Gary Hitchcock Just a little R&R at Orton Bradley Park. Great weather. Who would have thought I would need my sun hat this time of year? Not a breath of wind; 20 degrees. Orton Bradley Park is a great place. Autumn. Canterbury. Gary HItchock. Photos ©2022 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 12

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