6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption tiny-fran-rv_mw.webp Hi, I’m Fran Franziska Hi, I’m Fran and I have lived on the road a long time. It’s a great life. ©2023 @Franziska RV and Tiny House Living NZ Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 3

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Gore Bay Linda Butler There are two ways to get to Gore Bay. One via Cheviot township. Wow, that's such an awesome drive. The other entrance is near Donnet. This drive takes you past the Cathedral Cliffs. What an amazing spot. Gore Bay Camp is a small camp. We had to pre-book our site, and pay by cash when the custodian did his rounds in the evening. The facilities are old, but usable. Such a great place to go for a weekend break close to our home in Christchurch. We were fortunate to have a front row seat. Oh gosh. The sunrise was so pretty. And I loved the reflection effect on the windows of the bus. Hubby enjoyed a wander along the shoreline while I read my book at the front of the bus and chattered to our neighbours. No internet. No EFTPOS. No shop! No where for milk. Not unless you drive into Cheviot. Can't wait to go back again! North Canterbury. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 8

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption the perfect gift idea for a camper in your life The Slow Road Jonathan Collins I caught up with the authors and fellow camping adventurers of this amazing book, The Slow Road, which is available from ckw.nz/allenandunwin Kirianna is a Kiwi and Lockie is Australian; after the pandemic grounded Lockie’s career as pilot, they and their three children travelled all around Australia in their custom-made kombi. They recently shipped their custom van to New Zealand and spent most of 2023 travelling and documenting their trips around the country. Here is what they have to say about their book. “This guide documents our journeys through NZ from 2022 to 2024. It is an essential resource for anyone contemplating a trip by van or caravan, offering valuable information for camping enthusiasts, van buyers or renters, and individuals seeking sun and sand. The book includes details about the places we visited in both the North and South Islands, featuring recommendations from locals, hidden gems, cultural and historical landmarks, sunset and sunrise viewing spots, as well as tips for fishing, swimming, skiing, and experiencing NZ’s diverse natural and cultural wonders. “Moreover, it delves into kitchen essentials, healthy road-trip food ideas, and a collection of recipes, along with advice on where to stay, eat, play, and explore in key North and South Island destinations.” Kirianna and Lockie have been sharing their adventures through YouTube and Instagram. @theslowroad_ This is the perfect gift idea for that camper in your life who has everything or perhaps treat yourself to a guide and inspiration for your next adventure. I will be popping in-store to Paper Plus to grab a copy for our van. Happy reading campers. (ISBN: 9781991006585) Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 29

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The gates at Rotokare Bird Sanctuary. We came here, through the big gates, to this pest-free reserve and we discovered it was so much more than a parking spot. Lake Rotokare The fence protects the regenerating native bush, and a 17.8ha natural lake with extensive wetlands. The floating observation deck Toutouwai/North Island robin We had the opportunity to spot a variety of bird life including tūī, kereru, korimako/bellbirds, and a personal favourite —tīeke/saddlebacks. It’s own electric tripwire surveillance system STOP and STAY Freedom inside the fence Fiona Thomson 12km from Eltham, in Southern Taranaki is where you can find the hidden gem of Rotokare Bird Sanctuary. Initially we were looking for a freedom park for the night, but following the recommendation of friends we came here, through the big gates, to this pest-free reserve and we discovered it was so much more than a parking spot. This stunning, 230ha, forested hill-country catchment is protected by an 8.2km pest-proof fence that circles the reserve perimeter. This fence is not like any garden fence: it has special features with it’s own electric tripwire surveillance system — which runs along the top of the fence. At close to 2m high, with its smooth rolled edges, this fence prevents climbing animals such as cats and possums from getting a grip to climb in. It’s constructed from a fine stainless steel mesh that is tight enough to stop small rodents from getting through. At the base, the foundations of the fence are anchored below ground level — creating a barrier to digging animals such as rabbits and hares. The fence protects the regenerating native bush, and a 17.8ha natural lake with extensive wetlands. Lake Rotokare There are several walking tracks that weave through the native bush that include tawa, rewarewa, and mahoe trees. The floating observation deck It took us 45 minutes to walk around the 4km lakeside track, providing us with the opportunity to spot a variety of bird life including tūī, kereru, korimako/bellbirds, and a personal favourite —tīeke/saddlebacks. The track was well constructed, and we even meet a family negotiating it with a pushchair. Toutouwai/North Island robin During the night, we could clearly hear the call of the ruru/morepork and — to our delight — kiwi. Rotokare offers public, night encounters (by prior arrangement) at a nominal fee from July to September. There is a selection of parking spots for motorhomes and self-contained vehicles, plus picnic tables and benches along the lake edge. There are public toilets including a wheelchair-accessible toilet and an information shelter. This is also a popular recreation area for boaties. Dogs are prohibited. The Sanctuary is free to enter and open 24/7. The instructions for drivers entering were clearly displayed with a simple traffic light system to guide vehicles entering and exiting. n Our camper exiting the vehicle gate system. Our camper exiting the vehicle gate system. Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 21

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Where you can camp has changed too Self containment changes in brief Gary Stoneley Currently self contained If your vehicle is currently certified, this is valid... ...until it expires, or until 7 June ‘25, whichever comes first. This is true whatever kind of toilet you have. Not currently self contained It is now illegal to camp free on any council-controlled land unless it is clearly designated for non self contained vehicles. Many local authorities do not yet have areas for free camping even though they are now required to do so. New or renewing before 7 Dec Permanently fitted toilet: you can get a regular blue warrant, expiring 7/6/25. Portable toilet: a blue warrant, marked “Not issued per Freedom Camping Act”. New regulations: 7 Dec ‘23 From 7 Dec this year all new self containment certificates will be issued under the new regulations (requiring a permanently fitted toilet). You get a green warrant. Valid for four years. It will cost more. From 7 June 2025 Self contained A self contained vehicle must be certified under the new regulations. A green warrant. Not self contained If you do not have a self contained vehicle, or are unable to meet the new requirements, it is expected that local authorities will designate camping areas for non self-contained vehicles although these may not be conveniently located. You will not be subject to self containment costs. Where you can camp has changed The changes in the act are not just about what is in your van or motorhome, it is also about where you can camp. The new act now requires certain kinds of self containment in certain places, but has no effect on other places. We have made a chart showing who can camp where: ckw.nz/camp-where We will keep this updated as the many confusing aspects of this new act are clarified. MORE We answer your questions: ckw.nz/FAQ ckw.nz/official-fc-changes ckw.nz/fc-change-pdf (download the official pdf) Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 36

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Three singers at Campfest, Bulls, 2024 Tina Turley, Karen Clarke & Carylann Martin. Have had the BEST time at the All Points Camp Fest. Got to sing with these amazing girls — Karen Clarke & Tina Turley. AWESOME. Roll on next year. Carylann Martin. Bulls, Rangatikei. Photo © 2024 Michael Self Three singers at Campfest ’24 Carylann Martin Have had the BEST time at the All Points Camp Fest. Got to sing with these amazing girls — Karen Clarke & Tina Turley . AWESOME. Roll on next year. Carylann Martin . Bulls, Rangatikei. Photo © 2024 Michael Self Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 37

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly-tramping_H_food-1.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Winter tramping food Jono Collins There were some pretty yummy looking dinners getting eaten on our tramp last weekend…. This is what I’m all about. 🏕️ More: Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers ©2025 Jonathan Collins, NZ Fun Adventures nzfunadventures.co.nz Find us on Facebook . Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 13

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A long weekend on the Waikato River Roland Jones Enjoying the long weekend on the Waikato River Cooked my favourite breakfast when camping: pancakes with boysenberry jam. Keely’s Reserve, Cambridge ©2024 Roland Jones Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 19

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The Woodturners Kauri Gallery Parkover NI Dargaville, FREE thewoodturnersstudio.co.nz Offers overnight parking as well as woodturning tuition, a gallery and a shop. Great views of the river, close to dairy, an opshop, takeaways and shopping. WHO: self-contained vehicles, cabins. FACILITIES: large vehicles. Low cost ACTIVITiES: woodturning, kauri gallery, 20 mins walk to town or museum. Dargaville Museum NI Northland, Dargaville, LOW COST dargavillemuseum.co.nz Overlooking the town and river, it tells fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast, Māori, maritime & pioneer. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITiES: picnic spots, walking tracks, cycle trail, also see the Heritage Machinery Museum, pā site. Historic Maritime Museum and Park NI Paeroa, LOW COST historicalmaritimepark.co.nz Home to a collection of goldfield/maritime history. Beautifully laid out grounds, river board walks, daily boat rides and friendly hosts. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, power available ($), ACTIVITiES: museum, picnics, river cruise, rail trail, walking tracks, cycling, kayak launch, pet friendly. Coach House Museum NI Fielding, Manawatū, LOW COST coachhousemuseum.nz Enjoy an outstanding collection of rural NZ heritage— over 140 years of history. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: large vehicles, toilets (open hours), water, pet friendly, wheelchair access. Activities: museum, walk to town. Hawera Holiday Park NI Taranaki, COSTS ckw.nz/hawera-hp Peaceful camp at the edge of town. Hawera’s museums are unique and innovative: Elvis, an underground canal boat ride, local models. WHO: cars, tents, motorhomes. FACILITIES: dump station, power, toilets, showers, kitchen, lounge, laundry, wifi, BBQ, family friendly, 5 mins walk to the CBD, pets by arrangement. ACTIVITIES: 3 museums, galleries, climb the tower, 4 opshops, swimming, walking, cycling. Tui Mangatainoka Reserve Campground NI Pahiatua, Wairarapa, FREE ckw.nz/tui Located across the road from the famous Tui Brewery, where you can take a tour. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: toilets, dump station, water, restaurant, pet friendly Activities: brewery tours, walks, swimming, picnics, kayaking, fishing. Antique & Classic Boat Museum SI St Arnaud, LOW COST classicboatmuseum.co.nz Park beside the museum, and enjoy the collection of in-board, out-board and non-powered boats. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: none. ACTIVITIES: museum, walks, cycling, swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, tramping, local adventures. Hanmer DOC Amenity Area SI North Canterbury, FREE A reasonably flat free camping area near town: hot pools, ice rink, shopping, eateries. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: toilet just next door, 15 mins walk to town. ACTIVITIES: hot pools, swimming, museum, craft and art galleries, shopping, eateries, golf, walking, tramping, cycling, many adventure opportunities. Milford POP, Frenally Craft Shop SI Temuka, Sth Canterbury, LOW COST ckw.nz/fb-milford-pop This former school has space to unwind and socialise, indoor and out. Buy crafts or craft supplies. Take a class. Come for a visit, and stay over if you are self-contained. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: craft shop, classes, morning & afternoon teas, pet friendly. Activities: playground, indoor/outdoor social areas, crafting classes. House of Hop Brewery and Restaurant SI Geraldine, FREE facebook.com/houseofhopnz
 houseofhop.co.nz Situated in a quiet rural setting with on site restaurant and craft brewery where you get epic craft beer and sensational food. Who: self-contained vehicles. Facilities: large vehicles, playground, , sheep and alpacas to watch, pet friendly. activities: brewery, restaurant, walks. Naseby Holiday Park SI Central Otago, COSTS nasebyhp.nz In the “ice capital of NZ”, with historic old buildings, quaint pubs and café food. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: power, water, dump station, rubbish, toilets, showers, laundry, kitchen, lounge, playground, wheelchair access, large vehicles, 10 min walk to the town. ACTIVITIES: luge, curling, ice-skating, dog sled riding, Dark Skies star gazing, walks, mountain biking, orienteering, cycling, walking, gold panning, close to Otago Rail Trail. Tui Base Camp SI Tuatapere, Southland, COSTS tuibasecamp.co.nz Walk to the Bushman’s Museum, craft and art galleries. Family friendly, weekly rates. WHO: tents, vans, campervans, backpackers. FACILITIES: toilet, showers, laundry, kitchen, power, spa, sauna, dump station, playground, wifi, café, bar, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: museum, galleries, mini golf, bush walks, tramping, guided trips, jet boating. for the rainy days STOP and STAY Stop and stay in winter Stop and Stay Places that provide poor-weather activities onsite or nearby. stopandstaynz.org NORTH ISLAND The Woodturners Kauri Gallery Parkover Dargaville, LOW COST thewoodturnersstudio.co.nz Offers overnight parking as well as woodturning tuition, a gallery and a shop. Great views of the river, close to dairy, an opshop, takeaways and shopping. WHO: self-contained vehicles, cabins. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITiES: woodturning, kauri gallery, 20 mins walk to town or museum. Dargaville Museum Northland, LOW COST dargavillemuseum.co.nz Overlooking the town and river, it tells fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast, Māori, maritime & pioneer. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITiES: picnic spots, walking tracks, cycle trail, also see the Heritage Machinery Museum, pā site. Historic Maritime Museum and Park Paeroa, LOW COST historicalmaritimepark.co.nz Home to a collection of goldfield/maritime history. Beautifully laid out grounds, river board walks, daily boat rides and friendly hosts. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, power available ($), ACTIVITiES: museum, picnics, river cruise, rail trail, walking tracks, cycling, kayak launch, pet friendly. Coach House Museum Fielding, Manawatū, LOW COST coachhousemuseum.nz Enjoy an outstanding collection of rural NZ heritage— over 140 years of history. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, toilets (open hours), water, pet friendly, wheelchair access. ACTIVITIES: museum, walk to town. Hawera Holiday Park Taranaki, COSTS ckw.nz/hawera-hp Peaceful camp at the edge of town. Hawera’s museums are unique and innovative: Elvis, an underground canal boat ride, local models. WHO: cars, tents, motorhomes. FACILITIES: dump station, power, toilets, showers, kitchen, lounge, laundry, wifi, BBQ, family friendly, 5 mins walk to the CBD, pets by arrangement. ACTIVITIES: 3 museums, galleries, climb the tower, 4 opshops, swimming, walking, cycling. Tui Mangatainoka Reserve Campground Pahiatua, Wairarapa, FREE ckw.nz/tui Located across the road from the famous Tui Brewery, where you can take a tour. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: toilets, dump station, water, restaurant, pet friendly ACTIVITIES: brewery tours, walks, swimming, picnics, kayaking, fishing. SOUTH ISLAND Antique & Classic Boat Museum St Arnaud, LOW COST classicboatmuseum.co.nz Park beside the museum, and enjoy the collection of in-board, out-board and non-powered boats. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: none. ACTIVITIES: museum, walks, cycling, swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, tramping, local adventures. Hanmer DOC Amenity Area North Canterbury, FREE A reasonably flat free camping area near town: hot pools, ice rink, shopping, eateries. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: toilet just next door, 15 mins walk to town. ACTIVITIES: hot pools, swimming, museum, craft and art galleries, shopping, eateries, golf, walking, tramping, cycling, many adventure opportunities. Milford POP, Frenally Craft Shop Temuka, LOW COST ckw.nz/fb-milford-pop This former school has space to unwind and socialise, indoor and out. Buy crafts or craft supplies. Take a class. Come for a visit, and stay over if you are self-contained. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: craft shop, classes, morning & afternoon teas, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: playground, indoor/outdoor social areas, crafting classes. Join All Points Camping for a weekend here in September 2024 ckw.nz/clandeboye House of Hop Brewery and Restaurant Geraldine, South Canterbury, FREE facebook.com/houseofhopnz houseofhop.co.nz Situated in a quiet rural setting with on site restaurant and craft brewery where you get epic craft beer and sensational food. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, playground, sheep and alpacas to watch, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: brewery, restaurant, walks. Naseby Holiday Park Central Otago, COSTS nasebyhp.nz In the “ice capital of NZ”, with historic old buildings, quaint pubs and café food. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: power, water, dump station, rubbish, toilets, showers, laundry, kitchen, lounge, playground, wheelchair access, large vehicles, 10 min walk to the town. ACTIVITIES: luge, curling, ice-skating, dog sled riding, Dark Skies star gazing, walks, mountain biking, orienteering, cycling, walking, gold panning, close to Otago Rail Trail. Tui Base Camp Tuatapere, Southland, COSTS tuibasecamp.co.nz Walk to the Bushman’s Museum, craft and art galleries. Family friendly, weekly rates. WHO: tents, vans, campervans, backpackers. FACILITIES: toilet, showers, laundry, kitchen, power, spa, sauna, dump station, playground, wifi, café, bar, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: museum, galleries, mini golf, bush walks, tramping, guided trips, jet boating. 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 40

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

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Caravan & Motorhome Electrics by Collyn Rivers Miriam Richardson This is a book for people who want to understand how their electrics work as well as for people who are designing / building / converting a caravan or motorhome. It tells you how to install, how to identify, understand and (sometimes) fix anything that does not work as it should. It will give you a good understanding of alternators, regulators, batteries and their charging and monitoring, solar energy and generators. It will help you scale what you want to do with what is possible in your particular setup. It also helps when you are talking to rv service professionals, who may be expert in vehicles but not rvs, or vice versa. Problems arise when service professionals don’t truly understand how the vehicle and RV systems differ and how they interact. You can read the table of contents ( ckw.nz/cme-contents ) and download a sample chapter from his website’s book page . His books are often in local libraries, you can buy them at book depository ($36NZ free delivery), or buy a kindle version from amazon.com.au ($AU12). Highly recommended. Links are here: rvbooks.com.au Choose > Our books. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 23

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption interesting places to explore and enjoy STOP and STAY All roads lead to Camp Fest Gary Stoneley Bulls, February 2025 No matter which direction you are coming to Camp Fest from, there are many worthwhile, interesting places to explore and enjoy. North, South, East or West, or just a short distance from the Camp Fest venue there are some great opportunities to take a break and check out something a bit different. The township of Bulls is situated in the lower North Island approximately halfway between the majestic Mount Ruapehu (below) and Wellington ( ckw.nz/bulls ). It forms a junction between State Highways 1 and 3 where travellers’ paths from all directions cross. What better place for NZ’s national camping club, the All Points Camping Club of NZ, to host the third Camp Fest? An affordable, inclusive, family-friendly event for all types of campers. Read about Camp Fest In this article I cover some special places to check out on your travels plus some great places to stay. N is for North National Park Heading toward Bulls from the central plateau, make a benefit of the Desert Road closure (Jan 6 to end of Feb) to take a night at National Park, then give the kids a break at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park and indulge in an Ohakune chocolate eclair, before heading on to the Waiouru Army Museum back on SH1. ( ckw.nz/waiouru-museum and more ). The museum is a great place to stop. The museum holds records of past military personnel with very helpful staff to help you with information. It’s a good, safe place to park overnight with the caravan or motorhome. A bit further down the highway, stop at Taihape’s giant gumboot and take a walk up to the Mount Stewart lookout ( ckw.nz/mt-stewart ). This comes highly recommended by travellers. Travel south a bit more to Mangaweka and with two riverside campgrounds ( mangaweka.co.nz/camp ) ……or go a bit further to the Flat Hills Cafe and Tourist Park ( ckw.nz/flat-hills ). With some of the best custard squares in the country, a challenging adult maze, animals, children’s playground and overnight camping this is one stop you will want to come back to. If you are into bushwalks taking a brief detour to the Whitecliffs Boulders may interest you ( whitecliffsboulders.co.nz ). Vinegar Hill Just north of Hunterville you can camp at the popular Vinegar Hill Reserve ( ckw.nz/vinegar-hill , above). Looking across the Rangitikei valley from Stormy Point Continuing on this side road will give you scenic views as you meander across hills and valleys to Feilding or you may wish to continue down SH1 to Bulls. S is for South Otaki Rivermouth, freedom camping spot. If beaches are your thing start with a night at the Otaki River mouth, and the Foxton and Himatangi beaches are worth a visit. There are several campgrounds to choose from. Both the De Molen Windmill ( foxtonwindmill.co.nz ), Oranjehof, Dutch Connection Centre oranjehof.org.nz and Off the Loop water park ( offtheloop.nz ) are worth checking out. Heading up SH1, the Waireka Honey shop has tasty honey blended ice cream and wines with a wide range of homely and beeswax products ( wairekahoney.co.nz ). It’s a chance to pull off the highway and catch your breath before heading up to Sanson and the Bulls Camp Fest. E is for East Heading towards Camp Fest from the East, Dannevirke Holiday Park is set in a tranquil hollow surrounded by native bush ( dannevirkeholidaypark.co.nz | more ). It’s close to the community pool, deer enclosure and bird aviaries. The native bush theme continues with Ferry Reserve, for camping at the base of the Tararua Ranges by the Manawatu River with easy access to the Manawatu Gorge bushwalks ( ckw.nz/ferry-reserve ). Once you have travelled over the Saddle Road, past the windmills, Ashhurst gives you the chance to stop over at the Ashhurst Domain ( ckw.nz/ashhurst-domain ) for the night or choose one of the many routes to Bulls. The most scenic, but longer route would be to head through the Pohangina Valley. Stopping at the Tōtara Reserve Regional Park ( totarareserveregionalpark.co.nz ) and campground or carrying on to Apiti and Kimbolton. Both towns have facilities and reserves for freedom camping. The more direct route to Bulls will take you through Feilding, to the Coachhouse Museum ( coachhousemuseum.nz ), which would have to rate as one of the best-maintained collections of NZ’s farming history in all of NZ. If you have a self-contained vehicle you can stay here overnight for a small donation. A very popular parkover location is Timona Park, adjacent to the Ōroua River and walkway. Whether coming from east or south two ‘must do’s’ in Sanson are Viv’s kitchen ( vivskitchen.co.nz ) with it’s famous cream horns and just adjacent to it, the Retro America store ( retroamerica.co.nz ). W is for West Dudding Lake If you are travelling from Taranaki or Whanganui on your way to Camp Fest there are campgrounds and free camps in Hawera, and two lakeside campgrounds that are worth considering, Lakelands Holiday Park ( lakelands.co.nz ) and Dudding Lake ( duddinglake.nz ) as well as the small coastal campground of Koitiata ( koitiata.nz ). Camp Fest in Bulls The Camp Fest venue offers a large open area for parking of caravans and motorhomes with a tree lined glade for those with tents or small camping units. More on Campfest . Arrive on the Friday if possible to enjoy the full range of activities over the weekend. All the local shops are within an easy walk. The Bulls River was a major hurdle to cross for early settlers and travellers and Scotts Ferry operated down-river near the coast. There is a small low-cost community campground at the heritage site of Scotts Ferry ( ckw.nz/scotts-ferry ) just a short drive from the town. Bulls is in the Rangitikei District which does not have a freedom camping bylaw, so you can park where it is safe to do so, but be aware of your surroundings, other people, litter, and comply with other bylaws and laws. We hope you enjoy your travels to Camp Fest in Bulls in February 2025 and look forward to seeing you there. ◊ Images: © remains with the organisations/businesses and photographers. Read about Camp Fest The Camp Fest website: campfestnz.org Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 33