2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Choosing an internet provider Miriam Richardson Up It’s a thorny problem, deciding how to connect to the internet on the road — so many different choices, plans and options; so many unfamiliar concepts. Here’s a ‘simple’ guide. Step 1: Assessing your needs How much data do you use in a month? Will this change if you are on the road rather than at home? On the road you might use internet data to watch films, videos, tv. Standard definition might use 1g of data every hour; super high definition could be as high as 15g per hour. Does your data-use vary much from month to month? Some plans are unlimited but they might slow down if you have used a lot of data. Others are limited but you might be able to buy extra data in months when you need it. Does the internet speed matter to you? If you download things like movies and TV to watch later, speed is less of an issue. If watching things live matters to you, then speed does matter. Whereabouts are you going to travel? There is variation in coverage for the internet. There are areas with no coverage at all. If your travels keep you pretty much near towns or cities you have more choices than if they take you into the wilds. How important is it to have internet access all the time? There might be some places in NZ you can’t go if you need the internet all the time. You can add aerials to extend your coverage, but you need the sort that you set up outside your vehicle, in just the right spot to catch a signal, to make a significant difference in internet coverage. Does your vehicle pose any limitations on phone signals? If you need an aerial to sit outside your vehicle (usually the roof) to get a signal, this will determine the kind of device you use to connect to the internet as not all devices have a fitting for an aerial (mobile phones, for instance). Mobile phone, modem or satellite for the internet? You might want to wait until you have looked at the plans to make up your mind on this, but it worth thinking about the practicalities in advance. Here is a video about using a satellite connection: ckw.nz/satellite . Hardware and its installation You can use your mobile phone to access the internet, or you can use a modem. Integrating a modem into an rv’s 12v electrical system requires a voltage smoother (and someone to install it). You might need an aerial on the roof (that’s another hole in your roof and someone to install it) to capture the signal outside the box of the vehicle; or a freestanding aerial that you can set up when you stop in remote areas. What can you afford? Sometimes we have to choose what we can afford rather than the choice that most closely matches our wants or needs. You need to consider both the initial cost which might include a modem, the ongoing monthly costs, and the cost of any possible add-ons like extra data for busy months or extra hardware and its installation. Step 2: What is on offer? Armed with a clear idea about your needs, you can now scope out what is on offer from the different providers. Check out those dedicated to mobile internet as well as mobile phone providers. At this step, ask questions but agree to nothing. The plans and costs • What plans seem to meet your needs? • Does tying yourself to a contract give you a discount worthy of the bond? • Is there a choice of combining mobile phone/s and internet? Do the dollars stack up? • Are you looking at a joint/ family kind of arrangement rather than individual? • Can you join on to a family member’s existing plan? • Can you use the one arrangement both at home and while on the road? Its worth talking to others about their experiences with a company and looking at reviews. Reviews here: ckw.nz/glimp-rural | ckw.nz/glimp-mobile Assessing a provider How is their admin process: contracts, charging and paying? (don't assume the helpfulness of sales staff reflects what happens on their help desk, they are often a different team.) How is their help desk: helpfulness, their hours, phone / email access? Do you care if the helpdesk is NZ-based or not? Do they offer any discounts for a group you belong to? Netspeed offers a discount for All Points Camping members. Wireless Nation offers a discount for NZMCA members. Check any other of your group memberships for discounts. Step 3: Consider these dimensions of difference Service / reputation. Coverage (where you can get a signal) Using a phone, modem or satellite? Speed & gigabytes. Installation issues. Costs, contracts, discounts. How long is a piece of string? Armed with a clear idea of what you need and questions to ask, you can navigate the thickets of promotional-speak to make a good choice of internet provider. If you are still uncertain, start with an easier, cheaper option, and change up if or when you feel a need. Keep on asking and listening to others’ experiences with their internet provider. Keep yourself ready for change. Check out last issue’s article on 'Getting the internet on the road' ckw.nz/internet-road . Up Up Here are the steps: • First: understand what you want or need. • Second: find out what is available and what it costs. • Third sleep on it, ask around, sleep on it again. • Fourth: decide between using a mobile phone, a modem (or satellite) for the internet. • Fifth: review available plans. Choose. Maybe sleep on it again. • Sixth: Sign up. Vodafone coverage 2Degrees coverage Spark coverage Vodafone coverage 1/3

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing twin axel with motormovers Dealing with a caravan flat Duncan Upjohn Have you had a flat tyre on your caravan? I have now had three and would like to pass on some experience that may help you. My current caravan is twin axel with motormovers attached, and I am now in my mid 60s. Before journeying I always check pressures in the tyres. Our last trip I did this the weekend before going and noticed one tyre down on what was expected, and pumped it up with a footpump. I checked again a couple of days before, and the pressure was half what it was supposed to be, so time to take it off and have it checked. An hour and a half later it was off and the spare on, I was glad this was at home and not on the roadside. Cracking the tension on the nuts was the first problem, the tyre lever being only 250mm long. Haha, this I had done before and placing the bottle jack under the lever and raising it does the trick (above) — any jack will do — a block of wood on top can help. Next, to jack up the van. The bottle jack in place, there was not enough room to use the lever with the motormover crossbar. Out came the supplied scissor jack. Again the cross bar and movers made placing it difficult and then turning the handle a mission and a half —an eighth of a turn at a time was all I could manage. Well, after a few choice words, skinned hands and a lovely bruise (found the next day) the job was done. I had the tyre repaired and we left with the spare still on — changing it would wait till we got home. So my main problem was the jack and I found an electric one on line, ordered it and it made change-back a breeze and one I would be OK with at the roadside, should it now be required. ◊ Images ©2024 Duncan Upjohn Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 16

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing a hearty breakfast on the Wairau STOP and STAY The Wairau Gary Wills After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day.◊ ©2024 Gary Wills Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 17

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Beautiful vintage buses and trucks Franziska Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist. Franzisca ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 15

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing never underestimate the kindness of strangers We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Craig Nelson Well. There we were. Bogged. How did we get here and how did the intrepid road trip travellers, Mr and Mrs N. come to be bogged at the Clark Valley Recreation Area, before Murchison on State Highway 6, in the South Island of New Zealand? Where did all this — road trip — exploring the country — lark come from anyway? All good questions. We need to go back in time, a time before we knew that Covid19 was a thing, a time when facemasks were those yellow things that might fall in an “unlikely event” from the overhead panel on an aircraft. Let us go back to 2019 BC (before caravan), and we, that is Mrs N and I, were planning an extended road trip of the South Island, the following year, in 2020. Pause for knowing giggles, snorts and — yeah rights! Having been avid tent campers for several years, we quickly ruled that out for a road trip — the idea of setting up and tearing down a tent every second day or so didn’t seem fun. Plus, South Island in May? Could be a tad chilly. This left two possibilities: Take the car to the South Island and stay in motels, camping ground accommodation, Airbnbs, etc, etc. Fly to Christchurch and hire a motorhome. After listing and discussing all the pros and cons, which I shan’t bore you with here, we eventually decided on a hired motorhome trip around the South Island. But, I do seem to remember saying: “Because it’d be funner!” That settled, we booked for May 2020. It would be autumn and our 25th wedding anniversary. How lovely. Then, like it was for many others, all our grand plans all got covid-cancelled. The motorhome booking was rolled over to the following year, May 2021. Fast forward to May 2021. After a quick flight from Auckland to Christchurch, we picked up our motorhome. We were away from home for the next four weeks. We set off at break neck speed to do the whole, yes the whole of the South Island in our allotted time. (Yes, yes, we go a bit slower nowadays, but what were we to know back then? You never know when there might be another lockdown! The South might declare independence from the North!) After a quick up and over loop, taking in Kaikōura, Picton, Marahau (Abel Tasman National Park) and Nelson we were heading towards Murchison and the West Coast via SH6. Mrs N. was driving — which we share. We saw an inviting looking rest area to stop for lunch. We pulled into the Clark Valley Recreation Area, noting the ‘no camping’ sign at the gate — all good, we were just going to be here for a quick lunch stop. Or so we thought. The gravelled driveway, appeared to loop around on itself. Excellent — drive in drive out, nice and easy. However, the gravel suddenly gave way to grass halfway around the loop. No worries, there appeared to be a clear track looping back around. Well, there was, but there was also a little hollow dip and then a slight rise back up to the beginning of the loop. Mrs N. cautiously navigated the little dip and started to drive up the little rise. About halfway up, the right front wheel started to spin on the wet grass. Now here’s the thing. I am pretty sure that if we had stayed where we were and thought things through, we would have been able to get ourselves going again without too much fuss. We will never know because: Mr N: Just roll back down and give it another go — a little bit faster this time! Mrs N: Okay darling — I trust your judgement implicitly! Mrs N. then reversed the motorhome back down the rise, and we ended up with the front wheels, yup you guessed it — in the little hollow dip. A dip which just so happened to have a little stream of water trickling through it. Well. If we weren’t completely stuck before, we sure were stuck now. Both the front wheels were now spinning and going nowhere fast. Attempts to feed sticks under the wheels proved amateurishly futile. Both the front wheels were now spinning and going nowhere fast. Just as we were contemplating a night stuck in the ‘no camping’ rest area, a couple pulled in — sensibly staying on the gravel. I guess they figured out fairly quickly, we needed some help because they came over to see what the problem was. The problem was that we were still around 57km from Murchison, and stuck in a valley with zero phone coverage. The kind couple said they would drive further along the road and up to the Hope Saddle, where there should be phone coverage to call a tow truck. The Hope Saddle was around 10km further on from where we were. They even said they would drive back again and let us know that they had been able to call for help. All this they did and after about 20 minutes or so, they came back and told us a tow truck was on its way. They even waited for it to arrive, before going on their way. Well, what can you say? Thank you! The driver of the flat-bed tow truck had also brought along his large 4x4 on the back. He said he needed to be careful with his truck: Tow truck driver: This thing will get stuck on a cow pat! In less than five minutes, he had his 4x4 off the back of his truck, and had pulled us free with a bungee snatch strap. MR N : What do we owe you? Tow truck driver: Nothing — the AA roadside assist will cover it! MR N : Excellent! Thank you very much! Is there a moral to this story? Yes. When dips happen, and they will — stop, and think before you act. As long as it is safe to do so, get out and look, assess the situation. Nothing bad will happen — if you’re stuck, taking a moment to get out and look, have a wee think — won’t make you any more stuck. Don’t make the situation worse by guessing or doing the first thing that comes into your head. As I mentioned earlier, and while I can’t say for sure, I think if we had got out and looked and taken a breath or two, I think we could of got ourselves going again half way up that little hill. If we had looked, we would have seen the dip behind us. Lastly — never underestimate the kindness of strangers. ◊ Photos ©2024 Craig Nelson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 8

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Only getting in 123 Watts Allan Henderson Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. We have just under 3000 Watt of solar on the roof and only getting in 123 Watts. Very overcast day here in Methven. ©2024 Allan Henderson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 17

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Looking west, uphill Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking up the valley to Carricktown Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking down on Cromwell and Lake Dunstan beyond. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking east, downhill. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Dump station Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Wind. There is wind. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson a windy and dramatic spot with wonderful hosts STOP and STAY Scottland Motorhome Park Miriam Richardson On the top of a ridge looking down on Cromwell one side, and towards Carricktown the other. It’s a windy spot with dramatic views, dramatic weather and the history of the valley is dramatic as well. Read the handout at the registration shed. No tents, children or dogs. Must be self-contained. Bill and Jenny set up their POP (Park Over Property) to have all the things they want when they are travelling, so it includes, water, a photo-worthy dump station for cassettes (left), a washing machine and 2 clothes lines (use your good pegs; it sure is windy), rubbish and recycling as well as a bucket for chook scraps. For grey water, they appreciate it being delivered to their trees, up here in the dry. Also, plugs for e-bike charging, and e-bikes for hire. They have a produce stall at the gate with fruit, eggs, jam, honey and fruit leather, depending on the season (greengages! blackboy peaches! yum!). Activities: walking and cycling, near the Lake Dunstan Trail, and Carrick tracks; wineries, historical sites, galleries. Bill & Jenny 34 Quartzville Rd, Bannockburn 0274 331 761 | 0274 317 101 jenny@xtra.co.nzscottabgood.info $10 a night. NZMCA discount. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 39

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Looking west, uphill Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking up the valley to Carricktown Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking down on Cromwell and Lake Dunstan beyond. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Looking east, downhill. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Dump station Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Wind. There is wind. Scottland Motorhome Park, Bannockburn. ©2024 M Richardson Scottland Motorhome Park Miriam Richardson On the top of a ridge looking down on Cromwell one side, and towards Carricktown the other. It’s a windy spot with dramatic views, dramatic weather and the history of the valley is dramatic as well. Read the handout at the registration shed. No tents, children or dogs. Must be self-contained. Bill and Jenny set up their POP (Park Over Property) to have all the things they want when they are travelling, so it includes, water, a photo-worthy dump station for cassettes (left), a washing machine and 2 clothes lines (use your good pegs; it sure is windy), rubbish and recycling as well as a bucket for chook scraps. For grey water, they appreciate it being delivered to their trees, up here in the dry. Also, plugs for e-bike charging, and e-bikes for hire. They have a produce stall at the gate with fruit, eggs, jam, honey and fruit leather, depending on the season (greengages! blackboy peaches! yum!). Activities: walking and cycling, near the Lake Dunstan Trail, and Carrick tracks; wineries, historical sites, galleries. Bill & Jenny 34 Quartzville Rd, Bannockburn 0274 331 761 | 0274 317 101 jenny@xtra.co.nzscottabgood.info $10 a night. NZMCA discount. GO TO Celebrating Summer a windy and dramatic spot with wonderful hosts Private property. Not affected by law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 39 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption I am on track Andrew Morton I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 7

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Hydraulic lift Charly means “free man” or “valiant” — giving wheelies the freedom to travel. ©2024 Milner Mobility NZ’s first wheelchair accessible campervan Designed and built by ACM Motorhomes on an IVECO cab and chassis. ©2024 Milner Mobility Accessible kitchen ©2024 Milner Mobility Travelling up front The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front! ©2024 Milner Mobility Accessible kitchen ©2024 Milner Mobility Within reach ©2024 Milner Mobility NZ’s first wheelchair accessible campervan Designed and built by ACM Motorhomes on an IVECO cab and chassis. ©2024 Milner Mobility Charly the campervan Milner Mobility New Zealand’s first wheelchair accessible campervan, CHARLY, will soon be available for hire. Launched in January by Milner Mobility it has been designed and built by ACM Motorhomes with the assistance of wheelies, on an IVECO cab and chassis. Charly means “free man” or “valiant” — giving wheelies the freedom to travel. The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front! It has an accessible bathroom, can be driven with hand controls, and has an hydraulic lift. 60% of each rental is donated to its sponsors CatWalk and the NZ Spinal Trust . More: Milner Mobility GO TO Celebrating Summer giving wheelies the freedom to travel Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 18 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes Waitaki first day Gary Kircher, Mayor for Waitak Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. ◊ ©2024 Gary Kircher, Mayor for Waitaki ckw.nz/fb-gary Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 11

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Check your wrrant Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Which cards are valid? 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 before 6/24 , fixed toilet OK to freedom camp on public land† until 6 June 2025(or until your card expires, if earlier). Certified Blue, portable toilet You may not freedom camp on public land†. Certified Green (fixed toilet only) It is OK to freedom camp on public land†. Lasts 4 years. All 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. † 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 and the new law applies. The new law now applies to DOC sites that require self-containment. ◾️ ckw.nz/linz | ckw.nz/doc-csc Avoid fines and hassles: identify your self-containment 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’. Enforcement 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. Where to get you vehicle self-contained ◼️ Images: ©2024 Camping the Kiwi Way Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 2