Issue 1, Spring 2022

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Let’s go camping: Editorial

Camping the Kiwi Way brings you the positive side of camping in NZ.

Let’s make sure that both we and future generations can go camping

The Harris Range

Our campsite, and the critter pleased to make it there.

Cycle touring: Canterbury to Southland

Tent and gear on board, Stephen sets off on the first leg of his tour around the South Island. We tag along, this issue, as far as Winton in Southland.

With the luxury of my panniers being carried in the campervan, I rode a big day out of The Catlins.

Thinking of Cycle touring?

From my first trip as a teenager on a 10-speed I’ve developed a love of independent cycle touring.

'I love it, be it a couple of days getting or a multi-week epic.'

Te Rātā Bay, Lake Tarawera

Our trip was full of swimming in the thermal-warmed water around the lake, jet skiing, exploring, and cooking in the ground.

We planned our evening meals to be cooked in the ground

The big picture on the proposed changes for freedom camping

The problems and the solutions do not match.

Immediately restricts camping in over 50% of NZ's regions

Seventh week

Seventh week on the road in Aotearoa in this beauty.

The controversial Nash Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill

The proposals, should they go ahead, will not achieve the outcome Nash intends and they are not workable. There is no identified benefit to any sector of the NZ leisure camping industry or to local authorities.

The bill is based on the flawed premise that travellers with a portable toilet are less responsible than those with a fixed toilet

Just a little R&R

Just a little R&R at Orton Bradley Park

Time to have your say on the “Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill”

If passed this legislation will affect ALL campers and the camping industry in New Zealand for many years to come

Our chance to have our thoughts and feelings heard

Biking in Southland

A three-hour late-night drive to Lumsden freedom camping spot at the station, arriving 11.30pm. Woke to a stunning day, chilly, but an awesome day for riding.

My 2 cents on the Nash proposals

As a freedom camper, campervan business owner and citizen of NZ, I find these proposals extremely concerning.

Vehicle size shouldn’t matter. Being responsible should.

Piano Flat

Piano Flat DoC standard campsite is a favourite spot an hour from Gore, Southland in the Waikaia Forest Conservation Area with the Waikaia River flowing through the expansive camping area.

'It would’ve been a perfect day for canoeing — if we had one.'

Travelling the world on a motorcycle

There are more ways than one to travel the country, or the world, for that matter. LeRoy Knierim decided to do it on a motorcycle. It took ten years to circle the globe.

Now, we would need Le Roy’s trailer to carry the toilet.

A North Island freedom-camping adventure

After my South Island trip, I decided I wanted to road trip the North Island and go all the way up to Cape Reinga. For me, freedom camping in the car was the best way to do it.

I love meeting new people, especially travellers; they are always so friendly.

TIPS Camping with preschoolers

We started our camping trips over this past summer with a then 3yo and 4yo (and two large dogs).

So long as they could see us and we could see them, they were free to play

What makes a great and safe freedom camping space?

Enough room for comfort and safety; services and things to do nearby; a good sign (everyone wins with good, clear signs); and its fantastic if there is also a great view.

Place. Space. Safety.

Firth of Thames

Our view last night on the Firth of Thames.

Make a difference: Let's CHANGE the narrative

Let’s spread message that responsible Freedom Campers are a help.

Collect the trash, take a photo, add the hash tag and post it.

Lake Camp — freedom camp

This is one of the Ashburton Lakes in the Hakatere Conservation Park. You reach it by turning off at Mt Somers then just drive until you reach it on the left.

If you get up before the lake comes alive and there is no wind, you get the reflections

TIPS for the cold

Spring still sends cold weather our way. Consider these winter tips, and don’t be daunted.

You are going to need a good plan to deal with wet clothes and gear. There will be lots of it.

TIPS: Weekending

Making the most of short trips

Weekend getaways are the best!

Roady: The new App on the block

The Roady App gives you access to local travel knowledge and makes it easy to plan epic New Zealand trips.

Create your bucket lists and tick them off.

Whakamaru

There are some great freedom camping spots around Whakamaru.

Firm, level and plenty room to manoeuvre

Getting the internet on the road

There are two ways to get on the internet while on the road: with your mobile phone or with mobile broadband.

I hear people on Facebook saying ‘I am with xxx and I have no speed problems.’ This is not a big help...

A teardrop camper

My little teardrop started life in 2016 as an idea to have something I could use to get away and recharge myself.

I like the open feel of having a large window open to the world.

Do you know what you want in a caravan — or are you just winging it?

What we thought we wanted soon changed as we sat in and viewed a number of vans over about 3 months.

We thought that should be us too -- so we sold our pop-top and started looking for caravan

TheCaravan&MotorhomeBook

Understanding your rv: Australian Collyn Rivers has travelled in a wide range of different sorts of RVs and learned in real life.

There is so much to learn, to use and manage your rv well.

DOC and its Campsite Pass

There is a 30-day pass or a 365-day pass, that covers most DOC campsites.

Gives access to most, but not all, DOC campsites.

Sleeping with the sandflies: Lake Monowai

Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped.

Hug a tree and bring bug repellent

Our first night away in Scampi

Our first night away in Scampi.

All is well and fun

Mavis is finally out and about

Mavis is finally out and about on her maiden overnighter.

Stop and Stay: Lake Rotokare & Pakawau Beach

Each issue we feature a couple of places from the online stop and Stay directory.

Pakawau and Lake Rotokare

DUZ GO

Gary took his teardrop camper to the Hororata Swap Meet and snapped this beauty.

Fantastic night & great day at the Hororata Mechanical Swap Meet

New Zealanders go Camping: Clubs & groups

Meet our first two camping groups: All Points Camping Club of NZ & Kiwi Pop Top Campers

All Points Camping Club of NZ & Kiwi Pop Top Campers

News from clubs and groups

Share stories and images from your group’s meetings and events. Anything that would be of interest to other campers, and or would encourage others to join your group or participate with you.

Keep on making memories, having fun, meeting new people and exploring: #campingTheKiwiWay.

How to organise a group weekend

We all look forward to the catch ups, the fun, laughter and good times; doing as much or as little as we choose.

A weekend at the Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally

Great weekend in Geraldine at the Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally which included over 30 retro caravans.

over 30 retro caravans

Kimbolton Sculpture Festival

The outdoor art and sculpture exhibition is accompanied by food, music, and lots of family fun. The most recent festival was in 2021.

The creativity and imagination of the exhibitors is just incredible.

A Trifecta in Hauraki: The Maritime Museum, Rays Rest & Steampunk The Thames

We spent Monday night at The Maritime Museum at Paeroa and freedom camped at Ray’s Rest the next night before heading in to Thames for Steampunk.

A fantastic time away

Events

Any event with a camping component can list here free. 
Country fairs, music festivals &c, if they cater for campers.

About Camping the Kiwi Way

We hope this magazine will unite the many different camping groups we have in NZ to create a unified voice and energy for sustainable camping for current and future generations of New Zealanders.

Advertising

How to advertise in our next issue

Biking in Otago in Autumn

Taking a bike trip around Otago. The teardrop camper at 
Champagne Gully on Lake Dunstan. Autumn. Andrew Morton.

Autumn, Otago, biking

Classified advertising

Add your classified ad to the next issue

The teardrop in Arrowtown

Autumn. 
Cycling in Otago. 
Camping in the teardrop. 
Andrew Morton

Crossword, Spring 2022

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A national network 
of qualified testing officers

NZ Lifestyle Camping is proud to support NZ campers with a national network of 160 qualified testing officers from Keri Keri to Invercargill. 

RV & Camper Business Services

Self containment, RV service, building or modifications, gas, plumbing, electrics, and more.

Crossword solution

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