CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Q. What’s better than a gourmet snag on some fresh Turkish bread, with relish, cooked and eaten outdoors while freedom camping?

“It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun” in Oamaru and Thames.

Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson

When I built the van, I knew that sometime later I would have to upgrade it.

Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove

One winter’s morning in June, my son and I spontaneously took the campervan on a road trip up the coast.

Solar power for us campers is a simple process. All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery.

Ready for sunbathing and a book. Morrisons Bush. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove

We’d been converting campervans as a hobby for a few years and discovered we loved building and creating things together. Plus, we were tired of our dull 9–5 jobs…

Vintage caravan at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024 ©2024 Margaret Earle

Firstly, make sure your caravan is ready to move.

At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer.

Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention.

Passing over a bit of road where the rumble strip had been removed but not filled in, my tyre got stuck in the rut and shredded.

A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove

I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road

When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock

Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular.

Freedom van camping ©2023 Bette Cosgrove

I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay.