Parking brakes and perils
When transporting a new-to-you caravan, it is essential to stop 15 minutes into the trip and check the temperature of the wheels with your hand.
Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers
Our group tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Tararua Ranges was full of first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before.
Winter tramping food
There were some pretty yummy looking dinners getting eaten on our tramp last weekend…. This is what I’m all about.
A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960
In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan.
Weather, climate and camping: editorial
Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather.
DOC update
New licence system for Taupō trout fishery, Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive, Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes,Watch out for ruru/morepork
Colac Bay
Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing.
Warming winter food
Hot soup and warm bread are a great combination in winter. Here’s a couple of simple soup recipes that I make regularly and two self-saucing puddings.
Making the toast off-grid – use gas
Don’t use an electric toaster when camping off-grid unless you have more battery power stored than you can ever use and a large, professionally installed power inverter. Gas is a much better option.
Frost
Woke to a -4˚ frost in Southland this morning. Slept with my woolly hat and socks on and was cosy enough. I also have a good diesel heater and a warm dog.
Things that go bump in the night
Night time sounds can seem louder and closer than they actually are.
Vulnerable roads…
In good, weather-related news, the road replacing the Manawatu Gorge, Te Ahu a Turanga, has opened, as has the Ōtaki Gorge Rd to the Ōtaki Forks DOC campground, in Kapiti.
New Zealand Lifestyle Camping
An independent national network for self-containment certification.
Bluff Farm
If you’ve never been to Bluff Farm then you are missing a treat. To the west the alluring foothills of Oxford where the sun leaves its final splash before the stunning night sky envelopes us
Matariki weekend camp
Donegal House is rural and scenic with mountain views, several small lakes, and an Irish-themed bar and restaurant and close to Kaikōura.
Come Camping
Camps: for spring, golf, steampunk, beach, forest, Christmas, New Year, Waitangi weekend, rural games.