CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

I love Winter camping.

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.

It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride of late.

Camp 2, of my 'one winter camp a month'.

Our group tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Tararua Ranges was full of first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before.

There were some pretty yummy looking dinners getting eaten on our tramp last weekend…. This is what I’m all about.

In July 65 years ago my parents headed off on their honeymoon with a 1930 Model A Ford towing my Grandad’s caravan.

Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather.

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

Views for miles. We could see Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. The stars at night are amazing.

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.

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.

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.

Staying near the ski fields.

Night time sounds can seem louder and closer than they actually are.

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.

An independent national network for self-containment certification.

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

Donegal House is rural and scenic with mountain views, several small lakes, and an Irish-themed bar and restaurant and close to Kaikōura.

Camps: for spring, golf, steampunk, beach, forest, Christmas, New Year, Waitangi weekend, rural games.