Camping the Kiwi Way, 4, Winter 2023

CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 4: WINTER 2023

2 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 2 Small town friendly 4 Editorial: The good news 7 Eight degrees of harm 36 Self containment changes in brief THIS IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE ■ Read it online or get a screen copy ckw.nz/winter2023 ORDER OR SUBSCRIBE ■ Just this page via email. ■ The magazine by email. (free) ■ The magazine printed and posted: $38 annual sub (4 issues) $12 for one issue. TO ORDER OR SUBSCRIBE SEND US AN EMAIL: [email protected] 4 One hundred nights a year 5 ‘Let’s go south for a few weeks’ 9 Greenies on the road 11 It was cold at Mavora Lakes. 14 Get on ya bike 16 Two long blacks and a cheese scone 17 I did it! My very first solo camping and tramping trip! 19 Before the cyclone: Hawke's Bay, Winter ‘22 24 Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track: family-friendly? 26 Waikato west coast road trip 27 Camping as a young family CAMPING IN ACTION MORE FOR COUNCILS AND GOVT IN THE WINTER ISSUE Small town friendly Miriam Richardson Here are some suggestions on how to go about attracting campers to your town. Let people know they are welcome; give them a reason to stop; make them welcome. A reason to stop Each place will offer different reasons. You only need one reason to begin being camper-friendly. Make the most of it. It might be a shop, a museum, a rest stop area, a view, a cafe, a pub, a rest room. It might be services such as water, rubbish, fuel, dump station, a laundry. It might be an undercover space for cycle/ tent campers: space for cooking, perhaps with a bbq, or fireplaces. It might be walks or bike tracks. List on Campermate, Wikicamps, Rankers, the NZMCA app so people know about your town and can plan to stop. A place to pull over A sign in advance so people can prepare to stop is handy. A well sign-posted park that’s firstly easy to spot and find, and secondly, easy and safe to get both in and out of. A park for long vehicles and vehicles that are towing. Welcoming signage. Consider how people will cross if the park and the places of interest are on opposite sides of the road. A place to overnight • In summer, grass is likely ok; in wet weather hard stand is needed. • Consider the varied vehicle types, widths and lengths and allow enough room that fire-safety gaps are easy. • Cycle tourers and car campers will be on the look out for good places to pitch a tent. • Make it safe to drive in and out. (Traffic? Gate posts?) • Walking distance to the town shops/pub etc. • Somewhere pleasant (probably not at the town dump). Two night stays are the minimum for a relaxed stay: arrive, settle in, suss the place out, sleep; a day to explore/walk/fish/cycle; sleep; move on. Consider offering 3-, 4- , (or more) day stop-overs. A one-night stopover is an in-and-out thing: arrive, shop, sleep, move on to the next place. Start with what is there You can start with what is currently there. Make it welcoming. Make it easy. Build on it bit by bit. What campers need... ...not necessarily all in your small town; not necessarily every visit; not necessarily free. • A place to park. Tenters need short-grassy areas. • Groceries and food. • Fuel —petrol, deisel, LPG. • Drinking water (some fill tanks, some fill bottles). • A toilet and/or a dump station. • Rubbish and recycling disposal. • Showers. • Laundromats. • A place to charge a bike battery or phone. • Cyclists can use a place for doing repairs (a post with a bike hanger does the job; under cover is better). • Internet: do you have rural broadband? Is there a local wifi network they can connect to? Mention this on the apps when you promote your town. What campers enjoy for parking up • Car campers and tenters appreciate picnic tables, covered areas, places to wash dishes, light fires or thermettes; a clothesline. • The self-contained enjoy the chance to put up an awning, set out some chairs, a table and the BBQ. • Space: Too many vehicle crammed in together is uncomfortable as well as unsafe. • Pleasant surroundings and view. Trucks whizzing by 2m away is uncomfortable, but intermittent trains deter very few. Having the local dump over the fence doesn’t appeal. Drifts of dust when a car goes past is no fun on your BBQ or in your cup of tea. Continues p4 Let people know, give them a reason, make them welcome. Lumsden have made a point of welcoming freedom campers. This is the train station carpark in Lumsden. ©2022 Andrew Morton The Hororata Glow at a really small town in Canterbury.

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 3 COVER IMAGE: The drive into the Lake Mahinapua DOC campsite, Punakaiki, West Coast. ©2023 Two Kids and a Caravan 24 Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track: We put it to a family-friendly test: with my toddler (and his dada) in tow, we set out. 37 RV & Camper business services: Self containment, LPG work, electrical work, motorhome work & more. 19 Before the cyclone: Freedom Camping Eastern Hawke's Bay, Winter 2022. 12 Winter's here: Some of our most glorious times camping have been in the winter season. Tips and tricks. 9 Greenies on the road: Managing food scraps. 5 ‘Let’s go south for a few weeks’ ‘How many weeks?’ ‘Eight.’ ‘How about six?’ IN THE WINTER ISSUE 2 Small town friendly 4 Editorial: The good news 4 One hundred nights a year 5 ‘Let’s go south for a few weeks’ 6 Why we chose our Swift Sprite Quattro caravan 7 Eight degrees of harm 9 Greenies on the road: Managing food scraps 11 It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around. 12 Winter's here... Tips and tricks 13 Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp 14 Get on ya bike 16 Two long blacks and a cheese scone 17 I did it! My very first solo camping and tramping trip! 18 Gold miner Wattie Thompson 19 Before the cyclone: Freedom Camping Eastern Hawke's Bay, Winter 2022 23 CampFest — Bulls, 2023 24 Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track, Mavora Lakes: A family test 26 Waikato west coast road trip 27 Camping as a young family 27 Recipes for camping: Vege Nachos 28 Game: Fill in the grid 29 Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 33 Stop and Stay 34 NZers go camping: clubs & groups 34 EVENTS — Camping 35 EVENTS — Festivals and shows 36 Self containment changes in brief 37 RV & Camper business services 37 North Island 43 South Island Camping the Kiwi Way Issue 4, Winter 2023 ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSN 2815-827X (Online) ©2023 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson [email protected] campingthekiwiway.org Published quarterly by All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc & NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd Order or subscribe Printed copies including postage: $38 for a year (4 issues) $12 for a single copy [email protected] Read it online or get a screen copy: ckw.nz/winter-2023 Subscribe for an email link to each issue: email the editor: [email protected] Advertising [email protected] See ckw.nz/advertising Classified Ads See ckw.nz/classifieds Share your group in the next issue Contributions are invited from individuals and camping (or related) clubs. If your group or club is promoting NZers enjoying our great outdoors, we would like to share your stories. Tenting, caravanning, motorhoming, van camping, bike camping, hiking and more. • Your camping photos and stories. • Your club stories and photos. • Upcoming events that include camping. • Opinion pieces on camping issues. • Technical / helpful articles. PHOTOS 1mb or more in size. Email words and (separate) images: [email protected] CONTRIBUTIONS CLOSE • August 1 for the Spring issue For late-breaking articles talk to the editor.

4 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 The really good news came from the Westland District Council in January this year. In their peak Christmas/New Year season, there were about 170,000 camper-nights in their region, and only 47 infringements issued (0.03%). Small towns can take heart, as they welcome freedom campers to their area. Most campers are able to contain their rubbish and all waste products for 3 days and are able to stay and leave no trace (cycle campers and some car campers will plan their route around public toilets). We use to call this ability to contain waste ‘self-containment’ but we need a new word now our parliament has decided a toilet screwed to the floor is a necessary part of ‘self-containment’. Keeping the focus on leaving no trace, ‘tiaki — care for New Zealand’, is the way forward for small towns, campers of all kinds, and for regional and district councils, as they consider how to welcome visitors to their areas. Editorial: The good news Miriam Richardson This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. Until Jun 6 2023 we called the ability to contain your waste for 3 days ‘self-containment.’ What campers enjoy to do • Shops, cafes, meals out, pubs, films. • Meeting people. • Walks, bike rides, swimming. • Fishing, geo-caching, metal detecting. • Museums and libraries. • Resting up with a chair, a book and a view. It can be simple; it needn’t be flash • A shop could offer to take small bags of rubbish for a small fee. • A fuel stop could allow a tap to be used for water. • Dishwashing sinks could be added to the outside of a toilet block. • The hotel might offer showers and laundry for a fee; or overnight parking for a fee (some waive the fee if a meal is bought). • Road reserve could be managed for long-vehicle parking. • The local hall, domain or church could offer overnight parking, when the community doesn’t need it (eg., ‘never on Sunday,’ ‘never on Show Weekend’). An overnight fee can be a big help with maintenance. • Locals could offer tent space on their lawn and perhaps a shower for cycle campers. See warmshowers.org. Campers, cycle tourers, van tourers and motorhomers come to meet a need or to explore and to enjoy your part of the world. They have money to spend. They are mostly gregarious and sociable. Welcoming these visitors, as a town, brings a social and an economic boost to your small town. In our next issues we will profile small towns that welcome campers. Waipiata, on the Otago Rail Trail, has made it very easy for cyclists and visitors to stop over in their domain. I can attest the Waipiata pies are worth a special trip. © 2023 Miriam Richardson a social and economic boost to your small town Small town friendly continues One hundred nights a year Andrew Morton I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. I just hit 3,000km on my mountain biking tally (non ebike!), 200 nights tonight in 20 months. I am marking the occasion with other teardrops at Orton Bradley Park on Lyttleton Harbour. I got a ‘healthy camper’ check done in Christchurch, having hauled it 15,000km so far. It passed with flying colours, and I look forward to many more trips. Winter’s not going to stop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson Self containment changes in brief p36

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 5 ‘Let’s go South for a few weeks.’ ‘How many weeks?’ ‘Eight.’ ‘How about six?’ ‘OK. let’s see how it goes.’ That’s pretty much how the conversation with hubby went when I saw an opening to get him away in our 6.5m Leisureline caravan for more than a long weekend or a couple of weeks holiday. So after booking ferry crossings we were off. First stop over was the shores of Lake Ohakuri in the Taupo area. Early March had some decently nice days to just chill out and unwind from all the preparation needed to be away from our orchard for an extended period. Peace and quiet, nice cuppa and hot pools to relax in, although they were a bit cooler than normal due to the large amount of rain from the two recent cyclones. We had decided we would avoid the main highways where possible on this trip and get to see a bit more of the country — stop off at those places we just normally drive through, and have a look around. So our next destination was Raetihi, travelling the western side of Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. There is some beautiful scenery through this area. We rocked up to the Raetihi Holiday Park mid afternoon and got one of the last two powered sites they had. Who would have thought Raetihi is a busy place? Well it certainly is. The holiday park is the base for a lot of rafting and tramping trips and there were people coming and going constantly. A lovely small park with reasonably priced sites and the most amazing ablution block you will ever see. If you’re in this area stopping in here for the night is a must, just for the showers. Recently built, the block contains all the usual amenities. The lights turn on automatically when you walk into the toilets, nice but no big deal. When you walk into the shower cubicle, big enough for mum and a couple of kids, the light turns on, the fan turns on, and the heat lamp turns on. Yes, the heat lamp. There’s no reaching to the back of the shower to turn it on and getting wet at the same time, loads of room to keep clothes and shoes dry and the pressure, did I mention the pressure? The showers are free and the place is spotless. Well done Raetihi Holiday Park. I am impressed. ckw.nz/raetihi Ohakune From Raetihi it is an easy drive to Ohakune to take a ride on the cycle track around the town, you can even get a shuttle up to Horopito and bike back into Ohakune. iSite staff assured me it is downhill most of the way, but I’ll take their word for it. We cruised around the riverside track and then stopped off at The Chocolate Éclair Shop for the biggest sweet treat ever. There are lots of cafes in Ohakune to suit every taste. It is an easy drive up to the Whakapapa ski field where there is nothing going on at this time of year but amazing views. Wanganui From Raetihi it was on to Whanganui via SH4. We had been told about Lakelands Holiday Park on the shores of Lake Wiritoa on the outskirts of Whanganui. ckw.nz/lakelands We were not disappointed, a lovely peaceful spot right on the shores of the lake and only a 10 minute drive Wanganui ©2023 Angela Bryan Port Underwood © 2023 Angela Bryan Continues p30

6 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Why we chose our Swift Sprite Quattro caravan Two Kids and a Caravan We’ve had heaps of people have asked us for feedback on our caravan and why we chose it so here it is. First up, we are a family of 4 and our caravan is a 2019 Swift Sprite Quattro EW from Nelson Caravans. Before we purchased the caravan we made a bit of a wish list. We knew that if it wasn’t easy we wouldn’t use it and our intentions were to get away every second week for 4/5 days (little did we know we’d end up travelling in it full-time). To make everyday life easy, we wanted beds for everyone as well as a space to sit and eat. We didn’t want to be making up beds every nap time and night or be forced to sit on the bed or outside once the kids went to bed. We wanted a full bathroom (not a combined toilet/shower). The Swift Sprite Quattro EW (which is a 6-berth caravan) ticked the boxes. It has a full bathroom at the back, French bed for us (double bed with the corner cut off), bunks for the girls (which can fold down into a 2 seater dinette), and wrap around lounge at the front (which can convert to another large queen-sized bed). You will have heard the rumours that “UK caravans aren’t built strong and aren’t designed for NZ roads” and honestly, every manufacturer has vans that let them down. We’ve travelled in our caravan for almost 4 years and taken it from Christchurch, up to Kaitaia, back down to Bluff and all around the South Island and it’s been perfect for us but here’s a deeper look into our pros and cons so far. PROS ✓The van is well insulated, so it is far warmer in winter. It also comes standard with a great combined heating/hot water system which can run off 240v or LPG. ✓Value for money — UK vans are cheaper than their Australian and American counterparts and we don’t feel like we’d get twice the enjoyment from a van twice the price. ✓Lighter — our van comes in at 1380kg empty (but including fixed weights like the battery and full 9kg gas bottle etc) and fully laden up to 1800kg. (Although each van is different and some of the single axle vans have a smaller payload so it pays to check before you purchase). ✓We love that it has a large comfy lounge at the front with views to outside. Similar sized Australian vans usually have a small L-shaped dinette because in their warmer climate you spend more of your time outside. ✓Heaps of storage. When we check out other vans we love how sleek they can look, but our first comment is always “where do you put all your stuff” as they seem to lack overhead cabinets. We’ve heard of people moving from UK to Aus vans and having to donate half their stuff… not that that’s a bad thing. ✓We can still fit into all campgrounds — while we’d love a big American caravan with all the pop-outs (really an apartment on wheels) it would double the running costs, limit places we can travel due to accessibility, and inhibit our ability to pick up our click and collect groceries on the way through a town and pack them straight into the fridge in the carpark. ✓We purchased new and our caravan came with a full 3 year warranty as well as a 10 year water ingress warranty; as you might know, most catastrophic caravan issues originate from a water ingress. ✓As with most new vans, we’ve had to iron out a few niggles and warranty claims and we’ve been impressed with Nelson Caravans’ aftersales service. We’ve heard of a few horror stories in the industry with retailers not wanting to come to the party so, as always, do your research. Continues p7

Gary Stoneley With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm. The recent changes to camping legislation in NZ will have a flow on effect throughout the leisure camping industry and to a large degree there is the potential for significant harm, to society (our supposedly inclusive camping culture) plus economic factors and environmental impact. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment prepared a ‘limited’ regulatory impact statement, but the impacts of the new legislation cause more than just a small degree of harm. The question must be asked if the NZ tourism ministry should be making decisions for NZ’s recreation campers and why was the recreation minister not involved? How do we unwind the harm that the new law brings? 8 Degrees of harm Perpetuating NIMBYism and the wealth divide Ex-Minister Stuart Nash’s push for greater control over motor vehicle campers in NZ has been led from a tourismcentred point of view. In an attempt to raise the image of tourism in NZ, vehicle campers without onboard toilets, plus responsible campers with portable toilets, have been targeted, without evidence that freedom campers cause any more harm than other recreational users (MBIE 2022, DIA 2016). The Department of Internal Affairs found that media emphasis on ‘freedom campers’ distorted the public view and supported NIMBYism (not in my back yard). This legislation advances the myth that NZers travelling in campers with portable toilets or without onboard toilets are less responsible than those with permanently fitted toilets, even though there is no evidence to support this myth. The economic burden of this act widens the wealth divide leaving behind those using lower-cost campers such as compact campervans, trailer tents, pop-tops, tear-drops, roof-top tents, and older, smaller caravans, while intentionally favouring higher-end camping vehicles, to boost the tourism image, never mind the effect on New Zealanders: this is a tourism initiative that restricts New Zealand citizens. Mental Health Thousands of NZ campers pack up their vehicle and hit the road, freedom camping on council reserves, for their rest and relaxation. This includes young families with trailer tents, roof top campers and older caravans as well those retired with a small campervan set up with a portable toilet. Should the NZ tourism ministry should be making decisions for NZ’s recreation campers? 8 degrees of harm: Societal harm caused by the new self contained motor vehicles legislation WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 7 Why we chose our caravan… continues CONS ✗They are narrower, so less living space inside, although it makes all the difference when towing it over a narrow bridge with a truck coming the other way. ✗They’re very low for how long they are and caution needs to be taken coming in and out of driveways, especially supermarkets and fuel stations for some reason. We have scraped our stays quite a few times. ✗We don’t take it on long gravel or rutted roads. For example we have taken it to Totaranui in the Abel Tasman no problem, but we decided against Moke Lake in the Queenstown district and just did a day trip instead. However in all our travels there’s only been a handful of places we haven’t taken it, and when we’ve visited we’ve seen other UK caravans there so… ✗We only have a small fridge, however we’ve got so efficient at caravan life, we can still manage two weeks off-grid at a time. Other UK vans have a full fridge but sacrifice the number of beds. We would still choose it We’ve been around in circles and if we went through the process again taking into account layout, value for money, how fast we travel, accessibility to campgrounds, cheaper running costs (RUCs and fuel) and our 10 year water ingress warranty we’d still choose the Swift Sprite Quattro EW again. Our best advice when choosing a caravan is to make a list of your must-haves to make your day to day life easy and enjoyable and consider which aspects you‘re happy to compromise on and then go in search of the right van for you. P.S This is in no way a dig at any other caravans, we have a real passion for caravans and love looking through them all, it’s just our experience with our van and why it works for our family dynamics. facebook.com/ twokidsandacaravan Continues p8 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 Self containment changes in brief p36

8 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 The changes brought in with this act mean thousands of NZ campers will no longer be able to participate in freedom camping on council controlled land. Thousands of NZers will miss out. The ‘green pill’ of spending mental health time by the sea, or the lake or in the forest, is now reserved for the wealthy but all age groups and income levels are affected by this act. Only those who have a vehicle that is certified as ‘self contained’ according to this new legislation can camp on council land, unless a council designates areas for non self-contained vehicle camping (and for those selfcontained campers whose toilet is not screwed to the floor). Economic cost to consumers The cost to thousands of NZ vehicle campers with portable toilets is considerable. Many consumers will be unable to afford them. To continue to be certified, currently ‘certified self contained’ vehicles will be required to upgrade to a permanently fitted toilet. This applies primarily to smaller campervans and older caravans. Retro-fitting can require changes to the vehicle layout including bodywork, which will cost at least $600 and up to $2500. In some cases it won’t be possible and the owner will need to replace the vehicle at a cost of extra thousands of dollars. In addition to retrofit costs are the new fees. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will levy fees on both the certifier (for being a certifier) and the camper (for getting certified). These too are costs many consumers will not be able to afford. Then there are fines. Both freedom camping and, indeed, simply and legally parking, can now lead to fines starting at $400 and as high as $3000. Economic cost to businesses Rental vehicle operators that have vehicles with portable toilets are faced with either retrofitting their fleet or replacing vehicles. Rental vehicle operators will be required to do this before the 2024/2025 Summer season. Replacing 2000 smaller rental vehicles, at an estimated cost of $70,000 per imported vehicle, could cost the industry more than $140 million over the next 18 months, an inflationary activity at a time when inflation is already high. Social and economic cost on communities Many councils have received funding to assist with the transition to the required bylaw changes restricting freedom camping access. However the ongoing costs in managing the new regime will be passed on to ratepayers. As a national law with fines for ‘preparing to camp’ it is expected that there will be legal challenges that councils will have to fund. NZ families have traditionally had social licence to camp on council-controlled land around NZ which is now undermined by this new law which forces additional restrictions on families who enjoy low cost, vehicle-based camping. Parking on council land in a campervan or putting out your chairs for a lunch stop can now be considered preparing to camp and subject to a $400 fine. Seasonal employment Thousands of seasonal workers traditionally come to NZ every summer and work in our hospitality and horticulture industries, many buying low cost vehicles to live in, due to the shortage of accommodation. The incentives for them to come and work in NZ and explore the country are now reduced. They might be young, active, energetic and contribute much to our economy, but the new act bars the low-cost, low-footprint vehicles that allow them to explore NZ. Environment The more people who travel with their own toilet the better for the environment, but the act removes the incentive for leisure campers and travellers with compact or older camping vehicles (e.g. poptops, teardrops and retro caravans) to carry one. The new act encourages, almost requires, the camping industry to move away from compact camping vehicles with a low environmental footprint to larger camping vehicles that use more resources to construct, considerably more fuel to operate and have the potential to cause greater damage to flora and fauna due to size and weight. The larger vehicles also take up more physical and visual space in the environment and at tourism hotspots. Emergency preparedness In a country like NZ, being prepared for an emergency is encouraged — those with camping vehicles have an extra degree of preparedness, but this preparedness has been devalued by this legislation. When an emergency hits, those set up for a minimum of 3 days with water and waste facilities (including toilets of any kind) have the resources to quickly adapt and cope, with minimal support. Promoting self containment for vehicle camping with bring-your-own toilets is something that should be encouraged and not discouraged, if for no other reason. The 8th harm: this legislation discourages thousands of NZ campers from being self-contained, that is, able to contain their waste for 3 days in an emergency. To “make preparations” to freedom camp, the legislation tells us, means to “park a motor vehicle to use it for freedom camping” (Section 20 2 (b)). It declines to tell either campers or the enforcement officers how they can tell if the vehicle is about to be used for freedom camping, presumably because it is not possible to read minds. A freedom camping vehicle of any kind, parked anywhere not actually designated for freedom camping (on the street, outside the laundromat or shop) could be considered to be “preparing to freedom camp”. Left Auckland 34 days ago, halfway through my 73 days traveling the South Island. Now in Cromwell then Arrowtown on the weekend. Noticed that it’s getting colder. Now I appreciate my diesel heater. ©2023 Roland Jones Until Jun 6 2023 we called the ability to contain your waste for 3 days ‘self-containment.’ Now, its not just being able to contain waste, but also being able to afford an expensive toilet. 8 degrees of harm continues

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 9 Greenies on the road: Managing food scraps Kath Irvine Last year in December, we sold up and hit the road in our Hino housetruck — a sharp learning curve and lots of broken crockery! but we’re loving it. The only thing I miss is the fresh herbs and vegies from my garden and the ease of recycling our food scraps. I’ve been turning our food scraps into compost for many a year now, and there’s no way I’m sending them to the landfill now. We chose to use bokashi buckets in our housetruck, as we already had them. A worm farm could also work, though bokashi is possibly more forgiving and takes all food waste — bones and shells included. Bokashi buckets, are a 2 bucket system — one sitting inside the other. The food scraps go into the top bucket and are sprinkled with a special brew called compost zing. This looks like sawdust and is full of beneficial microbes that facilitate fermentation. The liquid drips into the bottom bucket, providing a power juice, full of microbes to pour on your crops. You need at least 2 sets because when one is full, it needs to sit and ferment for 10–14 days before using. Bokashi buckets are readily available to buy, but you can easily make them. All you need is 2 buckets the same size. Drill small holes all over the bottom of one bucket and sit it inside the other. The key factor is a sealed lid for the top bucket. The seal is important because like all fermentation, success relies on the exclusion of air. Put the buckets somewhere undercover, not too cold and out of direct sunlight (a little morning or afternoon sun is fine). There is no smell when the lid is on. And when you lift the lid, it smells like pickles. Rather than opening the bokashi every time you have food scraps, collect them in a small container and add them at the end of day. Start off by sprinkling a dusting of compost zing in the bottom of the top bucket and add your first lot of food scraps. Push them down firmly to exclude air (a potato masher is good for the squeamish), then sprinkle another dusting of compost zing on top. The zing gets the pickling happening and is the reason bokashi never smells. Close the lid so it clicks and seals. When a bucket is full to the brim, I move the new one in front and leave the other tucked behind to pickle away. Because bokashi is pre-fermented and alive with beneficial microbes, it incorporates into soil or compost quickly — such a simple, potent way to keep soil fertility up! But what happens when you don’t have a garden? We are lucky, and most of the time, staying with switched on people who are excited to receive a bucket of bokashi into their garden. But its not always the case and extra hard in campgrounds where food scraps are still considered rubbish; I find it pretty shocking. Its an effort, I know, but once you get your set up happening, its easy as pie. We really must all be recycling our food scraps. Recycling, rubbish and bokashi buckets tucked up with the batteries. ©2023 Kath Irvine Packing up the housetruck ©2023 Kath Irvine Continues p10

10 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 “When food ends up in landfill, it decomposes without oxygen, and as a result, it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. If food waste was a country, it would be the third largest producer of carbon emissions behind China and the United States.” lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz I used to take a bokashi bucket with us when we holidayed — it’s not such a big deal. The tricky part , when on the road, comes at the end, when its pickled and ready to go on the compost. Be creative and determined, and find places. And when you do — spread the word! The more of us that ask where we can compost our food waste, the more available it will become. Rankers have a sustainability filter to help you choose responsible camp sites — though whether this is meaningful or not, I’d have to do a bit more digging to know. A network to link travelling bokashi makers with domestic or commercial compost heaps would be a fine thing. • Hop online and check with the local council. Perhaps there is a local composting facility or community garden you could drop off to. • There are so many ways for camp grounds to properly manage food scraps! Pigs, chickens, worms, compost, there are even commercial-sized bokashi bins. If supermarkets in France can do it … Trenching bokashi into the garden. Edible Backyard. ©2023 Kath Irvine Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid Greenies on the road continues 10 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 11 Continues p12 I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year. But she went along with it. Mavora Lakes last night, it was cold. Minus 2ºC when I woke up this morning, and still plenty of snow around too. But a sack of firewood, extra blankets and hot water bottles meant we were very cozy in the little camper. Daniel Munro. Photos ©2023 Daniel Munro It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around.

12 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Continued p10 Bette Cosgrove Some of our most glorious times camping or doing road trips have been in the winter season when you can often have camp spots to yourselves, roads are less busy, and nature's elements bring both challenges and a deeper colour and beauty to the places you camp. Even tent camping, with the right set up, can be a richer and more interesting experience in the colder months when some sites are more likely to allow cosy open fires and there are no summer bugs or overly hot nights to disturb your sleep. We all know that sitting around a campfire under the stars can be a truly magical experience. How do you make winter camping more comfortable? Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors for enjoyable winter camping trips. It just takes a little extra preparation and the right gear. Heating ✤ On really cold nights the secret is to get nice and warm just before getting into bed. ✤ In a vehicle, you can run your engine and turn the vehicle heater on with all your thermal curtains up — about ten minutes will make your whole vehicle toasty. ✤ A diesel heater is great and so efficient you may only need it on for ten minutes to get hot. Either install one with its own separate small tank or you may be able to connect to your vehicle’s supply if you run off diesel. ✤ There are great new tent heaters on the market now that run off cassette gas bottles and pump warm air into the tent if you're under canvas. Insulation ✤ Put up front window screen thermal shade as early as possible; a lot of heat is lost here. ✤ Get large silver bubble thermal shades at any auto supplier or hardware store. Make thermal fitted shades to fit the shapes of all windows using silver foil shades and a layer of thermal drape. ✤ Line the inside of your windows with bubble wrap as an inexpensive option. ✤ Put up thermal drape curtains. Recycled curtains from op shops are great to make these. Condensation is NOT your friend ✤ Remember to towel dry the window condensation that builds up in the morning. Put this towel over your dashboard to dry when travelling in the day with a window cracked open, or dry it outside (you don’t want that moisture back inside). ✤ Get windows open in the day to dry everything out. ✤ Buy a couple of containers of DAMPRID from a hardware store and have it out at all times to soak up moisture. ✤ Don’t let wet clothing sit around in your vehicle or tent, creating moisture for condensation — find a local laundrette for fast efficient washing and drying of large loads. Being warm in bed is essential ✤ Go to an op shop and find an old pure wool blanket to put under your mattress (never mind if it has stains or some holes) and a large polar fleece blanket over-layer that tucks down all sides. Find these too in charity stores or at The Warehouse. ✤ A quality sleeping bag or a feather duvet will keep your heat in the bed. ✤ There are 12v electric blankets if you have access to power. ✤ Wear quality socks and a wool hat to bed. Find these too at second hand stores if you’re on a budget. A light merino cap is super-warm to sleep in. Or drape a wide polar fleece scarf/shawl over your head and shoulders at night. ✤ Boiling up water for a hot water bottle at night (at least 1 hottie for each person) is all you need to stay toasty in a quality sleeping bag or under a feather duvet. You can recycle hottie bottle water into tomorrow night’s hottie boil up. Keep a lid on, and the steam in, while boiling. ✤ Get a wee fluffy doggo to cuddle up to. Hot water ✤ You might like to boil up water for a thermos so you can have a hot drink first thing in the morning without having to wait in the cold for a kettle to boil. ✤ Hot thermos water might be needed to unfreeze pipes or door latches in the morning. Keep yourself warm and dry ✤ Thermal and light, natural fibre and merino layers do the trick for pyjamas; leggings and tops are perfect under your clothes during the day too. ✤ There’s usually no bad weather for camping, just poor clothing — layer up with natural fibres and get a great waterproof and windproof coat and good warm socks and gloves with the iconic gumboots. Even these are often found at opshops, if you're on a budget. Best winter activities ✤ Get rugged up and bush walk… it’s usually a very sheltered place to enjoy. ✤ Jump in an icy river, lake or beach for some cold water therapy! The best! ✤ Enjoy a good hot pancake brekky, and of course any excuse for hot chocolate making and marshmallow toasting over a fire. ✤ Star gazing, with a telescope or not, is always a favourite on long, clear winters’ nights so grab an astronomy chart or load them on your mobile device and identify the constellations. ✤ Visit small towns with great cafés, libraries and book stores. Rainy day activities ✤ Indoor games, charades, good books, puzzle books and if you have WiFi, podcasts or a movie on the tablet can fill the time on a bad weather day. Download some in advance for the trip. ✤ The ‘Getting Lost’ games — online purchased travel cards are an awesome activity if you're on the road. ✤ Take the opportunity to go to a small town cinema and enjoy a ‘big’ screen movie on a wet day. Photo ©2023 Jono Collins no summer bugs no too-hot nights Winter van life can be magnificent Photo © 2023 Bette Cosgrove Sitting around a campfire under the stars is a truly magical experience Winter’s here continues p13 Winter’s here…

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 13 Pegs for tough weather Right is a commercial (yellow) and below a DIY (metal) version of a peg that drags into the ground when the wind pulls. The blue peg uses a second peg to anchor it more firmly in the ground. Extreme weather — keep an eye on it ✤ Choose your time to pack up and move if serious weather is on its way. ✤ Give yourself time to get ahead of it. ✤ In extreme wind take care not to camp under trees where branches might fall. ✤ Tents need serious pegs to hold them to the ground in winter wind conditions. Buy screw pegs or use trisided pegs especially in wet ground. ✤ Tip for parking when it might snow: lift your wipers away from the windscreen so any snow weight doesn’t damage them and so the blades don’t stick to the glass. Winter travel preparation ✤ Mind the maintenance: do a good vehicle service before a winter trip. ✤ Top up your fuel tanks regularly — you never know if you’ll get stranded. ✤ If there might be snow, make sure you have chains (and practice how to put them on before the trip). ✤ An extra groundsheet under your tent floor definitely helps with dampness. ✤ Take extra tarpaulins. ✤ Pack extra emergency food (freeze dried or Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)-style). It’s all in the preparation No matter what time of year, the benefits of being outdoors are going to improve your well-being and provide a very special camping experience. So be prepared and focus on taking the right gear with you, so that you can happily meet the challenges of the colder months and carry on camping. Winter’s here continues Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp Looking for a one stop camp for the family with the dog as well ? Then Quinneys Bush is the place to go. Started as a Christian-based camp some decades ago, although not pushed or unduly promoted, it is now the basis for an acceptable strict camp policy which gives a safe, fun family environment during the summer season. It is 1 hr 45 min from Blenheim, 40 min from Nelson, 55 min from Murchison. This is a popular spot during peak season so book early. There is plenty of sheltered space between sites even when full. Besides tent and caravan sites (powered and unpowered) there are cabins and permanent tents and caravans to hire. There are set daily times for multiple flying foxes, a large water slide, a small motorbike course, trailer rides, and a go cart track. There is also a skate ramp, farmyard pets, turtle pond, tame eels and and a large, safe swimming hole to cool off in. On-site wood-powered boilers provide hot water to the very clean ablution blocks and kitchens and offer a warm seating spot on the cooler evenings. Free braziers are available and firewood is sold each evening: a great marshmallow-toasting and family meeting point at the end of the day. Nearby is a real fruit icecream and honey shop. Take your push bike and use the camp exercise loop track or just use it to get around the generous campsite. Nearby is easy forest riding including an old unused rail tunnel, and a local cafe offering good coffee and a selection of affordable meals and snacks. Check out their online virtual tour. 255 Kohatu-Kawatiri HWY Motupiko 03 5224249 [email protected] quinneysbush.co.nz

14 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Get on Ya Bike Fiona Thomson For the novice cyclist, the historical Karangahake Gorge cycle/walking track — along the old railway embankment— is a safe and gentle way to introduce an inexperienced cyclist. Get on Ya Bike The old Karangahake railway tunnel © 2023 Fiona Thomson

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 15 We cycled the13.2km return trip from the Karangahake Gorge carpark, near the Karangahake Tunnel, to the charming Waikino Station Café. On some parts of the trail, mobile phone coverage can be patchy. The 1100-metre long brick-lined tunnel was dry and welllit, however a torch or cycle lamp also helps with visibility. Departing the tunnel, you ride straight out onto a dramatic bridge that crosses the river below, with road traffic crossing above the tunnel mouth. The trail is mostly flat, and the terrain easy, as it winds beside the Ohinemuri River. Relics of the old gold mining era can be seen along the trail, with information boards and historic machinery providing opportunities for a break from cycling. The remains of the Victoria Battery were fascinating to explore, and provided several photo opportunities. This was once a booming industrial area, where the mining battery operation could be heard from the town of Waihi, approximately 10km away. The Waikino Station Café provided us with a delicious and leisurely lunch before our return journey. The café provides a variety of options to suit most dietary requirements and budgets. This section of the Hauraki Cycle Trail is a great ride — a fellow APC member (Graham Leslie) hadn’t ridden a bike for years, but found this trail easily achievable. Photos ©2023 Fiona Thomson Remains of old cyanide tanks used at the Victoria Battery. Cycling beside the remaining railway track. GET ON YA BIKE continues Waikino Station and the cafè. The old Karangahake railway tunnel Kayla with her son at Kiwi Burn Hut. Read about it: p24. ©2023 Kayla Laatz

16 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Bob Walker No, this is not about 12 weeks of coffee tasting around the South Island in a small van by a couple of over 80s, well not quite… It’s really about the idea that a Hiace van that only one of us can stand up in, is enough to go almost anywhere, and that age need not be a barrier. 6920 kms from home back to home. There are clearly some problems around NZ but freedom is still available for those who don’t mind a bit of mahi around the motu. We had a wonderful time… don’t wait until you have that luxury rig, just go and do it… there is wonder with every sunrise. don’t wait until you have that luxury rig, just go and do it Two long blacks and a cheese scone

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 17 I did it! Donna Millar My very first solo camping and tramping trip! Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Camped at Whitehorse Hill DOC campground. It was packed, with lots of friendly people. I adopted a lovely UK couple of retired teachers for the night, and camped beside them. Met lots of lovely people. Clocked up 20km of hikes including Sealy Tarns track (2,200 stairs!). Incredible clear night skies and the sound of several morepork— the best way to fall asleep in your tent. I was very grateful for my -5°C sleeping bag! I can’t wait for my next solo adventure — it’s so liberating. PHOTOS ©2023 Donna Millar WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 17

Unfortunately, he went on the AirNZ Erebus flight to Antarctica and never returned. There is a full article which is interesting reading if you follow the link ckw.nz/wattie (on 1964.co.nz). In the article it states that people are still looking for the place where he stashed his gold. However, I became friendly with another prospector on-site who told me that he left a letter to a farmer’s wife that if anything happened to him, she should read the letter. On opening the letter, it told her where to find the pickle jar containing 80ozs of gold. So the locals still searching are after fools’ gold — LOL. Gold miner Wattie Thompson Roland Jones I started my travels around the South Island in late March 2023 in my campervan. I decided to travel the South Island anticlockwise. Over to Nelson and down the coast, stopping at freedom camping sites. I love the natural surroundings that can be found at these back-of-the-way places. One such place was the Lindis Pass Hotel. I was intrigued by the history of this building. First set up in 1861 it became a permanent building in1873. As I explored the area, I came across this derelict house (above) built by Wattie Thompson who had panned the river for gold for over 50 years. The remains of the Lindis Pass hotel Wattie Thompson’s hut 18 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 19 Waihi Falls Waihi Falls is a hidden gem which was the first designated reserve in Hawke’s Bay in 1899. Self-contained vehicles can park overnight in the carpark above the falls where there’s a shelter and toilet. Pukekaihau Pā, Waipukurau The historic Pukekaihau Pā site is on the hill overlooking Waipukurau. Walk up the hill from Hunter Memorial Park, in central Waipukurau. Te Hohou i Te Rongo is a 3.6m carved gateway welcoming visitors to the Pā. The stylised figures encompass the history of Pukekaihau pā, coming together in a hongi — the ultimate act of cultivating peace. Officially opened in February 2022, the Ngā Ara Tipuna project presents the history on the site of Pukekaihau Pā, which was a thriving Māori settlement from the 1600s until the 1830s. Bette Cosgrove We feel so privileged and fortunate to have made this journey a year ago, gathering such beautiful memories of the landscape as it was. Our thoughts are with all the locals who have suffered so greatly from the recent weather events which have devastated this area, and we wish them strength and patience as the clean up continues. This map shows the main areas we visited over a week, staying in freedom camping and DOC sites. Before the cyclone:Freedom Camping Eastern Hawke’s Bay, Winter 2022 Te Paerahi A rainbow greeted us and we discovered a seal frolicking on the long, wild beach here. Te Paerahi (Porangahau Beach) — has a lovely council-owned ‘free camp’ area on the corner of Te Paerahi Street and Puketauhinu Place.

20 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Puketapu Hotel The historic Puketapu Hotel was established in 1885. It was a community hub for locals during and after Cyclone Gabrielle. A year ago we enjoyed their award-winning cuisine and classic country atmosphere. Tutaekuri River The stunning autumn colours of the trees bordering the Tutaekuri River, with the now-destroyed bridge at Puketapu in the distance. This braided river flows east from the Kaweka Range to the Pacific Ocean south of Napier and Taradale. Dartmoor Bridge Reserve We found this great little quiet freedom camping spot alongside the Tutaekuri River just west of Puketapu. You must be self contained to stay here as there are no toilets or rubbish bins. The Kaweka Ranges Driving into the Kaweka Ranges in search of the hidden Mangatutu hot springs. After a 60km drive (an hour of it on unsealed gravel roads) we reached an impassable river ford on Makahu Road, which was still 7.5 km from the secluded hot springs destination. We turned around and enjoyed the return drive with snow capped peaks in the distance.

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 21 Glenfalls Campsite Glenfalls DOC site on the banks of the Mohaka River is a basic campsite in a stunning location. We swam in the chilly river and witnessed an amazing moon-rise and starlit night. Waitara Road Heading east towards the coast we woke to a misty morning on the Waitara Road. Stunning Pohokura Road One of the most stunning drives we’ve ever experienced. Pohokura Road follows the rim of an ancient volcano, taking you to Opouahi Scenic Reserve. We walked around a high altitude lake through original bush surrounded by a 3km predator proof fence protecting a kiwi nursery. Kiwi chicks are raised here until they are large and strong enough to survive in the wild. Lake Tūtira Pohukura road comes out onto State Highway 2 near Lake Tūtira. Sadly the DOC camp area and the Hawkes Bay Regional Park campground here are now closed due to the recent cyclone damage.

22 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 23 Winter at Nokomai station on the way to Queenstown. ©2023 Dallas Hibbs CampFest — Bulls, 2023 Gary Stoneley Several hundred campers, locals and visitors met at Bulls Domain in March for the first CampFest. An inclusive camping event for all types of camper with live music and market stalls, the event was hugely successful. Co-hosted by the All Points Camping Club and run by volunteers, feedback is that CampFest should be run as an annual event. Campers arrived from all over NZ, and one couple from the UK, in a wide variety of camping vehicles, including tents, pop-top campers, teardrops, vans, caravans, motorhomes and buses. All were made welcome and there was great social interaction from early morning into the late evening. Situated at the Bulls Domain, the Rangitikei District Council and Bulls Rugby Club went out of their way to help make the weekend a success. Friday night, St Patrick’s day, the bar was open and food on hand for Friday arrivals; it was a great evening. A bit of rain overnight Friday made the ground a little soggy but the weather cleared throughout the morning for campers to enjoy the stalls and wander into Bulls township and check out some of the antique and other retail shops. A good number of locals came to enjoy the market stalls and chat with stallholders and campers. Making the first ever CampFest an event to remember, campers and locals were treated to five hours of live music, led and managed by Karen Clark, Blues Woman. Karen was joined by Pip Payne, Carylann, Pat McKenna and the Bitterroots and Feral. There were great camp jams too with Scooter from the Traveling Lounge. $1500 of prizes were awarded on Sunday morning by NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd for the people’s choice of Most inspiring Small caravan, Small campervan and Housebus. It was the inclusive nature of CampFest together with support of campers, musicians and the local community that made the weekend something we plan to do again. To all those who joined in contributed to the weekend socialising, organising, markets, music, food, workshops: thank you. We are looking forward to the next CampFest in 2024 — bring it on! Dairy it: March ‘24

24 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Kayla Laatz Many trampers have vouched that Kiwi Burn Hut is a popular and great option for families, so we thought we’d check it out and put it to a true family-friendly test. With my toddler (and his dada) in tow, we set out to do the full Kiwi Burn Loop Track and spend one night at the hut halfway through. Walking to Kiwi Burn Hut Right at the start of the walk we faced one of the coolest features (in my opinion) of the track, the Kiwi Burn swing bridge. A chain metal bridge spanning approximately 15 metres across and standing at least 10 meters high over the gushing Mararoa River. Not at all for the faint of heart! Signs state only one person at a time should cross the bridge, and when you’re on it I think you’ll agree. I was nervous to cross while carrying an extra 20kg of toddler + backpack with me, but I figured it was better for me than my much taller partner to cross carrying it all. A bit wobbly going across, and a bit unsettling viewing the patches in the chain link as you’re right in the middle, but we did it! After crossing the bridge, a DOC sign details the 3 walking tracks that intersect at this point: Left to Kiwi Burn Hut (1hr 30min), forward to Kiwi Burn Loop Track (3hr 30min), or right to South Mavora Lake (2hr 30min). We decided to take the shorter route to Kiwi Burn Hut first and went left. Since I was carrying such a heavy load, my walking pace was a little slower than the suggested times shown on the sign. The first hour of the walk is super easy and even a bit peaceful, taking you on a flat walk along the Mararoa River and through the Snowdon Forest. A few small streams crossed the path along the way, but were really easy to cross without getting wet feet. With the sound of running water most of the way and the bird chirps coming from above, there were heaps of talking points to keep our young one mentally engaged and entertained. Besides the nearby river at the start, this track is totally safe to let toddlers tot around on too. Before we even started to work up a sweat, we were out of the forest and entered an open, flat grassy clearing. We followed the path stamped down into the knee high grass and the orange triangle markers. We crossed the very windy Kiwi Burn a few times as we rounded to the left of the clearing. Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track, Mavora LakeS Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 12.5 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 300 meters Time: 4 hours Hut Coordinates: 45°21'18.7"S 168°05'27.4"E Mountain Mamas NZ is an online community of New Zealand based mamas with a love of the great outdoors. mountainmamasnz.com instagram.com/mountainmamasnz facebook.com/mountainmamasnz

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 25 Just as I began to think about the lack of shade and the scorching sun on us, we saw something amazing. The top of the hut finally came into view. I was shocked to see it so soon, as we truly hadn’t walked for long at all. It was a very welcome sight though with a cranky, hungry toddler on my back. After an hour and a half of easy walking, we had made it to Kiwi Burn Hut. Kiwi Burn Hut Kiwi Burn Hut overlooks a large, open valley filled with grassy wetlands surrounded by lush green mountains. There’s lots of room for little ones to safely play both inside and out. Behind the hut is a small, shallow stream which is great fun for kids on a hot summer’s day. Inside the hut we were pleased to find two separate bedrooms, each with 6 wooden bunks. We didn’t have the hut to ourselves, so this really eased my mind having the privacy of a separate room in case our little guy didn’t sleep so well that night. A luxury you don’t often get! The kitchen has a spacious bench top for preparing meals, a sink with running water (fed by the rain water tank outside) and a wood-fired stove. The stove could potentially be a hazard to young ones who don’t yet understand the concept of heat or fire, but there’s plenty of room inside to keep them far enough away from it. Outside we found 3 metal fire pits covered with a metal grill, perfect for grilling up meat or late night smores! Back to the Carpark from Kiwi Burn Hut From Kiwi Burn Hut you have two options to get back to the parking area. The shorter route, returning on the same track you came in on (1hr 30min) or the longer route, walking the full loop track back (2 hours). We were curious about what more views the full loop track offered, so opted to take the longer path to the left. Right away we lost sight of the path, but every few minutes we spotted a tiny orange triangle peeking up out of the 1.5 metre high grass. At times it didn’t even feel like we were following a track anymore, just stamping our own way forward. Not only was it hard to constantly dodge sharp grass from poking both mine and my child’s eyes, we also had to avoid tons of prickly weeds scattered throughout the bushes. Lastly, there were a ton of small streams hidden under the wet, dewy grass that were impossible to see until you had already stepped in (or nearly tripped over) them. Wet boots, wet pants, blisters, no shade cover and the very bumpy terrain underfoot made this section quite unenjoyable for us. When my son wanted a break from the carrier, we had to keep pushing forward because there weren’t many suitable spots to put him down for at least an hour and a half. It was mentally tough, and for a while there I think we all regretted the choice to take the long way back to the car. But we were so relieved to re-enter the forest again that we quickly forgot about the tricky section now behind us. After another hour of easy, peaceful walking through the forest, we arrived back at the swing bridge. Overall, it took us just over 4 hours to complete the full Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track. We all agreed that we did not wish to ever repeat the wetlands portion of the walk again, but would happily return to the hut via the shorter walking track. Despite the tough walk on day two, the chance to easily stay overnight in Mavora made it all worth it. The final verdict is in: Kiwi Burn Hut is the perfect hut for families with young children. The final verdict is in, Kiwi Burn Hut is the perfect hut for families with young children.

26 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Waikato west coast road trip Greg Lokes We headed to Raglan along some back country roads. We lunched in Raglan and then headed out to Manu Bay to see some surfing action followed by a quick visit to the spectacular Te Toto/Raglan Gorge. From there we headed along Whaanga Rd to Ruapuke Beach where we overnighted at the fantastic old school camping ground. Whaanga Rd was not too difficult to negotiate in our 6m campervan, if you’re comfortable with the potholes and corrugations on the drive from Manu Bay to Raglan Gorge then you should be fine with the rest of it. Greg’s photography on Facebook: ckw.nz/gregs-eye PHOTOS: ©2023 Greg Lokes Looking down on the Ruapuke Beach school campground Ruapuke Beach Spectacular Te Toto /Raglan Gorge Morning light over Ruapuke Beach looking towards Taharoa Point

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 27 Recipes for camping Margaret Earle and Graham Leslie Vege nachos Serves 4–8 This recipe is easy to make. It uses mostly tinned foods so is a great meal to make when you are running low on fresh foods or if you have no fridge. Increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients depending on how many people you are feeding. Ingredients 1 Tbsp oil 1–2 onions (diced) Garlic (fresh or from a jar) 1–2 tins chopped tomatoes 2–3 tins chilli beans (not drained) 1 tin of black beans or pinto beans (drained) Small tin or sachet of tomato paste (optional) Veges, diced; a range such as carrots, capsicum, mushrooms, courgettes, peas, green beans Small tin of whole kernel corn (optional) Method Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onions and garlic and fry until starting to colour. Add chopped tomatoes, tins of beans and tomato paste (if using). Combine and bring to the boil. Add the carrots and any other veges that need time to cook. Cover and simmer. As the carrots begin to soften add other veges that need less cooking time. Stir often so the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the mixture dries out, add a little water. When all the veges have been added and are sufficiently soft, take the pan off the heat and serve. Depending on your preferences and what you have available, vege nachos can be served over rice or corn chips or used in tacos or tortillas. It can be topped with sour cream, grated cheese, guacamole, jalapenos or chilli sauce. Our morning view, heater on. Hoping for warmer when we get to Kimbolton today. ©2023 Helen Garthwaite Camping as a young family Tim and Natasha Fordham Our story begins in December of 2022 shortly after the birth of our second child, we decided that now was as good of a time as any to dip our toes into the world of caravanning. With our budget set, some research done, we began searching. Luckily it didn’t take long before we found a promising lead worth looking at, so we bundled the kids into the car and went for a drive to go and have a look. We very quickly fell in love, so legal tender was exchanged and we were on our way home with our very own new/old poptop that we affectionately named “Bingo”. So now what? Where do we go? So after a quick google search we ended up spending two nights out at “Te Wera Lodge” halfway in the middle of nowhere on the Forgotten World Highway, State Highway 43. Over the almost three days we stayed, we quickly figured out we were woefully under-prepared, beginning with three failed attempts and one almost successful divorce, at putting the awning up and ending with a long shopping list of utensils and activities to keep in our little camper. Most importantly we all enjoyed it enough to give it another go. Fast forward six months with countless adventures with friends, family joining us on a few occasions, and a week-long trip around the bottom of the North Island. Moving forward we want to add bunk beds for the kids, heating for winter adventures and a few more comforts for our cozy home away from home. We’re all looking forward to more camping adventures and creating core memories as a family.

28 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 8 8 9 10 10 10 13 13 14 GAME Each of the underlined words below should be recorded into the list on the left. Place each word according to the number of letters in the word. Then transfer the words into the Fill-it-ingrid. The shaded area is a mystery word. Using the additional 9 letters can you work out this mystery word? Additional letters: A C C L L R R R T W Solution p44 Fill in the grid: campers in winter Want a winter task? You may not be out in the raw camping but there’s still plenty to do. Check your registration and WOF for example. When do they expire? You can see how the water tightness is holding up on your equipment. Does anything need a reapplication of waterproofing? Grab your silicone spray and apply a new coating. It also helps make your canvas less perishable. Examine those tent pegs and have a squiz at your tramping boots. Any rust on your gas bottle? Give your fly screens a wash. How many leaves have fallen on your solar panel? Another job is to check out any hobby equipment you take with you, or even for your pet. Fishing reel, golf clubs, bow and arrow, ball and rope. Take a look in your first aid bags. Got anything in there for a sting, be it from a bee to a blue bottle jelly fish? So, all in all, winter is not necessarily the time for a nap or sitting around star gazing. After you’ve chowed down on your breakfast pancake with maple syrup, you can rip into a few camping tasks. Just to remind yourself of why we love camping so much!

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 29 Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 Gary Stoneley As with previous Kimbolton Sculpture Festivals the Kimbolton Rural Art committee put on a fantastic one-day festival. Together with 200 other campers, we had the opportunity to camp in the paddock at the back of the festival from Friday through to Saturday. There’s nothing like being right on the spot where all the action happens. The festival is a mix of small to very large artworks, sculptures with mainly a rural theme, put together using all manner of bits and pieces from shearing blades to bike tyres. The artworks are always impressive and it’s hard to comprehend the hundreds of hours of work that are put into creating them. This year’s sculptures had a very high quality of finish and I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t more than a few tears of frustration and exhaustion mixed with the passion and satisfaction in completing a masterpiece. As well as the adult-entry competition sculptures there were competitions for local students and schools. A large number of craft and food stalls were distributed around the venue with something for everyone. There was a busy and lively vibe throughout the day that continued until a blast of rain put a bit of a damper on the event. The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. This year Regan Cooper’s winning sculpture ‘Terrybull’ (below) was well worthy of the $1,000 prize money. A great weekend, well-enjoyed by campers and festival attendees alike. We are looking forward to the next Sculpture Festival scheduled for April 2025. recycled and found materials, gems from the back of the shed, made into unique sculptures NEXT: April ‘25 Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley

30 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 Really feeling autumny now! Whakaipo Bay, DOC camp at Taupo. ©2023 Owain Humphreys into the city. A perfect spot to base ourselves for some sightseeing, bike riding and paddle steaming, not to mention checking out the local cafés. Mmmm that’s the second time I’ve mentioned cafés. When we’re away we feel some responsibility to contribute to the local economy so instead of going out for dinner, which can be a lottery when you don’t know the area, we have an early lunch at a café. This covers the morning coffee fix and keeps us going through until we are feet up with a cuppa and scones back at the caravan. Manawatu & CampFest After seeing Whanganui it was off to the Manawatu where we parked up at a friend’s place for a week while visiting friends and family in the area before heading to the CampFest at the Bulls Domain. This is a great free camping spot as well. I wasn’t sure what I had got myself into when I offered to help out at CampFest, but I must say it was one of the most enjoyable camping weekends we have ever had. Loads of chilled-out relaxed campers in every mode of camping you could think of and everyone generally had a great weekend. We will be back for next year to meet more of our fellow campers and make new friends. | More on CampFest p23 Cook Strait So it was off across Cook Strait to the South Island, the last sailing before all sailings were cancelled due to 11m swells. It wasn’t pleasant, but we got there. Canterbury On the mainland it was on to Canterbury for another family catch-up. We turned off at Amberley and took the scenic road through Rangiora and Oxford and down the southern side of the Waimakariri River. There seemed to be lots of lovely spots that one could stop over for the night if the local freedom camping bylaws allow (we didn’t check as we were headed for family again). Have you ever stopped at Darfield? It is only 45 minutes out of Christchurch and on the main highway to the West Coast but it is well worth a stop. The best bakery around with a massive selection of pies, and loads of small crafty shops to browse around, and again, with a couple of lovely cafés. There’s a very easy cycle track and if you want to leave the village we found the local roads easy to navigate and there was not much traffic. But at some point we were biking into the wind — just as well our bikes have batteries. Hanmer Springs From Canterbury it was back on the road up SH1 heading to Hanmer Springs to meet up with motorhoming friends. We arrived to a stunning sunny afternoon, 25 degrees, and parked up at the DOC camp on the outskirts of town. Nice flat spaces on the banks of a stream with a very serviceable toilet block (see picture above), and sandflies, loads of sandflies. There is a very pretty forestry walking and bike track and even a bike skills park where you can test your balance abilities. Probably not on the e-bike. Over the next 24hrs the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees and by the time we left there was snow below the tree line. We drove through the Lewis Pass with light snow falling. Murchison Our plan for this trip was to see as much as we could of the Tasman area so we headed north, stopping off for a couple of nights at the Riverside Holiday Park in Murchison. The Maruia Falls, on the way, are well worth the stop for a short walk and there’s plenty of room to park up for a lunch break. Riverside Holiday Park is, as it says, right on the river. With a lovely walk through the Kahikatea Reserve right on the boundary of the Kahurangi National Park. ckw.nz/riverside It has a great communal kitchen area with a large deck looking out over the river, complete with couches and armchairs for just chilling out and relaxing. There is a jumping pillow to keep the kids happy and they have well laid out level sites, all with power and water right there. DOC Hanmer Amenity Area, Jollies Pass Rd ©2023 Angela Bryan DOC Hanmer ablution block ©2023 Angela Bryan Let’s go south continues from p5 Waimakariri River Bridge ©2023 Angela Bryan Continues p31

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 31 While in Murchison, a short drive up the Buller Gorge takes you to the longest swing bridge in NZ, very entertaining for those that have a head for heights. On the other side there is a bush walk to a 300yr old kahikatea and then you can take the flying fox back across the river. ckw.nz/swing-bridge Tasman There is so much to see and do in the Tasman-Golden Bay area. Holiday parks galore and also loads of park over properties and places where you can freedom camp. There are the most amazing cycle trails. The Great Taste Trail goes from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, through the Motueka Valley to Tapawera and on to Belgrave, Wakefield and back into Richmond and Nelson. We conquered an easy ride through vineyards and into Richmond comfortably with a stop off for lunch to refuel. You could do more or less as the mood takes you. ckw.nz/great-taste There is a plethora of tourist attractions in the area: a visit to the Classic Car Museum in Nelson and Hoglund Glass Blowing Studio filled in a rainy afternoon for us. ckw.nz/car-museum ckw.nz/glass The Tasman area seems to have a township every 20 kilometres and there’s something to stop and see in every one of them. From downtown Nelson, Tahunanui, Stoke, Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Wakefield — just loads to see and do. Wakefield has one of the best bakeries around with the famous Wakefield pies. Definitely worth a stop off. Then there is Appleby, Mapua, Ruby Bay and Rabbit Island. A detour off SH 60 via the Moutere Highway takes you to Upper Moutere Village, a visit here is a must. It is the home of the Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. Unfortunately it was closed for the two nights we were there so we didn’t get to check it out. But the village has some quaint shops, cafés and a really good fish and chip shop. On the western side of the Tasman area is Motueka, well worth a wander through the town. If you’re keen, you can cycle this whole area. Motueka also has the best dump station that we came across in our whole trip. Easily accessible from both directions for the biggest of vehicles and room for two vehicles to use it at the same time, plus a fresh water fill up. Golden Bay After not enough days in the Tasman area we headed west over the Takaka Hill. Now that is a hill. 257 corners, a lot of them hairpin. Unfortunately there is nowhere to stop and take photos of the amazing views when you are towing a caravan, but it is so beautiful. We made our way through Takaka and Collingwood on to Pakawau where we based ourselves to visit Cape Farewell. There are tours that take you all the way out to the lighthouse on Farewell Spit but we decided to have a look around by ourselves for the day. Cape Farewell is a fairly impressive place but if you don’t like heights it is very unnerving. We decided to take a drive to Whanganui Inlet and perhaps go on to Mangarakau and see the West Coast. After an hour of driving on rutted, gravel road I felt like my bones were about to fall apart so we decided to turn around. Not a road I would drive again but the scenery is so worth it. It was back to camp and a nice long walk along Pakawau’s beach to relax. Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Café have a free camp area on the outskirts of Takaka . It is easily accessible and a large area for the biggest of rigs. This was a great base while we investigated the Takaka area with the added bonus that you can try your hand at fishing as well. They say fishing is about the vibes you send down the line, well we didn’t have the right energy flowing at all. No fish for us after a couple of hours of casting and reeling it back in. So time for a coffee and some lunch at the café and watch the people who stood just where we had been catch two fish in five minutes! Oh well, free entertainment; you only pay for what you catch, and they will smoke it for you as well. ckw.nz/anatoki If you are in Takaka, The Wholemeal Café is well worth a visit or two, or three. It was recommended to us by fellow campers and it didn’t disappoint. One of the nicest cafés we visited on our trip, at least according to the other half. A stroll through the main street of Takaka, which is also the main highway, will fill in a good part of the afternoon, there are so many interesting shops to stop off and have a look at. The men might not agree, but hey… A short drive from Takaka is the Labyrinth Rocks. The outcrop of limestone rocks forms a labyrinth of paths that twist and turn and you never quite know where you will end up. Fun for all ages, just let the child inside free to imagine. ckw.nz/labyrinth-rocks The Kahikatea Reserve Photos © 2023 Angela Bryan Buller River Let’s go south continues Continues p32

32 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 The drive to Pohara, Tarakohe, Ligar Bay and Tata Beach is well worth it. You can stop off and visit the Abel Tasman Monument on the way which has amazing views of Golden Bay. At Port Tarakohe you can see where the road has been cut under the ancient rock formations. It was back over the mighty Takaka Hill into the Tasman area on Easter Friday, the traffic going to Takaka was bumper to bumper including a cyclist on the way down the hill — hope he had good brakes. Winblue Farm is a lovely park over property between Hope and Brightwater, quiet with free fruit from the gardens and within cycling distance of the Great Taste Trail if you are feeling like some exercise. Mapua Village is a quaint little village with quite a few boutique shops and art galleries, nice for a coffee and a wander. You can drive out to Kaiteriteri and around the bay to Split Apple Rock, or take a kayak tour via the water if you prefer. The rock sits just off a lovely secluded beach which is a 10 minute walk from the road, all downhill. Trouble with that is it is a long haul back uphill on the way out. You don’t realise how steep it is on the way down, but it is well worth the walk. Wairau Valley and Blenheim Departing Tasman we decided to take the long road to Blenheim via St Arnaud and the Wairau Valley. The scenery is just stunning, driving along the river and through the vineyards. Our park up for our last few nights in the South Island was at Spring Creek Holiday Park, a lovely park that has a creek running through it complete with friendly eels to feed. ckw.nz/spring-creek So much to do in Blenheim, a visit to the Omaka Aviation Museum is a must or on a Sunday you can grab a coffee and sit in the carpark and watch all the vintage planes come and go. ckw.nz/omaka ckw.nz/steam If you’re lucky while you’re in Blenheim you might get to see the Passchendaele steam train, we just happened upon it while we were visiting the iSite. According to locals it comes out for special occasions or if there is a cruise ship in port. Again there are some great cycle trails as well, through the vineyards and up into the hills. We took a drive out to Port Underwood and on to Picton from there. Now that is a road you don’t want to drive while towing the caravan, or in the motorhome. Thankfully we had some local advice and didn’t. It is only 60kms but takes the best part of two hours to drive. Must be one of the narrowest and windiest roads in the country, but when you get to the top the views are just astounding. It’s one of those roads that you are glad you drove, but you’ll never drive it again. So back north on Bluebridge’s Connemara and thankfully it was a pleasant sailing. Something we did on this trip that we’ve never done before was book a cabin on the ferry, both ways. It was well worth the $40 — on the rough sailing it was nice to have somewhere I could rest. We will definitely do it again, both the cabin and the trip. Cape Farewell ©2023 Angela Bryan Let’s go south continues

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 33 Stop and Stay Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org The Store cafe and camp – Kekerungu (Marlborough) This Marlborough, east sea coast, little camp, 45 min south of Blenheim, and 45 min north of Kaikoura, had a humble beginning with campers allowed, but out of sight of the store, for no charge but no facilities. However in recent years a purpose-converted container was installed, with paid showers (including a disability shower), toilets with hot water at the basin and a paid laundry; and there is one emergency power point near the ablution block for anyone desperate for a charge-up. It has become a popular stopping point with a modest charge of $14 pp. It’s a wee gem to stop and chill out at, even on short notice. The sites are varied — right beside the sea, some with the a BBQ table or rustic seats, some under trees, some in spots hidden away among trees and some on clear grass. One important consideration is its proximity to the active (fenced off) railway line. Both the camp and the store are dog-friendly. The Store is open all day and boasts good coffee, a great food selection, sea views, a cosy fire (in season) and local artisan products. While you can book in at the shop they prefer you do it online but be aware it’s a bit confusing and check your receipt. Walk the beach, surf the break, drive or bike up the valleys behind for mountain and sea views, or for a treat, visit the nearby eatery and crayfish store. The Store 5748 SH1 Kekerengu 03 575 8600 thestore.kiwi Lakelands Holiday Park Whanganui Just a 10 minute drive from Whanganui, on the shores of Lake Witiroa, the park is a lovely spot with everything you need for a chilled-out family holiday. Easy access, there are level sites right on the shore of the lake where you can watch water skiers and the wild life or, if you are brave, go for swim. There are also kayaks available to use. A great mountain bike track, or bush walk, is right on the boundary of the park. The park is picturesque with loads of native trees and both powered and non-powered sites that are a generous size for the biggest of rigs. They have good clean facilities complete with herb garden, and room for large groups with their own separate kitchen. This would be a great spot for family reunions and the like. Friendly and helpful hosts make this a really pleasant place to stay. Book your spring stay now. [email protected] lakelands.co.nz 316 Kaitoke Rd Wanganui Closed over winter: 30 April to 1 October.

23-25 JUNE BOP/EAST CAPE MID-WINTER CHRISTMAS Lakes Ranch, Ōwhata, Rotorua Camping with hot pools and a mid winter Christmas pot-luck, dessert provided. All Points Camping More ckw.nz/bop-midwinter Venue lakesranch.org.nz RSVP ckw.nz/bop-rsvp 1 JULY MID-WINTER CHRISTMAS MEET AND GREET Fielding Join with central club members of All Point Camping for a fun Mid Winter Christmas dining experience at the ‘Famous in Feilding’ Murray’s Irish Bar. There is a large parking area out the back for overnight sleepers. All Points Camping More: ckw.nz/fielding-mid-winter RSVP by 22 June: ckw.nz/fielding-rsvp 24 JUNE CAMP COOK OUT Battlehill Farm Forest Park, Wellington Are you a BBQ master, can you tame the flame? Come pit your skills against some of the best amateurs around Wellington. Seriously though it‘s all for fun and family oriented. There will be three categories: 1. Kids kick butt (fun, help allowed, not serious) 2. Braai and fry (international cook off) 3. Adults on fire (be prepared to be fully judged) Chose your class, register your attendance and be prepared to sizzle. Jonathan Collins NZ Fun Adventures FB ckw.nz/camp-cook-out 34 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 FOR MORE CAMPS KEEP AN EYE ON allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) EVENTS — Camping Group: Life of Van Since 2020 more kiwis have been travelling at home and discovering the delights of outdoor adventures and camping in their own regions. Wellington-based couple Chloe Wright and Jonathan Collins, passionate about tent camping experiences, found that sharing this on Facebook via the NZ Fun Adventures page attracted a growing number of campers who travelled and camped in vehicles, camper vans, trailer campers, or caravans. Being former caravanners, they decided to launch a ‘Life of Van – New Zealand’ as a platform for van travellers to share their tips and tricks, and find a positive community to support other vehicle campers. Life of Van NZ FB Page is a private group with a positive vibe, giving everyone from weekend warriors to van life veterans a place to connect. It focuses on celebrating the sense of freedom in van travelling, while encouraging that free spirit for those who might be new to van life. Look for Life of Van – New Zealand on Facebook ckw.nz/life-of-van NZers go camping: clubs & groups

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 35 JUNE NZ Highwaymen 5 June, Mon: Gore Legends of Kiwi Country music will play an electrifying show in the NZ capital of Country Music. Overnight parking at the showgrounds. Dogs on leads. iticket.co.nz nzhighwaymen.com JULY Festival of Christmas 1–29 July: Greytown A month-long programme of spectacular lights, workshops, events, Matariki activities, markets, parties, food and family fun. Tauherenikau Motorhome and caravan park. Certified self-contained vehicles. greytownvillage.com/let-it-snow-2023 Parking: tauherenikau.co.nz Oxford Matariki Winter Lights Festival 2023 1–16 July: Oxford, Canterbury We light up to celebrate Matariki and to raise community spirits during midwinter. Houses, businesses and everything else gets the special treatment making it a magical place to visit when it gets dark. Come and visit to enjoy our country hospitality and the mid- winter lights. Freedom camping 1km from town by the river. oxfordnewzealand.co.nz BRANDED Winter Warm Up Country Music Fest 28–30 July, Fri: Karapiro, Waikato The annual country music fest in Cambridge. Certified Self contained parking in Leamington. No dogs. on Facebook SPRING South Island Endurance Race Series - Round 2 22–23 Sept, Friday: Invercargill teretonga.org.nz Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival 27 Oct –5 Nov: Taranaki taranakigardens.co.nz Robbie Williams XXV Tour 2023 12 Nov, Sat: Napier missionconcert.co.nz Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair 18 Nov, Sat: Kimbolton crosshillsfair.co.nz Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival 2023 24–26 Nov, Fri: Masterton wings.org.nz Harvest Festival Hawkes Bay 25 Nov, Sat: Napier harvesthawkesbay.com 2024 Egmont Country Music Jan 2024 5–7 Jan: Taranaki on Facebook Marton Country Music Festival 19–21 Jan: Marton martonfestival.com Warbirds Over Wanaka Mar 2024 29–31 Mar 2024, Wanaka warbirdsoverwanaka.com These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. EVENTS — Festivals and Shows Teardrop gathering at Orton Bradley Park, Lyttleton Harbour. ©2023 Andrew Morton

36 36 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SER- VICES

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 37 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK Ravneel Singh Auckland / Silverdale – 020 4104 4392 – [email protected] Vantage RV Auckland / Silverdale RV service, parts and accessories. – 09 427 8247 – [email protected] – www.vantagerv.nz North Auckland Caravans Auckland / Kumeu Caravan sales and servicing. Parts. Self containment installation and certification. – 09 412 7840 – [email protected] – www.northaucklandcaravans.co.nz Norwest Gas Fitting Ltd Auckland / Kumeu Self containment, gas fitting and compliance. – 021 780 449 – [email protected] – www.norwestgas.co.nz Mike Bish Auckland / Stanmore Bay – 027 384 3848 Neil O’Gorman Auckland / Torbay Auckland Rep: All Points Camping Club NZ – 022 437 8747 – www.kiwiselfcertify.com A J Tech Auckland / Torbay Self containment installation and certification. – Alec Mckellar, 021 151 9845 – www.ajtech.co.nz David White Auckland / Torbay Self containment installation and certification. – 022 430 7718 – [email protected] RV Repairs Ltd Auckland / Albany RV service, parts and accessories. – 09 442 1264 – [email protected] – www.rvrepairs.kiwi.nz River Jones Gardner – 021 0224 1635 Auckland / Albany Vanlifer Auckland / Takapuna Campervan fitouts, parts and certification. – Jason & Mike – [email protected] – www.vanlifer.com Assaf Davidovitch Auckland / Henderson – 020 4133 9710 – [email protected] Mike Bahmani Auckland Self containment installation and certification. – 021 280 6006 – [email protected] Campervan World 33 Auckland Central Campervan fitouts, parts and certification. – Mai Pelko, 027 456 3290 – [email protected] AUCKLAND Northland RV Kerikeri RV service, parts and accessories. – Mark & Corine Thorburn, 021 307 666 – [email protected] – www.northlandrv.co.nz Wendy and Brent White Whangarei Self containment installation and certification. – 021 172 9919 – [email protected] Ka Pai Campers Maungaturoto Campervans builds and self containment. – Aaron Duffy, 021 276 7665 – [email protected] NORTHLAND • Find rv and camping services. • Any relevant business can list; it is free. • Anyone can recommend a business to add to the list. • No endorsement is implied. • The thumbs up shows people you can ask, if you are stuck. Their local knowledge will help you find the service you need. ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES Auckland directory continues next page

38 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES John Belle Coromandel / Tairua Self containment installation and certification. – 027 452 7193 | 021 126 0760 – [email protected] Alice Grant-Johnson Coromandel Penninsula / Tairua Self containment certification. – 022 601 787 – [email protected] Lynley Belle – 021 126 0760 Coromandel – [email protected] Ross Bennett Te Kauwhata / Hamilton Self containment installation and certification. – 027 680 7449 – [email protected] Motorhome and Solar Waikato / Hamilton RV Solar, heating and battery specialists. Self containment. – 0800 589 618 – [email protected] – www.go.motorhomesolar.co.nz Inside Out RV Hamilton RV service, parts and accessories. – 0800 246 7433 – [email protected] – www.insideoutrv.co.nz Ovaland Motorhomes Hamilton RV service, parts and accessories. Self containment. – 07 874 1976 – [email protected] – www.ovaland.co.nz Auto and Marine Trimming World Riverlea / Hamilton Upholstery specialists. Campervan fitouts, upholstery and installation. – 07 858 3242 – [email protected] Robert Hatchell Waikato / Te Awamutu Self containment and gasfitter. – 027 238 4264 John Andrews Te Awamutu Plumber. Self containment testing. – 027 759 815 – [email protected] Pratts Waikato / Otorohanga Self containment; plumber and gasfitter. – 0800 772 887 – [email protected] – www.pratts.co.nz Dunn Right Plumbing Waikato / Cambridge Self containment; plumber and gasfitter. – 027 442 2160 – [email protected] Alan McNeil – 020 4126 6626 Waikato / Tokoroa – [email protected] Sanjay Prasad Waikato / Tokoroa Self containment installation and certification. – 021 293 0320 – [email protected] WAIKATO, COROMANDEL Sean Craig Auckland / Mt Wellington – 021 1135319 – [email protected] Steve Hibben Auckland / Penrose Campervan fitouts, parts and certification. – 027 4851 141 – [email protected] Lee Robinson Auckland / Highland Park – 021 037 2255 – [email protected] Auckland Budget Campervans Auckland / Te Atatu Self containment and campervan builds and refits. – Aiden, 021 111 6661 – [email protected] – Shannon Woller Auckland / East Tamaki – 021 135 3262 – [email protected] Zion Motorhomes Auckland / Pokeno Motorhome sales and service, parts and accessories. – 09 869 8815 – [email protected] – www.zionmotorhomes.co.nz Elements World Auckland Campervan conversions & sales. Mechanic workshop. Self-containment installation and certification. – 0800 000 985, 09 827 4616 – [email protected] . – www.elements-world.com AUCKLAND CONTINUED

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 39 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK Ace Caravans Rotorua RV service, parts and accessories. – 07 343 7570 | 027 483 101 – [email protected] – www.acecaravans.co.nz Ian Read Rotorua / Tikatere Self containment. All Points Camping Rep. – 020 4136 6870 – [email protected] Charles Edwards Rotorua Self containment installation and certification. – 07 210 1460 | 027 726 9324 – [email protected] Thinus Venter Rotorua Self containment and engineering. – 09 412 7840 – [email protected] Motorhome and Caravan Services Rotorua RV service, parts and accessories. – 07 349 6180 | 022 403 2557 – [email protected] – www.mhacs.co.nz Glen Ruebe Rotorua / Okere Self containment installation and certification. – 021 139 8860 – [email protected] Craig MacDonald Taupo / Rotorua / Whakatane RV mechanical services and self containment. – 021 850 897 – [email protected] – www.dudleymechanical.com Mike McGregor – 027 210 0889 Taupo / Reporoa Coach and Caravan Services RV service, parts and accessories. Taupo – 027 890 8901 – [email protected] – www.coachandcaravan.co.nz ROTORUA, TAUPO Pittams Plumbing Plumber, gasfitter. Tauranga – 07 543 3043 – [email protected] Alliance RV RV service, parts and accessories. Tauranga – 07 571 0271 – [email protected] – www.alliancerv.co.nz George Matthews Plumber, gasfitter. Tauranga – 027 444 1801 Tony Hewitson – 021 104 0459 Tauranga – [email protected] K-Pods RV parts and accessories. Tauranga – 021 109 118 390 – [email protected] – www.kpod.co.nz RV Service Centre Mt Maunganui RV service, parts and accessories. – 0800 288860 | 027 827 7514 | 027 958 5852 – [email protected] – www.countrycaravans.co.nz RV Shop Mt Maunganui RV service, parts and accessories. – 07 575 5612 – [email protected] – www.rvshop.co.nz Creative Campers Mt Maunganui Self containment installation and certification. – Ken MacPherson, 021 165 6015 – [email protected] Royce’s Mobile RVs RV service, parts and accessories. Te Puke – 021 157 4794 – [email protected] – www.facebook.com/rmrvs Gateway Caravans Whakatane RV service, parts and accessories. – 07 307 100 | 027 230 0955 – [email protected] – www.gatewaycaravans.co.nz BAY OF PLENTY John Woodhead New Plymouth – 027 475 6108 – [email protected] Greenways New Plymouth Self containment certification and campervan build. – 027 905 4756 – [email protected] – www.greenways.nz Bob’s Plumbing South Taranaki / Opunake Self containment; plumber and gasfitter. – James Scott, 027 410 0470 – [email protected] – bobsplumbing2022.com TARANAKI

Matawai Camp and Store Matawai / Gisborne Self containment plus registered campground. – Stephen and Cindy Ward, 06 862 4830 – [email protected] – www.matawaicamp.co.nz David Dewar – 022 044 6881 Gisborne – [email protected] Michael Scandlyn – 027 620 9609 Gisborne – [email protected] Sue Dewar – 021 134 8995 Gisborne – [email protected] First Auto Works & RV Hawkes Bay/Napier RV service, parts and accessories. Camping supplies. – 027 835 1889 – [email protected] – www.firstautoworks.co.nz Veronica Vans Hawkes Bay / Napier Self containment installation and certification. Camping supplies. No charge for a look over. – Ian McNair, 021 533 670, 0800 868 614 – [email protected] – www.ibmnz.com Smile Caravans Hawkes Bay / Hastings Caravan sales. All services and self containment certification. – 06 8701249 – [email protected] Bryan Boyle – 027 454 9023 Dannevirke – dandbboyle@xtra Paul Morgan – 021 122 7220 Wairarapa / Masterton – [email protected] Team JDR Ltd Wairarapa / Featherston Self containment; plumber and gasfitter. – Doug Juggins, 027 429 4433 – [email protected] GISBORNE, HAWKE’S BAY, WAIRARAPA 40 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES More: ckw.nz/tiaki

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 41 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK WHANGANUI, RANGITIKEI, MANAWATU, HOROWHENUA Combined Plumbers Ltd Whanganui Self containment; plumber and gasfitter. – Simon Scott, 027 481 1353 – [email protected] Merlin Astley-Jones Whanganui /Manawatu Electrical work and EWOFs. – 021 037 9716 – [email protected] Rangitikei Boating and Automotive Services Rangitikei / Bulls RV, mechanical services and self containment. – 06 322 1560 – [email protected] Ettienne Lambrecht – 021 078 0577 Rangitikei / Bulls – [email protected] Mark and Heidi Macauley – 027 848 9125 Rangitikei / Manawatu – [email protected] NZ Lifestyle Camping Manawatu / Feilding Self containment certification and supplies. – 027 246 9778 – [email protected] – www.nzlifestylecamping.com Motorhome Caravan Classic Manawatu / Feilding RV service, parts and accessories. – 021 306 053 | 021 107 2475 – [email protected] Chris Dungan Electrical and Mechanical Services Manawatu / Feilding Electrical mechanical Inspector. – 027 446 7140 – [email protected] Nathan Proebstel Manawatu / Palmerston North Self containment installation and certification. – 022 677 4861 – [email protected] Wayne Ravelich Palmerston North / Foxton President, All Points Camping Club of NZ – 027 475 7420 – [email protected] Arthur How Foxton Electrical EWOFs inspector and electrical work. – 027 363 7006 – 06 363 7138 Horowhenua directory continues next page

42 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES WELLINGTON, KAPITI Barry Thomson – 021 263 9808 Kapiti – [email protected] – www.rvdreams.co.nz Bedvanz Wellington – Si Craggs, 020 4826 826 – www.bedvanz.co.nz CB Caravan Imports Upper Hutt RV service, parts and accessories. – 027 642 9379 – [email protected] – www.cbcaravans.co.nz# RV Dreams Upper Hutt RV service, parts and accessories. – 04 526 2629 | 027 526 2629 – [email protected] Foxton RV and Marine Foxton RV repairs and engineering workshop. (Formerly Tackle Tactics) – Philip Kettle, 027 414 9930 – [email protected] – www.tackletactics.co.nz Francis Donegan – 021 870 024 Levin – [email protected] Bruce Cook – 021 839 299 Levin – [email protected] Gipsy Caravans Levin RV service, parts and accessories. – 0800 704 944 – [email protected] – www.gipsy.co.nz WHANGANUI, RANGITIKEI, MANAWATU, HOROWHENUA CONTINUED 42 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 43 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 43 SALES, CLEANING, AND REPAIRS all brands and types of blinds in Blenheim, Marlborough. Call Marty & Diana Ireland : 03 578 9162 Moutere Caravans Nelson / Upper Moutere Caravan (only) servicing, repairs and parts. – 03 543 2668x – [email protected] – www.mouterecaravans.co.nz RT Services Certifying plumber and gasfitter. Nelson – Roger Taylor, 027 230 2364 – [email protected] Jonas Schug – 021 0270 4044 Nelson – [email protected] RV Specialties Nelson RV service, parts and accessories, appliance servicing. – Alex Annable, 022 656 0507 – [email protected] – www.rvspecialties.co.nz Murray Brown Tasman / Motueka Self containment installation and certification. – 027 243 2550 | 027 204 8709 Golden Bay Plumbing Golden Bay Certifying plumber and gasfitter. – Barry Graham 027 465 7882 | 03 391 7888 – [email protected] – www.goldenbayplumbing.nz David Miller – 03 528 4033 Tasman – [email protected] Total Electrics Ltd Marlborough / Picton Electrical WOF and testing. – 03 578 6999 – [email protected] Grovetown Caravans Marlborough / Picton Caravan sales, servicing, repairs and parts. – 022 1234 514 – [email protected] Motor Kanix Marlborough / Blenheim Brake, mechanical & chassis services. Fitting of tanks. – 03 579 9494 | 027 272 6678 – [email protected] Ray Walker Marlborough / Blenheim – 027 289 0520 – [email protected] Michael Jones Plumbing Ltd Marlborough / Blenheim Plumber and gasfitter. Caravans a specialty. – 03 578 2034 – [email protected] – www.mjonesplumbing.co.nz Laser Electrical Marlborough / Blenheim Electrical WOF and testing. – 03 578 7607 – [email protected] Verity & Andrew McRoberts West Coast / Greymouth – 027 497 8224 | 021 127 2041 – [email protected] WEST COAST TASMAN, MARLBOROUGH ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK SOUTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES

R I P S I L I C O N E W A E Y U L A W A T E R T I G H T N E S S R U C H T R A M P I N G B O O T S O A R W A T E R P R O O F I N G J E O C O O N P E R I S H A B L E B O T T L E E T L F P E A W B E E S O L A R P A N E L A G L R E G A S B O T T L E R A S A A V A V F L Y S C R E E N S E L K N T S Game solution 3 ALL 4 REEL 3 BEE 4 ROPE 3 JOB 4 STAR 3 NAP 4 TASK 3 OUT 4 WASH 3 PET 5 ARROW 3 RAW 5 SYRUP 3 RIP 6 BOTTLE 4 BAGS 6 LEAVES 4 BALL 8 SILICONE 4 EVEN 8 TENTPEGS 4 GOLF 9 GASBOTTLE 10 FLY SCREENS 10 PERISHABLE 10 SOLAR PANEL 13 TRAMPING BOOTS 13 WATERPROOFING 14 WATER TIGHTNESS 44 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK SOUTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES 44 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK SOUTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES Cruzar Custom Campervans Rangiora / North Canterbury RV design and build, servicing, solar and 12v systems. – Andy, 020 4110 5515 – Brenda, 027 479 6060 – [email protected] – www.cruzarcustomcampervans.co.nz Nigel Beardsworth Canterbury / Woodend – 021 0261 4341 – [email protected] Classic Caravans Christchurch / Belfast RV Upholstery specialist. Self containment. – 022 363 8287 – [email protected] Matt and Dan’s Campervans Christchurch / Redwood Self containment certification and campervan builds. – 027 780 4311 – [email protected] – www.mattanddanscampervans.co.nz UK Caravans Ltd Christchurch / Harewood RV service, parts and accessories, appliance service. – 0800 303 330 – [email protected] – www.uk-caravans.co.nz John Routledge Christchurch / Papanui Self containment installation and certification. – 027 436 1713 – [email protected] Pulse Compliance Testing Christchurch Self containment installation and certification. – Mike Milne, 022 358 7246 – [email protected] – www.pulsecompliancetesting.co.nz – PRB Services Canterbury / Christchurch Self containment installation and certification. – Peter Boyce, 021 207 8472 – [email protected] – www.prbservices.co.nz The Camper Man Ltd Christchurch / mobile – David McIntyre, 021 268 3633 – [email protected] Christchurch Campers Ltd Christchurch Campervan sales and fit outs. – 021 0260 8181 – [email protected] Gary Frogatt Christchurch Self containment installation and certification. – 021 408 864 – [email protected] Neil Stewart – 027 536 0442 Christchurch – [email protected] David Legge Christchurch Self containment installation and certification. – 027 671 7681 – [email protected] B2BRV Christchurch / Hornby RV service, parts and accessories, appliance service. – Peter Mitchell, 027 675 7101 – [email protected] – www.b2brv.co.nz The Design Coach & Body Company Ltd Christchurch /Hornby RV service, parts and accessories, appliance service. – 03 442 442 – [email protected] – www.motorhomeshop.co.nz CANTERBURY Canterbury directory continues next page

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 45 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK Infinity Caravans & Motorhomes Christchurch / Wigram Caravan sales, parts and service. – Daniel Yeoh, 0800 115 120 – [email protected] – www.infinitycaravans.co.nz Tourism and Travel Christchurch / Rolleston Self containment and campervan rental. – 021 278 0030 – [email protected] Rolleston RV Gas & Plumbing Services Christchurch / Rolleston Certifying plumber and gasfitter. – 022 061 2025 – [email protected] Rolleston Caravans Christchurch / Rolleston Caravan sales, servicing and repairs. – 03 972 5433 | 021 269 2696 – [email protected] – www.rollestoncaravans.co.nz UCC Motorhomes and Caravans Christchurch / Rolleston RV service, parts and accessories; appliance service. – 03 349 7747 | 021 658 116 – [email protected] – www.uccmotorhomes.co.nz Elements World Christchurch Campervan conversions & sales. Mechanic workshop. Self-containment certification. – 0800 000 985 – [email protected] John Heasley — Construction and Plumbing Services Canterbury / Methven Self containment installation and certification. – 027 457 9878 – [email protected] Keith Rutherford – 022 4634 898 Rakaia / Canterbury – [email protected] Lifestyle Motorhomes Ltd Ashburton RV service, parts and accessories, appliance service. – 0800 287284 | 03 308 6627 – [email protected] – www.life-style.co.nz A&K Motorhomes Ltd Ashburton Heater, solar and TV needs. – 027 280 8899 – [email protected] – www.akmotorhomes.business.site Southern RV -- Timaru Caravan Centre Temuka / Timaru RV service, parts and accessories, appliance service – 03 688 0166 – [email protected] – www.southernrv.co.nz CANTERBURY CONTINUED

46 Camping the Kiwi Way WINTER 2023

WINTER 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 47 ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK 2023 Camping the Kiwi Way 47 Tony Scannell Invercargill / Southland – 027 601 3078 – [email protected] Autobarn RV Invercargill Gas / electrical / repairs / self containment. – [email protected] – www.autobarn.co.nz Neville Stirling Winton / Southland – 027 433 3918 – [email protected] Ian Ridd Winton / Southland – 027 236 1077 – [email protected] Zone 2 Garston / Otago Campervan build & self containment services. CAD. – Dan Innes, 027 426 0440 – [email protected] – www.zone2.nz RV Super Centre Queenstown / Otago Campervan sales, service, parts and accessories. – 03 450 9511 – www.rvsupercentre.co.nz/queenstown Janik Schultner Fernhill / Queenstown Self containment testing. – 027 235 1377 – [email protected] Craig Guy Wanaka / Otago Certifying plumber and gasfitter. – 027 443 7721 – [email protected] – www.guyplumbing.co.nz Caravanland Invercargill / Southland Caravan sales, service, parts and accessories. – 0800 4444 55 – [email protected] – www.caravanland.co.nz Kieran Van Loon Plumber – [email protected] Gore – 027 330 8036 SOUTHLAND Peter and Roslyn Scott Oamaru / Otago – [email protected] Malcolm McKay Palmerston / Otago – 03 465 1143 | 022 026 2230 Gordon Murdoch – 03 426 0390 Palmerston / Otago – [email protected] Robert Todd – 021 149 8546 Dunedin – [email protected] Tony Cumberbeach – 03 476 3793 Dunedin Murray Pickering – 021 233 9655 Dunedin – [email protected] Dunedin Motorhomes Ltd Dunedin / Kensington RV service, parts and accessories. – 03 4561442 – [email protected] – www.dunedinmotorhomes.co.nz Baz Rogan RV parts and accessories. Milton / Otago – 020 41 41 0164 – [email protected] LongLife Mechanical Queenstown / Otago RV mechanical services and self containment. – 027 529 9929 – [email protected] – www.facebook.com/LLMech Franco Nobell Queenstown Self containment installation and certification. – 022 398 8608 – [email protected] OTAGO Coffee time. ©2023 Willis Blevins Your advertisement on these pages? 1 page $180 1/2 page $100 1/3 page $70 (1 column) 1/4 page $60 Book your space now and provide the ad by 1 AUG for the Spring issue. Detail: ckw.nz/advertising [email protected] ELECTRICAL LPG GAS & PLUMBING WORKSHOP SERVICES SELF CONTAINMENT ASK SOUTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES

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