CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 8: WINTER 2024
2 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 If you do not want to freedom camp you do not need the new green warrant. The existing blue standard and blue warrant is still acceptable for all other places that require certified self-containment (so far). ■ The new government is not making any of the changes it championed in the Select Committee stages of the amendment to the Freedom Camping Act. ■ Green warrant cards for freedom camping are being issued, as long as you meet the eight new requirements. See p8 ■ There are still insufficient testers across the country for the number of vehicles that need warrants in the available time. ■ Costs for getting a 4-year green warrant vary from $200 to $300, including the $120 PGDB levy. ■ The NZMCA has indicated that it will not be issuing green warrant cards until or unless the venting requirements for cassette toilets are lifted. They intend to issue non-green cards for those who do not wish to freedom camp (or pay the government levy) which will be sufficient proof of self-containment for NZMCA parks and events and, presumably, their park over properties. ■ The peculiarities around the venting of toilet cassettes is still required for a green warrant. There are indications that this vent rule will be changed to exclude cassette and compost toilets but this won’t be confirmed until later in the year, if you can trust the politicians. ■ Aside from the venting issue the other peculiarities around self-containment managed by the Plumbers and Gasfitters Board are going to remain part of the regulations. There is no process or willingness to revise any other rules. The Minister has declared he won’t look at any revisions of the law as a whole until June next year at the earliest. ■ Rental companies must have green warrants by Dec 7 this year if the tourists are to be able to use these vehicles to freedom camp. The rest of us already-certified travellers, have until 7 June 2025. ■ From June next year the law demands that the Government must review any effect on homeless vehicle dwellers. ■ Money from international tourist’s levies, that could have been used to improve facilities for freedom campers has instead been spent on Councils to fund bylaw changes, provide enforcement and ambassador programs, plus fund the new PGDB vehicle certification system. The bulk of these funds was paid by MBIE to the regions with the strongest restrictions (and least provision) for freedom camping such as Queenstown Lakes District. ■ Those with fixed toilets and a blue warrant card issued before 7 Jun 2024 will be able to continue to freedom camp until 7 June 2025. ■ There is no indication that the government will extend the available time beyond 7 June 2025 as the Act allows. ■ Only those certified before 7/7/23 with a portable toilet can freedom camp: no-one else with a portable toilet can freedom camp on council-controlled land. ■ Regions vary in their enforcement of the new legislation. Some regions simply choose not to police the certified vehicle restrictions. Some don’t yet have the bylaws in place to apply restrictions, prohibit areas or offer freedom camping areas for non-self-contained campers. ■ It is safest, from a getting fined point of view, to assume the new laws apply everywhere, and to check the region’s website and their signs very carefully for their current rules. Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? Certified Blue before 7/7/23, and not expired. Fixed or portable toilet. Certified Blue before 7/7/24, and not expired. Fixed toilet only. Green Warrant The above warrant holders can freedom camp on public land, which means: all land managed by district and local councils. This may include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. Currently LINZ has 5 freedom camping areas and the new law applies. As at May 2024 DOC has made no changes relating to self-containment: the existing standard applies (portable or fixed toilet) for sites that require self-containment. ckw.nz/linz An enforcement officer may inspect your warrant card. If they have a valid reason to ask, you must produce the self-containment certificate. An enforcement officer may not inspect inside your vehicle. Read it online or get the pdf ckw.nz/winter2024 ckw.nz/winter-24-pdf The magazine printed and posted: $44 annual sub (4 issues) $13.50 for one issue BUY OR SUBSCRIBE buy/subscribe MORE FOR COUNCILS AND GOVT 4 Editorial: Winter 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling 5 The road less travelled 7 Autumn gold 19 Hakatere Conservation Park 24 Walking the race 25 Staying safe as you travel 37 Camping at Wanaka 37 What is KiwiCamp? 41 Five days from Alex to Cromwell
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 3 SHARE YOUR STORIES 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. • Camping photos and stories. • Club stories and photos. • Upcoming events that include camping. • Opinion pieces on camping issues. • Photos 1mb or more in size. Email words and (separate) images: editor@campingthekiwiway.org CONTRIBUTIONS CLOSE AUG 1 for the Spring issue But, for late-breaking articles talk to the editor. Camping the Kiwi Way ISSUE 8, WINTER 2024 ISSN: 2815-8261 (Print) ISSN: 2815-827X (Online) ©2024 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson editor@campingthekiwiway.org campingthekiwiway.org Published quarterly by All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc & NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd ORDER OR SUBSCRIBE Printed copies including postage: $44 for a year (4 issues) $13.50 for a single copy editor@campingthekiwiway.org READ IT ONLINE OR GET A PDF ckw.nz/winter2024 ckw.nz/winter-24-pdf ADVERTISING editor@campingthekiwiway.org For sizes and prices see ckw.nz/advertising Front cover: Thermette. More on p35. ©2024 M Richardson 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Editorial: Winter 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 5 The road less travelled 7 Autumn gold 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling 18 RECIPES: Winter meals on the road 19 Hakatere Conservation Park 21 Carbon monoxide poisoning 24 Walking the race 25 Staying safe as you travel 26 Fixing a soft floor on a UK Caravan 28 Watts & Amps 29 Kiwi camping coven 31 A weekend at Mt Somers 31 Winter tips from our previous issues 32 Diesel heating in caravans and motorhomes 33 HOBBIES: Home brew spirits 35 Thermettes 35 Flaxmere Garden 36 TIPS 36 NIWA Winter climate outlook 2024 37 Camping at Wanaka 37 What is KiwiCamp? 38 Staying safe 38 Mountains have their own fingerprints 39 DOC update 40 Stop and Stay… 40 …in Winter 41 Five days from Alex to Cromwell 41 Comfort Zone, Whakatane 42 Camping events 43 Festivals 44 GAME: DOC campsites 2 45 RV businesses and services FREEDOM CAMPING & SELF-CONTAINMENT 2 Where are we at with selfcontainment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the selfcontainment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling
4 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Editorial: Winter I have been enjoying following along on Facebook the many campers who aren’t intimidated by the season and are planning to continue camping in Winter. I have been perched at the campground in Glendhu Bay, plugged in to power while I work on this magazine, enjoying day after day of beautiful weather and stunning views, while the North Island has been cloudy, buffeted by wind, and fairly damp. I am not sure if this is a charmed spot or I have just been lucky. It has been a pretty grim time for people who want to freedom camp, having to work hard to find practical solutions to honour flawed regulations. You will see some articles here on how to meet the toilet requirements for the new green warrant. There is a possibility there might be relief from the bizarre requirement to drill a hole in your toilet cassette and your vehicle. Holding off might save $ (and defer payment of the $120 government self-containment levy). There are more vehicle inspectors for the green warrants, though still not enough. You might be lucky enough to find one in your area. The government has announced an increase in the visitor levy on tourists. So far it has wasted all it collected this way on enforcement — if it created more facilities the need for enforcement would be less, but there is no impetus, either locally or nationally to improve or increase facilities for these, our most lucrative tourists. As we head in to winter, keep warm, keep camping, keep enjoying and caring for our lovely country. Tiaki mai. Miriam Richardson Family membership to the All Points Camping Club gives you: ✶ Membership support ✶ Friendly, inclusive camping events ✶ Nationwide savings ✶ Lobbying support for campers’ rights. With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry. You do not need to be a member of a club or organisation to get your selfcontainment certification through NZLC but must have a vehicle that is fit for the purpose of habitation. NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of testing officers continues to offer selfcontainment through the current NZ Standard, NZS 5465:2001 which is recognised by commercial and private host properties and is valid for 4 years. Starting June ‘24 we will offer certification with the new green warrant for those who specifically request it. This will probably require vehicle modifications. We don’t recommend moving to the new ‘green warrant’ scheme yet, but advise waiting until the errors in the system are fixed by government. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk being fined. We are committed to supporting all types of campers. For camping vehicles containing portable toilets, a limited certificate can be issued which identifies your vehicle as self-contained for staying on all other land in NZ (commercial, private, club-owned) or at events requiring self-containment. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you: see p45 nzlifestylecamping.com North Is South Is FEES Our standard processing and issuing fee is $48 for blue warrants, and $63 for green warrants. ✚ testing officers charge for their time. ✚ green warrants incur a government levy of $120. We wish everyone safe travels We encourage you to ‘Leave no Trace’ when camping. Kind regards, Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd 027 246 9778 nzlifestylecamping.com Getting your camping vehicle certified
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 5 Three years ago we decided to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the open road. Hitching up our caravan and waving goodbye to house-life, our family of four hit the road to explore our country, Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s been a whirlwind of experiences from picture perfect campsites, overnight hikes to breath-taking views, kayaking and sailing the stunning coastline, playing tourist in our own backyard and meeting a whole load of amazing people along the way. Sure, there have been some hiccups, (a flat tire in the middle of nowhere at 10pm at night comes to mind!) but the highs have always outweighed the lows and we find it so important to take some time to reflect on our incredible journey so far. Here’s a deep dive into 10 invaluable lessons we’ve learned from 3 years of full-time family travel. 1. The first year is all about learning, the second year is when you really start enjoying the journey. The first year can be tough — you learn to live in a confined space with your family, you spend half your life in search of the next dump station (or laundromat, water source, rubbish and recycling, supermarket or fuel station), setting up and packing up your rig, and juggling the travel/work/homeschool balance. Somewhere along the way this becomes organic, leaving you more time to dream up and follow through on ridiculous ideas… Like buying a sailboat. 2. The old cliché, don’t forget the journey. Initially we rushed everywhere to get to the destination (the classic, kids are sleeping — let’s just keep driving!) but the more we travel the less distance we cover and the more breaks we take. Waterfall walk on the side of the road? Sure, lets stop! Kids spot a playground? Why not! 3. You will bicker, and that’s ok. When you have multiple personalities packed into a confined environment, especially after a few days of rain, there will be some tense times! But you will make leaps and bounds in learning to communicate better and when to give others some space, or take some yourself. 4. Opportunities are endless once you’re available to take them. The best opportunities we’ve had along our travels (and consequently the friends we’ve made from them) have been as a direct result of us living on the road and being able to accept opportunities on a whim. 5. There will be some soul searching. You’ve left your job, got rid of most of your possessions and hit the road and it feels so freeing! Until eventually you discover how much of our identities are tied into the jobs we do and the lives we live. Who are you outside of what you do? Who do you want to be? What exactly do you want from this chapter of your life? There will be some soul searching… Spoiler alert: who you are when you hit the road is not the same as who you will be 3 years down the track… Personal growth, baby! The road less travelled: ten lessons learned on the road Kimberlea Turner
6 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 6. Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. It certainly helps we tow our 14m2 home on wheels behind us wherever we go, and when we’re tucked up at night we feel right at home no matter what landscape is outside our 4 walls, in fact, sometimes we have to crack a blind in the morning to remember where we are! But we’ve discovered that home isn’t the place we live, it’s the people we surround ourselves with and as long as our family is together, we feel at home wherever we are. 7. Take a moment to be in the moment. It’s so easy to get lost in the long list of things you want to do and see next or get frustrated when life inevitably throws a curve ball. We never would have dreamed 10 years ago we’d be doing what we are today and wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. Sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves of that and take a moment to look around and appreciate where we are and the journey we’ve had along the way. And on that note… 8. You can see a lot, but you can’t see it all. How cute were we when we thought we could whip around New Zealand in a year or less?! 3 years later and we’ve been as far North, South, East and West as you can go and zig-zagged all over the middle. While we’ve ticked a lot off the list, we know we could do another 5 laps and still see new things each time. Have a list of top spots you want to visit but make time to follow your nose and ask for recommendations from locals and other travellers along the way. Be present and embrace the adventure. 9. Always have a plan B. Life happens, just have a plan B. 10. Just go. The rest will sort itself out. Looking back at all we’ve learned and the memories we’ve made, we can confidently say: we wouldn’t change a thing. See you out there! All photos ©2024 Two Kids and a Caravan facebook.com/twokidsandacaravan
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 7 Quite happy to have taken the tour and not my truck up Skippers Canyon. I think she’d have handled it, but not thanked me. Tour with Nomad was great. Able to look at the sights. Just WOW. Loved it. There is a DOC camp at the end, but a lot of history and a lot of it ugly. Think there might be some restless spirits in there. Central Otago. ©2024 Trisha Fisk Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. She was biking to her nearest town to get a prescription. Only thought to get a photo after we stopped and talked. With my cycle-touring load, I wasn’t going to catch her! Northland. ©2024 Stephen Wood On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton
8 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Bette Cosgrove You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping, and subject to freedom camping laws. Where and how to legally freedom camp is limited by the both law and bylaws to encourage responsible camping. You can freedom camp anywhere on public land: • where there is no bylaw to prohibit it, and your vehicle has a current/valid warrant, ie. it is a certified Self-Contained Vehicle [SCV], • in a tent (or temporary structure) where there is no bylaw prohibiting it, • in a non-self-contained vehicle where it is specifically allowed (with or without added restrictions). Freedom Camping Act 2011: ckw.nz/FC-law Regulations: ckw.nz/scv-regs Your score and model responses are revealed when you submit your answers. No personal data is collected by this self test. Am I freedom camping? DO THE TEST ckw.nz/fc-yes-no 16 = all correct Getting your vehicle certified as self-contained To be certified as self-contained to freedom camp in New Zealand, vehicles must meet new requirements in the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023. This infographic depicts a basic summary of the regulations' requirements for vehicles to be certified as self-contained. For more detail, please speak with your local Certification Authority – find one at www.nzscv.co.nz or more information about the requirements at www.pgdb.co.nz/selfcontained_vehicles. Each of these facilities must be able to be used for at least three days for the maximum number of people the vehicle is certified for. Facilities must be fit for purpose and properly installed. For any questions about how these requirements apply to your SCV, find your nearest Certification Authority at www.nzscv.co.nz A water supply system that stores and conveys water in a secure manner that prevents contamination of the water. A fixed toilet that is permanently fixed to the vehicle and can be emptied without removing the base. A wastewater system that both stores and collects greywater and blackwater securely and hygienically. A ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle. A sink that is installed safely and drains to the wastewater system’s tank. A means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate outfall. A means of loading water into the vehicle securely and in a way that does not contaminate that water Rubbish storage that is secure and fit for purpose. ■ The PGDB page for vehicle owners: ckw.nz/pgdb-owners ■ The Self-Contained Vehicle (SCV) Regulations | ckw.nz/scv-regs Infographic by PGDB Getting your vehicle certified as self-contained To be certified as self-contained to freedom camp in New Zealand, vehicles must meet new requirements in the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023. This infographic depicts a basic summary of the regulations' requirements for vehicles to be certified as self-contained. For more detail, please speak with your local Certification Authority – find one at www.nzscv.co.nz or more information about the requirements at www.pgdb.co.nz/selfcontained_vehicles. Each of these facilities must be able to be used for at least three days for the maximum number of people the vehicle is certified for. Facilities must be fit for purpose and properly installed. For any questions about how these requirements apply to your SCV, find your nearest Certification Authority at www.nzscv.co.nz A water supply system that stores and conveys water in a secure manner that prevents contamination of the water. A fixed toilet that is permanently fixed to the vehicle and can be emptied without removing the base. A wastewater system that both stores and collects greywater and blackwater securely and hygienically. A ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle. A sink that is installed safely and drains to the wastewater system’s tank. A means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate outfall. A means of loading water into the vehicle securely and in a way that does not contaminate that water Rubbish storage that is secure and fit for purpose. Getting your vehicle certified as self-contained To be certified as self-contained to freedom camp in New Zealand, vehicles must meet new requirements in the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023. This infographic depicts a basic summary of the regulations' requirements for vehicles to be certified as self-contained. For more detail, please speak with your local Certification Authority – find one at www.nzscv.co.nz or more information about the requirements at www.pgdb.co.nz/selfcontained_vehicles. Each of these facilities must be able to be used for at least three days for the maximum number of people the vehicle is certified for. Facilities must be fit for purpose and properly installed. For any questions about how these requirements apply to your SCV, find your nearest Certification Authority at www.nzscv.co.nz A water supply system that stores and conveys water in a secure manner that prevents contamination of the water. A fixed toilet that is permanently fixed to the vehicle and can be emptied without removing the base. A wastewater system that both stores and collects greywater and blackwater securely and hygienically. A ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle. A sink that is installed safely and drains to the wastewater system’s tank. A means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate outfall. A means of loading water into the vehicle securely and in a way that does not contaminate that water Rubbish storage that is secure and fit for purpose. What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 9 Well, how’s this for a welcome back into the Mackenzie Basin! — Longslip Station, Lindis Pass. ©2024 Shellie Evans. ckw.nz/shellie-fb Fire circle on a still Autumn night. Magical. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Martin got the winning photo of the birds last weekend. Fantail. ©2024 Martin Butler
10 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? Bette Cosgrove There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. The toilet receptacle must have the capacity to hold enough waste for 3 days of use by the number of people camping in the vehicle. This number appears on the warrant. Consider if you need 12v power or separate water source for flushing. This may determine your choice. Options : • chemical cassette toilets • swivel cassette toilets • compost waterless loos (more p16) • DiY compost loo • separation tank toilets • bagged waste compost toilets • marine toilets with small waste tanks • incineration toilets • plumbed toilets with black tanks. Larger motorhomes or caravans often have black tanks, but these aren’t an option when space is limited. What does “fixed” mean? Fixed simply means attached so the toilet cannot be removed from the vehicle. Fixed does not mean permanently plumbed in. The base must be permanently fixed to the floor or onto a fixed sliding platform that is bolted down. If the toilet is in the vehicle and the waste tank/s can be safely lifted out within the vehicle to be emptied, then this meets the rules. You do not have to only empty the waste via an external compartment or door. Portable toilets don’t meet the new criteria because their base waste tank has to be removed for emptying. A modified portapotty is highly unlikely to meet the new standard. What physical space is ok? You don’t need a separate toilet or shower room to fit it into. The rules state that you must be able to “use” your toilet within the vehicle. There is no demand to have it always available when your bed is made up. If you can access it and use it, it passes. Sealed tanks The waste tanks must have a fully sealable lid or gate closure — not just a closing toilet lid. What does it mean for a toilet to be vented? A pipe vent is all that is required, there is no need for a fan unless the toilet manufacturer requires it. You currently need to breach the permanently fixed, sealed cassette toilet to add a vent pipe to the removable tank to comply. Some cassette toilets have extra vent systems designed to fit them, some do not. You will nullify any warranty for a new cassette toilet by modifying it yourself. Make sure the vent connection can be easily detached from the cassette and ensure there is no way it can spill when removing or carrying it to empty. See p12 for more on venting, including on toilet cassettes. PICTURED: Jacksons freedom camp. 1 night. Must be self-contained. Lake Dunstan, Central Otago. ©2024 M Richardson MORE p40 StopandStay.org StopandStay For advise and support, join this Facebook group: Self Containment New Zealand Conversion and Advisement ckw.nz/sc-con-adv
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 11 Friday evening and Saturday morning at Rays Rest. It never disappoints. © 2024 Greg Lokes. More on FB: Gregs Eye: ckw.nz/gregs-eye A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon, so far inside the Southern Alps it has West Coast weather. Canterbury. ©2018 M Richardson ckw.nz/ erewhon
12 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 THE WHY: The new regulations, brought in by the previous government and supported by the current one require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. BUT: The NZMCA has declined to participate in the new green warrant self-containment system until this absurdity has been removed, and there are promises that a change is being prepared— as it is enshrined in the law, this is a slow process, that might eventuate by the end of 2024. For those who do not wish to freedom camp there is no need to address this issue at all. The laws and regulations only apply to freedom camping. THE WHAT 20 Ventilation system specifications THE ACTUAL REGULATIONS: In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a ventilation system in regulation 13(h) [“a ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle”], a motor vehicle must have a ventilation system that— (a) ensures unpleasant or unhealthy odours and foul air easily escape to the exterior of the motor vehicle; and (b) ventilates wastewater storage tanks directly to the exterior of the motor vehicle to ensure that foul air and noxious gases do not accumulate inside the tanks; and (c) includes vent outlets for wastewater storage tanks that— (i) are installed at a height that safely prevents wastewater leakage; and (ii) terminate outside the motor vehicle and away from doors, windows, or openings; and (iii) are fitted with a means to prevent the entry of birds and vermin into the system; and (d) includes pipes connecting sanitary appliances and sanitary fixtures to wastewater storage tanks that are fitted with a means of limiting the escape of foul air and noxious gases from the tanks to the interior of the motor vehicle, such as a water trap. Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023 Part 2, Inspection and certification of self-contained motor vehicles Read regs THE WHEN: Anyone wanting a new, green warrant right now has to address this issue, including those developing a camping vehicle, or whose blue warrant has expired. (Note: There are other issues to be addressed for a green warrant, it is not just cassette venting, see p8.) There is still time, for those whose blue self-containment warrant was obtained before 6 June 2024. They can continue to freedom camp until 7 June 2025, when the transition period ends and the law requires (only) a green warrant. If you can wait. it is possible this requirement and the associated expenses will be removed. THE HOW: It is a changing playing field at present. There are three methods available at present: • Purpose-designed SOG system. • Ventilate the cassette locker (some cassettes). • DIY ventilate the cassette. Problems with doing it: ■ A hole is needed in the vehicle envelope, with dangers around warranty, water ingress, rust and vermin. ■ The vent outlet must be “away from doors, windows, or openings”, but “away from” is not defined. ■ Removing smell from the inside to the outside might not be in favour with nearby campers. ■ With vague requirements, some inspectors might approve what others do not, which might lead to problems downstream for re-certifiying or selling. SOG SYSTEM Those with Dometic or Thetford cassette toilets can install the SOG system (ckw.nz/sog). This is a commercial THE WHEN: Anyone wanting a new, green warrant right now has to address this issue, including those developing a camping vehicle, or whose blue warrant has expired. (Note: There are other issues to be addressed for a green warrant, it is not just cassette venting, see p8.) There is still time, for those whose blue self-containment warrant was obtained before 6 June 2024. They can continue to freedom camp until 7 June 2025, when the transition period ends and the law requires (only) a green warrant. If you can wait. it is possible this requirement and the associated expenses will be removed. THE HOW: It is a changing playing field at present. There are three methods available at present: • Purpose-designed SOG system. • Ventilate the cassette locker (some cassettes). • DIY ventilate the cassette. Problems with doing it: ■ A hole is needed in the vehicle envelope, with dangers around warranty, water ingress, rust and vermin. ■ The vent outlet must be “away from doors, windows, or openings”, but “away from” is not defined. ■ Removing smell from the inside to the outside might not be in favour with nearby campers. ■ With vague requirements, some inspectors might approve what others do not, which might lead to problems downstream for re-certifiying or selling. SOG SYSTEM Those with Dometic or Thetford cassette toilets can install the SOG system (ckw.nz/sog). This is a commercial product specifically designed to ventilate these particular cassette toilets. The regulations make the vent outlet position a potential issue, but this system will not otherwise pose any problems to certifiers, nor for resale. The main limitation of this system is cost. VENTILATE THE CASSETTE LOCKER A May ’24 email from NZSC, Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), reported on Facebook (ckw.nz/pgdb-letter), has stated that if the cassette has an auto-vent into a sealed locker, the locker can be ventilated instead of the cassette itself. This change, PGDB write, “would meet the functional requirement of Regulation 20(b) despite not strictly meeting the wording of that regulation.” This interpretation is not yet reflected in the PGDB documentation, and some inspectors may refuse to certify vehicles with the cassette ventilated in this way. VENTILATE THE CASSETTE Consider the location of the vent, the size of the pipe, preventing back flow or leakage, disconnecting for emptying without spills. PGDB have recommended but do not require a particular pipe size for ventilation. Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how Bette Cosgrove and Miriam Richardson For advice and support, join this Facebook group: Self Containment New Zealand Conversion and Advisement ckw.nz/sc-con-adv
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 13 The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Got run off the road last weekend. Luckily no real damage due to the skills and help from some awesome West Coast farmers. The guy towing a caravan was hogging the road coming towards me around the corner and refused to move. But anyhow… onwards and upwards. ©2024 Vanessa Parkinson Campers enjoying a local rugby game at Mt Somers. See p31. ©2024 Linda Butler Today was an early start to ballooning in Canterbury. ©2024 Tony Knights. Ballooning Canterbury
14 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 You can create a DIY vent pipe and add this to the cap (picture 1) or air vent inlet area of the cassette (there’s some people selling DIY kits already), or to the cassette body (see picture 2 & 3). Ensure you manage nonreturn, prevent overflows or spills and meet the height requirements of the pipes etc. PICTURE 1: BedVanz venting solution. The pipe rises above the level of the highest water level in the loo, and then goes down through the floor. When emptying, the hose can be detached and a cap (pictured) put in its place so that it can be carried without spilling. ©2024 BedVanz Ltd, bedvanz.co.nz PICTURE 2 & 3: Irrigation plumbing used to provide venting from a cassette.These tiny tubes have flexibility and make less impact on the vehicle envelope, and could be easily removed and the holes repaired if/when regulations change. ➀ ➁ ➂ FROM ISSUE 7, AUTUMN: We are in the ‘transition period,’ moving from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to the new ‘green’ warrant system. So you want to freedom camp, Issue 7, p8 Enforcement of freedom camping rules, Issue 7, p12 Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, do you know you have been ‘infringed’? What information are you required to give? And more. ‘I am not freedom camping’ cards, Issue 7 p14. Every camping vehicle is now at risk of substantial fines, as the new offence of “preparing to freedom camp” is defined as “parking”. Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West, Issue 7, p18. Why stick to the law if you can get away with whatever takes your fancy? Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system, Issue 7 p2. A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope. What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? Issue 7, p10 Keeping up with the self-containment changes • Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? p2 • Who can freedom camp between now and June ‘25? p2 • Getting your vehicle certified p4 • Am I freedom camping? p8 • What you need for a green warrant p8 • Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? p10 • Venting a toilet cassette p12 • Composting and Coddiwompling p16 • RV and business services p45
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 15 A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. Started to snow behind me as I was walking out. Ahuriri Valley, Omarama, North Otago. Photos ©2024 Tony Kissel My stew is bubbling on the fire and I’m contemplating getting a bit more level. I’m on a bit of a lean and my carrot went rolling off the bench LOL. ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ A wrap Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist. ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ
16 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting waterless toilet in my camper van soon. I researched these FAQ to help me decide that this looks like a very practical and functional solution, for us, as off-grid freedom campers and keen coddiwomplers (travelling in vague directions with great purpose). What’s good about compost toilets? Waterless compost loos offer several advantages. ■ I’m excited that it’s environmentally friendly, uses none of our precious onboard water supply and promotes sustainable waste disposal. ■ No more toilet chemicals. ■ We very infrequently create solid waste in the van toilet. ■ So having the advantage of a urine separator with a small tank, means it’s much easier and lighter to dispose of this responsibly. ■ I could even home-compost any waste when I return from a short trip. How about the smell? Despite thinking there could be issues with the smell it’s odour-free when properly maintained, thanks to natural composting processes. It’s simple science. Separate out the urine and there is nothing to create smell. Layers of sphagnum moss (available from garden stores) are a recommended layer material. The toilet we’ve ordered has slider seals closing both tanks off when not in use. Any challenges ? The challenges to meet for installation and space constraints are no greater than fitting any new permanent toilet in your vehicle. It just takes some planning. These units can all be permanently fixed to the floor or on a sliding platform. Some models are quite compact, as they don’t need large water tanks, so they could fit in the space used by any portable toilet. Can they comply with new SCV regs? These style of toilets, when permanently fixed and vented, will meet all the new SCV (Self-Contained Vehicle) regulations for freedom camping, just as cassette toilets do. Be sure the total capacity meets the 3 days self-containment rule. Many compost toilets designed for RV use already have small 12v fans and exit pipes to meet venting requirements, and there’s hope that vent rules will change so they won’t be mandatory in future. How do I keep it clean? Flushing isn’t needed, and biodegradable toilet paper is fine to use in your compost bucket. Proper maintenance and cleaning is the key to preventing odour issues. Vinegar in a spray bottle is an eco-friendly cleaning solution. Use a bag (or double-bag, if preferred) in the solid waste tank. Just clean out the removable chambers in the same way you clean any toilet. Tanks are quite small and easy to handle. Where do I responsibly dispose of the waste? Disposal involves safely discarding the compost (preferably double-bagged) into landfill facilities while on the road or into properly managed home compost systems for long composting and burying in the garden (not composted under edible plants). Urine tanks can be emptied at designated dump stations or in small amounts into any toilet. How about the cost? While initially costs of these units seem high and modifications for installation possibly higher (eg if you need a power supply for an added fan), the long-term savings on water and maintenance can justify the investment. In fact the toilet unit I ordered is less expensive than a cassette toilet of similar size. I should be able to install it myself and get years of great use out of it, in the same space where my portable toilet now sits. There are some great companies supplying compost toilets suitable for vehicles in Aotearoa NZ and you can check their pricing options here: wctnz.co.nz | greenloo. org.nz | toiletsnz.co.nz. — As we enjoy our random van travels camping in beautiful free spots in future I’m going to enjoy having my composting toilet onboard. I’m very keen to follow the principles of a creative artist I greatly admire — F. Hunderwasser who was an advocate and long term user of compost toilets. I think he had the right idea. Composting and coddiwompling Bette Cosgrove
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 17 Take phone to a beautiful lake-edge perch. Engage with phone. Return to van. Drive away. It takes all kinds. Lake Wanaka. © 2024 M Richardson “The winds changed so we picked up the tent and moved. We call it the All Points Camping way… Just move closer and be included with a great bunch of fellow campers. We made it. Nothing broken or lost and the marriage survived.” Colleen. Photos ©2024 Beverley Stoneley When you decide to move camp to a sunnier spot mid morning. Just pick it up and go.… Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. We have just under 3000 Watt of solar on the roof and only getting in 123 Watts. Very overcast day here in Methven. ©2024 Allan Henderson
18 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Winter meals on the road Margaret Earle At the beginning of May we spent a week caravanning from Cambridge to Hastings with our son, daughter-inlaw and two granddaughters. The weather was getting colder and we were keen to have warm evening meals. Here’s recipes for some of the meals we made. Ohiwa Harbour creamy pasta Serves 4–6 This is a meal that my daughter-in-law makes regularly for their household. It can be adapted to use whatever protein and veges you have available, or to take account of food allergies or preferences. We used some left-over chicken and bacon as well as some carrots, mushrooms and frozen peas. Ingredients 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped (or 2tsp crushed garlic) 1 Tbsp cooking oil 2 Tbsp butter (if required) 2 Tbsp flour ¼ – ⅓ cup milk 1–2 teaspoons or cubes of stock powder (chicken or vegetable) Dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional) 1 packet of pasta Bacon (optional) Chicken (raw or cooked) Chopped vegetables (such as mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower) Frozen peas 1 cup grated cheese (optional) Method Put pasta on to cook in a large pot of hot water. At the same time, fry onion and garlic in a large pot or pan. Add bacon and brown. Add raw chicken (if using). Stir regularly until cooked. At this stage, add harder vegetables such as carrots or cauliflower and cook for a couple of minutes. If there is not enough fat in the pan, then add a couple of tablespoons of butter. Stir in flour. Cook for 30 seconds and continue stirring. Add milk, stock powder and 1–1½ cups of water from cooking the pasta. If using broccoli add it at this stage. Stir mixture regularly. Add pasta while it is still al dente and also vegetables such as mushrooms and frozen peas. Add grated cheese just before serving. Serve directly from pan. Some alternatives: – replace milk with sour cream or non-diary milks. – include wine in the sauce. – use mince or vegan proteins instead of chicken bacon. – use gluten-free flour and pasta. Waikanae Beach pulled pork Serves 4–6 As we were a large group and because we were intending to mostly stay in campgrounds, I took my slow cooker with me. We stayed two nights at the campground at Waikanae Beach in Gisborne, so this was a good opportunity to use the slow cooker. Pulled pork is very simple to make in a slow cooker. Ingredients Pork roast (1.5kg or more) 1 can of cider 1 Tbsp brown sugar Method Cut skin and fat off the pork roast. Put this aside uncovered in the fridge. This can be cooked any time over the next week when you are using the oven. Drying the pork fat out in the fridge will result in really good crackling. Put the roast in the slow cooker and add cider and brown sugar. You can also add chopped onions, garlic and/or your favourite sauce. Slow cook for around 8 hrs. Before serving, shred the pork. This can be done with two forks. We’d just bought a set of bear claws at the second-hand shop, so we tried them out. Drain any remaining liquid from the pork and serve the meat with fresh bread buns, coleslaw and pickles. You can also offer accompaniments like chilli sauce, cheese and salad veges of your choice. We had some left over pulled pork, so I used this as the base for our next night’s dinner in Mahia. This one pot meal can be made in any large pot or pan. The number of servings depends on the quantity of ingredients used. Ingredients Left-over pulled pork, including liquid 1 Tbsp cooking oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped (or 2 tsp crushed garlic) 1 Tbsp chopped fresh ginger (optional) 2 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce (optional) Chopped veges such as carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, capsicum, cauliflower 2–3 packets of vacuum packed ready-to-use noodles Frozen peas or other frozen vegetables (optional) Method Chop onions, garlic, ginger and vegetables. Heat a large pan and add cooking oil. Fry onions until they start to go clear. Add garlic and ginger (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes. You can also add mushrooms and capsicum at this stage. Add in hard vegetables such carrots and cauliflower and cook for 2–3 minutes more. Then add left-over pulled pork and liquid along with soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce. Bring to boil and simmer. Meanwhile, soften noodles in boiling water for a few minutes before adding to pork and vegetable mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes and then add any frozen vegetables. I also add pre-cooked broccoli at this point. Once everything is heated through the meal is ready to be served. Mahia pork and noodles
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 19 Hakatere Conservation Park Fiona Thomson I have fond memories of camping near Lake Clearwater in the Hakatere Conservation Park, near Ashburton in the South Island. Hakatere Conservation Park is a protected mountain basin, covering 60,000 hectares of rugged mountains where the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers were formed. The landscape here is breathtakingly beautiful, hosting a number of swamps, tarns and rivers, against a backdrop of stunning mountains. Tussock and beech forest cover much of the park alongside the rugged stony greywacke riverbeds and mountain scree, the area being established as a Conservation Park in 2007, by the Department of Conservation. The wetland area provides a protected environment for many rare and threatened plants, and is home to many bird species. This is one of New Zealand’s best examples of wetland habitat, where lizards, skinks and wētā have made their home alongside native fish and invertebrates. We began our exploration of this area by visiting the buildings at Hakatere Corner — which were the original accomodation for the manager, and shearer’s quarters for Hakatere Station. Hakatere is the Māori name for the Ashburton River, and the name that was given to this high country station.The stone cottage — constructed in 1862 — is one of mid-Canterbury’s oldest residences, and is listed as a Historic Place Category 2 building.
20 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 As part of our taste of the high country we drove to the public road’s end: the gate of Erewon Station, and were delighted to be welcomed by Highland cattle, and Clydesdale horses. More Clydesdales on p11. Some of our group made the 30-minute climb up Mount Sunday — a stunning large piece of rock that was carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, and sits as a boundary point for the nearby high country stations. Mount Sunday was appropriately named, as it was the regular meeting spot for many shepherds who worked locally; back in the day, they would meet on this hill on their only day off: Sundays! More recently, it was the film site for Edoras in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Lake Camp is a basic reserve area, where overnight camping is permitted on the edge of the lake, on the northern and eastern sides. There are public toilets. There is a second option for camping at Lake Clearwater paying at an honesty box. The camping ground can be found near the boat ramp at the southern end of Lake Clearwater. Water is provided there but must be boiled for drinking. There are no dogs allowed near any of the lakes or reserves in the area. We had a very pleasant evening staying at Lake Camp. This is a fantastic region to explore and one we will return to.
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 21 Carbon Monoxide poisoning Collyn Rivers There are severe risks of carbon monoxide poisoning if you misuse LP gas in a caravan, motorhome, or any type of tent or annexe. Moreover, there is a significant risk of brain damage at low levels of carbon monoxide. The first domestically available gas (around 1850) was produced by burning coal. This was often in an inadequate level of air. The consequent 10% or so carbon monoxide content was often lethal. Carbon monoxide’s danger became quickly known and respected. Propane was generally accepted in the 1930s. LP gas was later used in RVs, and natural gas in homes. Nevertheless, many users remained unaware of the still-existing risks. LP gas and natural gas are both safer. But only by having lower levels of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, they take longer to kill. Nevertheless, approximately 30% of people with severe carbon monoxide poisoning are still likely to die¹. During 2001–2002, carbon monoxide poisoning was responsible for 43.9% of accidental deaths in New Zealand². The report noted that imported LP gas portable appliances, certified only for outdoor use, were being claimed as suitable for use indoors. Furthermore, it warned that misusing such appliances indoors, including caravans and tents, is unsafe and potentially fatal. Inhaling even relatively small amounts of the gas can lead to hypoxic injury, neurological damage and even death³. Carbon monoxide exposure might lead to a significantly shorter life span due to heart damage⁴. Exposures at 100 ppm (parts per million) can be dangerous to human health⁵. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of injury and death due to poisoning worldwide⁶. (Toxic gases are measured in parts per million (ppm) 1% volume = 10,000 ppm). Ongoing user denial In 2012 user denial came to a head. Three men died in a matter related to carbon monoxide poisoning, in a caravan in Tasmania. Despite no Coroner’s report yet published, many posts appeared on caravan forums. They denied the cause of the deaths — yet came from people with no possible knowledge of what had occurred. Such denial still exists. Government response Consequent to those deaths, the federal government established a ‘Gas Appliances (Carbon Monoxide) Safety Strategy’. Its purpose was to make people (particularly RV users) aware of the risks. The Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) asked me to assist in preparing a formal government submission. My report noted that: ‘the existing regulations relating to gas installation in RVs do not necessarily need changing. The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously’. Furthermore, it noted ‘The major risk identified (in our opinion) is that of gas appliances being used in an inappropriate manner.’ ‘For example, LP gas ovens left on with the door open to provide heat. Cast iron or steel plates and ceramic pots placed over LP gas rings for the same purpose.’ The report furthermore alluded to the ongoing illegal use of LP gas catalytic heaters ‘in poorly ventilated annexes and within the RV itself.’ My report included that, ‘A further issue is the lack of quantitative data on reported incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in RVs. This has created concern because the warnings of the dangers are frequently met by denial. People argue (wrongly) no hard data exists.’ In 2010 New Zealand Energy Safety commissioned an independent report. The report found there was not a sufficient safety problem to introduce a ban. It did, however, advise to place additional health and safety warnings on LP gas units. The cause of the risk LP-gas (and fossil fuels generally) require a great deal of air to burn safely. Burning LP gas in an enclosed space decreases oxygen, and increases carbon dioxide, within that space. Furthermore, the amount of air required varies with the nature of the gas. If you (illegally) run propane appliances from Autogas, that gas may contain butane. If it does, it will produce carbon monoxide through incomplete combustion. A total giveaway is a yellow content in the flame. This flame (right) is borderline safe. Ideally, it should be blue. As total burning cannot be guaranteed, space heating in Australia requires the burning process to be external to the space heated. Moreover, this policy is now being followed in many other countries. Australian Standards The above is made clear in AS/NZS AS5601. As with its earlier version, and its predecessor, (AG 601-1995), the appropriate wording states: ‘The following appliances shall not be installed in a caravan *: (c) a space heater, other than a room-sealed type. * (AS 5601 defines a caravan as ‘a structure that is or was designed or intended to move from one place to another, whether towed or transported, which is intended for human habitation… and includes a self-propelled recreational vehicle.’) Item 6.9.4 of the new Code calls for a permanently legible label. The label must have a minimum character height of 4.0 mm. It must be affixed ‘in a conspicuous position on or adjacent to, the ‘[gas cooking]’ appliance. It shall provide at least the following information: WARNING Ensure ventilation when the cooker is in use. Do not use for space heating. Quantifying the risk Even low levels of carbon monoxide should be avoided. The World Health Organisation lists 5–20 ppm (parts per million) as impairing performance. It warns decrease exercise time, and be vigilant. The International Mechanical Code limits 25 ppm as the maximum in parking garages. Kurt (1978) reports 27 ppm as associated with a 21% increase in cardio-respiratory complaints. The World Health Organisation reports 30 ppm as the earliest onset of exerciseinduced angina. The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously
Collyn Rivers has published 6 books relating to caravans and motorhomes. Information about them & more than 150 searchable articles are included on his website: rvbooks.com.au 22 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER WINTER2024 2024 At about 35 ppm (parts per million), carbon monoxide starts becoming severe. There are a headache and dizziness within six to eight hours, 200 ppm (about 0.02%) causes a slight headache within two to three hours, plus loss of judgement. Around 800 ppm (0.08%) there is dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min, insensibility within two hours and death within three hours. At 1600 ppm (still a mere 0.16%), there is ‘headache, tachycardia, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min. Death occurs in less than two hours. Even at 6400 ppm (0.64%) death occurs inside 20 minutes, and at the far from high 12,800 ppm (1.28%), you become unconscious after 2–3 breaths and die in less than three minutes⁷. Typical carbon monoxide levels The natural atmospheric level is about 0.1 ppm. The exhaust from a warm car’s exhaust (that lacks a catalytic converter) is 7000 ppm⁸. USA’s relevant (OHSA) regulations limit long-term workplace exposure levels to less than 50 ppm (0.005%) averaged over 8-hours. Furthermore, employees are to be removed from any confined space if an upper limit (‘ceiling’) of 100 ppm is reached’ ⁹. Inadequate or blocked ventilation increases carbon monoxide build-up. Because of this, the risk of brain damage at lower levels of exposure is real. Furthermore, elderly, children and people with heart and respiratory problems are likely to experience the effects sooner. Moreover, (and severely) may heavy smokers. Government organisations set various exposure limits. The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) lists a maximum allowable short term limit of 9 ppm. The Australian Environmental Protection Agency has set two national health protection standards for CO. A onehour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 35 ppm. And an eight-hour TWA of 9 ppm. These standards emphasise that carbon monoxide readings over 9 ppm needs investigating. And action taken. Caravan forum advice that ‘it is only dangerous if you do not stay awake’ shows astonishingly naïve lack of understanding. Gas appliances — defined The use of any gas appliance for direct space heating in a caravan is illegal in every state of Australia. Furthermore, any cooking appliance used for space heating, by any form of burning gas, is defined as a ‘gas appliance’. Many forum posts argue that a ceramic pot or whatever is ‘not an appliance’. These overlook that devices are legally definable in terms of intent — not necessarily of content. A screwdriver may thus be defined as a tool for dealing with screws. Or, in potentially dangerous areas at night, as an offensive weapon. The same reasoning extends to a gas cylinder or a can of petrol. Either, if carried onto a plane, will be designated as a bomb. Ceramic pots A ceramic device placed over a lighted gas stove for space heating is liable to be classified as a direct heating appliance. It is therefore prohibited. Why doing that is dangerous is because the flame becomes trapped within an area where air may not flow freely. As the gas is thus not entirely burned, that device generates carbon monoxide. It may reveal that by burning with a yellowish flame, or forming and depositing soot. The above was confirmed by a Gas Regulator some years ago. When asked if placing a ceramic pot or steel plate over a gas ring, or leaving the door open on a lighted oven, with the intent to heat an interior space, it becomes, by definition a space heater, he responded ‘my bloody oath’! References to local usage are currently (mid-2019) in Australian Standard AS/NZS AS 5601 2013. An Amendment for LP-gas Installations in caravans and boats for nonpropulsive purposes was published by Standards Australia in May 2016. A summary called Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Mobile Homes (containing all of the above references) is available free from The Office of Gas Safety (or its equivalent in each state). It does, however, relate primarily to the previous Standard. It is also available on the Internet (Google the above title). Related risks Product Safety Australia advises that other common products can and do emit carbon monoxide. These include: ● Barbeques that burn charcoal, gas or wood ● Fireplaces that use charcoal, gas or wood ● Portable cookers that use gas or kerosene ● Portable and outdoor heaters that use gas or kerosene ● Electric generators that are diesel or petrol-fuelled ● Electrical equipment that is diesel or petrol-powered (e.g. blowers, chainsaws, pumps and welders). New Zealand Until 2010 the Gas Standard (AS 5601) related only to Australia primarily because Australia’s LP gas is either propane or mostly propane with a small proportion of butane, while New Zealand uses propane and up to 50% butane. Appliances built to burn one form of LP gas can be hazardous when used to burn another form of LP gas. The Australian Gas Regulators’ view was that (as with using Autogas illegally to replace LP gas) this posed an unacceptable safety risk respectively to New Zealand and Australian consumers. This issue was quickly resolved: including by ‘Australian RV appliances increasingly being certified for use with Universal LPG Gas to accommodate the N.Z. market’: written advice from the N.Z. Office of Energy Safety, 18/09/2012. (This Universal LP gas issue affects only Australian gas appliances made for the N.Z. market). More p11 ckw.nz/gregs-eye
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 23 Safe RV heating Germany’s Webasto and Eberspächer companies produce very similar diesel-powered space and space-plus-hot-water power heaters. Truma has a generally similar LP gas powered equivalent. All draw fresh air in from outside and exhaust to the outside. There is also a range of similar units from Diesel Heating Australia. The Eberspächer product in some countries is marketed under the Dometic name, and sold by Dometic. These are the only form of heating recommended for annexes, caravans and motor homes. RV Books’ The Campervan and Motorhome Book covers this in-depth. How to detect carbon monoxide The only way to detect carbon monoxide is via a pocket detector — or for caravans and motorhomes, via a permanently fixed one. They are readily available from virtually all hardware stores. What to do if carbon monoxide is detected ● Turn off the source of the carbon monoxide — if possible to do without risk of endangering yourself or others. Then move to fresh air. ● If indoors, move outside to fresh air immediately. ● If you are outdoors, move as far away as possible from the source of the carbon monoxide. The source is often a petrol or diesel-engined generator or outboard motors. ● If exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning — e.g. headache, dizziness, nausea etc, call the emergency services. Further information The previous AS 5601 Gas Standard has been replaced by a new Standard published (by Standards Australia) in May 2016. That relevant for caravan and motorhomes is Part 2 (Gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes). Note that, legally, ‘caravans’ includes all RVs. The most significant amendments to Part 2 are: ● A new diagram for the mounting of an LP gas cylinder in a caravan including clearances from openings into the living space ● A new requirement for the installation of gas BBQs and radiant gas heaters designed for outdoor use. ● New pipe-work strength and gas tightness test References (general) Gas Installation Code AS 5601.2013 with an Amendment for LP-gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes. (Published by Standards Australia on 11 May 2016). Report of the (S.A.) Technical Regulator 2005–2006, Annual Report (p.7). Office of Gas Safety (Vic) — Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Motorhomes. Similar guides are available from all State gas regulatory bodies. New Zealand (facts and data) Permanent Exemption of LPG appliances from the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangements. (Regulation Impact Statement for Consultation — 2008.) References (papers) 1. Varon J, Marik PE, Fromm RE Jr, Gueler A (1999). “Carbon monoxide poisoning: a review for clinicians”. The Journal of Emergency Medicine 17 (1): 87–93. 2. McDowell R, Fowles J, Phillips D (November “Deaths from poisoning in New Zealand: 2001–2002” . The New Zealand Medical Journal, 2005, Nov; 118. 3. Raub JA, Mathieu-Nolf M, Hampson NB, Thom SR (April 2000). “Carbon monoxide poisoning-a public health perspective”. Toxicology 145 (1): 1-14.4. 4. Henry CR, Satran D, Lindgren B, Adkinson C, Nicholson CI, Henry TD (January 2006). “Myocardial Injury and Long-term Mortality Following Moderate to Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning”. 5. Prockop LD, Chichkova RI (Nov 2007). “Carbon monoxide intoxication: an updated review”. Journal of the Neurological Sciences 262 (1–2): 122–130. 6. Thom SR (October 2002). “Hyperbaric-oxygen therapy for acute carbon monoxide poisoning”. The New England Journal of Medicine 347 (14): 1105–1106. 7. Carbon Monoxide: National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1977. pp. 29. ISBN 0-309-02631-8. (Free full text. ckw.nz/co) 8. Struttmann T, Scheerer A, Prince TS, Goldstein LA (Nov 1998). “Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from an unlikely source”. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 11 (6): 481–484. 9. “OSHA Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide”. United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/ carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf. 10. Compressed breathing air — the potential for evil from within. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/225301283 This article is ©2024 RV Books. Website: rvbooks.com.au | this article. RV Books can be contacted at: info@rvbooks.com.au.
24 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Walking the race Miriam Richardson I was parked up alone at the Pupu Hydro Power Scheme carpark on a Winter morning, a very pleasant freedom camping spot by the entrance to the walkway. There is a toilet tucked in the bushes if you need it. The carpark is at the end of an easy gravel road through farmland, beyond Pupu Springs in Golden Bay. The water race was originally built in 1901 for gold workings, and later repurposed to generate electricity, opening in 1929. After 51 years it closed but volunteers eventually purchased and restored both the water race and the power plant, reopening it in 1988. It now produces 1.8 Gwh each year. The loop track opened in 2003. The Pupu Hydro Scheme is an historic site, and the track is in Kahurangi National Park. There is a steep climb up to the penstock, where the water from the race is piped down to the power station. The track then follows the water race up the valley to the intake weir on Campbell’s Creek. From there the loop crosses the stream and winds slowly on a gravel access road, back down to the power station. 5.8km, 2 hours. No dogs. So. I headed up to the penstock, forgetting to take my walking pole. It was steep, rather damp and a bit slippery, so I decided to carry on along the nice wide board walk and do the loop rather than back down the slippery slope. The wide board walk turned into a narrow board walk turned into a very narrow board walk. Until this time I had never thought I was afraid of heights. But the very narrow path, with a (felt-flimsy-to-me) rail had me terrified. I haven’t often experienced vertigo before (those bridges without solid bases do it). Eyes on the end, hold the rail tight, don’t look left at the drop, step, move hand, step… repeat… ohhh, a post… move hand to the rail beyond the post… step again; repeat…repeat… Whew, made it… I considered turning back after the second round-the-bluff-we-go. If I had only known there were 15, all with terrifying drop-offs, not even trees to catch you as you fall… (how would anyone find me? I thought, if I slipped and fell?) It got narrower than pictured, but I wasn’t taking my clenched hand off the rail to take photos.
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 25 The race itself was beautiful, with clear water, mosses and ferns. Sometimes the track was a board perched on the outer edge of the race (OMG!). Eventually, it became a “normal” track, and I met men on a quad bike, up to do track maintenance. “You could have warned us, grumble, grumble …”. From here on it was quadbikeable, less interesting, but my heart rate could climb down. Some lovely bush and great views over the valley, until it turned into a really boring bit of road to walk along. Boring was surprisingly enjoyable. Staying safe as you travel I had quite a few thoughts about the staying safe aspect of this walk. I was just lucky I didn’t slip or get vertigo and fall. Travelling alone and walking alone has risks and being in places with no mobile coverage adds to the risk. The hydro scheme site had no internet or mobile coverage when I was there. Personal locator beacon (PLB) Some people invest in a locator beacon, whch is useful not only when walking, but also when in your motorhome. They cost $300–500. When you get into trouble you trigger the alarm and wait for rescue. More: DOC: ckw.nz/doc-plb Rescue Coordinanation Centre: ckw.nz/rescue-beacon Personal safety phone app There are a variety of safety apps that work in different ways. Some are designed for walking to your car in the dark — hold the button down: if you take your finger off a distress message and your location is sent to bring help. I settled on the Get Home Safe Personal app, a NZ-made app with a good funding model. ckw.nz/get-home-safe With this app, you set a time when you will check back in, and tell it what to do if you don’t. It can send a text (costs) or a message. You tell it who to send the message to, and what to say. You can buy 10 texts for 3.99, and you buy more when you need them. Emails are free. While it is in action, the app/phone monitors your location with gps, sending to its server every 2 mins, or, if you are out of coverage, storing the data for when it next can send it. This is useful for a range of situations: • if I feel really unwell at night (will I be phone-capable in the morning?) with a morning check in; • are those people out there a threat to me? with a 10 minute check in; • if i am not back from my walk in 3 hours; • driving in snow/ice/weather where there is no coverage: if I dont check in in 2/3/4 hours; • travelling out of mobile coverage, if I am not back in contact in 2/3 days. My message can say what my plans are, where I am located or travelling, and whether or when emergency services should be involved. You have to plan in advance. Parked up a valley with no coverage, its too late. You need a reliable person to receive your messages and act on them. I ask them to try to contact me first (did I just forget to check in?) and take action if they are unable to reach me. Which to use? The PLB is not tied to mobile coverage and has official, automatic responders, while an app requires preplanning and relies on others, but has more permutations and more general uses. Use both!
26 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Graham Leslie UK caravan floors sometimes get spongy or soft in high traffic areas due to delamination of the floor. A UK caravan floor like mine is made of about 30 to 40mm of foam sandwiched between two thin (about 4mm) layers of plywood. Touch wood, I have now fixed the soft patch in my floor, and I found the repair job relatively simple to carry out. 1. I started out by watching some YouTube videos to see what others had done and found this very useful. I recommend you watch lots of these videos to gain a consensus on the best technique. 2. I ordered a repair kit online that came with resin and wooden dowels. 3. After removing the caravan’s carpet mats I carefully cut the vinyl floor along the lines of the floor board wood pattern with a fresh sharp-bladed craft knife. This is made it easier to hide cuts when I put the vinyl back. In my caravan the vinyl is not glued down (I don’t know how common this is) so once cut, it was easy to lift up and peel back the vinyl from the area of spongy floor. When you cut out the vinyl for the area you want to treat, allow a border around your treatment area of at least 5cm. I also only cut out 3 sides of the square and carefully folded the vinyl back to make it easier to reinstate later. 4. Next job was to drill holes in the floor. These are to pour resin in and plug with the 8mm wooden dowels. It is important not to drill right through the floor, so I set up a spacer on my drill to limit the depth. Calculating the floor thickness can be done by measuring through a ventilation hole or holes cut for wiring or heating, probably found under one of the bunks. The drilled holes are laid out in a 5cm by 5cm grid. Sweep up the sawdust after drilling the holes. 5. Then it is case of filling and refilling the holes with resin until it stops running into the floor. On my floor I had rows of six holes, and I would fill a row several times, then fill the next row and then come back and refill the holes again and keep refilling them until the resin was overflowing the holes slightly and the resin stopped disappearing down the holes. Where the floor was particularly spongy it took a lot more resin and I repeatedly refilled the holes. Some disposable gloves are handy when it comes to this stage, and I recommend you mask the vinyl edges with masking tape to prevent getting resin on the vinyl. I tried cling wrap to protect the vinyl and it did not work. Fixing a soft floor on a UK Caravan
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 27 6. Once you have filled a row of holes so that they don’t take any more resin push the dowels down into the holes like plugs. The repair kit came with 30mm-long dowels which pushed down flush with my holes. I ran out of the kit dowels and continued with some 40mm-long dowels I already had. These sat proud and had to be trimmed off later — not really a major problem. I found having something like a spatula or putty knife to push them down was handy. 7. I worked my way down the caravan floor towards the door. As the resin goes off it foams (like Gorilla® glue or polyurethane glue) up and around the dowels. Some of the YouTube videos recommended I put a flat board with weights on it over the floor while the resin went off to stop the floor bowing upwards. I could not see how I could do this without then also ending up with it glued to the floor. My floor still feels flat to me, so I don’t think in my case it was necessary. 8. We then left it alone for 48 hours. When we came back it had all set hard and we just needed to clean up the resin that was sitting proud. This was fairly easy with a multi tool to trim the bulk of oozed out resin and then a bit of sandpaper to finish things off. 9. We have laid the vinyl back down but have not glued it down yet in case we want to lift it again for other bits of floor. The joins along the side are invisible but there is a 1 or 2mm gap at the far end as if the vinyl has shrunk slightly long ways. I am not sure what is the best option to re-secure the vinyl. Two options spring to mind. a. Lay some sticky tape on the floor, sticky side up. Lay this tape under the edge of the vinyl still on the floor and then lay the raised vinyl back onto the other half of it and effectively join the bits of vinyl. b. Glue the vinyl back down with coloured silicon “no more gaps” type sealant. Wood coloured versions are available and will hopefully hide any damage or gaps in the vinyl. The repaired floor looks good at the moment, not secured, and now the carpet mats are back on top. However, I think it could get ratty if left unsecured long-term.
28 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Watts & Amps Some basic science behind using electricity when camping Graham Leslie Using electricity safely while camping requires some basic knowledge to avoid electrocuting yourself or burning your caravan/camper down. This article explains some of the science behind this. Electricity at its most basic is the flow of electrons along a wire. Electric power is a combination of two things: how many electrons are going along the wire — Amps; and how much force is pushing the electrons along — Volts. It is a bit like using a water blaster, where the power comes from how much water comes out and what pressure it comes out at. Electric power it is measured in Watts. For example, a LED light bulb might use about 8 Watts, a laptop 30 to 70 Watts and an electric kettle uses 2,000 Watts. The power consumption is normally written somewhere on the appliance. The power or Watts is calculated by multiplying Volts by Amps. So if you run a 240 Watt appliance on mains power of 240 Volts, you will only need 1 Amp of electricity. But when you run the same appliance on a 12 Volt system you will need 20 Amps of electricity. 240 Watts = 240 Volts x 1 Amps or 240 Watts = 12 Volts x 20 Amps In simple terms, when you have lots of Volts (240 Volts at home) you don’t need many Amps and when you don’t have many Volts (12 Volts camping) you will need heaps of Amps. So, when camping with a 12 Volt system you use heaps of Amps to get the same amount of power as you would at home. The more Amps you use, the quicker you use up the electricity stored in your battery. Look at the Watts on your device and if you are using a 12 Volt battery divide it by 12; this is the Amps the device uses each hour it is on. For a 150 Watt appliance: 150 Watts divided by 12 Volts: 150÷12= 12.5 Amps Remember Amps are the number of electrons flowing down the wire. Using the water blaster analogy, Amps are similar to the amount of water flowing. If you need more water to go down a hose then you will need a thicker hose. So, if you need more Amps to flow down a wire you will then need a thicker wire. Typical cross section of wires 240 Volt home wire needs more insulation. Lots of insulation to avoid electrocution from high Volts. Not much copper wire because not many Amps. (Using a water hose analogy; not much water but under lots of pressure.) 12 Volt camper wire needs more copper wire. Not so much insulation because Volts are low. Lots of copper wire to carry lots of Amps and avoid power loss and fire risk. (Using a water hose analogy; lots of water but not much pressure.) Big enough wire If the wire in your camper is not big enough then you can lose power as it goes down the wire. At the battery you may have 12.5 Volts, but at other end of the wire where the appliance is you may only have 11.5 Volts. The power drop increases with large loads. The power drop along the wire means there is less power available to run your appliance and it may not run properly. The power lost along the wire turns into heat and sometimes this generates enough heat to melt the insulation off the wires and start a fire. See arrows in above photo. To reduce these issues and the fire risk, in 12 Volt RV wiring, you need really fat cables going the shortest possible distances because you are using heaps more Amps than you would with 240 Volt mains power. For instance: A 2,000 Watt kettle draws 8 Amps at home, but in your camper, with an inverter, it would draw 167 Amps (2000 ÷ 12). For that many Amps your cables need to be huge. What might seem like not much power at home could be very different when you are off the grid. 240 Volt mains power and 12 Volt battery systems are both dangerous but in different ways. Why is 240 Volt mains power dangerous? Compared with 12 Volts from your battery, 240 Volts mains power is a bit like a high-pressure hose and the electricity really wants to get out and escape through whatever is close or touching it, including us (which would electrocute us). So electrical equipment with higher voltages (240 Volts) has more insulation around it to keep the electricity in the wire. Why are 12 Volts battery systems dangerous? 12 Volts does not have as much force to push electricity to escape. It is more like very, very low water pressure. So there is less chance of electricity being forced to flow through us and give us an electric shock. However, to get enough power and make up for the lack of pressure (Volts) we increase Amps or current flow. If the wires are not big enough to carry that much current, they can heat up and become a fire risk. Tips for installing a 12 Volt to 240 Volt inverter 1. Set the inverter up as close as possible (short fat cables) to the battery and if need be run an extension cord from the inverter to the appliance. 2. If you are buying an inverter with a big power capacity (anything over 150 Watts) get it professionally installed. campers need really fat cables going the shortest possible distances
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 29 Kiwi camping coven Bette Cosgrove Six solo camping women ranging in age from 54 to 74 years old, found themselves gathered beside the camp fire one autumn evening in the Tararua District. Connecting with their sisters in the self-proclaimed ‘Kiwi Camping Coven’ around the fire pit, at the Viking Odyssey Weekend, All Points Camping Club event at Norsewood in May, this happy accident was a discovery that their shared life experiences gave them a common passion. They’re all solo campers who have camped all their lives. They discovered a love of lifetime camping, once sharing this with partners, but life’s circumstances mean they now go it alone. Who we are (pictured, from left to right) ✤ Christine is towing a 2 berth British caravan with no name (yet) adorned with BAT WINGS. ✤ Carolyn drives a Toyota van — with munchkin cat Jasper. Her vehicle is named Jasper’s Journeys. Formerly, she lived 10 years in a bus. ✤ Colleen tows her neat little poptop camper called Myrtle. ✤ Penny drives a 7.5m German motorhome named Lady Penelope (from Thunderbirds). She has a static permanent caravan in a commercial campground, to come and go from. ✤ Kathryn tows her 6.5m Swift caravan called Miss Abigail. She lives in it permanently, mostly travelling the roads of NZ. ✤ Wendy has a Toyota Hiace van named NakiLass with rag doll cat Cindy. Her home base is a cabin on rural land. Answering these questions, it was clear that despite their wide backgrounds and variety of life experiences, they had all found a common purpose and a joy for solo camping life. Why travel and camp alone? ✤ We meet new friends. ✤ There’s a sense of independence and freedom. ✤ To have new experiences. ✤ Being outdoors offers a greater sense of wellbeing. ✤ All of us women have met a wide variety of challenges in our lives, but we’ve coped with them by camping! What do you need for solo camping and travelling? ✤ A sense of adventure. ✤ Big girl panties. ✤ Courage and ✤ Good reversing skills. Why this activity? ✤ Get out of comfort zone, ✤ We’re all survivors of life challenges, so sitting home quietly watching TV doesn’t offer much challenge or excitement. ✤ Keeping it simple is important for solo camping life, not much clutter, minding how you use your resources like power and water. ✤ Simplicity over stress. ✤ Communication and laughter around a campfire is the best reason to come camping. The benefits of joining a group? ✤ Sharing tips and places. ✤ Enjoying the social meet ups and finding like minded travelling friends to have a good laugh with. ✤ We support each other. ✤ Joining in fun events. Tips for other women contemplating going solo? ✤ Just do it! ✤ You’ll love it! ✤ Learn from your mistakes. ✤ Getting through gateways might be difficult, practice! ✤ We’re all OK without partners. ✤ Follow your instincts… move if you need to or feel unsafe. ✤ Meet your camping neighbours if you feel insecure. Best experiences to share? ✤ The Patea All Points Camping gathering recently was just so much fun. ✤ Forgotten Highway trip, stranded in a ditch with 5 women campers when 1 woman broke her leg on a 4-day trip. ✤ A huge achievement when we made it through. You are often SO proud of what you’re doing. ✤ Chatting and laughing around the camp fire it was obvious this informal sisterhood gives strength and joy. ✤ “Every time we get together with other women solo campers we leave so happy,” Christine says.
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WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 31 A weekend at Mt Somers Linda Butler Canterbury All Points campers enjoyed a great weekend at Mt Somers in March. It was full of sunshine, friendly locals and surprising entertainment. We will never forget that hedge which we are sure we deciphered. But I won’t tell the answer on here… Nor will I forget the look on a members face when her chair collapsed on her. It’s all part of camping. Our group included a 15 month old toddler to great grandparents with their photos. The domain had the cleanest facilities that I personally have come across in a while. A few of our members were thrilled to watch a local rugby game in play, reviving what rugby was all about, the atmosphere, the shouting, the energy. The Museum was opened for us. I enjoyed watching the team reminiscing over objects from their childhood. The history stored within is well worth a browse. We had a few energetic walkers that either explored the Blackburn Mine or went to see what the Sharplin Falls were about. They returned to camp with big smiles. The general store was a short walk. We browsed the gardens and lovely cared-for homes on our way there for a barista coffee. Yum. OK, the odd person sneaked back for ice cream and or pies… The friendly publican nearly cooked us with his log fire, lol, but better than a cold room. Oh, and I think Trev left some of the roadside blackberries for others. Check out our upcoming All Points Camping events on the website or facebook events page. “What an awesome bunch of happy campers. Fabulous weekend, weather was great, company great. Some of us enjoyed our stay so much we stopped an extra night or two. This is another “go back to” location.” Winter tips from our previous issues Winter’s here… Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors. Photo © 2023 Bette Cosgrove ckw.nz/winter-tips TIPS for the cold Camping in the winter (tent or van) needs to be pretty organised and good gear is needed. I do most things, from being out and about in my van to tramping and snow-holeing. Photo ©2022 Daniel Munro ckw.nz/tips-cold More cold season tips Sharing our best hacks which made life so much easier on a recent Matariki vanning trip. ckw.nz/tips-cold-more Preparing for the cold winter “brrrrrr’s” Darn, we could only get the new heater up to 10ºC on that night, and woke to a -3ºC frost. Eventually we were told the poor insulation and many windows in the bus were the problem. Photo ©2023 Linda Butler ckw.nz/brrrr Pegs for tough weather A commercial and a DIY (metal) version of a peg for windy weather. Photo ©2023 M Richardson ckw.nz/pegs-for-wind. A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack sewn into the awning. Photo ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid ckw.nz/stove-jack It was cold at Mavora Lakes I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year. Photo ©2022 Daniel Munro ckw.nz/mavora-cold
32 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 by Collyn Rivers Diesel heating for caravans Diesel heating for caravans and motorhomes is easy, effective and safe because it hugely reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, Collyn Rivers reports. Diesel heating for caravans and motorhomes is also relatively affordable. Furthermore, it is easy to selfinstall. Fuel is readily available, safe and readily stored. LP gas versions are also made. Carbon monoxide poisoning is your main risk (of heating) in a confined space. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. It forms when a carbon-based substance (coal, LP gas etc) burns without enough air. The (only minor) indications are headache, nausea, fatigue, and then unconsciousness. If you sleep, you may never wake up again. Carbon monoxide is rightly called the ‘silent killer’. It also causes brain damage at minor concentrations. Your second risk is oxygen deprivation. We need about a half a cubic metre of air an hour. We convert about 4% of that air into carbon dioxide. If you are in a confined space the exhaled carbon dioxide level rises. As a result, the remaining oxygen level falls. It is normally 21%, but symptoms (such as fatigue) set in below 15%. Brain damage consequently occurs shortly after. Oxygen deprivation is serious (or lethal) in poorly ventilated areas. It occurs whether heated or not. See Gas risk in caravans. Diesel heating for caravans and motorhomes — safety Use diesel or LP gas heating in caravans and motorhomes to avoid such issues. Both draw air from outside the RV into a tiny furnace that is sealed from the living area. Diesel oil or LP gas is injected and ignited in this furnace. Air to be heated is blown across it and ducted to wherever needed. The ‘burnt’ air expels to the atmosphere. Burning gas is thus totally sealed from the air heated within the vehicle. The units were first made in the 1930s by Germany’s Eberspächer and later by Webasto. Both are still respected worldwide. The units are similar in many ways. Some parts (such as silencers, calorifiers etc.) are interchangeable. The Snugger, a similar but cheaper unit, is sold by Diesel Heating Australia. The company’s Genesis product too is worth considering. So also is the Alde Compact 3010 LP gas unit. This combines space heating and water heating. It also runs from 230 volts ac. Truma introduced similar (LP gas) units a few years ago. The two main types are air heating, and air and water heating. Some are made in various sizes. Use the smallest to heat annexes, camper trailers, small caravans and motorhomes. Use the next size up to heat large RVs. Air heating The basic (soup-can size) unit is best floor mounted. A separate tiny electrically-driven pump, hose and filter connects to a separate tank. Alternatively (with motorhomes) to the vehicle’s tank. You can locate the electric control panel wherever convenient. Water heating The combined space/water heaters use a furnace unit to heat glycol. This flows through a calorifier heat exchange unit, that also stores heated water for taps and showers. In addition. small fan-powered radiators blow hot air wherever required. The calorifier is also available as a tiny unit that heats water as it is drawn. The heaters in action We used a Webasto air heater unit in our OKA in outback Australia. Temperatures there drops quickly after sun-down, often below freezing. Even on its lowest setting, it heated the OKA to 25ºC. Expect to use a fifth of a litre of diesel per hour. We had a Webasto Dual-Top air and water heating unit in our Tvan camper trailer. Used too, around Australia, it worked well and reliably. Its on-line calorifier supplied hot water for cooking and showering. The water is hot within a few minutes. You must, legally, in Australia, add a tempering valve. This valve automatically mixes cold and hot water. It prevents it from exceeding 50ºC. Without it, however, the water reaches a scalding 80ºC. If not silenced, the exhaust is noisy outside the vehicle. It bothers nearby campers. You can reduce this by adding the (now standard) exhaust silencer. You can reduce it yet further by adding an inlet silencer. The units are still not totally silent, but unlikely to disturb others. rvbooks.com.au Further information on diesel heating for RVs is in Caravan & Motorhome Electrics and The Camper Trailer Book. In addition, The Caravan & Motorhome Book. You can use these units to heat rooms in solar-powered houses. My books on solar are Solar That Really Works (for cabins and RVs), also Solar Success (for homes and property systems). ©2024 RV Books online ckw.nz/d-heater Diesel heating in caravans and motorhomes – it’s easy, effective and safe Collyn Rivers has published six books relating to caravans and motorhomes. Information about them and more than 150 searchable articles are included on his website, rvbooks.com.au The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van it is the perfect reference book.
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 33 ➊ ➋ ➌ ➍ ➎ ➏ ➐ ➑
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WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 35 Thermettes: 2 litres in 2 minutes Miriam Richardson I have carried my thermette with me since I went on the road, but it has had little use. I seem to to have spent much of the outdoor-weather time in places with fire dangers. Now it is winter most fire bans are off, though the lure of outdoors is not as strong. My thermette is old and rusty but perfectly serviceable. I thought it might be the perfect way to get rid of paper rubbish while I am travelling, so I keep a $2-shop metal sieve with it so I can keep any hot flying debris inside the chimney. ‘Thermette’ is a brand but has become its common name. NZ made them from 1929 and they were issued to NZ soldiers in WWII, becoming known as ‘Benghazi boilers’, as the Kiwi soldiers used them in the Benghazi desert, burning diesel for fuel. Round black marks on the sand were the sign Kiwis had camped here. Other variations of the idea include Kelly kettles, (Ireland, 1900), Volcano kettles, (UK, 1928). They consist of a water jacket which is also the chimney, protecting the flame from wind and rain, and needing only twigs for fuel. They are very efficient, heating 2.2L in 2 minutes. Sadly, I don’t have the ring for the top which lets you put your pot over the chimney. I keep admiring the beautiful new copper thermettes that are now available. It would need a bit of soot and flame to break it in. One day… For sale on Complete Outdoors ckw.nz/thermette-c-outdoors Flaxmere Garden Linda Butler The beauty of belonging to a camping group is occasionally we get to camp at some venues not opened to the general public for camping. This was the case at Flaxmere Garden, in Canterbury. We settled in on a Friday afternoon. In the distance we could see a stunning cloud which was scattering a hail storm around nearby Christchurch. The backlash of this, though, was that it was bitterly cold. We quickly put up a shelter and tried to fend off the cold from the wind. The Kool Grill was soon lit, offering some warmth, on which we enjoyed nibbling on toasted marshmallows as we chatted the evening away. Saturday after morning coffee, our host Penny invited us to start our tour of her garden. We were given maps, then followed her to her front lawn where she shared some interesting information about her property. She built the stone fence herself! We loved following the paths, crossing bridges, scanning over ponds and admiring the mountains in the distance. The garden was divided into hot areas and cold shaded areas. My favourite was the native bush walk, but then I also enjoyed the autumn colours that seemed to be scattered everywhere. We were followed on our walk by fantails. They seemed friendlier than others I’ve seen. That night we enjoyed a feast of rhubarb and feijoa crumble thanks to a team effort. It was yum. No one seemed in a hurry to get away. It was 3.45 in the afternoon before we got away. Yet again, A successful camp.
36 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 ckw.nz/axle-load-bike ioverlander.com NIWA Winter climate outlook 2024 Unlikely to be particularly harsh. Unlikely to be colder than average. Unlikely to be wetter than normal for most. More westerly winds than normal, fewer southerlies than autumn. El Niño over; La Niña watch issued. Read NIWA’s full outlook, with regional predictions: ckw.nz/niwa-winter | facebook.com/NIWAWeather
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 37 Camping at Wanaka Miriam Richardson I have spent quite a bit of time in Wanaka as the season turned into Winter. A beautiful place for Autumn colours and snow on the mountains, yet surprisingly mild. Albert Town is a basic campground 5km from Wanaka on either side of the road to Hawea. The Clutha side has flush toilets, water and rubbish while the other has just a long drop. Both are low cost. Pay at the eft-pos machines at the gate. The Wanaka Holiday Park is in town, walking distance to all that the Wanaka township offers. It has sites with marvellous views over the sports field to the mountains. Power, water, rubbish, playgrounds, facilities of most kinds, and the public dump station next door. The Glendhu Bay camp is 11km from town, with lakeside sites, power, water, rubbish, 3(!) dump stations, a laundry, as well as great facilities, and a small shop. A pizzeria on site in summer. Over the road, free range eggs. There are winter long term rates. More photos p17. ckw.nz/wanaka-camps What is KiwiCamp? What started out as a pay-for-what-you-need set of camper facilities like National Park, has now expanded to include sites that charge per night or for particular facilities. Check their website in advance. kiwicamp.nz Regional camps without resident managers, such as Hurunui Council’s Amberley Beach Campground, are now using KiwiCamp to collect the fees, and the NZMCA is using them to manage charging for power at some of their parks. The Kiwicash fob To use KiwiCamp sites or facilities you need a KiwiCash fob (digital key), and it needs to have enough credit. See their website for places you can buy one. You recharge the fob online, so internet is required. You need to get the fob before you get to the site. You need the charged fob to lift the barrier and enter the camp. When you depart, it counts the nights you have been there, and debits your fob. The fobs are small enough to carry on your key ring, but bear in mind you need to carry them with you into the shower or laundry etc. Private campsites using KiwiCash have their own rules about who can stay, but KiwiCamp facilities are available if you are using a tent or a vehicle, self-contained or not. kiwicamp.nz/what-is-kiwi-camp Sites vary in what they provide, but these are things you might be able to pay for with the fob: • Secure parking • Hot showers • Dishwashing/cooking facilities • Laundry facilities • Waste recycling station • Water filling station • Secure power points (charging laptop, phone etc). • Caravan powered sites. • WiFi • Dump station I used these showers at the TECT park (right) in the Bay of Plenty and it was really nice to just wave the fob to get another 4 minutes. It’s a bother to get the fob and to get set up to recharge it, but after the set-up hurdle it is a very convenient way to pay for things.
38 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 ckw.nz/highways fireweather.niwa.co.nz More more More on p25 Mountains have their own fingerprints The mountains have their own fingerprints and by understanding what the contour lines represent, may help you to determine the terrain ahead of you or where you might actually be on a topographic 50 map next time you are lost! ©2023 Outdoorsman Dave facebook.com/outdoorsman.dave
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 39 DOC update How to dress for success in the great outdoors The right clothing will not only ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip but could literally save your life. Here’s some top tips for how to dress for the colder months. Photo | DOC ckw.nz/dress-outdoors Great Walks mythbusting There’s been a bit of misinformation going around about booking our Great Walks. We’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions. Photo: Milford Track | DOC ckw.nz/great-walks-myths Temporary closure of Northland tracks for cyclone recovery Two of Northland’s popular walks at Mangawhai Cliffs and Mt Manaia will be closed while they are repaired and enhanced after damage by Cyclone Gabrielle. Alternative tracks are available. Photo: Damage to Mangawhai Headland Walkway February 2023 | DOC ckw.nz/northland-tracks Cathedral Cove options Closed by extreme weather in Feb 23, three options are being considered. One is a short-term fix which would see construction of new steps and a boardwalk to reinstate a section of the existing track, while the two others would be long-term repairs involving installation of a cantilevered staircase and steps to the beach. Photo: Cathedral Cove damage Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC ckw.nz/cove-options Teaching the cultural story of the environment in Taranaki Te Ara Taiao is an education programme teaching school children about the environment and culture around them in Taranaki. Photo: Patuha maunga (known as Kaitake), one of the maunga that students learn about. | DOC ckw.nz/taranaki-story New suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga Within Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, it has been designed for a lifespan of 100 years, and to withstand the sub-alpine Manganui Gorge’s winds, weather conditions and a one in 250-year Mt Taranaki Avalanche. Supported by two massive masts at either end, the bridge sits 49.5m above the floor of the gorge. Photo: Suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga . Wayne Boness |DOC ckw.nz/manganui Jos Divis cottage restoration celebrated Family members from the Czech Republic were among those who gathered at the old gold mining township of Waiuta today to celebrate the restoration of Jos Divis’ old home. Czech émigré Divis (1885–1967) was a keen amateur photographer who documented gold mining life during the heyday of the town, about 35 km from Reefton. Photo: Jos Divis’ restored cottage at Waiuta | DOC ckw.nz/waiuta Dog attack believed to have killed 19 gulls in Kaikōura Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC are reminding people to control dogs in coastal areas after 19 gulls/tarāpunga were found dead at Kaikōura’s South Bay, seemingly killed by a dog or dogs. “Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe. We have witnessed seals attack unsuspecting dogs in the past.” Photo: Dead gulls South Bay, Kaikōura | DOC ckw.nz/dogs-gulls Quad bikers trash national park track Quad bikers trash national park track. In March a group of quad bike riders has caused extensive damage in Arthur’s Pass National Park in Canterbury, crushing sensitive vegetation, trashing boardwalks and leaving a trail of empty alcohol cans in their wake. Photo: The quad bike people of interest. | DOC ckw.nz/quads Canterbury spotted skink in serious trouble One of our rarest, seldom-seen skinks is even more threatened than we had thought, with fewer than 1000 mature individuals. It is now classified as Nationally Critical — the last step before extinction. Most Canterbury spotted skink populations are on private and council land. Canterbury spotted skink Image: James Reardon | DOC ckw.nz/skinks DOC Ōtepoti Visitor Centre to close DOC is closing its Ōtepoti Dunedin Visitor Centre and will focus on wildlife advocacy in the city in other ways. The i site will continue to provide visitor information and share wildlife advocacy information. Information about wildlife, tracks and huts in the region can be found on the DOC website. Photo: Sandy Bay lookout. | DOC ckw.nz/otepoti
STOP and STAY 40 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 Stop and stay in winter Antique & Classic Boat Museum St Arnaud classicboatmuseum.co.nz Park beside the museum, and enjoy the collection of in-board, out-board and non-powered boats. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: none. Low Cost ACTIVITIES: museum, walks, cycling, swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, tramping, local adventures. Hanmer DOC Amenity Area free A reasonably flat free camping area near town: hot pools, ice rink, shopping, eateries. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: toilet just next door, 15 mins walk to town. ACTIVITIES: hot pools, swimming, museum, craft and art galleries, shopping, eateries, golf, walking, tramping, cycling, many adventure opportunities. Milford POP, Frenally Craft Shop Low Cost Temuka ckw.nz/fb-milford-pop This former school has space to unwind and socialise, indoor and out. Buy crafts or craft supplies. Take a class. Come for a visit, and stay over if you are self-contained. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: craft shop, classes, morning & afternoon teas, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: playground, indoor/outdoor social areas, crafting classes. House of Hop Brewery and Restaurant Geraldine facebook.com/houseofhopnz houseofhop.co.nz Situated in a quiet rural setting with on site restaurant and craft brewery where you get epic craft beer and sensational food. WHO: self-contained vehicles. Free FACILITIES: large vehicles, playground, sheep and alpacas to watch, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: brewery, restaurant, walks. Naseby Holiday Park costs Central Otago nasebyhp.nz In the “ice capital of NZ”, with historic old buildings, quaint pubs and café food. WHO: tents, vans, campervans. FACILITIES: power, water, dump station, rubbish, toilets, showers, laundry, kitchen, lounge, playground, wheelchair access, large vehicles, 10 min walk to the town. ACTIVITIES: luge, curling, ice-skating, dog sled riding, Dark Skies star gazing, walks, mountain biking, orienteering, cycling, walking, gold panning, close to Otago Rail Trail. Tui Base Camp costs Tuatapere, Southland tuibasecamp.co.nz Walk to the Bushman’s Museum, craft and art galleries. Family friendly, weekly rates. WHO: tents, vans, campervans, backpackers. FACILITIES: toilet, showers, laundry, kitchen, power, spa, sauna, dump station, playground, wifi, café, bar, pet friendly. ACTIVITIES: museum, galleries, mini golf, bush walks, tramping, guided trips, jet boating. NI SI The Woodturners Kauri Gallery Parkover Dargaville thewoodturnersstudio.co.nz Offers overnight parking as well as woodturning tuition, a gallery and a shop. Great views of the river, close to dairy, an opshop, takeaways and shopping. WHO: self-contained vehicles, cabins. FACILITIES: large vehicles. Low cost ACTIVITIES: woodturning, kauri gallery, 20 mins walk to town or museum. Dargaville Museum Low Cost Northland dargavillemuseum.co.nz Overlooking the town and river, it tells fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast, Māori, maritime & pioneer. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles. ACTIVITIES: picnic spots, walking tracks, cycle trail, also see the Heritage Machinery Museum, pā site. Historic Maritime Museum and Park Paeroa historicalmaritimepark.co.nz Home to a collection of goldfield/maritime history. Beautifully laid out grounds, river board walks, daily boat rides and friendly hosts. WHO: self-contained vehicles. Low Cost FACILITIES: large vehicles, power available ($), ACTIVITIES: museum, picnics, river cruise, rail trail, walking tracks, cycling, kayak launch, pet friendly. Coach House Museum Low Cost Fielding, Manawatū coachhousemuseum.nz Enjoy an outstanding collection of rural NZ heritage— over 140 years of history. WHO: self-contained vehicles. FACILITIES: large vehicles, toilets (open hours), water, pet friendly, wheelchair access. ACTIVITIES: museum, walk to town. Hawera Holiday Park costs Taranaki ckw.nz/hawera-hp Peaceful camp at the edge of town. Hawera’s museums are unique and innovative: Elvis, an underground canal boat ride, local models. WHO: cars, tents, motorhomes. FACILITIES: dump station, power, toilets, showers, kitchen, lounge, laundry, wifi, BBQ, family friendly, 5 mins walk to the CBD, pets by arrangement. ACTIVITIES: 3 museums, galleries, climb the tower, 4 opshops, swimming, walking, cycling. Tui Mangatainoka Reserve Campground Pahiatua, Wararapa ckw.nz/tui Located across the road from the famous Tui Brewery, where you can take a tour. WHO: self-contained vehicles. Free FACILITIES: toilets, dump station, water, restaurant, pet friendly ACTIVITIES: brewery tours, walks, swimming, picnics, kayaking, fishing. stopandstaynz.org
STOP and STAY WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 41 Comfort Zone, Whakatane Comfort Zone is one of those properties you will just want to keep coming back to, whether you’re just passing through or you really want to stop and stay. Bill and Annette are the classic hosts, welcoming everyone with a smile and a wave and a plethora of local knowledge, and that is before you even get to your campsite. Take your pick from harder stand sites to the comfort of the grass. The large areas are sheltered by towering trees to keep you sheltered in the windiest of weather while still enjoying all day sun. But bring a torch, there are no street lights here to worry about, it is truly DARK. Just the stars to sit out and watch. Located near the Whakatane Airport with easy access for the largest of vehicles for travellers seeking a quiet place to park up. Back country roads make it easy to take a quiet bike ride into Whakatane township and for the more adventurous all the way to Ohope Beach. And the bonus, this is a free park over property. That’s right, no charge. Bill only has two rules. You must wave on your way in and wave on your way out. Once you’ve been to Comfort Zone, you will definitely be back. Free 105 Aerodrome Road, Whakatane bill.matheson@xtra.co.nz 027 499 3981 Five days from Alex to Cromwell For a leisurely trip from Alexandra to Cromwell, enjoy these freedom camping spots along the way. Across the old bridge at Clyde is the Burton Creek camp above the Clyde Dam. Provided by Contact Energy, it is limited to 15 certified self-contained vehicles, and a maximum 3 continuous nights. Indulge in cycling, walking, water sports or fishing or simply enjoy the view. It’s a fair hike to Clyde, but you can always cycle it. The Dunstan Cycle Trail passes the site on its way to the Clyde’s Heritage Precinct. Free Day 4, back on the road to Cromwell, the next along our way is Champagne Gully where you can stay just one night. Tents and those not self-contained are allowed here, as it has toilets. It can get busy. This is a LINZ site. Free Our fifth night is at Jacksons , also a LINZ site. Named after the orchard that was sacrificed for the Clyde Dam, there are still some apricot and walnut trees, lovely if you there in the right season. You must be self-contained (by 2023 rules), and can stay just one night. There is a rubbish bin. It’s a popular water sport and picnic spot for locals. Free So, 5 nights and 20 km, enjoying the magnificent Lake Dunstan. It is ten more km to Cromwell. Zero cost. Find them on the app Campermate.
42 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 MID-WINTER AT VICTORIA TAVERN TBC Sat 22 June, Petone, Wellington ckw.nz/apc-fb-events MID WINTER RALLY, ROTORUA. Fri 21–23 Jun, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Lake, hot pool, bush walks, tennis courts, glow worms, kayaks, company and a pot luck. Power available. lakesranch.org.nz ckw.nz/lakes-ranch ckw.nz/lakes-ranch-rsvp WAIRARAPA WINTER MATARIKI MEET-UP Thu 27–30 Jun, Featherston A Winter meet up: view Matariki rising in big sky country. Nearby, the Fire & Ice Winter Christmas Festival opens in Greytown. No power. Own toilet. ckw.nz/matariki ckw.nz/matariki-rsvp FEILDING MID WINTER DINNER Sat, 6 July, Fielding Join the All Points team for a Mid Winter dinner at Murray’s Irish Bar Feilding. Overnight parking out back. APC members and guests only. RSVP essential . ckw.nz/fielding-midwint ckw.nz/fielding-midwint-rsvp CANTERBURY MID WINTER XMAS DINNER Sat 27 Jul, Christchurch Join us for our Canterbury Mid Winter Xmas Dinner at Racecourse Hotel and Restaurant ckw.nz/cant-midwint ckw.nz/cant-midwint-rsvp VENTIA CAR RALLY CAMP Fri 26–28 July, Mamaranui, Northland Have a. Ringside seat as the rally passes by. Private land, limited space, booking essential: phone to book. Dogs on leads. See the cars meet the drivers on Friday night. ckw.nz/ventia ckw.nz/ventia-rsvp OCEAN FRONT — CANTERBURY Fri 23–25 Aug, Norh Canterbury Dolphins, whales, sea lions? Join us in this peaceful rural setting. Own toilet. Pets on leads. ckw.nz/conway ckw.nz/conway-rsvp EXPLORING CLANDEBOYE! Fri, 20–22 Sept, Temuka, South Canterbury Frenally, craft shop and Milford POP just out of Temuka. Explore on the way. Marshmallows plus fireplace! Craft class, devonshire tea and… ckw.nz/clandeboye ckw.nz/clandeboye-rsvp WAIRARAPA SPRING CAMP Fri, 20–22 Sep, Carterton, Wairarapa All campers welcome including tents. Must book in advance with the camp: cartertonholidaypark.co.nz. Family friendly. Dogs on leads. ckw.nz/carterton ckw.nz/carterton-rsvp MUSIC, MOVIES, BIRDSONG :TERAKO DOWNS Fri, 25–27 Oct, Canterbury-Hurunui Music, movies and birdsong at Terako Downs. Bring your instrument or use our guitar for a jam session. Wine tasting. Relax. All welcome including tents. ckw.nz/terako ckw.nz/terako-rsvp SPRING CAMP AT FOXTON BEACH Fri, 25 Oct – 28, Foxton Beach Labour Weekend at Foxton Beach School. Grassy space for tents and camping vehicles of all kinds. Access to the school hall with toilets and kitchen. On Sunday head along to the Foxton Spring Fling. ckw.nz/foxton ckw.nz/foxton-rsvp SPRING CAMP, KAI IWI HOLIDAY PARK TBC Oct, Northland CHECK: ckw.nz/apc-events STEAMPUNK THE THAMES CAMP TBC Fri 8–11 Nov, Thames, Hauraki cHECK: ckw.nz/apc-events CASTLE CLAREMONT Fri, 15–17 Nov, Canterbury How wonderful to stay at yet another amazing location! Tents welcome. Toilets available. Join us as we stroll through the woodlands. Enjoy the magical surroundings as you relax in the garden and enjoy the birds. ckw.nz/claremont ckw.nz/claremont-rsvp CAMPFEST 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb Bulls Domain EASTER CAMP, PATEA 2025 TBC Taranaki CHECK: ckw.nz/apc-events Camping events FOR THE LATEST CAMPS: allpointscampingnz.org/events ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. GET THE LATEST: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events WELLINGTON: different each month, so find us on facebook. ckw.nz/apc-fb-events CANTERBURY 2nd Wed each month at 11am. Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Road, Christchurch Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the variety of stores. Plenty of parking for larger vehicles.
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 43 Honouring the Driving Forces of Our Emergency Services To 31 August, Invercargill Look back in time and get up close and personal with our display of emergency services vehicles, the earliest being from the 1920s. Bill Richardson Transport World. Book at local campgrounds. transportworld.co.nz Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival 2024 Fri 21 Jun–14 Jul Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival is back for the 4th year to mark Puanga Matariki in the Bay of Islands and surrounds. Explore our programme of workshops, beautiful waiata, inspiring talks, feasts, star-gazing and family fun! Includes Waitangi Treaty Grounds open day, a film festival, and a dawn cruise. Book at local campgrounds. matarikinz.com Fire & Ice Hot Air Balloon Glow and Laser Festival Sat 22 June, Methven Hot air Balloonists from all over Aotearoa will perform a tethered Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, with lasers light, coordinated by music. ckw.nz/methven Greytown Festival of Christmas 2024 Sat 29 Jun–27 Jul A month long programme of spectacular lights, workshops, events, activities, night markets, parties, festive food, mulled wine and gin. Join the All Points Camping event, or stay at a local camp. greytownvillage.com Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival 2024 A range of free and ticketed events including live music, theatre, comedy, and so much more over the July school holidays. Activities and events for kids and adults alike. Book at local campgrounds. taupowinterfestival.co.nz Winter Deco 2024 Fri 19–21 July, Napier A winter celebration buzzing with vintage cars, swinging jazz bars, and the heritage trail of light in Art Deco Napier. Book at local campgrounds. artdecofestival.co.nz Nelson Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Show Sat 9–10 Nov 2024 Tahuna Beach Kiwi Holiday Park, Nelson Book your site at the holiday park. nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz Rhythm & Alps 2023 Mon 30 Dec–1Jan, Wanaka A three-day music festival held in the picturesque Cardrona Valley between Queenstown and Wanaka. It’s a community, and a celebration of life, music, and camaraderie. Onsite camping. rhythmandalps.co.nz Campfest 2025 Festivals
44 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 H DOC campsites 2: Fill in the spaces Rhonda Marshall There are more than 200 DOC sites throughout New Zealand, 28 in the area shown in the map. In the grid below, fill in 12 DOC sites from the list on the right. One site will run vertically and the others will run horizontally across the grid. Map: doc.govt.nz How many have you visited? Solution page 53 The puzzle does not have gaps between the words., eg., Te Pakau > TePakau. Anaura Bay Arohena Boulders Hot Water Beach Humphries Bay Kakaho Kaniwhaniwha Lake Okareka Lake Tarawera Outlet Makau Landing Manganuka Matataa Mid Okahu Road Ngaherenga Omahuru Orangihikoia Pahautea Hut Piropiro Rerewhakaaitu (Ash Pit Road) Rerewhakaaitu (Brett Road) Rosie Bay Sanctuary Te Pakau (Eight Acre) Te Taita A Makoro Verns Waikeramoana Holiday Park Whakaipo Whitikau
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 45 • 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. Local knowledge. RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 45 Northland RV Kerikeri RV service, parts and accessories. Mark & Corine Thorburn, 021 307 666 info@northlandrv.co.nz www.northlandrv.co.nz Twin Coast Plumbing Kerikeri Self-containment testing, plumber, gasfitter. Mike, 022 643 1904 mike@twincoastplumbing.co.nz www.twincoastplumbing.co.nz Wendy and Brent White Whangarei Self-containment installation and certification. 021 172 9919 wlwhite1981@gmail.com Ka Pai Campers Maungaturoto Campervan builds and self-containment. Aaron Duffy, 021 276 7665 aaronspostnz@hotmail.com Ravneel Singh 020 4104 4392 Auckland / Silverdale Ravneel26@yahoo.com Vantage RV Auckland / Silverdale RV service, parts and accessories. 09 427 8247 info@vantagerv.co.nz www.vantagerv.co.nz North Auckland Caravans Auckland / Kumeu Caravan sales and servicing. Parts. Selfcontainment installation and certification. 09 412 7840 northaucklandcaravans@xtra.co.nz www.northaucklandcaravans.co.nz Gas Inspections and Compliance Ltd Auckland / Kumeu Self-containment, gas fitting and compliance. 021 780 449 gicltd@xtra.co.nz Mike Bish 027 384 3848 Auckland / Stanmore Bay Neil O’Gorman Auckland / Torbay 022 437 8747 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. 022 430 7718 dwcivilconstruction@gmail.com NZ Campervans Auckland / North Auckland Teresa Hall, 022 3130 939 tee_hall@hotmail.com River Jones Gardner 021 0224 1635 Auckland / Albany RV Repairs Ltd Auckland / Albany RV service, parts and accessories. 09 442 1264 office@rvrepairs.kiwi.nz www.rvrepairs.kiwi.nz Mike Bahmani Auckland Self containment installation. 021 280 6006 mohsennz@hotmail.com Vanlifer Auckland / Takapuna Campervan fitouts, parts and self-containment. Jason & Mike info@vanlifer.com www.vanlifer.com
46 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 – NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES 46 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 – NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES Assaf Davidovitch 020 4133 9710 Auckland / Henderson adavidovitch@yahoo.com Elements World Auckland Campervan conversions & sales. Mechanic workshop. Self-containment installation. 0800 000 985, 09 827 4616 info@elements-world.com www.elements-world.com Manoj Kumar 021 0296 2033 Auckland manojkumarpace@yahoo.com Sean Craig 021 113 5319 Auckland / Mt Wellington seanc3441@hotmail.com Steve Hibben Auckland / Penrose Campervan fitouts, parts and certification. 027 4851 141 hibbensteve@gmail.com Blueline Budget Campervans Auckland / Te Atatu Self-containment and campervan sales and fitouts. Aiden, 021 111 6661 aucklandbudgetcampervan@gmail.com Shannon Woller =021 112 9344 Auckland / East Tamaki shannonwoller@hotmail.com Barry Edwards Papatoetoe Self-containment, builds and refits. 021 523 5451, 021 523 088 kvmvans18@gmail.com kvmcampervans.com Gary Murphy 021 922 902 Patumahoe / Pukekohe garyM@propertylink.co.nz Zion Motorhomes AucklandvPokeno Motorhome sales, service, parts and accessories. 09 869 8815 jack@zionmotorhomes.co.nz www.zionmotorhomes.co.nz John Belle Coromandel / Thames Self-containment installation. 027 452 7193 | 021 126 0760 j43@gmail.com Alice Grant-Johnson Coromandel Penninsula / Tairua 022 601 787 aliceb194@gmail.com Lynley Belle 021 126 0760 Coromandel lynleybelle@gmail.com Ross Bennett Te Kauwhata / Hamilton Self containment installation. 027 680 7449 rgbennett48@gmail.com Ur Plumber Waikato Ltd 021 076 5491 Hamilton urplumberwaikato@gmail.com Motorhome and Solar Waikato / Hamilton RV Solar, heating and battery specialists. Self-containment. 0800 589 618 sales@motorhomesolar.co.nz www.motorhomesolar.co.nz Inside Out RV RV service, parts and accessories. Hamilton 0800 246 7433 service@insideoutrv.co.nz www.insideoutrv.co.nz Ovaland Motorhomes Hamilton RV service, parts and accessories. Self-containment. 07 874 1976 ovaland@xtra.co.nz www.ovaland.co.nz Bernie Mariezcurrena Hamilton Campervan and caravan repairs, self-containment. 027 273 5515 movilberny@gmail.com Auto and Marine Trimming World Riverlea / Hamilton Upholstery specialists. Campervan fitouts, upholstery and installation. 07 858 3242 amtw59@gmail.com Gene Andrew 022 380 3895 Eureka / Waikato geneaandrew@gmail.com
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 47 – RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES NORTH ISLAND WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 47 – RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES NORTH ISLAND Robert Hatchell Waikato / Te Awamutu Self-containment and gasfitter. 027 238 4264 John Andrews Plumber, self-containment. Te Awamutu 027 759 815 andyshouse@xtra.co.nz Pratts Waikato / Otorohanga Self-containment; plumber and gasfitter. 0800 772 887 office@pratts.co.nz www.pratts.co.nz Dunn Right Plumbing Waikato / Cambridge Self-containment; plumber and gasfitter. 027 442 2160 plumbing@dunnright.co.nz Alan McNeil 020 4126 6626 Waikato / Tokoroa kiwi.van.man001@gmail.com Sanjay Prasad Waikato / Tokoroa Self -containment installation. 021 293 0320 affordablecampervans@yahoo.com Pittams Plumbing Plumber, gasfitter. Tauranga 07 543 3043 garry.pittams.plumbing@xtra.co.nz Alliance RV RV service, parts and accessories. Tauranga 07 571 0271 allrv@alliancerv.co.nz www.alliancerv.co.nz George Matthews Plumber, gasfitter. Tauranga 027 444 1801 Tony Hewitson 021 104 0459 Tauranga geejay.tony@kinect.co.nz K-Pods RV parts and accessories. Tauranga 021 109 118 390 sales@kpod.co.nz www.kpod.co.nz RV Service Centre Mt Maunganui RV service, parts and accessories. 0800 288 860 | 027 827 7514 | 027 958 5852 info@rv.co.nz www.countrycaravans.co.nz RV Shop Mt Maunganui RV service, parts and accessories. 07 575 5612 service@rvmega.co.nz www.rvshop.co.nz Creative Campers Mt Maunganui Self-containment installation. Ken MacPherson, 021 165 6015 woodudesignltd@gmail.com Royce’s Mobile RVs RV service, parts and accessories. Te Puke 021 157 4794 rmrvs@outlook.co.nz www.facebook.com/rmrvs Gateway Caravans Whakatane RV service, parts and accessories. 07 307 100 | 027 230 0955 info@gatewaycaravans.co.nz www.gatewaycaravans.co.nz
48 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 – NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES 48 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 – NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES Matawai Camp and Store Matawai / Gisborne Self-containment plus campground. Stephen and Cindy Ward, 06 862 4830 matawaicamping@gmail.com David Dewar 022 044 6881 Gisborne cscgisborne@gmail.com Michael Scandlyn 027 620 9609 Gisborne mbscandlyn@gmail.com Sue Dewar 021 134 8995 Gisborne sue.dewar@gisborne.net.nz First Auto Works & RV Hawkes Bay / Napier RV service, parts and accessories. Camping supplies. 027 835 1889 service@firstautoworks.co.nz www.firstautoworks.co.nz Veronica Vans Hawkes Bay / Napier Self-containment installation. Camping supplies. No charge for a look over. Ian McNair, 021 533 670, 0800 868 614 ibmnz@outlook.co.nz www.ibmnz.com Smile Caravans Hawkes Bay / Hastings Caravan sales. All services and self-containment. 06 870 1249 smileltd@gmail.com Bryan Boyle 027 454 9023 Dannevirke dandbboyle@xtra.co.nz Paul Morgan 021 122 7220 Wairarapa / Masterton morganmob88@gmail.com Team JDR Ltd Wairarapa / Featherston Self-containment; plumber and gasfitter. Doug Juggins, 027 429 4433 douglas.juggins@xtra.co.nz Ace Caravans Rotorua RV service, parts and accessories. 07 343 7570 | 027 483 101 tina@acecaravans.co.nz www.acecaravans.co.nz Ian Read Rotorua / Tikatere Self-containment. All Points Camping Rep. 020 4136 6870 ian@reads.co.nz Thinus Venter Rotorua Self-containment and engineering. 09 412 7840 reef.fishing@bigpond.com Rotorua RV Rotorua RV service, parts and accessories. (Was Motorhome and Caravan Services) 07 349 6180 | 022 403 2557 sean@mhacs.co.nz www.mhacs.co.nz Charles Edwards Rotorua Self-containment installation and certification. 07 210 1460 | 027 726 9324 scc4you@xtra.co.nz Glen Ruebe Rotorua / Okere Self-containment installation and certification. 021 139 8860 glennokere@gmail.com Craig MacDonald Taupo / Rotorua / Whakatane RV mechanical services and self -containment. 021 850 897 craig.macca007@gmail.com www.dudleymechanical.com Mike McGregor 027 210 0889 Taupo / Reporoa Coach and Caravan Services RV service, parts and accessories. Taupo 027 890 8901 admin@coachcaravan.co.nz www.coachandcaravan.co.nz
WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 49 – RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES NORTH ISLAND WINTER 2024 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY 49 – RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES NORTH ISLAND John Woodhead 027 475 6108 New Plymouth jajbwoody@gmail.com Greenways New Plymouth Campervan build & self-containment. 027 905 4756 steven.n@greenway.sg Bob’s Plumbing South Taranaki / Opunake Self-containment; plumber and gasfitter. James Scott, 027 410 0470 james@bobsplumbing2022.com bobsplumbing2022.com Combined Plumbers Ltd Whanganui Self-containment; plumber and gasfitter. Simon Scott, 027 481 1353 combinedplumbers@xtra.co.nz Merlin Astley-Jones Whanganui / Manawatu Electrical work and EWOFs. 021 037 9716 merlincym@gmail.com Rangitikei Boating and Automotive Services Rangitikei / Bulls RV, mechanical services and self-containment. 06 322 1560 rbaservices@xtra.co.nz NZ Lifestyle Camping Manawatu / Feilding Self-containment certification and supplies. 027 246 9778 admin@nzlifestylecamping.com www.nzlifestylecamping.com Motorhome Caravan Classic Manawatu / Feilding RV service, parts and accessories. 021 306 053 | 021 107 2475 manawaturesto@outlook.com Chris Dungan Electrical and Mechanical Services Manawatu / Feilding Electrical mechanical Inspector. 027 446 7140 chrisdungan@xtra.co.nz Essential Plumbing and Gas Services Palmerston North Self-containment; plumber and gasfitter. Michael Hartridge, 027 387 0987 info@essentialpgs.co.nz RV Super Centre Palmerston North Service, repairs and installations. 0800 520 055 rvsupercentre.co.nz Krishneel Chandra Palmerston North Self-containment certification. 021 073 0073 krishneelchandra906@gmail.com Nathan Proebstel Manawatu / Palmerston North Self-containment installation and certification. 022 677 4861 nathan_proebstel@yahoo.co.nz Wayne Ravelich Palmerston North / Foxton President, All Points Camping Club of NZ. 027 475 7420 wravelich@hotmail.com Foxton RV and Marine Foxton RV repairs and engineering workshop. (Formerly Tackle Tactics) Philip Kettle, 027 414 9930 sales@tackletactics.co.nz www.tackletactics.co.nz Arthur How Foxton Electrical EWOFs inspector and electrical work. 027 363 7006 06 363 7138 Steve Allison 027 246 3265 Horowhenua steve.b.allison@gmail.com Francis Donegan 021 870 024 Levin fjpd001@gmail.com Bruce Cook 021 839 299 Levin brucecook2012@gmail.com Gipsy Caravans RV service, parts and accessories. Levin 0800 704 944 enquiries@gipsy.co.nz gipsy.co.nz
Graham Boyd Waikanae / Kapiti / Horowhenua 021 1473 682 graham@hotmail.com Barry Thomson 021 263 9808 Kapiti thobar59@gmail.com Freeway RV Motorhome servicing. Porirua David Raitt, 027 238 4010 info@freeway.co.nz www.freeway.co.nz Bedvanz Si Craggs Wellington 020 4826 826 www.bedvanz.co.nz CB Caravan Imports Upper Hutt RV service, parts and accessories. 027 642 9379 cbcaravanimports@gmail.com www.cbcaravans.co.nz RV Dreams Upper Hutt RV service, parts and accessories. 04 526 2629 sales@rvdreams.co.nz www.rvdreams.co.nz Broadband internet on the go Solar chargers and power banks Need to replace your toilet? BOOK NOW ON 0800844844 It’s the insurance your motorhome would choose 50 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 – NORTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES 50 CAMPING THE KIWI WAY WINTER 2024 – SOUTH ISLAND RV & CAMPER BUSINESS SERVICES NATIONAL SERVICES