So far I’ve had gale force winds and 30mm rain in the last 24 hours…

If you are travelling along the Southern Scenic Coast then 10 minutes out of Riverton, turn off Highway 99 and follow the Thornbury Gropers Bush Road.

A nice relaxing weekend at one of my favourite spots, Temple Stream DOC Campsite.

Marfells Beach is a DOC camp (pay online, whew, there is mobile coverage this time) has wild silverbeet.

All Points Camping enjoyed craft shopping, toasting marshmallows in the fire pit and Devonshire teas at the Milford POP.

“Being able to get out into nature and go places that I would not physically be able to reach on my own is such a joy and privilege.”

Making a campsite accessible involves more than installing accessible toilets.

Our boys were 8 and 6 years old, the younger one, Rueben, having severe autism. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to go camping and that we would learn to deal with things as they happened and some we could prepare for beforehand.

When I stayed at the holiday park earlier this year, Keith showed me the work being done to make the facilities more accessible.

What a view to wake up to this morning. National Park, Waiouru

While we were exploring the geosites in the Waitaki Valley, we saw several signs to Danseys Pass.

After years in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of sports and technology, David had spotted a gap in the market for a tech-forward solution around pets and instant video advice.

Pippa in the hammock

We always take Pippa with us and she loves the adventures as much as we do. I thought I’d list a few of the resources I’ve found helpful on our travels with our furry family member, but this is by no means a definitive list.

Don’t miss local A & P shows when you travel the country.

I caught up with the authors and fellow camping adventurers of this amazing book, The Slow Road, documenting their year travelling around NZ.

My day at Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch.

Besides a great selection of well-priced food venders, there was also a variety of specialty foods including cheese, mushrooms, paté, cured meats, sweet treats, wine, beer. And we had ‘Music on the Green’ to relax to.

Cooked my favourite breakfast when camping: pancakes with boysenberry jam

Safe toilet chemicals are essential, but some toilet chemicals kill essential bacteria in septic and environmental systems: some are toxic — this article explains all.

We did the fairy forest walk at Dog Walk Stream, Hanmer, and lo and behold the fairies camp too!

Not bothering much about the forecast warning for rain over Labour Weekend, I loaded up the camper, with clothes, food and my two dogs, and off we went to Terako Downs.

Terako Downs entrance, Labour Weekend

We donned our tramping gear and went for a 4 hour hike along the bush trails that start at the Waiorongomai Valley carpark

At the All Points camp at Foxton Beach School over Labour weekend I asked others what they like to cook when they are camping.

Alice cooking dinner on the BBQ at Ohiwa

I’ve worked out an effective way to heat up pies.

Staying in Oamaru after attending a cycle event at the Waimate velodrome organised by the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club.

Fishing in the snow. Ohau B canal. Spring

Slept in it last night on the lounge floor with all the windows open.