A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove

I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road

When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock

Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular.

Freedom van camping ©2023 Bette Cosgrove

I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay.

Whitebaiting. Rakaia River Mouth ©2024 David Liddel

Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel

This winter was my first in the Otago cold— a bit of a learning curve.

Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or an ale while roasting coffee beans.

Lake Pukaki, freedom camping in Winter: I cant get enough of this place. Any season. ©2024 M Richardson

Where are we at? At a government level, a council level, a certification level, at a camper level.

In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.

A response to a legislative challenge has brought us the compact, front-opening BlackMOA™ Cassette Toilet

Due out late October, the Fix’n’Rail is a heavy duty sliding rail and secure bracket that lets you slide a portable toilet in and out of its storage area

While the new toilet-makers have been welcomed with interest, the Fix-a-Potty™ people were faced with severe scepticism, not to say unfair condemnation, that still continues to pop up on Facebook and confuse people.

Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock

Who can freedom camp? Certified Blue before 7/7/23?
Certified Blue before 7/7/24?
Green Warrant?

Choose from an independent national network of more than 150 self-containment testing officers.

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation 2023 / revised Freedom Camping Act 2011 presents significant challenges for councils across New Zealand as they strive to comply.

Wintering in the North Island, I decided to explore hot pools, building my own short-list of pools for an annual safari each winter. Here’s my six favourites, so far.

This is a magical free stopover in a humble carpark, with entertainment built in.

If you have room for a pressure cooker when you are camping it provides a quick and efficient way to cook.

This is a very versatile and flexible recipe. You can make it up as a dry mix at home to take with you.

Can you fill in 12 place names from this list of DOC sites

The freedom camping spot on Lake Pukaki: Did I mention, I just can’t get enough of this place?

Recent news from the Department of Conservation.

What makes a good first camp for new campers?

Whangarei: Beachside reserve with large flat grassy area and a boat ramp.

Bordering the Catlins and close to Curio Bay, Waikawa also boasts a popular fish and chip (‘chup’) wagon