About us A magazine by and for campers — inspiring, informing, questioning, learning. Where to go, how to do it, rewards and challenges. The nuts and bolts as well as the politics. produced for for campers of all kinds, we hope we can unite the many different camping people and groups we have in NZ to create a unified voice and energy for current and future generations of New Zealanders. In each issue you will find: stories and pictures from campers, camping and festival events, ‘Stop and Stay’ places, information, advice, tips, experiences, some info on the political landscape. We have articles of interest to councils and government — comment, feedback, implications, remedi es. Share your stories Campers, and groups or clubs 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. Send us • Photos 1mb or more in size. • Email words and (separate) images: 
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 ISSN: 2815-827X (Online) ©2024 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson
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Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom van camping ©2024 Bette Cosgrove The new law allows freedom camping everywhere for self-contained vehicles and tents unless it is controlled by a bylaw. Challenges for local councils Bette Cosgrove 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. The laws and regulations mandate that councils update pre-existing freedom camping bylaws by June 2025 to align with changes made to the national legislation. The previous definition of self-containment (using the old NZS5465:2001) is no longer usable in a bylaw. By default, the new law allows freedom camping everywhere for self-contained vehicles and tents. To control freedom camping, a council needs a bylaw and making a new bylaw (or significantly updating an old one), requires careful consideration and extensive public consultation. Councils that have no bylaw are very limited in what they can enforce. Councils must ensure that their regulations are not only compliant but also practical and enforceable. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the legislation, as well as the specific needs and contexts of their communities. The process is complex and time-consuming, often requiring legal and logistical expertise that may not be readily available at the local level. Local Government New Zealand supported councils with an updated model bylaw in January: ckw.nz/bylaw-guidance . Managing freedom camping sites poses another hurdle. The making of a bylaw Councils need to identify suitable locations that meet self-containment criteria or specifically allocate areas for non-self-contained vehicles, while balancing the needs of residents, local businesses, and the environment. This can lead to tensions within communities, particularly in popular tourist areas where the influx of freedom campers can strain local resources and infrastructure. Public consultation is critical in this process, yet it can be challenging to engage diverse community voices effectively. Councils must navigate differing opinions on freedom camping, ranging from support for tourism to concerns about environmental impacts and local amenity as well as considering the needs of local iwi. Camping restrictions can only be applied with good reason and evidence that there is a need to either: protect the environment, the local people or access to a public place. Funding and enforcement To facilitate bylaw updates, councils have accessed portions of a 2-year $10m transition fund from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The bulk of this fund was sourced from the International Visitors Levy (IVL) which has recently been increased from $35 to $100 per incoming person. Despite about 80% of freedom campers being domestic tourists, the provision of financial support for management of freedom camping was drawn from our international visitors. That hardly seems equitable. (The $1.9m fund given to the Plumbers, Drainlayers and Gasfitters Board to establish the vehicle self containment system was also sourced from the IVL.) The allocation and management of the contestable transition funding was limited to only those councils who applied. Funds were for education and the development of future freedom camping management strategies. Councils have used some of these funds for enforcement and patrols to monitor sites and in some cases collect fines for breaches of the law. Freedom van camping. ©2024 Bette Cosgrovwe As tourist numbers increase with an expectation of a busy summer ahead, we will likely see local governments who did not get a share of these funds, finding it increasingly difficult to enforce the self-containment of vehicles under the legislation. There will also be a rush to write and implement new bylaws. Currently just over half of all councils across Aotearoa have a current freedom camping bylaw. The transition funding has now come to an end, so it’s very unclear how councils will be able to afford to continue these monitoring/enforcement services. They will be asking ratepayers to fund this in future or hope it is self-funding via infringement collection. Fines are now a minimum of $400 but historically only a small percentage are paid. Have your say in your area, and the areas you visit It’s clear that local councils now face a multifaceted set of challenges as they work to either create, upgrade or enforce their bylaws to implement the revised Freedom Camping Act 2011. If you care about protection of freedom camping sites, or preserving your right to freedom camp in your local area, keep an eye out for community engagement and feedback requests. Many councils have already begun these processes and you can exercise your democratic right to have your say. ◼️ Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 26

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Mountain biking Andrew Morton If it was that easy, everyone would do it. I’ve fallen off the mountain bike, been stung on the lip by a bee, my van, rear sliding door has packed a sad and I can’t access my fridge! Lots of riding: one day a 600m climb, followed by two day-rides of 7hr and a 3hr ride on third day. It’s been cold up here in the Central North Island, in Summer, much to my surprise: snow. At least six days of torrential rain! But I would not swap this for anything, the light, the colours, the experiences, the people you meet, are priceless to me. Sure reminds me just how lucky I am to live in the south (Southland). Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 23

Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption There is the toilet tent Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Toilet and shower tent Gary Hitchcock Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 25

Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS Index ISSUE 1 Camping the Kiwi Way, 1, Spring 2022 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: 1958, camping in the poptop. ©2022 Graham Leslie Read more The Harris Range Our campsite, and the critter pleased to make it there. Read more Cycle touring: Canterbury to Southland Tent and gear on board, Stephen sets off on the first leg of his tour around the South Island. We tag along, this issue, as far as Winton in Southland. Read more Thinking of Cycle touring? From my first trip as a teenager on a 10-speed I’ve developed a love of independent cycle touring. Read more Te Rātā Bay, Lake Tarawera Our trip was full of swimming in the thermal-warmed water around the lake, jet skiing, exploring, and cooking in the ground. Read more The big picture on the proposed changes for freedom camping The problems and the solutions do not match. Read more Seventh week Seventh week on the road in Aotearoa in this beauty. Read more The controversial Nash Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill The proposals, should they go ahead, will not achieve the outcome Nash intends and they are not workable. There is no identified benefit to any sector of the NZ leisure camping industry or to local authorities. Read more Just a little R&R Just a little R&R at Orton Bradley Park Read more Time to have your say on the “Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill” If passed this legislation will affect ALL campers and the camping industry in New Zealand for many years to come Read more Biking in Southland A three-hour late-night drive to Lumsden freedom camping spot at the station, arriving 11.30pm. Woke to a stunning day, chilly, but an awesome day for riding. Read more My 2 cents on the Nash proposals As a freedom camper, campervan business owner and citizen of NZ, I find these proposals extremely concerning. Read more Piano Flat Piano Flat DoC standard campsite is a favourite spot an hour from Gore, Southland in the Waikaia Forest Conservation Area with the Waikaia River flowing through the expansive camping area. Read more Travelling the world on a motorcycle There are more ways than one to travel the country, or the world, for that matter. LeRoy Knierim decided to do it on a motorcycle. It took ten years to circle the globe. Read more A North Island freedom-camping adventure After my South Island trip, I decided I wanted to road trip the North Island and go all the way up to Cape Reinga. For me, freedom camping in the car was the best way to do it. Read more TIPS Camping with preschoolers We started our camping trips over this past summer with a then 3yo and 4yo (and two large dogs). Read more What makes a great and safe freedom camping space? Enough room for comfort and safety; services and things to do nearby; a good sign (everyone wins with good, clear signs); and its fantastic if there is also a great view. Read more Firth of Thames Our view last night on the Firth of Thames. Read more Make a difference: Let's CHANGE the narrative Let’s spread message that responsible Freedom Campers are a help. Read more Lake Camp — freedom camp This is one of the Ashburton Lakes in the Hakatere Conservation Park. You reach it by turning off at Mt Somers then just drive until you reach it on the left. Read more View More

Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Van freedom camping ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Van freedom camping Freedom camping Bette Cosgrove Freedom camping ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 26

Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Eketahuna Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Eketahuna Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove STOP and STAY Ekatahuna Bette Cosgrove Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 4

Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Small town friendly Miriam Richardson Up Here are some suggestions on how to go about attracting campers to your town Let people know they are welcome; give them a reason to stop; make them welcome. The Hororata Glow at a really small town in Canterbury. ©2023 Hororata A reason to stop Each place will offer different reasons. You only need one reason to begin being camper-friendly. Make the most of it. It might be a shop, a museum, a rest stop area, a view, a cafe, a pub, a rest room. It might be services such as water, rubbish, fuel, dump station, a laundry. It might be an undercover space for cycle/tent campers: space for cooking, perhaps with a bbq, or fireplaces. It might be walks or bike tracks. List on Campermate, Wikicamps, Rankers, the NZMCA app so people know about your town and can plan to stop. Lumsden have made a point of welcoming freedom campers. This is the train station carpark in Lumsden. ©2022 Andrew Morton A place to pull over A sign in advance so people can prepare to stop is handy. A well sign-posted park that’s firstly easy to spot and find, and secondly, easy and safe to get both in and out of. A park for long vehicles and vehicles that are towing. Welcoming signage. Consider how people will cross if the park and the places of interest are on opposite sides of the road. A place to overnight In summer, grass is likely ok; in wet weather hard stand is needed. Consider the varied vehicle types, widths and lengths and allow enough room that fire-safety gaps are easy. Cycle tourers and car campers will be on the look out for good places to pitch a tent. Make it safe to drive in and out. (Traffic? Gate posts?) Walking distance to the town shops/pub etc. Somewhere pleasant (probably not at the town dump). Two night stays are the minimum for a relaxed stay: arrive, settle in, suss the place out, sleep; a day to explore/walk/fish/cycle; sleep; move on. Consider offering 3-, 4- , (or more) day stop-overs. A one-night stopover is an in-and-out thing: arrive, shop, sleep, move on to the next place. Waipiata, on the Otago Rail Trail, has made it very easy for cyclists and visitors to stop over in their domain. I can attest the Waipiata pies are worth a special trip. © 2023 Miriam Richardson Start with what is there You can start with what is currently there. Make it welcoming. Make it easy. Build on it bit by bit. What campers need... ...not necessarily all in your small town; not necessarily every visit; not necessarily free. A place to park. Tenters need short-grassy areas. Groceries and food. Fuel — petrol, deisel, LPG. Drinking water (some fill tanks, some fill bottles). A toilet and/or a dump station. Rubbish and recycling disposal. Showers. Laundromats. A place to charge a bike battery or phone. Cyclists can use a place for doing repairs (a post with a bike hanger does the job (under cover is even better). Internet: do you have rural broadband? Is there a local wifi network they can connect to? Mention this on the apps when you promote your town. What campers enjoy for parking up Car campers and tenters appreciate picnic tables, covered areas, places to wash dishes, light fires or thermettes; a clothesline. The self-contained enjoy the chance to put up an awning, set out some chairs, a table and the BBQ. Space: Too many vehicle crammed in together is uncomfortable as well as unsafe. Pleasant surroundings and view. Trucks whizzing by 2m away is uncomfortable, but intermittent trains deter very few. Having the local dump over the fence doesn’t appeal. Drifts of dust when a car goes past is no fun on your BBQ or in your cup of tea. What campers enjoy to do Shops, cafes, meals out, pubs, films. Meeting people. Walks, bike rides, swimming. Fishing, geo-caching, metal detecting. Museums and libraries. Resting up with a chair, a book and a view. It can be simple; it needn’t be flash A shop could offer to take small bags of rubbish for a small fee. A fuel stop could allow a tap to be used for water. Dishwashing sinks could be added to the outside of a toilet block. The hotel might offer showers and laundry for a fee; or overnight parking for a fee (some waive the fee if a meal is bought). Road reserve could be managed for long-vehicle parking. The local hall, domain or church could offer overnight parking, when the community doesn’t need it (eg., ‘never on Sunday,’ 
‘never on Show Weekend’). An overnight fee can be a big help with maintenance. Locals could offer tent space on their lawn and perhaps a shower for cycle campers. See warmshowers.org . — Campers, cycle tourers, van tourers and motorhomers come to meet a need or to explore and to enjoy your part of the world. They have money to spend. They are mostly gregarious and sociable. Welcoming these visitors, as a town, brings a social and an economic boost to your small town. Up Up Let people know, 
give them a reason, 
make them welcome. A social and economic boost to your small town 1/0 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption A storm over the DOC Homestead campsite Tony Kissel A storm over the DOC Homestead campsite near St Bathans, Central Otago. Tony Kissel Photo ©2023 Tony Kissel Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 6

Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing interesting places to explore and enjoy STOP and STAY All roads lead to Camp Fest Gary Stoneley Bulls, February 2025 No matter which direction you are coming to Camp Fest from, there are many worthwhile, interesting places to explore and enjoy. North, South, East or West, or just a short distance from the Camp Fest venue there are some great opportunities to take a break and check out something a bit different. The township of Bulls is situated in the lower North Island approximately halfway between the majestic Mount Ruapehu (below) and Wellington ( ckw.nz/bulls ). It forms a junction between State Highways 1 and 3 where travellers’ paths from all directions cross. What better place for NZ’s national camping club, the All Points Camping Club of NZ, to host the third Camp Fest? An affordable, inclusive, family-friendly event for all types of campers. Read about Camp Fest In this article I cover some special places to check out on your travels plus some great places to stay. N is for North National Park Heading toward Bulls from the central plateau, make a benefit of the Desert Road closure (Jan 6 to end of Feb) to take a night at National Park, then give the kids a break at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park and indulge in an Ohakune chocolate eclair, before heading on to the Waiouru Army Museum back on SH1. ( ckw.nz/waiouru-museum and more ). The museum is a great place to stop. The museum holds records of past military personnel with very helpful staff to help you with information. It’s a good, safe place to park overnight with the caravan or motorhome. A bit further down the highway, stop at Taihape’s giant gumboot and take a walk up to the Mount Stewart lookout ( ckw.nz/mt-stewart ). This comes highly recommended by travellers. Travel south a bit more to Mangaweka and with two riverside campgrounds ( mangaweka.co.nz/camp)……or go a bit further to the Flat Hills Cafe and Tourist Park ( ckw.nz/flat-hills ). With some of the best custard squares in the country, a challenging adult maze, animals, children’s playground and overnight camping this is one stop you will want to come back to. If you are into bushwalks taking a brief detour to the Whitecliffs Boulders may interest you ( whitecliffsboulders.co.nz ). Vinegar Hill Just north of Hunterville you can camp at the popular Vinegar Hill Reserve ( ckw.nz/vinegar-hill , below). Looking across the Rangitikei valley from Stormy Point Continuing on this side road will give you scenic views as you meander across hills and valleys to Feilding or you may wish to continue down SH1 to Bulls. S is for South Otaki Rivermouth, freedom camping spot. If beaches are your thing start with a night at the Otaki River mouth, and the Foxton and Himatangi beaches are worth a visit. There are several campgrounds to choose from. Both the De Molen Windmill ( foxtonwindmill.co.nz ), Oranjehof, Dutch Connection Centre oranjehof.org.nz and Off the Loop water park ( offtheloop.nz ) are worth checking out. Heading up SH1, the Waireka Honey shop has tasty honey blended ice cream and wines with a wide range of homely and beeswax products ( wairekahoney.co.nz ). It’s a chance to pull off the highway and catch your breath before heading up to Sanson and the Bulls Camp Fest. E is for East Heading towards Camp Fest from the East, Dannevirke Holiday Park is set in a tranquil hollow surrounded by native bush ( ckw.nz/dannevirke , more ). It’s close to the community pool, deer enclosure and bird aviaries. The native bush theme continues with Ferry Reserve, for camping at the base of the Tararua Ranges by the Manawatu River with easy access to the Manawatu Gorge bushwalks ( ckw.nz/ferry-reserve ). Once you have travelled over the Saddle Road, past the windmills, Ashhurst gives you the chance to stop over at the Ashhurst Domain ( ckw.nz/ashhurst-domain ) for the night or choose one of the many routes to Bulls. The most scenic, but longer route would be to head through the Pohangina Valley. Stopping at the Tōtara Reserve Regional Park ( totarareserveregionalpark.co.nz ) and campground or carrying on to Apiti and Kimbolton. Both towns have facilities and reserves for freedom camping. The more direct route to Bulls will take you through Feilding, to the Coachhouse Museum ( coachhousemuseum.nz ), which would have to rate as one of the best-maintained collections of NZ’s farming history in all of NZ. If you have a self-contained vehicle you can stay here overnight for a small donation. A very popular parkover location is Timona Park, adjacent to the Ōroua River and walkway. Whether coming from east or south two ‘must do’s’ in Sanson are Viv’s kitchen ( vivskitchen.co.nz ) with it’s famous cream horns and just adjacent to it, the Retro America store ( retroamerica.co.nz ). W is for West Dudding Lake If you are travelling from Taranaki or Whanganui on your way to Camp Fest there are campgrounds and free camps in Hawera, and two lakeside campgrounds that are worth considering, Lakelands Holiday Park ( lakelands.co.nz ) and Dudding Lake ( duddinglake.nz ) as well as the small coastal campground of Koitiata ( koitiata.nz ). Camp Fest in Bulls The Camp Fest venue offers a large open area for parking of caravans and motorhomes with a tree lined glade for those with tents or small camping units. See p 31 for more. Arrive on the Friday if possible to enjoy the full range of activities over the weekend. All the local shops are within an easy walk. The Bulls River was a major hurdle to cross for early settlers and travellers and Scotts Ferry operated down-river near the coast. There is a small low-cost community campground at the heritage site of Scotts Ferry ( ckw.nz/scotts-ferry ) just a short drive from the town. Bulls is in the Rangitikei District which does not have a freedom camping bylaw, so you can park where it is safe to do so, but be aware of your surroundings, other people, litter, and comply with other bylaws and laws. We hope you enjoy your travels to Camp Fest in Bulls in February 2025 and look forward to seeing you there. ◊ Images: © remains with the organisations/businesses and photographers. Read about Camp Fest The Camp Fest website: campfestnz.org Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 33

Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Group: Life of Van Bette Cosgrove Up Camping clubs & groups Since 2020 more kiwis have been travelling at home and discovering the delights of outdoor adventures and camping in their own regions. Wellington-based couple Chloe Wright and Jonathan Collins, passionate about tent camping experiences, found that sharing this on Facebook via the NZ Fun Adventures page attracted a growing number of campers who travelled and camped in vehicles, camper vans, trailer campers, or caravans. Being former caravanners, they decided to launch an ‘Life of Van – New Zealand’ as a platform for van travellers to share their tips and tricks, and find a positive community to support other vehicle campers. Life of Van NZ FB Page is a private group with a positive vibe, giving everyone from weekend warriors to van life veterans a place to connect. It focuses on celebrating the sense of freedom in van travelling, while encouraging that free spirit for those who might be new to van life. Look for Life of Van – New Zealand on Facebook ckw.nz/life-of-van Up Up 1/1 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold some random tips Tips for campers Editor Disposing of empty small LPG canisters “I attach to my stove to make sure they are empty then bash a hole with a screwdriver and hammer, then put in recycling.” “You can drop them off at some recycling/transfer stations (check first).” Or use this tool, pictured: JetBoil CrunchIt. JetBoil CrunchIt. Calculating the rear axle load for rear bicycle racks How to calculate the rear axle load of a caravan, mobile home or campervan with a loaded rear rack. ckw.nz/axle-load-bike iOverlander A free website and app created to help overlanders on the road find their next destination. You can improve the data by updating and adding places you have been. There are 540 places in New Zealand so far. ioverlander.com Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 36