NZ Holidaymaker -- Issue #010 -- November 2006

Table of contents

1 The dangers of freedom camping
2 Native Parks Motorhome Havens
3 Volcanic New Zealand
4 Bring your sunscreen (and use it)!
5 Low petrol prices
6 Spooky Arts Centre

The dangers of freedom camping

We're often asked if New Zealand is a safe country for freedom camping. A difficult question to answer, because how would we know? We mostly stayed on camping grounds ourselves, though some of those were quite remote DOC camping sites. The only time we did park up for the night in an isolated car park (near the start of one of NZ's walking tracks), we didn't feel very comfortable doing so. But nothing happened nor did we ever hear of any serious problems that occurred to people while freedom camping. That is, until last week, when a newly wed Dutch couple that parked up for the night at Haruru Falls on the North Island, was attacked, forced to withdraw cash from ATMs and the woman sexually assaulted. A story that will definitely affect our camping habits!


Native Parks Motorhome Havens

With freedom camping not being safe in some places and the number of camping sites on the decline (see our previous newsletter), would your only option be the sometimes crowded regular camping sites? Fortunately not! Why not consider staying for the night at one of the almost fifty Native Park Motorhome Havens in New Zealand? These are rural properties and businesses all over the country (though mostly on the North Island), which offer you a place to stay overnight at no cost -- if you're a member. Membership is only 50 NZ$, for which you'll receive a membership card and a guidebook, containing a list of all the different properties. Wouldn't it be interesting to stay at a winery for the night, or a salmon farm? And what to think of an olive grove or a cheese farm? There are a couple of conditions to becoming a member: your campervan has to be fully self contained for instance and you can stay for 24 hours at the max. For more information see the website of Native Park Motorhome Havens: www.nativeparks.co.nz


Volcanic New Zealand

One of the things that makes New Zealand an interesting country to visit, is its volcanic landscape. When asked for travel suggestions, we therefore always recommend people to visit Rotorua and its surroundings. Smelling the sulphur, seeing mud steam and boil and walking through volcanic craters is not something you experience everyday. We bet it will be one of the highlights of your New Zealand camper van holiday. If you like walking or hiking you really should take time to visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley. There is a variety in walks available: from a 45 minute easy walk to a 2 hour advanced hiking trail (which can be extended to a 3,5 hour trail). And if you're tired after your walk, relax with a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is located only 20 minutes south of Rotorua.

If you cannot make it to Rotorua, you can always enjoy the Rotorua mud at home! The Rotorua Thermal Mud Face Mask (available online from Products from New Zealand) is a suspension of thermal mud in mineral spa water and is a true blessing for your skin. After applying the mud and letting it dry it will generate heat, increase your blood circulation and perspiration, help eliminate toxins and promote the regeneraion of new cells.

NB: Products from New Zealand offers a 100% money back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the product -- no questions asked!

This summer, ultraviolet radiaton levels over New Zealand could be higher than ever, according to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Because the stratosphere over Antarctica has been very cold this year, the ozone hole over Antarctica has never been this large. The hole is four times the size of Australia, and swung over South American towns and the Falkland Islands. Though it did not extend as far as New Zealand, patches of ozone-depleted air could drift over the country as it breaks apart during summer. This would allow more ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the atmosphere. UV levels could be as high as they have ever been and increase the risk to sunbathers. So bring plenty of sunscreen this summer and make sure you use it!


Low petrol prices

In our April newsletter) this year we wrote about the rising fuel prices in New Zealand. Well, good news for you if you're leaving for New Zealand soon: things have changed a lot in the meantime. Petrol prices are falling again: they are now only 2c above where they were a year ago. Falling international crude oil prices and the rising New Zealand dollar seem to be behind the petrol price cuts. At the time of writing, 91-octane is NZ$ 1.38.5 a litre, 95-octane NZ$ 1.43.6 and diesel NZ$ 0.98.7. To check actual fuel prices, visit www.pricewatch.co.nz.


Spooky Arts Centre

The Christchurch Arts Centre spooky? Usually this centre, located in the buildings of the former Canterbury University, is a very lively and welcoming place, with lots of specialty shops, galleries, a theatre, cinema, bars, restaurants and cafes. During the weekends there's an art, craft and produce market and the centre often hosts special events. But yes, it can also be a very spooky place! If you'd like to experience this other side of the Arts Centre, then join the Court Theatre's Ghost Walk, which gives you the chance to explore the buildings in darkness. In a slow, deliberately sinister voice your guide tells you about their history, along with tales of illustrious and unfortunate scholars and teachers. His assistant stays in the background. Is he only watching to make sure nothing happens or making sure you cannot escape? Find out for yourself! Ghost Walks start at 8.30pm (six nights per week) and can be booked from the I-site in Cathedral Square.

Happy travels,
Boukeline & Rob
www.new-zealand-camper-van-adventures.com