4

Going bush
It is also generally accepted that if you stray off the beaten path, away from the holiday hot spots and into the wilderness, your chances of finding the perfect spot to get away from it all are much higher. In this category Department of Conservation (DOC) has some stunning camping locations for you to consider. In this story we suggest a few for you to ponder over. For a more exhaustive list, check out the DOC website.

A night or few under the canvas with plenty to do in the day love the New Zealand outdoors for its boundless offering.

New Zealanders are passionate about the outdoors, especially camping. And with hundreds of campsites nationwide, theyre also spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect place to pitch their tents. Campers can choose from fully-serviced campgrounds or holiday parks to the back-to-the roots, real camping options at more remote locations whatever your camping style, there is something for you.

fishing is allowed. You can also collect shellfish. The DOC website lists the species youre permitted to fish. The walkways in the neighbouring farmland give visitors the option to see the rare brown teal. Given its beachside location and availability of water (on tap), toilets and shower (cold) facilities, this campsite is suitable for families.
PoRt JACkSon Coromandel

FAMILY CAMPERS
WAIkAhoA BAY Whangarei

58 kilometres north of Coromandel, this campsite is at the waters edge, next to a beach. It is an idyllic place for families to relax, especially the ones that love water-based activities. Here you can enjoy boating, diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. The stunning 6km Muriwai coastal loop walk leaves Port Jackson at the northern end of the beach. Facilities onsite include water (from tap), toilets, shower (cold), barbecue and rubbish bin.
MoMoRAngI BAY Marlborough Sounds

Located in the Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, about 48km north-east of Whangarei, this campsite is a great for swimming and diving. It also offers some good spots for fishing with barracuda, snapper, kingfish, kahawai, tuna, trevally and yellow-eyed mullet among the fish found in the waters here. Keen anglers will have plenty to do while the kids frolic in the water. Commercial fishing and the use of nets and long-lines is prohibited but amateur fishing of certain species using single hooked and un-weighted lines, trolling and spear
Photo: DoC

This north-facing campsite is located in Momorangi Bay, Grove Arm in the Queen Charlotte Sound. You can camp beside a beautiful sheltered bay or at flat campsites on a grassy hillside. Great place to relax by the waterside or for safe paddling for children. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, diving, as well as short walks, tramping and mountain biking. This site is very popular during peak season and advance bookings are essential. You can also park a campervan here or hire a cabin. Hot showers, toilets, communal kitchen with basic appliances, rubbish bin, water (on tap) and picnic table this campsite has plenty of facilities to keep family campers happy.

BLokES gEtAWAYS (hUntIng AnD FIShIng)

LAkE tAYLoR North Canterbury

This beautiful campsite is well worth the effort to get into over a pretty rough gravel road (accessible by 2WD). Located on Lake Sumner road, 74km northwest of Amberley, it is a great area to explore by foot or mountain bike. Taking your kayak or boat is also suggested. This is real man alone territory with great fishing and hunting spots.
Waikahoa Bay campsite

Lake Taylor is good for spin-fishing or fly-fishing (on a windless day). You can also fish in the nearby Lake Katrine, Lake Sumner and Hurunui River. Check out Fish and Game New Zealand website for fishing seasons and regulations. Lake Sumner Forest Park where this

Photo: CoLEMAn

Lake Taylor, North Canterbury

campsite is located is also popular with recreational hunters as pigs, red deer and chamois are in low to moderate numbers. You can hunt with a permit throughout the park. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables and water from the stream.
LAkE okAREkA Rotorua

memorable experience. A man cant beat being there in the roar, which is generally during April, he suggests for timing. A wide range of DOC huts and campsites is available, depending on which area of Fiordland you are hunting in.
EASt CoASt oF LoWER noRth ISLAnD

This small, scenic hidden gem is just 15 minutes drive from Rotorua city. Surrounded by native bush and tranquil lake views, it makes a good spot to fly-fish for trout (appropriate gear and licence is required). There are toilets and a cooking shelter at this campsite.
StEWARt ISLAnD

This magnificent island offers the opportunity to hunt the elusive Whitetail deer, which is also known as the Grey Ghost, says Al Lester, author of A Sting In The Tale, in which he regales readers with his hunting experiences. Also roaming the island are red deer. That a man can gather oysters, scallops, crayfish and blue cod at the same time simply makes this the ultimate location of hunting and recreation, he adds. Hunting is a little easier in the winter months when the bush is wetter and therefore quieter, he suggests. There are a number of DOC managed huts and campsites within Rakiura National Park on Steward Island, as well as 14 specific hunters huts in some of the hunting blocks (bookable hunting areas) that have been built and are maintained by the Rakiura Hunter Camp Trust. Fees for huts vary and are available on the DOC website. Some of the huts are standard with bunks or sleeping platforms, mattresses, a toilet and water supply while the others offer very basic shelter with limited facilities.
Photo: P. BRADY, DoC

Hunting around the White Rock Station area is hard to beat. There are pigs, red deer and fallow deer in reasonable numbers and best of all there is no gorse to contend with, says Lester. The area has magnificent sea views and access to paua in shallow water is always well worth a visit. Any time is a good time to visit this area, especially if you are into water sport alongside of your hunting, he recommends. Backcountry huts are available in Aorangi Forest park (near White Rock Station). You can also opt for the Putangirua Pinnacles campsite on the coast between Cape Palliser and Lake Ferry.

CAMP ARoUnD thE gREAt WALkS

Conservation land offers extensive walking options including nine Great Walks that are a must do for anyone keen on hikes and tramps listed on the DOC website.
WhAngAnUI JoURnEY Whanganui National Park

FIoRDLAnD

The terrain here is rugged and mountainous, and the weather often inclement, says Lester. If a hunter is prepared to suffer some discomfort and put in the hard work then the sheer grandeur of this isolated location makes hunting red deer and wapiti an extremely

Although a river journey, this is part of New Zealands Great Walks network. Paddle your way through 145km of the Whanganui river, from Taumaranui to Pipiriki, through hills, valleys and the heart of Whanganui National Park. DOC campsites, huts and associated facilities are provided along the river. Campsites have water supply with a table and benches for cooking while huts have bunks with mattresses, stoves, benches, tables and cooking facilities. Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts or campsites. There are no fees for
cont. on pg6 >>

COOK UP A STORM
$

119.99

89.99

59.99

RoadTrip Wheeled Carry Case

RoadTrip Grill Cover

RoadTrip Griddle/Hotplate
Available in aluminium or cast iron

549.99

499.99

129.99

39.99

59.99

RoadTrip Grill Barbeque

Fully portable BBQ with electronic ignition, detachable side tables and porcelain coated locking lid for secure transporting. Total output 20,000 BTU.

RoadTrip LXE Grill Barbeque

Fully portable BBQ with electronic ignition, detachable side tables and porcelain coated locking lid for secure transporting. Total output 20,000 BTU

RoadTrip Full Griddle

RoadTrip Stove Grate/ Pot Support

RoadTrip Grill Plate

Available in aluminium or cast iron

Visit www.colemannz.co.nz to find your nearest Coleman Specialist store for these great deals. Prices valid until December 31st 2012 or while stocks last.

park entry. Campsites are free during off season (May 1 to September 30).
ABEL tASMAn CoASt tRACk Abel Tasman National Park

essential all year round. It is possible to arrange for luggage to be freighted by boat between huts and campsites.
hEAPhY tRACk Kahurangi National Park

CAMPIng tIPS AnD SAFEtY

Check out the facilities at the campsite you are going to it would not be nice to find yourself without essential supplies in the middle of nowhere. Book your preferred campsite in advance, especially during peak season, school holidays and long weekends. Choose your tent site carefully a shady, sheltered area preferably on high ground is recommended. Check for stones, sticks and any sharp objects in your chosen area. Some things you must carry a good tent, torches, spare batteries, matches or lighters, pocket knife, sun block, insect repellent, tent repair or duct tape and sufficient food. Clothes and gear suitable for all weathers is suggested, as are good walking boots. Basic camping equipment, depending on the sort of campsite you choose, is also required. To make it fun, add to your list games, chilly bins, barbecues, gazebo, bikes this list can be as exhaustive as you want. Before you add to this list, remember youve to carry it! For safety reasons, if youre going alone or camping in a remote place, follow the outdoor safety code (on AdventureSmart website) plan your trip and seek local knowledge, tell someone about your plans, be aware of the weather, know your limits and take sufficient supplies. If youre camping with children, check out the hazards in the area such as lakes, streams and busy roads. Camp responsibly and minimise your impact on the environment.

photo: 90 SeCoNDS, DoC

Located on South Islands northern shores, this 54.4km coastal walk is blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and native bush. The walk typically takes three to five days and can be walked from either direction. Day walk options are also available and visitors can walk into the park from the roadend carparks, catch water taxis to beaches along the track or kayak along the coast. Accommodation is available at any of the four huts and 18 campsites that dot the track. The campsites offer basic facilities, including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Bookings are

Heaphy Track, the longest of the Great Walks at 78.4km, combines all of New Zealands magical natural beauty into one walk. This track crosses a range of landscapes, starting from the junction of the Brown and Aorere Rivers, over expansive tussock downs to the lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas of the West Coast. The track caters to walkers all year round and mountain bikers during the off-peak season (May to September). DOC provides seven huts and nine campsites along the track, all offering basic facilities including water supply and toilets.

Heaphy Track

RESoURCES to PLAn YoUR tRIP AdventureSmart: www.advventuresmart.org.nz; Department of Conservation: www.doc.govt.nz; Great Walks: www.greatwalks.co.nz; Fish and Game NZ: www.fishandgame.org.nz

Great buys
SLEEPIng BAgS
The Coleman ET Outlander CO sleeping bag (pictured left) is a warm and comfortable hooded design (with a pull cord). It features internal pockets for valuables and includes a compression stuff sac. Comfort rating 0C. One-year warranty. RRP $99.99. The Coleman BigFoot Sloop Neck sleeping bag (pictured right) is made for the bigger, heavier guys, with a dimension of 200 x 100cm. Its sloop neck provides the comfort of a hood without full enclosure. Also features internal pockets to store valuables. Comfort rating 0C. One-year warranty. RRP $129.99. www.colemannz.co.nz

CoLEMAn CPX 6 X LAntERn

A high performance lantern and flashlight in one. The flashlight docks and charges in the lantern and ejects for independent use. The lantern has three modes of light with an output of 300 lumens. Includes a threeyear warranty. RRP $149.99. www.colmannz.co.nz

SWAnnDRI RAngER ShIRt

An oldie, this tough and durable shirt will last you a lifetime. Made from 100 per cent wool, this pullover shirt has two large button button-up chest pockets and front zip. Available in olive, navy, red/black and blue/black. RRP $169.95. www.swanndri.co.nz

SWAnnDRI tEChnICAL SoCkS

This ergonomically designed sock is made from premium New Zealand merino for insulation, warmth, moisture management and odour resistance. It also has nylon fibres for durability and a customised elastic support system. RRP $27.95 (tall). www.swanndri.co.nz

CoLEMAn InStAnt UP EvEnt 14 ShADE kAthMAnDU REtREAt 180 tEnt

This tent has two fully enclosed rooms with front porch featuring no-see-um mesh screens on windows and doors and power cord access. Featuring an air venting system, the Retreat 180 is perfect for families. RRP $849.98. www.kathmandu.co.nz This shade sets up in less than a minute and offers a large shade area with its solid corners and two side poles for extra strength. Two roof vents remove excess air and keep the shelter cool. One-year warranty. RRP $349.99. www.colemannz.co.nz