Whatever the weather this summer, hundreds of happy campers will be packing up the essentials and heading off to set up camp in one of Auckland’s regional parks. Why not join them, says Sarah Ell.
This summer Auckland Council celebrates 50 years of parks, with a Big Campout. On the weekend of March 5-6, 18 campgrounds around the region will host guided walks and talks, storytelling and mountain-biking classes and more.
But any time's a good time to take your tent and enjoy the great outdoors, says Auckland Council senior ranger and camping enthusiast Wayne Carlson.
"It's the experience of getting close to nature. It's a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, and relax and reconnect with the world."
He says the general principles of camping are relatively simple. "More than anything else, it's a matter of adaptation and acclimation to living outdoors rather than within four walls."
Carlson says having a good-quality tent is crucial to a positive camping experience. "Do your own research and obtain good advice from your outdoors retailer." And be wary of the size description: Carlson says terms like "six-person" might be technically correct, but it can depend on the size of the campers and their willingness to "be cosy".
"Some family-sized tents claiming room for five or more only fit that many if you stack everyone in a certain way, or if some campers are pint-sized. You won't be able to store any of your gear inside as well."
He also recommends the very sensible step of pitching the tent at home at least once before you head off. "If you have kids, you could have a sleepover in the backyard, and cook camping food to get them familiar with camping."
However, the best tent ever made won't help if you start out with a poor campsite and bad preparation, Carlson warns. At regional parks, site availability is on a "on-arrival" basis, so it's up to campers to pick what looks best for them and their needs. He recommends always looking for a "natural bed" of grassy, soft, flat soil - but avoiding the bottom of hills or in valleys. "Find the most level spot to pitch your tent, and choose a rough, flat surface over a smooth slope if you have to choose - your mattress will absorb most of the rough spots."
The ideal spot has morning sun and afternoon shade, and your tent should be oriented with the prevailing wind against the rear of the tent. Need some guidance? Have a quick look at what direction other campers have set up in.
Another tip is to use a ground cloth under your tent. "This protects your valuable tent floor from tears and punctures, and offers a bit more insulation. Just make sure that whatever you use is smaller in size than the perimeter of your tent, otherwise water might pool underneath you," he says.
Tatapouri near Gisborne
Food and water
Planning ahead is the key to success for camp catering. Most of the main parks have shops nearby where extra supplies and vital ice can be purchased. Carlson says you will need at least one if not two good-size chilly-bins, although some campers bring small electric fridges which can be run off an inverter or solar panel.
There is a total fire ban in all parks, so you will need to bring a gas cooker. Some sites have shared barbecue facilities.
Carlson says the communal nature of food preparation and tidying up is an important part of the camping experience, and can be a fun way to get kids involved. "One of the features of camping is adventure play, and this can make kids a bit more hungry, both at meal times and throughout the day."
To keep rubbish to a minimum, Carlson recommends reducing the amount of packaging you take on the trip before leaving home - discarding boxes and excess wrapping - and pre-preparing items such as chopped onions. "You can also pre-make and freeze meals such as pasta bolognaise. When frozen they can assist in keeping other foods colder in a chilly-bins, and they just require reheating." All vehicle-based campsites have potable water on tap; Carlson recommends bringing some 10-litre containers from home, then refilling them on site.
Carlson says though camping in the wet is not an experience many look forward to, with good preparation and planning "it does have its own unique qualities. "Reading a good book while listening to the rain falling on a tent is very soothing. And for children it will be a whole new, exciting adventure - expect muddy and wet clothes and big smiles." Just make sure you thoroughly dry your equipment at home before packing it away.
