Free camping is not free. One way or the other there is a dollar or an environmental cost. Or both. Often both hip pocket and the environment get hit. Unfortunately there are gaps in any user pays proposition.

'What is illegal camping?' Driven by growing road touring demand right now the answer continues to be the subject of debate at National, State and Local Government levels in Australia and New Zealand.

GoSee is concerned that the pleasures and freedoms of camping will have the life beaten out of it with an 'Illegal Camping' club.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) is disappointed with the Thames-Coromandel District Council's (TCDC) latest approach to managing freedom camping.

The Local Government and Environment Select Committee emphasised that the intent of the new legislation was to permit freedom camping unless specifically restricted or prohibited.

A specific clause denies local authorities the power to ban freedom camping throughout their boundaries, instead requiring reasonable and proportionate restrictions at each area.

The South Island Camper Care NZ Motorhome and Caravan Show in Christchurch came through with prizes, a major motorhome rally and a fresh take on bowls.

Next in a new run of Classic Events camping shows is in North Island Hamiton from March 2 to 4 at Claudelands, Hamilton.

On the subject of touring New Zealand in comfort in all-seasons Christchurch exhibitors put up some good options. GoSeeNewZealand includes some impressions through the lens of our cameras.

The GSNZ Leisure Line Elite Special Edition 2010 6.5 metre caravan is definitely built for New Zealand conditions.

Regardless of Christchurch quakes and rain and gales living in the caravan is warm and comfortable.

GoSeeNewZealand picked the Leisure Line Elite Special Edition 2010 6.5 metre caravan from the factory floor in Hamilton.

Working room inside the Leisure Line Elite Special Edition 2010 6.5 metre caravan is spacious and easy to get around in.

Kiwis considering purchasing a motorhome, caravan, fifth wheeler or slide on camper should consider joining the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc. (NZMCA).

Established more than 50 years ago, NZMCA has more than 43,000 individual members. NZMCA says it is open to anyone with an interest in motor caravanning.

In fact, you don't even need to own a motorhome or campervan to be a member of the association.

Stay on track this Christmas New Year GoSee has upgraded its free Plan a Trip touring map option to give full satellite coverage from one specific destination to another anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.

A click on any of the sequential, printable directions brings a specific sub-map. Terrain is another option available to help read hilly going ahead of time.

Major caravan and holiday park chains can be imposed on a planned trip. Independent caravan parks are covered too.

Being part of the feeding program at Orana Wildlife Park puts visitors in the lions territory. You are in the cage.

The lions look at you as they feed. It's Roman really with the comforting add-on that the cage (with the people in it) prevents a Christians v Lions Colosseum outcome.

Sixteen scheduled animal feeds occur daily and are accompanied by a presentation from a wildlife guide. This means Orana Wildlife Park has something to keep visitors of all ages entertained for the entire day.

Angela and Ken Bryan of GoSeeNewZealand complete a North and South Island towing tour with a new Leisure Line Elite Special Edition 6.5 metre caravan.

They find caravan touring in a New Zealand Spring challenging and instructive.

They learn GPS is an aid not a guru.

Peace is found at Hanmer Springs. Unisex works at Amber Park Christchurch.

Akaroa on Banks Peninsula is a must see.

Hayman Reese Hitch Pin Lock winner David Hailwood, of Capalaba, a southeastern suburb of Brisbane Queensland got a timely prize in the GoSee TravelSmart draw.

GoSee spoke with David as he was about to go down the street to buy a Hayman Reese Hitch Pin Lock as his new caravan has arrived.

GoSee's tour to the south of New Zealand's South Island hit us between the eyes. As we headed over Arthurs Pass the spectacular scenery rushed to meet us.

GoSee visited Fox Glacier and dropped in on old friends Linda and Adrian at the Fox Glacier Holiday Park & Motel.

Richard and Lorraine Molloy welcome GoSee to Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park.

We found Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park's has award winning facilities.