Fun things to do while camping

If you’re new to camping, it’s fair to wonder what it is that people actually do on camping trips!? From stargazing to hiking, swimming, and cooking, the beauty of camping is that it can be whatever you want it to be - take some time to live the slow life, unplug from the daily grind and surround yourself with beautiful nature to recharge. Here are a few classic camping ideas and tips to get you started.

MAKE A FIRE

Channel your inner caveman, grab your flint stick and start a fire! A good campfire serves a range of activities. You can cook on it, use it as a source of light and perhaps most importantly toast your marshmallows over it! As the night wears on it’ll keep you warm; so grab your guitar and share a bonding session as you harmonise your way through Kumbaya or other campfire classics. When you’re starting any fire, always be mindful of your surroundings. Remember that fires aren't necessarily allowed everywhere you camp so do check and follow the fire safety regulations beforehand. When you are ready to call it a night, make sure the fire is completely out and you leave the space as you found it!

SLEEP UNDER THE STARS

This wouldn't be a list of fun camping ideas without a bit of stargazing. City dwellers, (or suburban dwellers for that matter) often don’t realise the abundance of stars hidden from the metropolitan skyscape. Light pollution from even small towns and cities can drown out a truly amazing celestial spectacle. So, while heading out of town for your camping trip, look up at the sky and on a clear night you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. If you are planning a camping trip around New Zealand's south island, stopping for a night within the dark sky reserve is well worth it for some of the best stargazing in the world.

BUSHWALKING

Bushwalking is an awesome way to get into nature and make the most of your environment. You can opt for doing various day trails and set your tent up as a basecamp, or pick a lightweight tent that you can keep in your pack and pitch as you go if you would prefer to go on a longer multi track. Hikes can be easy or hard, long or short. They can start deep into mountain ranges and end in a swim. In short, they can be practically anything you want them to be. Just remember to keep track of exactly where you’re going and how to get back. If you are a newbie bushwalker, stay on the well-trekked paths for the first wee while. No matter your level of experience though, always be sure to let your friends or others at your campsite or DOC site know how long you plan to be gone.

WATERSPORTS

Even though there are heaps of landscapes that lend themselves to an awesome camping experience, beachside camping is arguably one of the best ways to spend the summer. Being beside the water allows for jet skiing, fishing, kayaking and plain old swimming, and is a great way to keep everyone entertained if your holiday includes children. Simply slip, slop, slap the sunblock and keep the mozzies at bay with BuzzGuard to let the good times roll! Don’t forget to put on a hat though!

READING

With our increasingly busy lives, life’s simple pleasures often go by the wayside. Camping offers the perfect opportunity to leap off the grid, turn off the tech and grab that book you’ve been meaning to read for the last month (or five). It’s rare we have time to ourselves so, with the soundtrack of nature in the background, pop yourself under a tree, snuggle into a camp chair and immerse yourself in a good read. Not all camping activities have to raise a sweat!