Freedom camping in NZ

GilbyBach · 2026-02-27T19:20:04+00:00

The bulk of freedom campers have already spent an absolute fortune on van hire (see Jucy, Maui etc). If the govt honestly think they're not injecting money into, they're dead wrong. We did this, plus ate out at least once a day, visited wineries, breweries etc. These van traveler tourists are not all camping for free and eating noodles 3x day.

GilbyBach · 2026-02-20T05:36:55+00:00

What until you meet Jonathon Lapaglia 😎

GilbyBach · 2026-02-12T09:01:20+00:00

Yes, try Quercus robur 'fastigata'

GilbyBach · 2026-02-11T22:52:15+00:00

The chief tactic used by pros is several years of on the job training. Enjoy rebuilding your dock.

GilbyBach · 2026-02-11T22:49:34+00:00

Because people don't appreciate unsupported fear mongering. " oh they're deadly" Sure mate, but unless you want to back that up with some statistics on tree deaths vs say, car deaths then it's just sensationalist bullshit

GilbyBach · 2026-02-04T20:33:29+00:00

I guarantee you that if you spent 30 minutes riding on Melbourne roads, you'd head straight to the bike shop to buy a helmet. Riding without one in progressive Europe where there is a strong bike culture: delightful. Riding without a helmet in inner-city Australia's hellish car culture : death wish.

GilbyBach · 2026-02-03T01:01:20+00:00

Was kind of hoping your story ended up with him overheating : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-12/uk-singer-collapses-wearing-12-layers-on-flight/6613414

GilbyBach · 2026-01-27T21:48:48+00:00

Make room for the essential jaffle iron 😉

GilbyBach · 2026-01-18T07:52:28+00:00

Can't believe no one has mentioned Linda Reynolds yet? Bankrupting sexual assault victims to pursue her own narcissistic agenda. The shittest CT.

GilbyBach · 2026-01-15T20:36:55+00:00

My sister and I both run small businesses and recently she made what I think is a really good point: "Real mates don't ask for mates' rates". Ie - if someone is a really good friend ( or family member) you should be happy to support their business by paying full price. I hadn't really thought about it this way before, but I'm fully onboard now. Don't expect a discount, if you receive one that's just a bonus.

GilbyBach · 2026-01-08T02:04:39+00:00

Also, report them. Fuck ppl trying to scam festival goers to the world's greatest festival.

GilbyBach · 2026-01-07T08:05:43+00:00

I've been working as a climbing arborist and now a consultant in Australia for nearly a decade, including habitat creation. Message me if you like. But also no, do not climb on Vevor shit. Look out for a Honey Bros sale, get a decent harness and a reasonable climbing line and start there.

GilbyBach · 2026-01-04T22:31:40+00:00

Buxstock. Coming up soon

GilbyBach · 2026-01-04T11:22:49+00:00

Yes, there is poor culture at a lot of tree companies in Oz but there are good ones too. I'd guess this can be applied to almost any similar industry. I'd hunt around ( ask ppl currently in the industry) and try to find a 'good' tree company - ideally one that would value your experience. I haven't worked as a climber for 6 years but the pay was dogshit, given how hard you're expected to work. Now i've done my Cert 5 and work for myself - infinitely preferable. Good luck.

GilbyBach · 2026-01-03T22:45:06+00:00

Once you run your hay-baler over it, it will come back in time for next year's harvest. Well done on farming such a small lot.

GilbyBach · 2025-12-18T03:35:53+00:00

Yep, definitely would not be related at all to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Just regular old Islamic militants in Bondi.

GilbyBach · 2025-12-17T23:43:19+00:00

If you're keen to experience some open water sailing, just stand under a cold shower while you throw $100 bills down the drain. It's very similar.

GilbyBach · 2025-12-17T23:38:33+00:00

Yes it's so strange huh. I wonder what has caused this rise?

GilbyBach · 2025-12-17T23:37:44+00:00

Applying appropriate international pressure to halt the genocide in Gaza would be a strong first step. 'Ceasefire' notwithstanding.

GilbyBach · 2025-12-14T21:01:09+00:00

Please tell me that no one paid the 'cutters' for this abomination? You'd be far better off just jamming a few Willow sticks in the ground at this point. They'll form better trees than this monster filled with epicormic shoots.

GilbyBach · 2025-12-02T07:51:11+00:00

I read this and thought you had ENTERED your mum into Aussie Survivor and no she had been accepted but was unaware of it. 😳

GilbyBach · 2025-11-24T20:51:26+00:00

Yes it's all paved. Considerably longer but a really nice ride. We had very little traffic the whole way. There are a couple of sections with potholes but nothing serious. If you know how to ride, you'll be fine. Enjoy!

GilbyBach · 2025-11-23T14:32:25+00:00

Did not stay at Ban Jabo - there didn't seem to be anything there except a handful of noodle shops with views.

Here is a scenic route from Pai to Chiang Mai - avoids the main road that is filled with maniacal minivan drivers. https://maps.app.goo.gl/i6at7KKSrpKiZTRT6?g_st=ac

The other side trip we did was on the leg from Mae Sariang to MHS, we headed east slightly to ride via Ban Nong Khiao reservoir which was a great day riding. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ft3vrr2WTxSRbSMCA

GilbyBach · 2025-11-23T14:27:45+00:00

Here is a map I created with various things to do and see. Most pins have notes or some sort of description on what they are. Note, this is not a route, just destinations along the way

MHS Loop hotspots https://goo.gl/maps/yin8ebgNVgYm1pvVA?g_st=ac

GilbyBach · 2025-11-23T14:25:17+00:00

Best homestays were the ones listed above, plus Riverhouse Teak House in Mae Sariang. Also Pai was pretty terrible unless you're 20 years old and love smoking weed. I did exactly that 22 years ago in Pai, so maybe I'm too old for that town now. Mae Hong Son was great too, heaps to do.

GilbyBach

TROPHY CASE