Craig's Camping Channel

18/04/2026

Checking out Ōhope Beach just days after Cyclone Vaianu. The beach is actually looking great—the harbour is calm and the sun is out. The storm surge did some work on the entrance, leaving a bit of a 0.5 to 1 meter drop at the end of the sand walkways, along with some logs and debris scattered about, but overall it’s looking mint.
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Youtube Link
https://youtube.com/shorts/P5rJBbh75QY?feature=share

Tiktok link
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHwhdsar/

Ōhope Beach: After Cyclone Vaianu 🌊

16/04/2026

Early morning soak at Athenree Hot Springs.
​The mineral pools are world-class, and the harbor views at dawn are well worth the early start. It’s a great, understated spot to park up for a few days near Waihi Beach.
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YT link here
https://youtube.com/shorts/B3Pvny0kNsU?feature=share

Or TikTok link here
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHWfgsVu/

DAWN AT ATHENREE HOT SPRINGS

13/04/2026

Nature at its most raw.
​Owharoa Falls is usually a peaceful spot for a dip, but Cyclone Vaianu has turned it into a different beast entirely. The sheer volume of water coming through the Karangahake Gorge right now is a massive reminder of the power behind these storms.
​The tracks are pretty greasy and there’s a fair bit of debris around, so take it easy if you’re out exploring the aftermath today.
​Anyone else been out to check the local falls?

Tiktok link
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHbX1w5y/

You Tube short link
https://youtube.com/shorts/S0qn7aysFdM?si=6B3og3MWr5PwLp0m

Check out Craig’s video.

05/04/2026

Taking a quick break from the van life for a special milestone—my Mum’s 80th birthday in Rarotonga! 🌴
​I’ve had a lot of you ask about getting around the island, and I’ve got to give a massive shout-out to Roimata from 1AAA Taxi. We used him for every trip this week and the service was top-tier. Always on time, incredibly friendly, and he really went above and beyond for our group.
​The best part? He kept it a consistent $10 per person every time. If you’re heading over this way and need a reliable driver who won't give you the run-around, Roimata is your man 🚕
​Contact Roimata & 1AAA Taxi:
​Phone/WhatsApp: +682 52578 or +682 188
​Email: [email protected]
​Facebook: 1AAA Taxi Rarotonga
​ "

04/04/2026

Raro Golden Hour

Hard to beat a Raro sunset. Just a quick 10-second reset to finish the day.

Not a bad office for the week.

Or YouTube https://youtu.be/y0XODdp7ZIY?si=EYbSqk-dQMdiHqKN

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Check out Craig’s video.

03/04/2026

Early morning at the Edgewater Resort, Rarotonga. Best view of the moon at dawn!

Early morning at the Edgewater Resort, Rarotonga. Best view of the moon at dawn!

29/03/2026

Trading the "Itsy Mitsi" for a balcony at the Edgewater Resort this week.
We’re over in Rarotonga for a very special reason—celebrating my Mum’s 80th birthday milestone.
​The "blue hour" here is world-class. If you’re watching the video, make sure to turn the sound up around the 15-second mark to catch the natural roar of the reef. It’s a different kind of "campsite" than our usual spots, but the view is top-tier.

​Join the Conversation
​Beach or Bush? Where’s your ultimate spot to reset? Let me know in the comments. 👇
​

The Edgewater Resort putting on a masterclass for the "blue hour." Rarotonga really hits differently when the sun goes down and the reef takes over.​Pro Tip:...

16/03/2026

Everyone’s a vanlife expert until the wind picks up or the fuel light starts blinking.

Here’s a quick look at some "expert" advice versus the reality of life in the Itsy Mitsi. From the "easy" awning setup to the minimalist laundry dream—it’s a bit of a mess, but that’s all part of the fun.

Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/q-hMyy4MNc0?feature=share

The Reality of "Expert" Advice Everyone’s got a pro tip until the wind picks up or the fuel light starts blinking. This is a quick look at the "expert" vanli...

08/03/2026

Think van life is all sunsets and easy brews? Yeah... nah.

Inside Itsy Mitsi, making a cuppa is a tactical maneuver and the passenger seat has a secret second life as a high-density storage locker. If you’ve ever wondered why a camping chair grows ten times bigger the moment it hits the fresh air, this one's for you.

Check out the 3 unwritten rules of tiny van living in the latest "Yeah-Nah" guide.

Watch the full short here: https://youtube.com/shorts/R9hXgY1uDqs?feature=share

Think living in a Mitsubishi Delica is easy? Yeah... Nah. From the tactical "Teapot Dance" to the mystery of the expanding camping chair, here are the three ...

27/02/2026

Kia ora everyone.

A lot of you follow along for the van builds and the camping spots, but you might not know what I do when Itsy Mitsi is actually parked up. When I'm not tinkering with 12V wiring, I spend my downtime working on digital art inspired by the places we visit.

I just finished this 'Gatsby-Noir' style poster of Mount Manaia. If you've ever done the 1,000-step grind up to those jagged peaks, you'll know the exact feeling I was trying to capture. It’s a little side project to capture the spirit of our backyard. I've set up a small Etsy shop called Craig M Gallery if you ever want to take a look. Cheers! 🚐🖼️

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/4461096064/mount-manaia-art-deco-poster-gatsby-noir"

27/02/2026

Keeping it simple for the summer run. From the 'Kiwi Wave' to the Milford sandflies, we’re looking at the unwritten rules of the road in Itsy Mitsi.

The "Yeah-Nah Guide to NZ Camping" is live on the channel now.

What's the one rule you’ve learned the hard way? I’m still working on the backing skills myself.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/auhd975-4dU?feature=share

From the "Kiwi Wave" to the Milford sandfly, these are the unwritten rules of the New Zealand road. If you're heading out in a van this summer, don't forget ...

18/02/2026

We’ve all had those "close call" moments on the road, but some mistakes are a bit more expensive than others.
​I’ve put together a quick look at 4 disasters that can end your trip before it even starts—from the dreaded "Bridge Crunch" to the one danger you can’t see or smell. It’s about checking and checking again so you actually make it to the campsite.
​Watch the quick breakdown here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/LdIjqS11nzY?feature=share

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Property damage is one thing, but safety is another. From peeling solar panels off on a low bridge to a $10,000 engine rebuild, these are the campervan disas...