Safari Tents NZ has a reputation for the high-quality European glamping tents and other products it distributes. Director James Lamb talked to QT Magazine about the development of the venture.

What was the impetus for starting the business?

Our original inspiration came from UK friends with a glamping business on their farm. They had an amazing set up and asked us about glamping in New Zealand. After researching it we realised it was an exciting opportunity to get involved in at the beginning. It was quite daunting but with some brave initial clients we brought over a container of tents and got underway.

How has the luxury glamping market developed in New Zealand?

Glamping started in Europe in the late 2000s and was slow to reach New Zealand. Welaunched in 2015 spending time at expos explaining the glamping phenomenon and our first clients bought tents for their own use at the beach, lake or farm.

The  excellent return on investment soon encouraged farmers and landowners to create commercial glamping sites on their land providing them with a very low risk, secondary income.

 What glamping products does your business sell?

We started working with Yala becoming their first distributor outside  Europe. The company is a global leader in safari tent development and we have been able to influence their design to create products suitable for New Zealand. Their traditional African safari tent continues to be the favourite and is incredibly good value for money. The Sunshine 38 safari tent with an extended roof and fire rated canvas is great for those starting a glamping business whileLeisurecraft’s beautiful cedar saunas and New Zealand made copper showers are also popular.

What dome tents are available?

The Crossover Lodge by Yala is fundamentally a dome but the front opens to let the outdoors in. Made with tried and tested materials the dome offers a chic alternative to the traditional African tent style of our safari tents.

What is the Signature ÖÖD House your business promotes?

The award winning Signature ÖÖD House is an elevated modular glamping cabin designed with modern Scandinavian architecture. It features three sides of floor to ceiling height mirrored glass. The cabin’s mirrored exteriors reflect the landscape allowing the ÖÖD House  to disappear within its surroundings while inside the glass walls connect to the outdoors.  The cabin comes in a kitset enabling clients to mould the interior to their own requirements. 

What do property owners need to consider when choosing a glamping location?

Accessibility, wind direction and sun are important considerations.

It is best to identify a tucked away location on a property to provide privacy, peace and great views with easy access. Ideally the site should be its own destination with sundowner seating, fire pit or wood burner, hot tub and sauna.

What is the timeline for ordering glamping tents or cabins?

We advise clients to plan six  months ahead as having such a wide product range we rarely hold stock. There is however significant infrastructure work to complete including deck, pathways, plumbing and electrical work before the tent and other facilities such as showers and saunas arrive.