NORTH ISLAND
FROM FARMYARD TO GLAMPING
SEVERAL New Zealand farmers have moved into the tourism industry by providing accommodation in private glamping sites. Richie Clark of Manutuke, near Gisborne, is one of those hospitable landowners, a member of the Canopy Camping Estates portfolio. Canopy Camping sets up and manages glamping sites for private owners.
Enclosed in a horseshoe of lush, green hills on the shores of a little lake and wetland, you’ll find Manutuke Eco Retreat, a peaceful oasis just a short drive from the world-class surf breaks, luscious wines, and wine and food festivals that the Gisborne/Eastland region is known for. The twin-tent glamping site is built on a raised platform above Te Wai Repo O Te Arai (the wetland of Te Arai River), is furnished with sustainability and eco principles uppermost in mind. It is off-the-grid, powered only by the sun. There’s a yoga platform at the top of the hill, and a huge four-person hammock for relaxing, daydreaming and taking in the panoramas to the Pacific Ocean beyond.
