Corporate Glamping

Corporate Glamping in New Zealand

Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” has gained popularity as a luxurious and unique way to experience nature. Corporate groups are increasingly turning to glamping for meetings, retreats, and team-building activities, as it provides an ideal balance between comfort, nature, and an inspiring environment for creativity and collaboration.

1. Glamping Locations in New Zealand

   • Queenstown: Known for its breathtaking mountains and lakes, Queenstown offers a range of glamping sites that allow groups to stay close to nature while being a short distance from the city’s amenities. It’s perfect for incentive travel and corporate retreats.
   • Rotorua: Famous for geothermal activity, Rotorua offers a number of glamping accommodations set in the midst of native forests and near thermal hot springs. It’s a great location for both relaxation and corporate meetings.
   • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: For a more rugged, alpine environment, this area offers incredible glamping options for corporates looking to escape to the mountains.
   • Bay of Islands: This coastal area in the North Island is known for its beauty and marine activities. It’s ideal for companies looking for a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities like sailing and fishing.

2. Facilities and Services

   • Glamping sites in New Zealand cater to corporate groups with high-end facilities, including private tents or domes with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, heating, and high-speed internet for virtual meetings.
   • Some glamping venues offer bespoke services, such as catering for formal events, private chefs, and personalized activities, such as wellness sessions, guided hikes, or cultural experiences with local Māori communities.

3. Corporate Benefits

   • Team Building: Glamping provides a relaxed environment conducive to team-building activities, from cooking workshops to guided bush walks or rafting.
   • Inspiration and Creativity: The natural environment offers a refreshing change of scenery, often sparking innovation and creative thinking during meetings.
   • Sustainability: Many glamping sites in New Zealand emphasize eco-friendly practices, offering a unique opportunity for companies to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility during their events.

Marquee Events in Nature for Corporate Meetings and Conferences

Marquees are a fantastic option for hosting large-scale events, meetings, conferences, or celebrations in nature. The flexibility of marquees means they can be set up in nearly any location, offering a unique and picturesque backdrop for corporate events.

1. Popular Marquee Locations

   • Waiheke Island: Known for its vineyards and stunning coastal views, Waiheke Island is a prime location for high-end corporate events and conferences. Marquees can be set up by the beach or in the vineyards, providing a spectacular setting for product launches, gala dinners, and meetings.
   • Lake Taupo: The largest lake in New Zealand, Taupo offers stunning backdrops of water and mountains. Marquees in this area are popular for corporate events that want a mix of adventure and luxury, including watersports or heli-skiing activities after a conference session.
   • Nelson: Known for its sunshine, vineyards, and beautiful landscapes, Nelson is an excellent destination for outdoor events, offering ample space for marquee set-ups surrounded by nature.
   • Tongariro National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is ideal for those seeking a majestic mountain backdrop. Marquees can be set up for conferences or meetings, with options for outdoor adventure experiences like hiking or skiing.

2. Marquee Facilities

   • Marquees in New Zealand come in a variety of sizes, from intimate settings for small meetings to large, luxurious structures that can host several hundred people.
   • Many companies offer marquee hire along with full event management services, including catering, AV equipment, seating arrangements, and theming.
   • The added benefit of marquee events is the versatility—whether you want to host a cocktail event under the stars or a formal dinner inside a stunning glass marquee, there’s plenty of room for customization.

3. Types of Events

   • Conferences and Seminars: Marquees are ideal for corporate conferences, offering a unique and inspiring environment for keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panel discussions.
   • Product Launches: New Zealand’s natural beauty provides an exceptional setting for product reveals, corporate celebrations, and branded events.
   • Networking Events: Outdoor marquees allow for relaxed networking events, often with stunning views and a more casual atmosphere than traditional conference rooms.

Outdoor Activities for Corporate Groups

One of the key attractions for corporates organizing events or retreats in New Zealand is the wide variety of outdoor activities that can be incorporated into the program. These activities help foster teamwork, creativity, and engagement.

1. Adventure Activities

   • Rafting and Kayaking: Many glamping sites and marquees are located near rivers or lakes, where teams can participate in white-water rafting, kayaking, or paddleboarding as team-building activities.
   • Hiking and Trekking: The country’s numerous national parks offer trails suitable for all levels. Guided hikes are a great way to build camaraderie while exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, such as Tongariro, Fiordland, or the Abel Tasman National Park.
   • Biking: New Zealand offers world-class biking trails, and many venues provide mountain biking tours or scenic rides through vineyards or along coastlines.
   • Cultural and Scenic Tours: Many corporate groups enjoy activities that highlight New Zealand’s Māori culture, such as visits to local marae (meeting grounds) or performances like traditional Māori haka (war dances).
   • Golf and Fly-fishing: For a more relaxed experience, companies can organize private golf tournaments or fishing excursions.

2. Wellness Activities

   • Outdoor corporate retreats often incorporate wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, spa treatments, or forest bathing. These activities help employees recharge and refresh in a natural setting.

3. Sustainable Practices

   • Many glamping sites and event venues emphasize sustainability, such as providing farm-to-table catering, using solar-powered energy, or organizing eco-friendly excursions like native tree planting.

International Corporate Events in New Zealand

New Zealand is an increasingly popular destination for international corporate events, offering both world-class facilities and unique natural experiences.

• Ease of Access: Major international airports, such as Auckland and Wellington, make it easy for international guests to fly in.
• High-End Venues: Alongside glamping and marquee options, New Zealand has a number of top-tier hotels, convention centers, and bespoke event spaces suited for high-end corporate meetings and conferences.
• Networking with Nature: International companies are often drawn to New Zealand’s immersive experiences that incorporate local culture and outdoor adventure, offering a unique opportunity to connect in nature while also engaging with local Māori culture and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Corporate glamping and marquee events in New Zealand offer a distinctive and memorable way for companies to host meetings, conferences, or team-building activities in stunning natural surroundings. The combination of luxurious accommodations, outdoor adventure, and world-class event services makes New Zealand an attractive destination for businesses looking to elevate their corporate gatherings. Whether it’s a secluded retreat in the mountains or an outdoor conference by the beach, New Zealand offers a versatile and inspiring setting for all types of corporate events.