The magic of camping

By Natasha Parrant

Canopy Camping Escapes

offers

Friends Liz Henderson and Sonia Minnaar founded the company in 2012 because they wanted to escape with their families to unique, outdoorsy places.

They loved the idea of arriving at a stunning glamping spot in Aotearoa with a luxurious canvas tent that was already set up for them, ready to be enjoyed.

They also liked the idea of having a sense of isolation and privacy with the luxury of being out in nature, surrounded by beautiful scenery but still having access to hot water, a decent toilet, a comfortable bed, and warmth.

“A stay at one of our locations helps people to disconnect, reconnect, immerse themselves in nature or just celebrate life - they are very popular ‘special occasion’ destinations,” Liz says.

Canopy Camping Escape has glamping escapes all around Aotearoa – offering lots of places to discover – one of the reasons why Canopy Camping Escapes is so popular. Customer feedback has been fantastic, Liz mentions.

“They love the opportunity to slow down, relax and reconnect with each other and the natural world. Once people check-in, they often stay and don’t leave the accommodation for their entire visit.”

What makes Canopy Camping Escapes unique compared to other businesses is:

• Their collection is handpicked, meaning only escapes that meet the business’s standards are accepted

• Every stay is different and provides something magical

• Every escape is set in Aotearoa’s beautiful nature. Thus, guests are surrounded by rolling hill country farms, bush blocks, or the water

• The founders work closely with landowners to help create experiences for their guests, not just places to stay. The guests adventure out to other places, which helps support nearby local businesses simultaneously

• It’s a New Zealand-owned and operated business, so Liz and Sonia know exactly what makes Aotearoa special for others. The founders enjoy meeting their hosts and helping them create memorable experiences. “We’re lucky that we get to travel to all the offthe-beaten-track parts of Aotearoa and stay in these out-of-the-way places,” Liz says. Canopy Camping Escapes aims to be the number one place guests use to find unique nature-based accommodation in the country, she says.

Accomplishments the team is happy about so far are building various escapes over the last 10 years, and having great relationships with their hosts.

Over the past 10 years, Canopy Camping Escapes has grown to a team of six employees and now has more than 120 locations spread across Aotearoa.

“We’re proud that our guests love what we do and so happy that so many choose to book with us over and over again,” Liz says. CT Photos kindly supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes.

Canopy Camping Escapes

191 Ngatiawa Road

Reikorangi

Kapiti Coast 5391

Liz’s number: 027 247 3003 hello@canopycamping.co.nz www.canopycamping.co.nz

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