When she arrived with her daughter Nic at Bethany Park, Kaiteriteri recently everything was setup including the massive tent, furniture, appliances and cutlery.

Glamping is a feature of Arvida Waimea Plains community for over-65s where residents can pre-book a glamping holiday at three locations around Nelson.

“Getting back to nature is always appealing but we never had the opportunity because we didn’t have all the equipment. This is all setup for you and it’s so easy especially when you’re older,” Rosie explains.

Rosie’s three night stay included photographing bellbirds, wekas and walking the estuary - as Nic mountain biked along the local tracks.

While glamping has all the mod cons, it did bring back memories for Rosie of more traditional camping adventures.

“It was nice to be reminded of the family campervan trips we took around New Zealand and also camping in Girl Guides from years ago.”

The camp setup includes one site for the large tent with a queen sized bed and air mattresses, and another site next to it with a gazebo for dining and BBQ.

The glamping site is put up by the village team in locations like Cable Bay and Kina Peninsula and is always well placed near amenities for easy access.

Arvida Regional Manager and creator of the village glamping idea, Jason Edkins says it’s an opportunity for older people to experience camping again.

“The glamping season is coming to an end after Easter and there’s already interest in bookings for next December to April. It’s one of those ideas that has really taken off and gives residents the freedom to camp once again without all the hassle.”