The Works Tent
During the 1930s Depression in New Zealand, the government introduced relief work schemes to support families through difficult times. Projects such as road building, tree planting, and hydroelectric development provided much-needed employment for thousands across the country.
To house the workers, the government designed a standard timber-framed tent with a solid timber floor and short canvas walls to help reduce drafts. Though life was hard, many who lived through those times recall the sense of community, resilience, and camaraderie that grew within these camps.
At Tasman Canvas, we first recreated these historic tents in 2013 in Appleby, Tasman, and again in 2015 in Golden Bay. Each recreation was carefully crafted to reflect the authenticity of the original design, preserving a piece of New Zealand’s history through traditional materials and workmanship.
After these successful projects we redesigned them with an architect’s help to meet structural standards and produced ‘The Works Tent’ a contemporary version of this iconic New Zealand tent. In 2024 we were approached by Sarah and George from Ashworth high country walks to supply 4 of these tents for the Marlborough high country merino farm. They were diversifying their income stream and offering luxury gourmet walking experiences from their hill country farm station.
Tasman Canvas has 3 sizes in this range 3 × 2.4m (7.25sqm) 4.8 × 3 (14.4sqm) 6 × 4.8 (28.8sqm). All have a covered porch area and windows. Using the highest quality canvas and New Zealand grown untreated douglas fir these tents have a feeling of security and warm natural colours to relax in. Solid timber floor with insulation options allow for luxury camping.
Testimonials
Tasman Canvas is absolutely outstanding! The team was such a joy to work with—always friendly, solutions-focused, and great with communication from start to finish. Eight years on, my canvas tent still looks almost brand new, which says everything you need to know about the quality of their materials and craftsmanship.
They not only delivered a fantastic product with clever ideas, but also gave me the know-how to care for my canvas properly. That guidance has really paid off. The tent has become such a valuable part of our home life here in Golden Bay—we’ve used it as a spare room, for the kids’ sleepover parties, hosting family from overseas for long stays, and even as an added income stream.
I’m so grateful for their expertise, attention to detail, and prompt service. They’re a true gem of a local business, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you want something built to last that brings both practicality and joy into your life, Tasman Canvas is the team to trust!
Shanti Smith – Pohara, Golden Bay
We couldn’t be happier with the stunning glamping tents created for our luxury retreat on our high country farm from Tasman Canvas. From start to finish, the team was a pleasure to work with—professional and genuinely committed to bringing our vision to life.
All the details have been carefully thought through, from the quality of the materials to the durability of the structure, making the tents both beautiful and practical for our environment.
Sarah and George-Aschworth high country walks. https://www.aschworth.co.nz/