GINGER’S BUSH CAMP 2025
Unplug. Connect. Laugh your socks off in the bush.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind weekend designed for sapphic souls and their kindred crew. A space to connect, breathe deep, belly laugh, and just be yourself. Ginger’s Bush Camp isn’t about glamping or filtered selfies. It’s off-grid, offline, and unapologetically real. Think wild bush vibes, meaningful kōrero, incredible kai, and the kind of friendships you’ll be texting for years.

This is your chance to hit pause on the outside world and come home to a space where you’re seen, celebrated, and surrounded by the very best kind of chaos (the joyful kind).

WHAT TO EXPECT

✔️ New mates and real connection
✔️ A full weekend of guided activities and creative workshops
✔️ Empowering guest speakers, DJs, panels, and tattoos
✔️ Great food, better chats, and actual fun (no networking name tags here)

MEET YOUR CAMP RANGERS

We’ve invited some absolute legends to join us for the weekend — wāhine toa, community champions, and creative powerhouses who will lead sessions, share their stories, and hang out fireside just like the rest of us.

Alice Soper
Rugby player, commentator, and fierce advocate for gender equity in sport. Alice is known for her unapologetic voice and leadership in reshaping the landscape of sport in Aotearoa. Expect bold kōrero, empowering insights, and maybe even a spontaneous game of something muddy.

Cassie Roma
Media expert, creative storyteller, and one of Aotearoa’s favourite queer voices. You’ve seen her on Celebrity Treasure Island and as a judge on The Apprentice NZ. Cassie brings heart, humour, and sharp media smarts — she'll be co-hosting, connecting, and keeping the energy sky-high.

Maia Jackman MNZM
Former Football Ferns captain and member of the FIFA Women’s World Cup squad. Maia is a trailblazer for women in sport, a leader in athlete wellbeing, and a genuinely warm human. Her stories will leave you inspired, and her quiet strength is something special to be around.

Knox (Ink by Knox)
Queer tattoo artist and creative wizard, Knox will be on-site Saturday night for those wanting to mark the weekend with some ink. Expect a pop-up tattoo studio with flash designs created exclusively for Ginger’s Bush Camp. First in, best dressed (literally).

Mandy Kupenga
Māori filmmaker, storyteller, and all-round creative force. Mandy has a powerful new documentary on the way and will be leading kōrero on storytelling, identity, and what it means to find your voice in this noisy world.

Leanne Fry
Regional Coordinator for Rainbow Youth, Leanne is one of those quiet forces who makes everything feel possible. She’s a safe pair of hands, a fierce advocate for rangatahi, and one of the warmest people you'll meet. The kind of person you want in your corner.

Arpege Taratoa-Rangikura
A strategic thinker and passionate connector, Arpege is deeply committed to kaupapa Māori, decolonisation, and indigenous-led leadership. She brings serious mana, a clear vision, and knows how to drop wisdom with kindness and clarity.

Ayesha Kee
International DJ and performance powerhouse. She’s played Glastonbury, she’s electrified queer dancefloors across the globe, and now she’s coming to the bush to make us move. DJ Ayesha will be spinning us into euphoria on Saturday night — bring your best dancefloor energy.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Main Lodge Dorms – Shared rooms close to all facilities
Campervan Spots – One left (no power or sewage)
Tent Sites – SOLD OUT

All tickets include:
Two nights’ accommodation
Five meals plus a welcome drink
All workshops, talks, hikes and entertainment
Marshmallows, music and some cheeky surprises

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

FRIDAY
2–6pm: Arrivals and welcome drink
6pm: Camp Mums kickoff
6:45pm: Hāngī dinner by Little Paua
7:45pm: Icebreakers and guest panel
9pm: Live music and mingle night

SATURDAY
8–9:30am: Breakfast by Malika Ganley
10am–3:30pm: Choose your adventure
Archery, Rongoā and Mindfulness, Big Dyke Arena, Undie Trail, Cycle Syncing, with packed lunch included
3:30–4:45pm: Watering hole hikes
5pm: Bar opens
6:30pm: Italian dinner feast
8pm: Firepit, Truth or Dare, and s’mores
9pm–late: DJ Ayesha, tattoos, arm wrestling, hall party

SUNDAY
8–9:30am: Breakfast
9:30–12pm: Chill, pack, farewells
12pm: Official camp close

GETTING THERE
The camp is in the Bay of Plenty, less than an hour from Tauranga Airport and just over 90 minutes from Hamilton. Shuttle available for pickups, and carpooling encouraged. All road access is sealed.

FOOD AND DRINK

All meals included (GF, vegan, and nut-free options available)
Chef-crafted menus by Malika Ganley
Friday night Hāngī dinner by Little Paua
Saturday Italian feast by a Northern Italian chef
Fair-priced on-site bar with rainbow-friendly suppliers
Tea, coffee, filtered water and tuck shop available
No BYO alcohol or outside liquids – bag checks at entry

ACTIVITIES

Archery (small extra fee)
Blindfolded Undie Trail
Rongoā Māori and Mindfulness
Cycle Syncing Workshop
Bushwalks and swimming hole
Outdoor Survival and Bushcraft
Confidence Course and Arena Games
Tug of War, Truth or Dare, Arm Wrestling
Yoga, Meditation, and Solo Sit
Evening panels, DJ sets, tattoos, firepit chats, rainy-day cinema

THE VIBE
People from all over Aotearoa and Australia are coming to this. Expect to leave with stories, connections, and friendships you didn’t know you needed. This is a real, raw, joy-filled weekend away.

TICKETS
Strictly limited to 90 campers
Tickets are non-refundable due to high demand
Payment plans available – reach out if needed

IS THIS FOR YOU?
This space is designed for lesbian and sapphic identities, and others under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella who feel called to be here. If you’re unsure, flick us a message. We’re happy to chat.

ONCE YOU BOOK
You’ll receive:
A full info pack
Meal selection form
Activity sign-up form

This isn’t just a getaway. It’s a reset, a rebellion against loneliness, and a celebration of queer joy in the bush.