FAQS
Curious about events with TopKata? We’re sure you have a lot of questions and we’re happy to help! Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions we receive from many of our clients.
If you’d like to get in touch – fill out the contact form and have a chat about how we can help create your special event.
In the mean time have a look through some of our most frequently asked questions. You’ll find info all about hiring tipis, from how our real fire works to why we believe you should hire from us.
WHY A TIPI?
No event is 'one size fits all', we recognise you want your special occasion to be a memorable one, and we want to help create that. TopKata Tipis provide an elite alternative the typical 'marquee' structure, we can create almost any shape and size with our tipis. Being of original scandinavian design, our tipis are built to withstand the harshest of conditions, they are completely watertight, but still light and breathable, so these are the perfect venue all year round. When choosing a venue you've got to think about the practicals, like does it protect you from the weather? Provide from the hot summers sun, or warmth on a cool winters evening? Does it sit in nature seamlessly? Does it say 'this is us'... with TopKata you'll be able to tick those all important boxes, and create a magical event with memories to last a lifetime.
Much of the unique character and charm of the TopKåta Tipi can be put down to the poles - natural, practical, environmentally friendly and truly beautiful. Each pole is created from 100 year old, late-maturing, chemical-free Spruce sourced from sustainable forests in Sweden. The cold causes these trees to grow very slowly, producing exceptionally strong timber. The TopKåta Tipi canvas are custom made, lightweight, waterproof and wind resistant, offering sustainable, eco-friendly solution to the PVC normally used in marquee structures.
With a specially designed vent cap at the top to let smoke out, guests are kept toasty from an open fire inside, whatever the weather. Each occasion is totally unique, with a range of Tipi layouts that can be adapted to compliment the location and maximise the views!
WHY TOPKATA?
TopKåta is the only authentic Nordic pine tipi company in the North Island, and the original and largest in New Zealand! Operating for over 6 years, with over 300 successful events, TopKåta is extremely proud of not only our high quality, authentic product, but also the wealth of knowledge and experience our team are renowned for. We truly give every client their own unique 'trouble free experience', reflected through our outstanding reputation in the industry. It's not just us saying this, check out out testimonials from clients here.
HOW MANY TIPIS WILL MY EVENT NEED?
One TopHat tipi seats 70 guests comfortably, and a collection of 14 tipis can be joined to host over 1,000 people.
Not having a seated event? Thats fine! Each TopHat can hold up to 100 standing guests. The TopHat measures 10.3m in diameter with its sides closed and 13m diameter with all its sides raised, and is just under 9m high.
We also have a 'smaller' tipi - we like to call this the MiniHat! Join it onto the TopHats, or have it as a standalone tipi, this is the perfect add on to your event! Use it to provide more seating capacity, as a dance floor or bar, or as a relaxed lounge area for your guests.
Measuring 8.5m in diameter, it will comfortably accommodate around 30 seated guests and 50 standing.
Have a look at a few example floorplans to see how we could construct your event.
AS WELL AS A TIPI, WHAT ELSE CAN I HIRE?
The tipi hire includes lighting, but we also have matting, smokeless fire pits, custom built Scandinavian style wooden tables and bench seats, dance floors, hoops for floral decorations, and specialty festoon lighting options!
HOW AND WHEN ARE THE TIPIS CONSTRUCTED?
Our experienced tipi crew team will be onsite two or three days prior to your event to construct the tipis, leaving you at least 1 full day to add your finishing touches. We'll then come back 1-2 days after the event to pack everything up and leave the site how we found it. If you need the tipis for longer, that's fine, we'll work it out.
The rigging of tipis is a technical job, therefore we cannot allow you to use your own staff. Our experienced team know how to get the job done - just check out our testimonials!
WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU COVER?
We go where you want us to go! We have taken the tipis to Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, down to Wanaka, and all places in between, for weddings, parties, yoga retreats, festivals, school open days, corporate product launches, you name it - we've done it!
DO YOU SUPPLY POWER TO THE SITE?
Not directly. We can often take electricity from a nearby building, but if you do not have power available on site we can help you to arrange a generator. The size of the generator you'd need will depend on what other things you have (caterers, band etc).
DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR MY EVENT?
You're welcome to insure our tipis and equipment yourself through standard wedding/event insurance. However to save you time and money we add in our Damage Waiver fee, this is 3% of the equipment hire charge. With this option all responsibility for accidental loss and damage is covered by TopKåta's own insurance.
If we haven't quite answered all of your queries, or if you'd like a detailed quote, please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you ASAP.
We look forward to hearing from you!