Gather | Connect | Reset
Ayke & WhatNot
Sustainable Furnishings for Glamping Interiors
Ayke & WhatNot create and curate sustainable, high-quality furnishings for designing unique glamping spaces where guests can gather, connect, and reset.We are guided by sustainability, biophilic design and quality craftsmanship and offer you high-quality, long-lasting, and unique pieces made within ethical work environments that put people first and uses sustainably sourced natural materials.We work sustainably to treasure our environment, especially native New Zealand trees. Your order funds the planting of one native New Zealand tree through the Trees That Count initiative.
Biophilic Design
Furniture
The furniture pieces in the collection are carefully created and curated on their practical design and ability to either be packed away or easily moved around. The design is always guided by biophilic design, to connect your space and your guests to nature.
Form meets function
Homewares
Our homewares pieces are created and curated for everything you need for your glamping space. Natural and reliable, the pieces in our collection bring functionality and uniqueness to any glamping space.
Connect with nature
Décor
We are working behind the scenes to bring you a collection of thoughtfully created and curated décor pieces to enhance your glamping space.
Our Story
About
My name is Maryke, founder of Ayke & WhatNot. Glamping spaces celebrate the beauty of the outdoors through thoughtfully chosen pieces that provide comfort, luxury and simplicity.We sustainably sustainable, high-quality furnishings to help you create a glamping space where guests can gather, connect, and reset.The originial pieces are made by my father, Stefan Benadé, a woodworker based in Ōamaru, New Zealand.Inspired by nature, timeless designs and outdoor adventures, our collection features high-quality handcrafted pieces that:prioritise natural, sustainably grown materials use traditional craftsmanship guided by timeless designs.Choose pieces from our collection that resonate with you, your spaces, and your stories.Let us help you create a place where your guests can gather, connect, and reset.
Furniture Collection
Riempie Bench
This beautiful, one-of-a-kind Riempie Bench was made by woodworker Stefan Benadé from old bed frames made from Rimu, a native New Zealand timber. It was finished with timber protection oil.The design mixes simple, modern aesthetics with the traditional handwoven method of riempie (untanned leather strips). The leather will stretch over time, given it a beautiful, worn aesthetic.It is versatile and can be used as a bench, storage space for blankets or a coffee table with a twist.$NZ 900 | Only 1 AvailableApproximate DimensionsHeight 44cm x Width 45.5cm x Length 93.5cmCaring for Riempie FurnitureTo maintain the clean, white look of the rawhide strips (riempie), brush it down to remove most of the dirt and dust.
Never use water to clean the riempies (rawhide strips), as it will weaken the riempie. Instead, use a leather cleaner and clean cloth.
The story behind the piece
riempie | noun | riem·pie | \ ˈrēmpē \plural -ssouthern Africa : a rawhide strip used especially as webbing in making furniture seatsGrowing up we always had a few pieces of Riempie furniture in our house, and it is a popular furniture style which can be found in South African homes. These ranged from dining room chairs to small folding field stools, which we still use today. It is believed that Riempie furniture from South Africa finds its origin from early Cape furniture, such as the Tulbagh Chair, circa 1800s. The simplicity in the untanned leather strips and how it is woven together makes any seat unique. Find out more about this furniture style's influence and history on the blog.Riempie definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Farm Stool
Light, strong, and full of rustic charm, the compact Farm Stool is a versatile piece which can function as extra seating or a place to store blankets or towels in your glamping space.Made with New Zealand Radiata Pine sustainably sourced in New Zealand.Finished with timber protection oil$NZ 100 | Only 1 AvailableDimensionsHeight 30cm x Width 24.5cm x Length 39cm
The story behind the piece
The Farm Stool was a mainstay in many farm homes and was used for different purposes. From being a milking stool to a step in the kitchen for hard to reach places. These days the Farm Stool can yet again cement its place in the modern home as a versatile piece of furniture.
Homewares Collection
Caddy
Simplistic in design and crafted with a beautiful curved handle for easy carrying, the Caddy is a compact, storage solution for your glamp space.Made with New Zealand Radiata Pine sustainably sourced in New Zealand.Finished with timber protection oil$NZ 100 | Only 2 AvailableDimensionsHeight 29.5cm x Width 15cm x Length 25.5cm
The story behind the piece
Inspired by old egg holders you would find in old English scullery kitchens during the 19th Century. The simplicity in design and practicality of the egg holder makes it not only functional but also adds texture and a rustic element to any kitchen.
Egg Holder
Nothing beats a breakfast outdoors, and with the tranquility of nature as a backdrop, it is a great way to prepare a meal and start the day together.
With its compact and strong design, it can hold standard sized eggs and stands on two legs.Made from sustainably sourced New Zealand Douglas Fir.Finished with timber protection oil.$NZ 40 | Only 1 AvailableDimensionsHeight 5.5cm x Width 13cm x Length 20cm
The story behind the piece
We were inspired by a wooden beer caddy, and once we started creating this piece, we saw that the simplicity and functionality of the design would be versatile in many different ways.
Created and curated in
Ōtepoti Dunedin
Privacy
We respect your privacy and keep the data you provide Ayke and WhatNot safe by abiding by the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 as outlined by the The Office of the Privacy Commissioner.We collect personal information from you, including information about your:
- name
- contact informationWe collect your personal information in order to:- send customers information about their product orders or queries related to our products.Providing some information is optional. If you choose not to enter contact information, we'll be unable to contact them regarding their product order or queries about our products.We keep your information safe by storing it in encrypted files and only allowing certain staff who hold authority to access it .We keep your information for two years at which point we securely destroy it by securely erasing all digital files and securely disposing of physical copies.You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong.If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, please contact us at [email protected].
Information
How do I care for my Riempie furniture?To maintain the clean, white look of the rawhide strips (riempie), brush them down to remove most of the dirt and dust. Use a leather cleaner and a clean cloth. Never use water to clean the riempies (rawhide strips), as it will weaken the riempie.How do I care for wood food serving and preparation pieces?Our wood food serving and preparation pieces are finished with natural oil that consists of a blend of tree resin and plant oils, carnauba and beeswax.To clean, use hot soapy water with mild soap to hand-wash your piece and dry it immediately. Do not soak it in water and let it fully dry in an upright position. Do not put in a dishwasher or soak in water. Depending on the frequency of washing and use, oil your board once a week or once a month.You can use natural ingredients like beeswax or mineral oil to oil your board once it has dried. Apply with a small cloth and leave for about 30 minutes (or depending on the instructions). Buff or remove any excess oil with a clean cloth.Products PicturesTo best showcase the quality, craftsmanship and functionality of our products, we aim to represent our products as honestly as we can through images on our website, social media channels, email marketing and other marketing materials. Factors such as lighting or computer monitor settings might influence how product images are displayed and might not 100% reflect the end product.WoodWe create and curate our wooden pieces with a range of sustainably sourced New Zealand Native wood and New Zealand Exotic wood. Most of our reclaimed wood is from old furniture, gifted from clients or sourced while repairing historic buildings.CurrencyAll quotes and sales are in NZ Dollars.Which payment methods do you accept?We currently only accept bank payments via direct bank deposit into our nominated bank account that you will find in your invoice.Do you deliver across New Zealand?We deliver everywhere in New Zealand. Shipping cost is subject to the piece you are ordering and where it needs to be delivered.Do you deliver internationally?We currently do not shipping internationally.Media QueriesFor media queries, please contact me. I can also send you the Ayke & WhatNot Media Kit that covers a range of information.
Testimonials
“We have purchased at least 14 Adirondack chairs for our glamping business from Ayke and Whatnot, and we couldn’t be happier with them! Initially, we bought cheaper versions elsewhere, but they started falling apart within a year. In contrast, the chairs made by Stefan have truly stood the test of time—they are incredibly strong, comfortable, and the perfect addition to our dome decks for soaking in the valley views and night sky.Stefan also custom-made six beautiful towel rails for our domes, all expertly crafted, sturdy, and stylish. The quality of his workmanship is second to none!A huge thank you to Maryke for her wonderful service and to Stefan for creating the best Adirondack chairs and towel rails you can buy.We wouldn’t go anywhere else!"Amber Tyrrell
Valley Views Glamping, Kurow, New Zealand“We bought ourselves two of the Adirondack Chair’s after first discovering them on holiday. They are the best chairs you could imagine and it’s hard to believe they are made out of solid wood they feel so soft and comfortable. True craftsmanship. We have just bought six more of these chairs for our tourist accommodation.”Harriet Chapman, Lavericks Bay Family farm & Boutique Accommodation - Akaroa, New Zealand"We love our Ayke & WhatNot Adirondack chairs! Having searched high and low for good quality, solid Adirondack chairs we came across Ayke & WhatNot and haven't looked back. They are by far the best quality in New Zealand and so much better than the big box store chairs. Ayke & WhatNot give exceptional service - ordering and arranging transport is an effortless process."Canopy Camping Escapes (Woodpecker Hut and Fox Hut) - West Coast, New Zealand“Maryke was incredible from the beginning of the process when I was just asking questions about construction methods to the end when I got my chair. The communication was impeccable even with the 16 hour time difference (Florida to New Zealand). I never felt like I was waiting around for answers or information. I'm honestly not sure how she did it. She was patient, helpful, and not only answered the questions I asked but also offered additional information that answered any follow-up questions I might have had. She even accommodated a custom canvas color for me. The finished product (a Roorkhee Chair) was finished very nicely and is extremely comfortable. Shipping was fast, packaging was well done, and assembly was frustration-free. Thanks again!"Tré, Florida, USAWe were super-impressed with Ayke & WhatNot, from an initial enquiry right through to delivery. The communication was effortless, our chairs were made-to-order and completed before the due date, and delivery was swift and painless. The Adirondack chairs are outstanding, with quality timber & construction techniques, and oh-so comfortable! We will enjoy them for many years to come.Chris, Canterbury | New Zealand