Visitors to the Abel Tasman Park in the north of the South Island have the option of a

Visitors to the Abel Tasman Park in the north of the South Island have the option of a "full-service" tramping experience.

Fancy a spot of camping but without the camp stretchers, bush toilets and trail mix?

Whether it's luxury accommodation you want, helicopter transfers to and from your chosen activity or a gourmet meal at the end of a hard day's hiking, you may never have to rough it again.

New Zealand tourism companies are catering to a growing market of people who want to get out among the wilderness but with the creature comforts expected of the best hotels.

Widely referred to in the United States and Britain as "glamping" - glamorous camping - the practice has hit New Zealand with a vengeance.

As tourist numbers dwindle thanks to the rocky global economy, tourism companies are seeking more "bang" for their marketing buck.

Traditionally rough-and-ready outdoor activities such as flyfishing, kayaking and tramping have started to go upmarket.

Gourmet menus feature the best New Zealand wines, Pacific and Asian-inspired dishes and native herbs and spices.

You might eat at the riverside next to the very best tent and fully inflatable camping mattress - put up for you if you so desire - or return to the most upmarket lodge accommodation the South Island has to offer.

Throw into the mix water taxi or helicopter transfers and there isn't much you need to do but sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Maria Fillary, marketing manager for Abel Tasman Kayaks, says luxury camping appeals to the higher end of the tourist market and that means mainly overseas customers.

The company is part of Kayaking Abel Tasman, which offers four different operations from rent-your-own to the full-service experience.

"It's certainly not mainstream, but the numbers of people visiting New Zealand aren't growing as much as in previous years and it's appealing to that higher-end customer that Tourism New Zealand is trying to attract," she says.

Brent Pirie, owner of flyfishtaupo.com, says luxury camping is popular with older, "more discerning" customers - including the very rich and famous.

The tents are furnished with silk-lined sleeping bags and some clients even pay for a chef to join them on excursions.

"They are just amazed when they can sit out under the stars with a nice glass of wine, listening to the iPod, and that's what it's all about."

And New Zealand had the added advantage of no poisonous snakes or spiders to worry about, he added.