Recreational tree climbing is a largely unknown sport in New Zealand, but has been popular in the USA and around the world for many years. Branch Dwellers was established in 2019 by Ben Fentiman and Katie Gibson who are both dedicated tree climbers and passionate about bringing the sport to New Zealand. Branch Dwellers is the only business in NZ that offers recreational tree climbing exclusively. Branch Dwellers is based in/operates out of Dunedin, NZ.

Ben grew up in Dunedin and became a certified arborist in 2008. He has practiced arboriculture in three continents and is one of New Zealands’ top arboriculture instructors. He is an active member of the Arboriculture Association of New Zealand and has been heavily involved in orchestrating regional climbing competitions for many years.

Katie studied Forest Science in her home country of Canada and moved to New Zealand in 2014. After several years of working in arboriculture she returned to Canada to train as a Recreational Tree Climbing Facilitator. She is an active member of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers and helps organize kids’ climbs at regional and national climbing competitions in NZ.

Ben and Katie met at a regional climbing event and have been climbing together ever since. They are introducing tree climbing to their own growing family and are working hard to enable the general public to explore the magic of the canopies as well.