Get adventurous this summer without kissing the comforts of home goodbye.
With summer on the horizon, we propose that you make the most of the good weather by giving the bach a miss and instead reacquainting yourself with our beautiful country’s natural side. With an array of well-equipped, spacious and über comfortable glamping sites situated in only the most picturesque surrounds, we’ve rounded up the following list of inspirational sojourns. However, book with haste as these sophisticated under-the-stars stays are sure to get snapped up quickly.
Slipper Island, Coromandel
A private island paradise just 15 minutes by water taxi from Pauanui, this secluded spot is home to two luxury tents. Set just back from a postcard-perfect sandy beach with views across the ocean and back toward the Coromandel Peninsula, each houses a private en suite and covered deck with modern cooking facilities just a short jaunt away.
Highcountry Station, Garston, Northern Southland
Tussock Country offers a fully furnished glamping tent with a queen-sized bed to boot. Soak up the ambience of a working high country sheep farm, surrounded by stunning views, only a short drive from Queenstown.
The Round Tent, Raglan
Just eight minutes from the township, the über outstanding set up in rural Raglan is perhaps NZ’s most stunning. Modern in its appearance and amenities, the 7m wide yurt’s outdoor deck, firepit and stone bath have us hankering for an adventure.
Camp Kekerengu, Kaikoura Coast
The ideal getaway for groups, with three tents, a lounge and shared kitchen, this Kaikoura glamping site is set against some of the most stunning East Coast countryside the South Island has to offer.
The Luxury Tent, Kapiti Island
Located near the Kapiti Nature Lodge, a stay at the luxury tent on this bird and nature lovers’ paradisiacal island includes meals by the lodge’s chef and offers a fantastic nighttime kiwi-spotting walk with an experienced guide.
Castaways Resort Glam Camping, Karioitahi Beach
Castaways Resort (which boasts a day spa and restaurant) offers three coastal tents located on the secluded clifftops above Karioitahi Beach as well as a tree tent suspended in between two mighty totara. With central heating and solar power for lighting, a stereo, a refrigerator (stocked full with all the food you’ll need to create gourmet BBQ meals) and even an espresso machine, this is truly five-star glamping.
Phoenix Valley, Tauranga
Just 15 minutes from Tauranga, this lush campsite lies amongst a fir tree forest. With a natural swimming hole, native bush walks, steaming outdoor bathtub and all the cooking equipment you need, it’s an easy step away from the rat race and into the outdoors.
Takou River, Bay of Islands
Nestled in a peaceful corner of an organic farm, this idyllic tent boasts an inviting superior king bed, kitchen, hot running water and stunning outdoor bath. Overlooking the Takou River, families are welcome, but we think the Bay of Islands beauty should really be reserved for romance.
Solescape’s Tipi Forest, Raglan
Solescape’s Tipi Forest — a short walk from the world famous surf of Manu Bay and Ngarunui Beach — features unique Tipis and Belle Tents nestled into the native bush with LED lighting, comfortable beds and either natural timber or carpeted floors. Shared facilities include solar heated indoor-outdoor showers, open-air kitchen facilities and an earthen pizza oven.
Lavericks Bay, Banks Peninsula
The luxury, family-run campsite offers two thoughtfully decorated tents featuring wood burners to ensure you’re kept cosy, located either side of a cute shared camp kitchen and bathroom. This prime spot boasts beautiful views and is only a 15-minute meander down to a secluded beach.
Safari Camp, Poronui
A luxury escape on the banks of the Mohaka River, whilst the rugged mountain surroundings may give the illusion of ‘roughing it’, the camp’s crisp white sheets, gourmet food, fine wine, sauna, steam room and gym prove otherwise. With world-class hunting and fly fishing in season, the Safari Camp at Poronui is a sportsman’s paradise.