Words: Nicole Deuble
Take the spirit of adventure and add a dash of cosy luxury and you have glamping, a travel style that has been embraced by couples worldwide — especially in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand. The country’s glorious countryside, coastline, and clear night skies converge with the ease of ready-made accommodation to create an unforgettable short break or weekend escape.
For a dose of wild luxury and pristine NZ air, let’s reveal some of the best glamping destinations for your next New Zealand holiday.
Introduction to Glamping in New Zealand
Have you tried glamping yet? This elevated outdoorsy adventure is a travel dream for many couples who love the idea of being immersed in nature … but with a few home comforts. A modern twist on the traditional scenario of bare-bones amenities and wrangling your own tent.
From secluded treehouses and perfectly positioned geodesic domes to seaside safari tents and floating houseboats with stunning views, New Zealand offers a plethora of unique and luxury glamping experiences for every budget and bucket list.
The Crème de la Crème of Glamping Spots in New Zealand
The North and South Islands are dotted with awe-inspiring glamping adventures. We’ve selected 13 of the best glamping sites and experiences in New Zealand to inspire your wanderlust.
1. Cottle Hill Creek Glamping, North Island
For a perfect romantic retreat or a serene weekend getaway, step aboard a gorgeous off-grid houseboat (aka The Ark) at Cottle Hill Creek Glamping, five minutes from charming Kerikeri village. This floating haven sits on a small lake within a picturesque 16-acre private property. Inside is a well-equipped kitchen, dining and lounge space, bathroom, and a comfy queen bed in the loft. It’s all about relaxation here, whether swooning over the tranquil views, lingering over a local cheese platter, or taking the rowboat for a spin across the lake. cottlehillcreek.com
2. Slipper Island Resort, North Island
Private island, anyone? Located east of the Coromandel Peninsula, the Slipper Island Resort offers an unforgettable New Zealand glamping experience with two roomy tents positioned just steps from the white-sand beach. The resort covers almost all of the 224-hectare isle, meaning near-exclusive access to the sheltered beaches, nature walks, and expansive ocean views. The covered deck with barbeque is a top spot for a morning coffee and a romantic sundowner, with a comfy queen bed and ensuite to seal the deal. The property also offers a classic Safari Tent and two beautiful chalets. slipperislandresort.com
3. Valley Views Glamping, South Island
The name says it all!Valley Views Glamping in Otiake offers the chance to unwind in New Zealand’s first geodesic domes, set against the backdrop of a beautiful seven-hectare forest and the mesmerising Waitaki Valley. The domes don’t skimp on comforts, with super-king beds, luxury down duvets, pure woollen blankets, battery banks, balconies, and a complimentary breakfast. Most even come with a small log burner for toasty winter nights. Bathrooms and cooking facilities may be shared with a handful of other guests, but the awe-inspiring vistas will feel all your own. Note for couples: choose the Station Peak ‘deluxe dome’ for a private toilet and twin clawfoot baths out front. valleyviews.co.nz
4. The Bubble Tent at Mercury Bay Estate, North Island
New Zealand vineyard. Bubble tent. Sold! Stargaze from the comfort of your bed at The Bubble Tent, an adults-only escape within the Mercury Bay Estate at Cooks Beach, close to the popular attractions of Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. The tent features a clear roof for unfettered moon bathing with a glass of the estate’s merlot while a private outdoor zone includes a prep bench, multiple dining and chill zones, a hammock, and a lovely hot outdoor shower. A light breakfast and tea/coffee-making facilities are included, but lunch is best enjoyed in the winery restaurant. Cheers! mercurybayestate.co.nz
5. Kōwhai Tent at Wild Canvas, North Island
Want views? Look no further than the Kōwhai Tent,perched atop a hill with 360-degree views of the picturesque Waitomo landscape. This custom-made safari tent offers an idyllic escape from the everyday and includes everything you’ll need for a comfy stay, right down to the toasting marshmallows and projector for movie nights. And the best spot to soak up these incredible vistas? Two perfectly positioned, gas-heated outdoor bathtubs. Heaven. The perfect place to nourish your relationship and feed your soul. wildcanvas.nz/kowhai
6. PurePods Glamping Retreats, North & South Islands
With secluded and spectacular options scattered across both NZ isles, PurePods Glamping Retreats offers unique back-to-nature getaways for couples. Their signature glass eco cabins (yep, even the roof is glass!) invite incredible connection with the surrounding landscapes. Sleep beneath a blanket of stars and enjoy an ever-evolving skyscape by day. Try the Tokoeka PurePod for a memorable island escape, nestled in a lush eco sanctuary on Rakiura Stewart Island, part of the southern-most Dark Sky Reserve. The kiwi-spotting is excellent and stargazing with your sweetheart doesn’t get much better. purepods.com
7. Glam Camping Queenstown, South Island
Some of the best glamping in New Zealand can be found just 20 minutes from downtown Queenstown at Glam Camping Queenstown. This glorious off-grid escape offers the only geodesic domes in town and one of the most breathtaking locations around, framing stunning views of Lake Moke. This is proper glamping with beautiful hardwood floors, comfy queen beds with local wool/down duvets, plug sockets, hot showers, cooking facilities, and ‘chilly bins’ to keep your supplies (aka NZ sauvignon blanc) cold. Spend halcyon days sunbathing on your timber terrace or meandering around the lakeside trails. glamcampingqueenstown.co.nz
8. The Black Yurt, North Island
You haven’t really had the full glamping experience until you’ve stayed in a yurt. And The Black Yurt in Oakura is the perfect place to experience the parasol roof and roomy interior of this distinctive abode. Descend the private stairs and discover a true out-of-the-box escape, positioned on a spacious deck among the trees. The yurt’s beautiful bath and shower can be enjoyed under the open sky (there’s also a fire-pit grill and gas cooktop outside) with a supremely comfortable king bed, kitchenette, and lounge area beneath the signature dome. airbnb.com
9. Tawanui Farm, South Island
Watching sheep graze as you luxuriate in a hot tub with a glass of local wine is a special kind of treat at Tawanui Farm. This 330-hectare working sheep and cattle farm offers exclusive use of two geodesic domes with a camp kitchen and the aforementioned hot tub. Or, a fully equipped luxury A-frame cabin. Soul-stirring views of the rolling countryside, Kaikoura mountains, Hurunui River, and Pacific Ocean complete the picture. This is a rural NZ experience you’ll cherish forever, with the option of farm tours and river adventures. tawanuifarm.co.nz
10. Lake Stella Mountain Huts, South Island
One for the snow bunnies and adventurous spirits. The Lake Stella Mountain Huts in Mt Lyford are straight from the pages of a fairytale, sitting pretty above the clouds in the mountains of North Canterbury. Orbiting around an alpine lake, these solar-powered hideaways offer a comfy take on glamping with the outdoorsy delights of the Mt Lyford Adventure Park on your doorstep and a ski resort five minutes away. The clincher? Your own wood-fired hot tub filled with fresh mountain spring water. Bliss. lakestella.co.nz
11. Raglan Treehouse, North Island
Channel your inner child at the Raglan Treehouse, set high in the pines on a 35-acre private property and close to Raglan’s black-sand beaches, iconic surf breaks, and cool dining scene. This treetop eyrie is perfectly positioned for the region’s incredible sunsets and kitted out with a private deck, kitchen, bathroom, and a gas heater. Snuggle up in the queen-sized futon bed or soak your cares away in the outdoor bath — both offer incredible views to the ocean, pastures, and native bush — or turn up the heat in the property’s wood-fired, cedar barrel sauna. tinyhouseescapes.co.nz/raglan-treehouse-in-the-woods/
12. Coromandel Luxury Escapes, North Island
Why waste precious holiday time stuffing the car with kit (and setting up in the dark) when you could arrive to the glorious glamping experience at Coromandel Luxury Escapes? Nestled on the edge of Matarangi Harbour, this couple-perfect hideaway offers uninterrupted views of the Coromandel Mountains and a fabulous tent imported from The Netherlands. The powered site means chilled wine, an oil heater and fan, and handy power sockets while home comforts include a cosy king bed, private bathroom, and barbeque. A well-positioned outdoor bath rounds off perfect days exploring the region’s beautiful beaches and nature trails. coromandelluxuryescapes.co.nz
13. Kanuka, Bay of Plenty region, North Island
For couples who love to get waaay off the beaten track, see Kanuka on Lake Tarawera in the Rotorua region. Accessible by water taxi or walking track only, this is the ultimate in secluded stays with a large, comfy tent and direct access to a private beach. Set on Māori land, this peaceful haven is hidden away in native bushland and towering pohutukawa trees for a rustic, remote escape. A camp kitchen, dining area, and bathroom are set a short distance from the tent, with kayaks available so you can make the most of the pristine, lakes-edge location. canopycamping.co.nz/kanuka
So, there you have it, a comprehensive guide to some of the best glamping spots in New Zealand. Each perfect for those seeking a memorable romantic adventure. So, why wait?
More on the best things to see and do in New Zealand
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and need more inspiration, check out this South Island guide as well as our pick of romantic things to do in New Zealand. Remember, the adventure is out there waiting for you!
