5 Glamping Spots in New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking scenery and wonderful nature. What better way to experience all that than to take a ride away from the city and go for an enchanting glamping trip with your loved ones.  As we are currently going through challenging times due to the pandemic, release stress by planning your glamping outing once it is safe to travel again. These are the top glamping locations if you choose to visit New Zealand:

1. Coastal Tents, Glam Camping at Castaways, Karioitahi Beach

Located at the Southwestern of Auckland, on top of secluded cliffs above Karioitahi Beach, a glamping experience at Castaways will give you a once-in-a-lifetime solar powered “off the grid” luxury getaway. Visitors will be truly amazed to see how solar power provides electricity for everything at the site. The Coastal Tents are only a 10-minute golf-cart-ride away from the main resort, the most restful and romantic 10-minute ride the resort has to offer. A luxurious feeling combined with wondrous nature, visitors will be able to enjoy an outdoor “under the stars” bath experience, or be awed by the spectacular view of the ocean below. You will be able to prepare your own personalised BBQ gourmet dinner and breakfast, but don’t worry if you’re not used to cooking as the package includes cooking instructions to assist you in preparing exclusive meals. This package also includes a bottle of wine as well as a variety of other beverages and sweet treats, suitable for couples celebrating special events including birthdays and anniversaries. 

Price: From NZD$430 per night  

2. Kissing Gate, Nelson 

Only 5 minutes away from Mapua Village, Kissing Gate is located on a 7-acre farm. Visitors will be amazed by Kissing Gate’s vintage caravans, namely Pearl and Ruby. The award-winning Pearl is inspired by the 1960s Kiwi milk bar, a perfect lounging area for visitors to chill and relax after a tiring day. On the other hand, Ruby is a bedroom caravan inspired by the elegant colonial past. The bedroom consists of a comfy queen-sized bed, perfect for two. There’s also a luxurious camp bathroom and kitchen area for visitors to prepare their own meals. Besides that, visitors will be able to witness the beauty of various bird species from Kereru (New Zealand pigeon) to Kingfishers to the common quail. Visitors will fall in love with Kissing Gate’s romantic setting that includes admirable antiques, fascinating sculptures and various artifacts. You and your loved one can also enjoy a foot bath for two over the pond, located on the jetty, as well as an outdoor fireplace with super comfy seating (you might end up falling asleep here). You can also make your way to the nearby Nelson Beach, visit various cafes or even cycle around the tranquil rural area and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Price: From NZD$205 per night

3. Underhill Valley, Waikato

If your goal is to escape the city for a bit, Underhill Valley should definitely be on your go-to list. The magical, fairytale inspired glamping site is situated in the calming hillside of Waikato. The authentic accommodation was beautifully handcrafted with rustic local timbers that give a romantic ambience. There’s a picturesque pond and an amazing farmland beyond, so take your time to enjoy your privacy outdoors with a glass of wine under the stars. Besides that, the luxurious bed is uniquely designed with pure cotton linen and a thick wool duvet so you can simply snuggle into it if you choose to stay indoors.

Price: From NZD$355 per night

4. River’s Edge-Te Awa Tent, Martinborough 

This outstanding accommodation is located right outside Wairarapa Wine Village in the Ruakokoputuna Valley. Inclusive of two luxury tents placed on different private spots, River’s Edge is surrounded by a tree-lined river that flows through the farm. Te Awa Tent is the latest addition here and offers a breathtaking riverside view. The tent is designed with luxurious textiles and leather, giving the vibe of a classic world with a modern twist. It consists of an ensuite bathroom equipped with piping hot water and a doorway that leads to a kitchenette. Visitors can also enjoy an outdoor bath while immersing themselves in the surrounding natural wonder. Then, dine under the stars and try a variety of wine selections that River’s Edge has to offer including their signature Martinborough Pinot before calling it a night.

Price: From NZD$295 per night

5. Mangaone Cliffs, Napier 

If you’re the type who enjoys a little adventure, you should make your way to Mangaone Cliffs, which sits on the edge of the Mangaone River at the foot of a splendid 75-metre cliff. To get here, you’ll be riding in a 4WD vehicle on a fun 15-minute journey along a farm track that includes a river crossing. Once you reach the campsite, you will experience glamourous camping at its best as it offers the most luxurious facilities. There are two tents with a separate bathroom and kitchen, where the first is a huge safari-inspired tent especially for couples, consisting of a king-sized bed, a fireplace and attractive oversized armchairs, bathed in the ambience of a 5-star hotel. If you have kids, they can stay in the remarkable ‘Lotus Belle’- a tent with 4 comfy mattress-style beds. You can enjoy an outdoor bath, have a blast with your children in the river or take in the beauty of the sunset against the sound of chirping native birds in the surroundings. If you’re looking for an extraordinary glamping experience with your entire family, Mangaone Cliffs has it all as far as glamping in New Zealand goes.

Price: From NZD$350 per night

New Zealand is a go-to destination for many travellers and holidaymakers and once the world is back to normal, glamping is definitely an activity to experience be it for first-timers or regulars. We’ve been staying indoors for too long so glamping would be the perfect re-start to exploring the wonders of Mother Nature. If you’d like to check out the glamping experiences mentioned above or other spots in New Zealand, look up the website www.canopycamping.co.nz 

Alea Adzhar

Alea began her career as a Corporate Communications Executive before becoming a full-time content writer. Her recent projects include crafting articles for Convergence e-magazine by Malaysia Airports and Tropicana Magazine. She loves exploring various cultures around the world and be inspired by the beauty of nature. At Gadabout, Alea’s main goal is to make the readers’ days better through fun and interesting articles on travel and lifestyle.