If you are looking for a spectacular place to go Glamping on the North Island of New Zealand, look no further. These 6 NZ glamping spots each feature luxurious safari tents, idyllic outdoor baths, and jaw-dropping views.
With its endless lush countryside, unique native bush and secluded beaches, it’s unsurprising that New Zealand’s North Island is an absolute haven for glamping spots. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the country staying in some of the best NZ glamping spots. Now, I’m thrilled to share with you my top picks from around the North Island.
Glamping in New Zealand: Where to go
1. Te Awa Glamping- Whanganui
If you are like me and love adventure as much as you love luxury, Te Awa Glamping was literally built for you. The owner, Louise, wanted to create a glamping experience that was not just luxurious and relaxing, but also fun and exciting.
Situated on the Whanganui river next to Taumarunui, the property is a gateway to all kinds of activities. From mountain biking, skiing, fishing to boating, there is something for everyone. There are canoes available to play in by the river, a limitless supply of board games and even an adult scavenger hunt (with a prize that is very much worth searching for!).
If adventure isn’t your thing and you are after a more relaxing getaway, Te Awa Glamping is also the place for the latter. The glamping site has been impeccably designed and lushly furnished in a slightly boho style. The tent may look like a regular canvas structure from the outside, but on the inside, it is anything but.
Equipped with an impressive kitchen, plush king-sized bed, dining area, sofa and opulent bathroom you quickly forget your inside a canvas structure. My favourite part of the Te Awa experience? The welcome hamper. Absolutely overflowing with delicious homemade and local treats, it is easily the best hamper I’ve ever received.
Prices for Te Awa Glamping start at $440NZD per night.
An awesome way to remember your glamping trip by would be creating a custom keychains with a photo from it. Take the memory with you everywhere!
2. Orchard Valley Glamping- Waikato
For a truly luxurious glamping experience, look no further than Orchard Valley glamping. Situated on a family-run kiwifruit orchard in NZ’s north island Waikato region, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
The spacious safari tent is easily one of the most lavish I’ve stayed in. The tent comes fully equipped for up to four people. It comes with a massive lounge featuring an indoor gas fireplace to hang out in and two bedroom areas with plush, king-sized beds to sleep in.
The separate bathroom consists of a gorgeous rain shower situated over a deep bathtub. It is also equipped with luxury, eco-friendly amenities. The beautiful outdoor kitchen come stocked on arrival with fresh bread, free range eggs, milk and juice. There is even a deluxe s’mores kit to use by the campfire!
The highlight of the site is the wood burning hot tub that overlooks the endless rolling hills during the day and the endless starry sky at night. Every detail of Orchard Valley has been impeccably considered to create a truly bespoke glamping experience.
Prices for Orchard Valley Glamping start at $480NZD per night. Book here on Booking.com.
3. Twisted Twig Glamping- Rotorua
If waking up enveloped in a forest canopy sounds like your kind of getaway, Twisted Twig Glamping is the place for you. Nestled amongst 15 acres of pristine native bush on a property next to Lake Rotoma, the setting unlike any other glamping spot in NZ. Twisted Twig boasts two delightfully unique accommodation options on its property, depending on the kind of experience you are seeking. Both are very budget-friendly for what they offer.
The first option is to stay inside a rustic wooden hut, which is nestled deep within the forest. From the outside, the hut blends in seamless with its surroundings. On the inside, it exudes a very cosy English cottage feel. The place is as romantic as it comes: equipped with candles, a log fire place and a dreamy clawed outdoor bath.
The second option, a luxury safari tent, is a new addition to the property. Offering a more typical glamping experience, this deluxe tent can sleep four people. It is even double-story, with a cozy games room situated on its second level. The two outdoor bathtubs that are situated to look out over the forest are a wonderful touch.
The lovely host, Shelwyn, goes above and beyond to make sure that every guest has a memorable stay. From freshly baked bread and cookies, fresh flowers in every room to homemade bath salts, it’s these little details that aren’t forgotten on a glamping stay.
Prices for Twisted Twig Glamping start at $195 per night for the Hut or $300 for the Safari Tent.
4. Waipu Glamping- Northland
As one of Northland’s first glamping sites, Waipu Glamping was quick to rise in popularity. Although the situation of the glamping tent isn’t as private or spectacular as some, Waipu Glamping does have the advantage of being exceptionally close to the beach (unlike most countryside glamping spots), and is easy driving distance of Auckland.
The glamping spot can accommodate up to 5 guests, and is one of the few NZ glamping spots on the North Island that are both kid and pet friendly. Naturally, there is a lovely outdoor bathtub overlooking native bush and a pot belly fire that is perfect for toasting marshmallows or enjoying a glass of wine.
You can do your own cooking on the outdoor BBQ, or for an additional fee, the lovely hosts will prepare an impressive antipasto platter or a hearty homecooked breakfast.
Prices for Waipu Glamping start at $330NZD per night.
5. Kinloch Glamping- Taupo
As far as views go, Kinloch Glamping may have monopoly on the market. Located near Lake Taupo, the glamping site is perched up on a hill and overlooks a giant expanse of endless rolling countryside and sheep grazing in their pastures. The iconic New Zealand scene gets even more spectacular at sunset, and is best enjoyed with a glass of wine in hand from one of the two sunken outdoor bathtubs.
There is a great indoor-outdoor flow to the place, unlike some glamping sites where the living spaces are separated out. You walk straight out of the safari tent onto a massive covered deck to use the fully-stocked kitchen, which naturally, overlooks to a fabulous view.
The interior of the safari tent isn’t quite as impressive as some, still feeling like a tent rather than a luxury lodge from the inside. However, it is still cosy and comfortable. With the fabulous views, outdoor bathtubs and a fire pit, you’ll spend most of your time outside anyway.
Prices for Kinloch Glamping start at $440NZD per night.
6. Waitomo Hilltop Glamping- Waikato
As the first glamping experience I ever had, Waitomo Hilltop Glamping absolutely blew me away. I’ll never forget the excitement of arriving at the property and loading into the host’s 4WD to make our way up to the remote glamping site, situated deep into the family’s farm. The secluded hideaway was perched up on a hill with epic 360 views over the surrounding countryside.
The interior of the safari tent is decorated to perfection in a scandi-chic style- think brown leather armchairs, soft fur blankets and throw pillows galore. The modern bathroom, while sheltered from the main room, is inside the tent. This means you don’t have to scamper outside in the cold to use it like on many glamping sites.
The quaint kitchen is in a separate wooden structure and comes equipped with complimentary herbs, eggs, homemade bread, milk and marshmallows for the firepit. There is even a glorious stone pizza oven to use for an easy dinner. Two claw-footed bathtubs are in prime position to peer out over the panoramic views, as is the fire pit (best when the outdoor beanbags are utilized). This off-the-grid experience really does have it all!
Prices for Waitomo Hilltop Glamping start at $455NZD per night.
Travelling around the North Island of New Zealand? Check out these other blog posts:
- How to Spend 48 Hours in Wellington
- Why you NEED to go on a winter getaway to the Coromandel
- A Guide to Exploring Auckland in Four Days
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Do you have any glamping spot on NZ’s North Island to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!
