Great Escapes
The ultimate guide to glamping in Aotearoa
Picture yourself sinking into a wood-fired hot tub overlooking a quintessentially Kiwi landscape as you inhale the aromas of the supplied gourmet dinner your travel companion is preparing on the barbecue. After spending the night in a luxury solar-powered tent, you’ll have a private piece of paradise to explore, far from the madding crowds that clog tourist hot spots.
With Canopy Camping Escapes, there’s no need to pack a tent to enjoy a stay in a secluded beauty spot. Simply book your accommodation, which ranges from cosy canvas tents and cabins to super-luxe hideaways, and get into relax and recharge mode from the moment you arrive.
Wherever you stay, you can rest assured there’ll be a comfy bed, hot water and a decent loo - and many feature such amenities as fridges and espresso machines. Essentially, you enjoy all the benefits of camping off-the-beaten-track without the discomfort. In this day and age, why do it any other way?
Stuff Travel writers have been hosted by several of the properties listed.
NORTH ISLAND ESCAPES
The perfect spot to unwind
Skyview Cottage is a quaint, chic one-bedroom cottage perched on a ridge in Dairy Flat, half an hour’s drive north of central Auckland. It’s off-grid, running on solar power, and is dog and horse friendly by arrangement. This whimsical escape has uninterrupted views across the countryside. There’s outdoor seating with a fire pit perfect for toasting marshmallows, and the piece de resistance - the outdoor bathtub, separated from the shed and tanks with a bamboo wall. Read more
Waikato’s hidden African safari-style tent
Tarata Tent is in the remote Waikato settlement of Tahāroa, right by the Kāwhia Harbour. The large African safari-style tent makes you feel like you are miles away. The tent is nothing like you’d pitch at the campground. It has glass windows and French doors, and comes with a wooden kitchen island, leather couch and armchair in a cosy living space. The king-size bed with a canopy is so inviting you'll want to hop right in.
Tatara Tent. LISA SUN PHOTOGRAPHY
Tatara Tent. LISA SUN PHOTOGRAPHY
NZ's best glamping escape
Cliffside at Castaways Resort was one of the first operators to bring glamorous camping, or glamping, to New Zealand, and they've perfected it over the years. Now they offer the ultimate two-night escape in a remote part of Karioitahi Beach, just 10-minutes from Waiuku: including all food, massages and two completely different glamping tents. There is one on the coast and another in the forest with a bathtub suspended in the trees. Read more
The best bed in the house
Usually glamorous camping is reserved for the quietest parts of the country; places where cell phone reception is weak, and birdsong is strong. Eden Park has done the complete opposite, becoming the world's first stadium to install Staydium Glamping domes. That means you get the whole place - which can fit up to 50,000 people - to yourself. There are two options when staying: a game-day or "stadium to yourself" experience. It's only a 50-metre walk from the car park to the tent, which is filled with designer furniture and has a small self-contained bathroom. Read more
Little Tin Shed. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Little Tin Shed. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
More than a shed
Mangawhai's Little Tin Shed is adults-only with one exception: dogs are allowed, as long as they're well-behaved and are farm-friendly. Owner Julia Smith wanted to create a space where the focus was on slowing down and enjoying each other. The result is a tiny house escape that celebrates the simpler things: reading a book, watching the stars, or listening to the birds. You'll also find an impressive outdoor bath hidden in a mini mānuka forest. Read more
Bathe by the harbour
Black Rocks Retreat is just over an hour's drive from the central city, and has a luxury cabin overlooking Auckland's Manukau Harbour, with views of the western side of the city. The cabin is a little like a flash hotel room with beachfront access and kayaks to explore the water. But the highlight is the outdoor bath, overlooking the harbour, where you and your loved one can unwind in peace. Read more
Sleep in an upturned boat
Whanganui's Iona Tiny House is an old kauri riverboat turned on its side and transformed into a luxury tiny house. The boat is firmly on land, a few steps from the Whanganui River. It is a passion project of architect Elinor McDouall, who has meticulously designed the tiny house to feel remarkably spacious. The lounge has a large curved couch that runs along the hull and sits in front of a woodburner, the middle part of the boat has a surprisingly spacious kitchen, while the other end of the cabin is home to the bed, where you can watch the river without lifting your head off the pillow. Read more
Black Rocks Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Black Rocks Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Kokako Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Kokako Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
A private off-grid container home
Ahurewa Eco Retreat is nestled in the Mahakirau Forest Estate, which is a gated private eco-sanctuary home to some of the country's rarest creatures. Most of the 600-hectare property is protected land, although there are a few private homes dotted around. The estate is bordered by the Manaia Kauri Sanctuary and the Coromandel State Forest, an enormous 72,000ha reserve encompassing most of the Coromandel's ancient hinterland. Inside, the house has an impressive library and large kitchen – although the bedroom is the highlight, with large windows and views stretching as far as the eye can see. Read more
A spectacular couples escape
Tucked away on a quiet corner of a rolling farm, Jo Wilson and Dean Dew have a secret little spot called Kokako Retreat. After a self-guided drive across the farm, guests are greeted by three pods. The first is relaxation central – it has a comfy couch in front of a fire, bean bags and a swing chair with sweeping views. The second has a neatly appointed kitchen and bathroom and the last is home to a large plush bed, overlooking the bush, with a clawfoot bath out front. The tiny home retreat is designed for couples. Read more
An adults-only hobbit hideaway
Underhill Valley may look like the famed Hobbiton movie set, but this hideout is so much more. It's a fairytale adults-only grotto, that's a little like a tiny candle-lit underground medieval castle. It is tucked away down a little farm road, and its exact location is a secret – for all but those who choose to stay. An idyllic pond is the centrepiece, framed by a huge willow which hangs lazily over an enchanting wooden bridge. The cave is made of elaborate stonework, native timbers, and handcrafted iron fittings. Outside on the neighbouring mound, there's another candlelit bathroom cave, while another hosts an outdoor bath. Read more
Auckland's coolest glamping stay
Dusk and Dawn is an edgy glamping property made up of two domes, perched on a ridge 380m above sea level in the Waitākere Ranges. What makes the property so special is the shape of it, with triangle windows creating the domes, allowing for maximum lighting and uninterrupted views across the city of Auckland - and even stargazing potential on clear dark nights. One dome is the living and kitchen area and the second dome is the bedroom. Opening out to the deck, there are two swinging egg chairs to enjoy the scenes outside. Read more
Luxury on a hilltop
Sitting on a hilltop high above the Wairarapa is Moonlight Peak, a luxury off-grid solar-powered suite. This adults-only escape is for those who love seclusion, and the adventure starts before you even get there. You'll be met by a host, where you'll jump in a 4WD to make the steep ascent up a winding farm track to the top of a hill. After being dropped off, you won't see anybody, and you won't be able to leave. But you'll have everything you need, including a full kitchen, a hot tub, and dressing gowns, and a view to enjoy. Read more
Moonlight Peak. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Moonlight Peak. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Serenity Hillside at Serenity Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Serenity Hillside at Serenity Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
A tiny house bush escape
Serenity Hillside at Serenity Retreat has is everything you need in a tiny house. Set in its own valley, nestled against a hillside of native bush, it's perhaps best described as an off-grid Art Deco Lego house — there's just solar power for lights and to charge your phone. With a boardwalk bridge to the entrance, it almost feels like a tiny tree house. The retreat is set on an 80-acre lifestyle block near Tairua, just two-hours from Auckland. Inside the main hut, owners Andie and Chris Lusby managed to pack three different levels into the small space, including a downstairs lounge and a loft bedroom. Read more
Accessible to all
Hidden Springs is found on a 90-hectare farm just a few minutes from Waikino. The off-grid cabin is a hidden sanctuary designed for relaxation. It sits next to a little river, with two hidden springs. One of the main features is the stunning outdoor bath, alongside magnificent views of Mount Karangahake from a large deck. Inside is a bedroom with a king bed, a well-appointed kitchen complete with a fridge and gas hob, and there’s also a barbecue outside. A spacious lounge with a fireplace also provides a great place to unwind with a book if the weather doesn’t allow you to enjoy the outdoors. The glamping escape has been designed to be accessible to everyone - it’s got full wheelchair access. Read more
Kahikatea Farm. CANOPY CAMPING ESCAPES
Kahikatea Farm. CANOPY CAMPING ESCAPES
Kahikatea Farm
Kahikatea Farm is a collection of huts and a Lotus Belle tent nestled amongst mānuka, huge kahikatea and nīkau palms. At the lush oasis you can bring the kids and have a holiday with the best of nature and the best of home at the same time.
Redwood Farm. CANOPY CAMPING ESCAPES
Redwood Farm. CANOPY CAMPING ESCAPES
Redwood Farm
The Redwood Farm has both a treehouse glamping site and a tiny house spread across 200 hectares of lush farmland near Te Puke, with panoramic views across the Bay of Plenty and Mount Tarawera on a clear day.
An ideal couple's paradise
If Northland had a little slice of Bali, this retreat – perched on the side of a mountain with sweeping views – would be it. Tui Hilltop is the passion project of Greg Hall, who has spent 20 years meticulously landscaping the grounds. He's now opened his property to the public, so they can enjoy what he created. The retreat has three huts; the first is a kitchen and dining area, a few steps away you'll find a glass-lined bedroom, and finally a separate shower block with composting toilet. As you're high up on a hill, you may even be lucky enough to wake up above the clouds. Read more
Tui Hilltop. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Tui Hilltop. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Northland's off-the-grid glamping ark
Add New Zealand's first floating glamping experience to the list. The floating ark at Cottle Hill Creek is just five minutes' drive from Kerikeri village, about three hours north of Auckland. The ark sits on a large man-made lake, complete with a tiny island in the middle, perfect for rowing out to on the small dinghy provided to have a romantic picnic on. The ark has a little kitchen, lounge, dining table, composting toilet, and a huge comfy bed in the attic. Read more
Cottle Hill Creek. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Cottle Hill Creek. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Glamping fit for an emperor
One of Northland's newest glamping escapes is tucked away in native bush, where you'll fall asleep to the gentle trickle of the stream. Rewind a few thousand years, and Awatuna Yurt would be fit for an emperor. The plush interior includes a luxurious bed, a separate bathroom with a flush toilet, and an outdoor bath. Best of all, you're less than a kilometre from Sandy Bay, which is a popular surf spot for locals – but also an excellent swimming beach. Read more
Tatara Tent. LISA SUN PHOTOGRAPHY
Tatara Tent. LISA SUN PHOTOGRAPHY
Iona Tiny House. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Iona Tiny House. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Staydium Glamping. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Staydium Glamping. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Underhill. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Underhill. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Kokako Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Kokako Retreat. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
The ultimate farm stay
For the ultimate farm stay experience, book a weekend at Ridge Top Farm. Embrace your inner child and grab one of their burlap sacks to slide down the grassy hill. Practise your golf swing with some long distance driving from the tee box at the campsite. If you’re keen to get the lay of the land, take up the hosts on their offer of a ‘glamp n tramp’ activity. The site sleeps 10 people in a deluxe canvas wood frame tent and a larger cabin with plush bunk beds.
Wild and remote luxury
For those wanting to disconnect but are not fans of roughing it, Black Bivvy is your go-to luxe, off-the-grid accommodation and it ticks all the boxes. With two queen-size bedrooms, this rural getaway is perfect for two couples or a small family. Explore the nearby waterfall, partake in deer spotting from your covered outdoor dining table, or even give the onsite 60m flying fox a go. If you stay in peak ‘roar’ season (March-April) you’ll be treated to the songs of the very vocal wild stags.
Ridge Top Farm. SUPPLIED
Ridge Top Farm. SUPPLIED
Wai Dome O. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Wai Dome O. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Waitomo's hidden glamping escape
Wai Dome O is a glamping escape just a few minutes' drive from the Waitomo Caves. The tent is on a hill on a remote farm, and as dawn breaks, you might be lucky enough to wake above the clouds, as the valley fills with fog. The adults-only retreat is the brainchild of Katie Dimond, who has an extensive background in tourism – so decided to create an escape on her family farm. The solar-powered dome is ideally positioned to explore a few of the region's other lesser-known gems. Read more
Bohemian style in the bush
One of the country's coolest baches is tucked away in dense bush overlooking Wellington Harbour. Just 10 minutes from the airport on the Miramar Peninsula, it's a steep five-minute walk to the bright blue Boho Bach. The house is full of bohemian brilliance but the highlight is a large outdoor bath overlooking the harbour. Big enough for two, it's possibly the most relaxing little spot in all of Wellington. While soaking, you're bound to be visited by a few of the friendly locals: tui, fantails and even woodpigeons. Read more
Boho Bach. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Boho Bach. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
SOUTH ISLAND ESCAPES
Canterbury's best hot tub escape
Little-known off-grid cabin The Matchbox sits at the top of a hill near Waimate with sweeping coastal views. The well-appointed cabin runs on solar power and is split into two sections. One 'wing' has a super-comfy bed with an indoor fireplace and a skylight, so you can stargaze from bed. The other has a luxurious shower – big enough for two – and a basic kitchen. Outside you'll find the cabin’s highlight: a wood-fired hot tub with sweeping views of the farmland and coast below. On a clear night, it’s the perfect place for stargazing. Read more
The Matchbox. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
The Matchbox. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Sleep on a sheep farm
Cattle Flat Hut is a lovely glamping site hidden away on a sheep farm on Banks Peninsula. A beautiful combination of comfort and rustic, here you can relax with only sheep for company. The cute space has everything you need presented in a calm and stylish way. The bathroom at the entrance leads to a tiny kitchen, followed by a big comfy queen bed with reading lights and USB ports next to little windows overlooking the farm. Floor-to-ceiling windows, overlook the front deck, with incredible views over the hills and sea. With a wood burner to keep you warm at night and a wood-fired outdoor bath, there’s no chance of discomfort. Read more
An off-grid glamping retreat
Rockwood Station is a sprawling high country farm near Methven. The glamping retreat is in the corner of the property, bordering a mountain stream and 100-acre forest. The site is more mini-chateau than glamping. It has power, a spa bath, dishwasher, a roaring fire next to a big fluffy bed, and two outdoor fires to keep you warm in the elements. It's luxury, but with no wi-fi, television, reception or any hint of the outside world, you'll still be flirting with the idea of glamping. If you feel like exploring, there are a number of waterholes dotted around the forest and a tranquil bushwalk through the nearby hills. Read more
Indo Kiwi. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Indo Kiwi. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
The Coast's slice of Bali
Just getting to this adults-only escape can be an adventure in itself. Nigel and his wife Tracey spent years creating Bali-inspired oasis Indo Kiwi, on the side of a cliff overlooking the wild West Coast. If you don't have a four-wheel drive, you need to be driven up to the glamping cabin surrounded by native forest. And just like Bali, the main attraction here is turning everything electronic off so that you can enjoy nature. There are sun-loungers, a large sheltered outdoor daybed and a bath to unwind in. Read more
Glamping for intrepid travellers
Tucked behind Naseby on Danseys Pass is the popular Shortlands Shed, off-the-grid, glamping-style accommodation on a sheep farm. It's a perfect weekend getaway for the more intrepid travellers on the South Island. In the colder months you need a 4WD to access the cabin. The bedroom and lounge has a nice fire to keep you toasty, while a massive cedar wood-fired hot tub sits outside. Read more
Hurunui Jacks. Canopy Camping Escapes
Hurunui Jacks. Canopy Camping Escapes
Hurunui Jacks
Hurunui Jacks is the kind of place that makes you not want to leave. This luxury stay just metres from the West Coast Wilderness cycle trail has undergone extensive refurbishment to create an unforgettable experience.
Woodpecker Hut. LIZ CARLSON
Woodpecker Hut. LIZ CARLSON
Woodpecker Hut
Nestled between Greymouth and Charleston, you'll find Woodpecker Hut, the ultimate getaway for those looking for some peaceful holidays. A simple yet comfortable retreat makes you wish all huts were this cosy.
Fox Hut. LIZ CARLSON
Fox Hut. LIZ CARLSON
Fox Hut
There is nowhere better to sit and watch the sunset over the West Coast than right from the wood-fired spa on the deck of Fox Hut. The adults-only cabin has views to die for and offerings that put the traditional good-old Kiwi hut to shame.
Glamping with your own private beach
Just past Le Bons Bay and 30 minutes' drive from Akaroa, is Lavericks Bay. Hidden on a historic family farm, the glamping site has two cosy safari tents which can sleep up to seven people. With no reception, in-room wood burners, an outdoor bath, plenty of bays nearby that are worth exploring, and walking and mountain bike tracks in the area, it's a fabulous option for a glamping experience. Read more
Tawanui Farm Glamping. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Tawanui Farm Glamping. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
A little glamping village
There is nothing to do here but relax at Tawanui Farm Glamping. Near the rural town of Cheviot, up in the lush rolling coastal hills, is a little glamping village - and the setting is a celebration of everything New Zealand. It's a labour of significant love by the Loughnan family; they built it all in their spare time to diversify and open up their large sheep and deer farm. This retreat can cater for up to eight people in a single group. The camp has two geodesic domes and a main hut with a kitchen and shower. Then there's a large hot tub out the front, overlooking the farm and mountains. Read more
Gold-star comfort on the Coast
Originally built in the 1870s by Stewart Monteith, the Brewer’s Night Inn has been lovingly restored to reflect the roots of Reefton. A luxury, rustic cabin meets a Victorian inn, the open plan layout makes you want to curl up on the deep leather couch and never leave. It’s filled with thoughtful touches, from a deep concrete bath that could fit a family to copper and wooden furnishings and a unique music room with a piano, stereo and turntable. Owner Tim, a long-time animal rescue advocate, has made sure that furry friends are also welcome here. Read more
Kissing Gate. CANOPY ESCAPES
Kissing Gate. CANOPY ESCAPES
A delightful hideaway in Nelson-Tasman
About five minutes’ drive from Māpua, Kissing Gate Escape is not just a room, it’s 1000sqm of private space with two – or three – buildings for the exclusive use of its guests. The Outlander Cabin is the new main bedroom. Its French doors open on to a deck directly above a pond-side jetty. Hidden pipes carry hot and cold water to a claw-foot bath on that jetty with bubble bath at hand. Settlers' Cottage is a separate building that includes the bathroom and a living area designed to resemble a tramping hut with corrugated-iron walls and a woodburner. The third building is Ruby, a vintage caravan that is available as additional accommodation. Read more
Rustic ReTreet. LIZ CARLSON
Rustic ReTreet. LIZ CARLSON
Tākaka’s hidden tree house escape
It’s not often that you rock up to accommodation while travelling and immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. So when you end up somewhere utterly unique, it’s very noticeable. Rustic ReTreet is essentially an adult tree house. The brainchild of locals Simon and Janine, the Rustic ReTreet exudes charm and appeal. Nestled a few minutes' drive outside Tākaka, it’s the perfect place to base yourself on a holiday in Golden Bay. Everything you might need is available, except guests need to bring their own food, so you can just hide away for your entire stay if you like. Read more
The ultimate seclusion near Kaikōura
Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of Oaro Beach and the Kaikōura Ranges, Glenstrae Ridge is pure magic. This secluded off-grid retreat offers a serene escape, making it the ideal spot to unwind and recharge for a few days of serenity. The space is filled with luxurious touches like a rain showerhead, a cosy wood fire, and modern kitchen equipped with a gas cooktop, striking a nice balance between home comforts and elegance. With 360-degree views of snow-capped Mount Fyffe, rolling hills, and the dolphin-frequented bays below, there is no shortage of views to marvel at. Read more
Glenstrae Ridge. CJ DUNCAN
Glenstrae Ridge. CJ DUNCAN
Awatuna Yurt. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Awatuna Yurt. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Wai Dome O. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Wai Dome O. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
The Matchbox. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
The Matchbox. BROOK SABIN/STUFF
Sponsored Picks
Off-grid retreats from budget to boujee
Escape winter in these cosy cabins and retreats to suit your budget.
Moonlight Peak. SUPPLIED
Moonlight Peak. SUPPLIED
Forest Nook. Supplied
Forest Nook. Supplied
For more information visit canopycamping.co.nz
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Visuals: Brook Sabin & Radha Engling
Words: Brook Sabin, Stephen Heard, Liz Carlson, Cherie Sivignon, Ruby Turner
Editor: Stephen Heard, Trupti Biradar
Stuff Travel's Great Escapes guide was created as an editorial partnership with Canopy Camping Escapes
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