Diving into New Zealand’s mind-blowingly beautiful wilderness is something that most travellers dream of. Waking up to a chorus of native birds as you soak in the lush landscapes around you… it doesn’t sound too bad, right?
However, pitching a tent on the hard ground, laying down your paper-thin mattress and nestling into a scratchy sleeping bag isn’t for everyone. Luckily, glamping has exploded on the scene and is providing all those self-diagnosed non-campers out there with a luxurious camping alternative.
And guys, New Zealand’s glamping is on another level. I’m so excited to share some of these stays with you. From outdoor bathtubs and wood-fired pizza ovens to INSANE views and ridiculously comfy beds – the attention to detail in these places is incredible.
As The Broke Backpacker’s resident Kiwi, I’ve been tasked with finding us the BEST glamping in New Zealand. I’ve focused my love and addition on sourcing the crème de la crème of luxury tents, yurts and domes across the country. I have absolutely no doubt you will fall in love with these places, just like I have.
So, let’s dive into the best glamping in the north and south islands of New Zealand.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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What is Glamping?
Glamping comes from glamorous camping. Also known as luxury camping or boutique camping. It’s built around the desire to get off-grid and into nature without having to completely rough it in a tiny tent on a shitty mattress.
Glamping has taken off all over the world, you can find them in some pretty magical remote spots across the globe. I love the concept of glamping as it encourages more people to get out into nature – even if that means doing it with hot running water, a comfy bed and a hot tub…
Essentially, if you want to stay amongst nature without having to rough it too much, glamping is for you. Honestly, it’s probably my favourite reason for a trip to New Zealand too!
What to Expect from Glamping in New Zealand
If you’re going to try out the glamping lifestyle, New Zealand is THE place to do it. Getting off the beaten track when travelling in New Zealand will offer up some of the most incredible views on the planet…
Imagine then being able to wake up to those views from the comfort of your own comfy bed. It’s a big yes from me.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The level of glamorous completely depends on your interests and of course, your budget. There are some pretty incredible glamping spots to stay in New Zealand that cover all budgets – including yurts, domes and some of the biggest tents you’ve ever seen.
New Zealand’s landscape is pretty diverse. If you go glamping in the North Island it’s likely you’ll find yourself nestled into nature, close to a beach or some farmland. Whereas, the South Island is hugely mountainous, so you’ll often find yourself with some pretty majestic views.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIThe Top 12 Spots for Glamping in New Zealand
From luxury safari tents to incredible domes, New Zealand has blessed us with loads of options when it comes to glamping. You’ll find them nestled into some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the country. But never fear, I’m here to uncover their locations and share with you the best of the best.
Whether you’re looking to go glamping in the north island or the south, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best glamping in New Zealand.
Dreamscape Glamping Waikanae | Best Overall Glamping in New Zealand
Dreamscape Glamping in Waikanae is what all my childhood dreams are made of. It reminds me of a massive comfy, fort that you could nestled in and stay forever. Located on a hill overlooking Kapiti Island and the sea, you will be blessed every day with a sunset over the horizon. So, grab yourself a local wine and settle in, this will be a moment to remember.
This glamping spot comes with a wood-fire oven!! How cool is that? You can whip up a pizza, or a roast and enjoy it on the terrace overlooking the view. Not only that but you’ll also be able to enjoy outdoor baths, an outdoor fire and your own private bar.
Inside your snuggly tent, you’ll find a luxurious king-sized bed, designer chairs and a kitchenette. If you think the photos of this place look cool, I’d say they don’t even do it the justice it serves. Visiting this place HAS to be one of the coolest things to do in New Zealand.
Stylish Glamping Tepee | Best Budget Glamping in New Zealand
If you want to plonk yourself in a teepee, travel into the wilderness but still just be 5 minutes from Matakana Village – I’ve found your match! These glamping tepees refer to themselves as stylish and that is exactly what they are. They have been carefully designed and fitted out with quality beds, linen, shower towels and (my favourite part) fairy lights!
Surrounded by native trees, you can’t help but unwind, relax and reconnect with nature. Each tepee has its own small deck with chairs for you to relax on and soak in the views. There is a shared bathroom and lounge just a short distance away.
The Enchanted Retreat Luxury Glamping | Over-the-Top Luxury Glamping in New Zealand
Located in the beautiful Havelock North, this is the ULTIMATE glamping in New Zealand for the non-camper. This glamping spot is super modern and oozes with luxury, however, it has disguised itself as a “tent” amongst nature. This counts as camping in New Zealand… right?
The views are out-of-this-world amazing, looking over lush green New Zealand bush and hills… and don’t even get me started about the sunset. A glass of wine in hand watching our big ball of fire fall behind the horizon – pure bliss.
Inside the “tent”, the stylish decor and design are the perfect mix of modernity and comfort. Relax in the outdoor bath, roast some marshmallows around the fire (really get into the glamping spirit) or just chill out on the deck and soak in the view. This spot is easily some of the best glamping in the north island.
Drift Off Grid Luxury Eco Glamping | Most Romantic Glamping in New Zealand
Drift Off Grid Luxury Glamping in Tarakohe, Tasman is the best of the best when it comes to glamping in New Zealand. Blending modern comforts with a camping twist. Nestled up high, you’ll have a bloody spectacular view across the sea and rolling hills in the distance. But don’t worry, you won’t have to hike your way down to the beach as you get your own buggy to drive yourself down with.
If you’re wondering just how glamorous this glamping spot is, I’ll just tell you this much… the bathroom has a double shower, floor heating, white fluffy towels and bathrobes. If that doesn’t set the scene, I don’t know what will. This spot takes glamping to the next level.
Whether you want to head out to explore the area or just relax in your own slice of paradise, this place has you covered. With a kitchenette and a Webber grill (yep, no shitty BBQs around here), you can whip up your own dinner while you soak in the view. The hosts have the fridge stock for you so that you’re all sorted with a delicious breakfast to start the day too.
Here at The Broke Backpacker, we love freedom! And there’s no freedom as sweet (and CHEAP) as camping around the world.
We’ve been camping on our adventures for over 10 years, so take it from us: the MSR HUBBA HUBBA is the best damn tent for adventuring…
View on REI Read Our ReviewBest Glamping in the North Island
Here are a few more of my favourite spots for glamping in New Zealand’s North Island. Get your notepad out, buddy.
The Yurt Wai Rua – Whangarei, Northland
Tucked away in Northland, this Yurt provides the perfect rustic glamping in Whangarei. Nestled into nature, the tranquil setting of this glamping spot allows you to soak in the lush green views and enjoy the sound of native birds singing away. The yurt is SUPER cosy – with a big double bed, a fireplace and warm fluffy rugs.
It’s the extra touches from the hosts that make this glamping spot stand out – they provide flashlights for the night, a woodstove for chilly nights and ample farm-fresh supplies for breakfast. There is a kitchen available to use to cook whenever you need.
Plus, they have an outdoor swimming pool (yep, this is glamping guys!) and a BBQ area too.
Te Kouma Heights Glamping – Manaia, Waikato
Travelling off the beaten track and right into rural farmland! This EPIC safari tent provides incredible views across the ocean and the Te Kouma Harbour. Feel the sea breeze on your face and enjoy a morning coffee on the deck, take it aaaall in.
The Safari tent sounds rugged, right? Well, I assure you, it’s more than comfortable. Powered with solar energy, a LUXURY king-sized bed and a full kitchen – you’ll feel right at home here. You’ll also be blessed with two claw baths to soak in the views, or just jump in the shower and enjoy the equally amazing view from there.
The lovely hosts let you roam around, walk up the hill and enjoy all of the surrounding property. As the tent is on farmland, they provide a 4×4 vehicle for you to drive yourself around (pretty cool!) But if you’re not confident in driving, they can drop you off/ pick you up. This glamping spot in the north island is 10/10.
Raglan Rural Retreat – Raglan, Waikato
If you’re going to get off the beaten track anywhere, Raglan is a pretty sweet place to do it. And this Raglan Rural Retreat is just the place! It provides the classic camping experience: sitting back (glass of wine in hand), toasting marshmallows around the fire pit or relaxing in the spa pool while marvelling at the stars above.
However, when it’s time to go back, you won’t be trudging back to your small tent with a tiny mattress on the floor. Instead, you’ll be doing it in true glamping style. Your luxurious glamping tent comes with two bedrooms (each with a queen-size bed), a chill-out space, a couch and a kitchen. It’s like a little home!
Located on a tranquil rural farm, your only neighbours will be the friendly alpacas next door. Although you’ll feel like you’ve been picked up from the busy world and dropped into a secluded paradise… you’re actually less than 10 minutes from Raglans town centre.
Oakridge Glamping – Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Although there are so many aspects to Oakridge Glamping that are INCREDIBLE, my favourite part about staying here is the star-gazing, it is out-of-this-world (literally). If Rotorua pulls through with a clear night, you’ll be blessed with a shit load of shiny stars that will be etched into your mind long after your trip.
Oakridge provides the ultimate glamping experience with the perfect mix of adventure while providing all the home comforts you could need. This glamping in Rotorua offers a cosy fireplace, an epic outdoor bathtub overlooking serene views and a bangin’ BBQ set up.
Not only that but your hosts are wonderful. They have horses and two friendly labradors – Baxter and Benson – who add even more sparkle to your stay.
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View on REI Read the ReviewBest Glamping in the South Island
Here are a few more of my favourite spots for glamping in the South Island of New Zealand:
Glamping yurt / “hole in the rock” accommodation – Cape Foulwind, West Coast
Amongst some of the best glamping in the south island is this Yurt near Cape Faulwind. From your deck, you will be spoilt with beautiful views across the rocky landscape of the west coast. Mere steps from the beach, you can walk down to Hole in the Rock Beach or walk a few minutes further to join the Cape Foulwind walkway. There are plenty of adventures to be had when staying here.
The yurt itself is an absolute dream, it’s a stylish round room with a 5m window to capture all of the incredible views. After a day of exploring, you can crash in a queen-sized bed (or if you’re a group of four, you can sleep on the fold-out double sofa bed). Surrounded by lush lawn and cosy bean bags, it’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset.
With your own kitchenette, you can whip up your own meals at your leisure. Or, if you’re up for an outing, you can head to the Star Tavern just two minutes away – a great spot for a feed and a beer. If you’re after a place to stop the charts on your South Island roadie, this is it.
Big Sky Yurts and BBQ – French Farm, Canterbury
Ok, friends, this is the creme da la creme. The best of the best. These guys don’t muck around when it comes to glamping. Not only do they offer beautiful wool-insulated yurks, with cosy queen beds that overlook the Akaroa Habour BUT they also feed you up with some of the best food ever.
Included in your stay at the eco-farm stay, Big Sky, you’ll enjoy a three-course slow-cooked BBQ dinner. Yep, you can’t really beat that. Smokie D is your chef and he whips up a damn good meal.
Located in the perfect spot to enjoy New Zealand’s hiking tracks, mountain biking, and beaches – it’s an adventurer’s heaven. You won’t get bored staying here.
Cross Hill Glamping – Lake Hawea, Otago
If you’re on the fence about this whole glamping thing – can it really be that luxurious to go camping? YES, it can. If this sounds like you – Cross Hill Glamping in Lake Hawea is the spot for you. Cross Hill has everything and I mean everything you could want in a hotel room… except it’s in a dome in the middle of nature.
From the divine super-king bed, soft sheets, heated mattress pad, gas fireplace, quality towns AND dressing gowns, lovely toiletries and so much more. You will be living like a queen in a dome. The vibe is serene and provides the perfect place to unwind.
Breakfast is served daily in a lovely communal area. If you’re up for meeting other guests – this is a great time to mix and mingle with your fellow dome dwellers and others from the campground.
Valley Views Glamping – Kurow, Waitaki Valley
Picture a tent filled with fairy lights, soft faux fur rugs and a bed that rivals any luxury hotel. Not only that but an EPIC view across the valley that will absolutely blow your mind. Valley Views Glamping in Waitaki Valley does not disappoint.
Relax in a warm outdoor bath under the stars and relax with a local wine and watch the sunset from your deck. This glamping spot is the perfect spot to come if you want to detach from the busy world and unwind. Hidden down a dirt road and amongst lush, beautiful nature – you’ll feel completely off-grid.
The hosts are super welcoming to all their guests and provide a delicious FREE breakfast every morning. Including fresh eggs laid by their hens, bread, butter, spreads and fresh coffee. A dreamy start to the day.
FAQs About Glamping in New Zealand
Here’s what people usually ask about glamping in New Zealand… If you have any questions of your own, drop them in the comments below.
What to Pack for New Zealand
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your New Zealand Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to New Zealand.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Glamping in New Zealand
As you can see, New Zealand does glamping bloody well. And as it should! We have some of the most incredible, remote spots in the world and it’s awesome that more and more travellers are being encouraged to experience it.
I hope that you managed to find your little remote slice of paradise amongst these luxury tents, yurts and domes. Or, has at least inspired you to get out into nature in whatever camping style is best for you.
If you’re still unsure as to the best glamping, I’d recommend staying at Dreamscape Glamping Waikanae. It’s nestled into the hills and provides some outstanding views. You’ll be staying in an epic, stylishly designed tent that offers a wood-fire oven, outdoor baths AND your own bar. Not bad, huh?
Wherever you decide, enjoy your time getting off-grid. Relax, unwind and enjoy!
- Our in-depth backpacking New Zealand guide has heaps of info for your trip.
- Continuing over the border? Check out the best road trips in South Island New Zealand next.
- Knowing where to stay in New Zealand before you get there is important, plan accordingly!
- Check out our campervanning in New Zealand guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
- Check out our list of New Zealand’s best hostels if you fancy a real bed!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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