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Glamping in New Zealand: Tents, Domes, Yurts and Pods

A wooden barrel cabin with a deck on a grassy hillside in Wairarapa

Photo: “Glamping NZ Vacation in Wairarapa” by Steveonmz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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What counts as glamping?

Glamping ("glamorous camping") gives you the outdoor setting of a campground with a real bed and no gear to carry. In New Zealand it ranges from safari tents at family holiday parks to secluded tents and huts on private farmland.

TOP 10 says most of its glamping tents have comfortable beds, heating and electricity. What's included still varies a lot, so read each listing carefully.

The main styles

StyleWhat to expectBest for
Safari tentA large tent on a raised deck. TOP 10's are on insulated decks with a queen bed plus bunks for 4–5 people.Families
DomeA transparent or part-clear dome for stargazing from bed.Couples, solo travellers
YurtA round, Mongolian-style tent with beds and furniture, sleeping up to 4.Couples, small families
PodA small timber pod with a bed, and sometimes a fridge and TV.Couples (TOP 10 says pods don't suit families with children)
Glamping cabin or hutSomewhere between a cabin and a tent, often hand-built from timber.Budget couples, families in bunk huts

Where to find glamping

At holiday parks

Holiday parks are the easiest way to try glamping. You also get the park's kitchens, pools and playgrounds. TOP 10 lists:

  • Safari tents: Ōhope Beach, Rotorua Blue Lake and Taupō
  • Domes: Motutere Bay and Ross Beach
  • Yurts: Russell and Whanganui River

Tasman Holiday Parks also sells "rooms, villas and glamping" at some of its parks. Search by park, as the options differ.

On private land

Glamping booking sites such as Canopy Camping Escapes list tents, cabins and hideaways on private land around the country. These tend to be more secluded and more expensive than holiday parks, with fewer neighbours.

What to check before you book

  • Bathroom: Is there a private bathroom, or do you use the shared amenity block?
  • Kitchen: Can you cook in or beside the unit, or will you use a communal kitchen?
  • Linen and towels: Are beds made up, or do you bring your own?
  • Heating and power: These matter for spring, autumn and alpine stays.
  • Who it suits: Check the maximum guests, and whether children are allowed.
  • Cancellation terms: Glamping often uses the park's standard policy. At TOP 10 parks, there's no refund inside 72 hours.

Glamping or a cabin?

If you mainly want a bed and a roof, a holiday park cabin is usually cheaper. Glamping is worth it for the setting and the experience: canvas walls, a deck and, in a dome, the night sky. Compare both on the same park's booking page.

More camping guides

Sources

  • TOP 10 Holiday Parks glamping page; Tasman Holiday Parks; Canopy Camping Escapes.

Campsite profiles in this guide

Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake) framed by native bush and tree fernsHoliday park

Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotorua

A Superior TOP 10 park beside Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake), about 10 minutes from Rotorua city and close to the Redwoods forest trails.

RotoruaTOP 10 Holiday Parks (Superior)
Flower beds along the Taupō lakefront, about 20 minutes' walk from the holiday parkHoliday park

Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park

Taupō township

A Superior TOP 10 park on 5 acres, about a 20-minute walk from Taupō town centre and the lakefront, with a swimming pool, thermal plunge pool and bookable hot tubs.

TaupōTOP 10 Holiday Parks (Superior)

Check before you go

Prices, pet rules, closures and road access change. Confirm current details for Glamping on the official page before you book or travel.

TOP 10 glamping