Featured Activities
Want to spend a night in the outdoors but not willing to give up the luxury of a plush mattress?
There are so many ways to make your under-the-stars experience come true without letting go of all the little comforts. Whether a belle tent, yurt, tipi, safari-style tent or even a Geo-dome. Read below for Wānaka’s hottest glamping options.
One great thing about glamping is that you don’t have to go full-noise on the gear you are bringing, as most places have your bedding, pillows and cooking facilities sorted.
Make sure to pack your toiletries (toothbrush, bodywash, deodorant etc.) to stay feeling fresh. Oh, and it never hurts to pack an extra roll of loo-paper either!
Although most glamping accommodations do have power supply, think of it as a perfect opportunity to unplug from devices and attune to the rhythm of nature. Or spend your evenings with that book you’ve been wanting to read from Next Chapter, a magazine from Paper Plus or a good old fashioned deck of cards from the Wonder Room. Most places will have lighting available but it always pays to bring a head-torch, just in case!
Temperatures in this part of the world can vary from one minute to the next so we suggest bringing layers. Tights or thermals and some lightweight wool options are a must for when the temperatures dip and will help you stay warm from dusk till dawn. And then if it’s summer you’re definitely going to want swimwear for a dip in the lake and oh make sure you pack the sunscreen and some bug spray. But don’t worry if you forget something you’ll never be too far from Wānaka which has everything a glamper could possibly need.
Because glamping is a high-end version of camping, don’t be afraid to bring a couple of extra luxuries such as your slippers or uggies, a yoga mat for your morning practice, some marshmallows to toast by the fire and a good bottle of vino (or two)!
Geo domes are all the rage right now offering a unique and exclusive experience to sleep under the stars without compromising luxury or comfort. For both a high country and high end experience stay the weekend at Cross Hill Lodge & Domes in Lake Hāwea. With a generous 40sqm of indoor living space plus your very own 30sqm outdoor deck to soak in the sun and ground to sky windows to take in the stars. Start your morning with a complementary breakfast, hosted at the lodge daily from Cross Hill’s onsite chef. Oh, and did we mentioned that each Dome has their own private ensuite bathroom? Best part of it all, is that you don’t even have to get out of bed to catch the sunrise. Winning!
Over by Dublin Bay situated on a patch of private lakeside farmland, you’ll find a couple of geodesic domes with out-of-this-world mountain views! At Mt Gold Glamping you can choose from the Mt Gold lakeside location exposing you to all-day lake view or the secluded Wilding Pines campsite. Either way, rest assured you will have the best night sleep thanks to a Queen bed and high quality linen. Each site has soft furnishings, a hot outdoor shower, BBQ, odourless composting toilet and of course, unobstructed views.
Raised up on a wooden deck is an earth-toned Safari Tent located at Hideaway Cove situated at The Camp in Lake Hāwea. Get in touch with nature without losing any comfort this cosy option even has a four poster bed!! Plus tea/coffee facilities, bedside lights for late night reading, an outdoor toilet and BBQ all on your own private area with lake & mountain views. Stay satiated by feasting on some kai at The Food Truck + Bar conveniently located within The Camp.
And don’t worry you will stay satiated with thanks to The Food Truck + Bar conveniently located within The Camp. Feast with your friends on some delicious kai – a classic breakfast menu comprised of barista-made coffee, bacon butties and bagels. Or dine in the evening with a choice from burgers to paninis, best teamed with a side of loaded fries and local craft beer. There is really no reason for you to have to leave!
A short walk from there will take you to a village dubbed Denver Cove named after the 5 Colorado-style tents situated by the lake. Don’t be fooled by the word “tent” – they have a king bed with lush linen and an electric blanket, along with a basic kitchen and outdoor fire pit. Now’s the time to rally up the troops, hire out the entire village and enjoy a weekend under the stars in pure style and comfort.
Yet another glamping option at The Camp is to stay in a 5 metre Bell Tent, tucked away in the trees. They are sweet and simple but all the finishing touches make it extra special with luxurious woollen and Moroccan-style rugs, an outdoor fire pit and your very own communal dining area. This is easily the most affordable and a low-key glamping experience you can find in Wānaka. So put your feet up and pour yourself a glass!
If you are looking for a secluded, intimate and private retreat with family or friends look no further than Oasis Yurt Lodge. Stay in one of 6 Yurt rooms decked out with New Zealand Wool bedding, electric heating/cooling and your very own wood burner. The centre point for all things dining, connecting and sharing is held in the rammed earth building or tipi tent, both conveniently located on site. The lodge is comprised of a generous sized kitchen, dining table and space to roll out a yoga mat for your morning practice. Spend the weekend immersed in nature for some solo retreat time or hire out the entire lodge for up to 14 of your favourite humans.
And if your budget only permits you to glamp for a night or two, don’t forget that Wānaka is home to some great campgrounds with million-dollar views!!
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