On your next South Island holiday surround yourself with the beauty of nature and go Glamping in Wanaka and Lake Hawea. These awesome nature retreats are fun for everyone. Read on to discover stylish yurts, rustic safari tents, big luxurious bell tents, and even tiny houses all set in country, lake, and forest environments. So let’s step off the beaten path and experience these unforgettable glamping experiences…
Accommodation Type: Glamping and Yurts
Destination: Wanaka | Lake Hawea | South Island | New Zealand
Bookings are to booking.com | Prices can vary depending on the season
Wanaka
Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations. It’s home to a variety of natural wonders and stunning views, with the lake and Mount Aspiring National Park.
Visitors have a wide range of activities and accommodation options that are perfect for any occasion. Why not try deep canyoning, rock climbing, hiking, jetboating, parasailing, or take a scenic flight over this wonderland? And after all that adventure relax with a world-class meal at any one of the town’s top-notch eateries!
From simple camping to more luxurious stays, there are many ways to enjoy your time in Wanaka. If you love the outdoors but don’t want to rough it, glamping may be the answer for you!
1. Mt Gold Glamping – Wanaka
Best for: Geo-Dome Glamping, Forest, Beach, Private, Up to 3 Guests
Wanaka is a bucket list kind of place. And when you throw glamping into the mix, the experience takes on a whole new level of wow factor. This lakeside town in New Zealand’s Southern Alps plays host to several unique properties, and Mt Gold Glamping is one of these!
The Space
Camping enthusiasts have designed their holiday property with glamping in mind. The result? Stylish geo-domes at a spectacular spot with lake and mountain views. There’s nothing quite like waking up to those views and hearing nothing but birdsong instead of city noises.
Add in Dublin Bay only a 10-minute walk away, for swimming, paddle boarding, and windsurfing and you have all the makings of an amazing getaway.
Review: Beautiful location among the pine trees with a glorious view of the lake. Really well-equipped kitchen and dome, with lots of thoughtful details. The perfect way to switch off, absolutely loved it.
Good to Know:
- Two glamping sites – Mt Gold and Wilding Pines – are both private from each other
- Each geo-dome has its own bathroom and kitchen and can accommodate up to 3 guests
- Book your Wanaka escape at Mt Gold today
See Inside the Geo-Dome at Mt Gold:
2. Oasis Yurt Lodge – Glamping in Wanaka
Best for: Wood-fired Hot Tub, Tipi, Central Lodge with High-End Kitchen and Dining, Up to 4 Guests
Fun, spacious yurts for holidays, events, and weekends and just a great place to get away from it all. At Oasis Yurt Lodge you’re only 5 minute drive to Wanaka and restaurants, bars, shops, and wineries. But you’re far enough away to enjoy the tranquility and bright stars at night – especially sitting in the hot tub with a glass of wine!
The Space
Each yurt at this glamping in Wanaka option is beautifully furnished with wool bedding, linen, and a log burner for snuggling up in winter.
The central wooden-beamed lodge has premium kitchen appliances, sofas, and dining. A great spot to meet fellow travellers. While the central shared bathrooms have eco-friendly products and luxury towels.
Games, books, and puzzles are available for the kids. Your hosts have thought of everything at this amazing glamping in Wanaka destination!
Good to Know:
- Yurts accommodate up to four guests
- Shared kitchen, picnic area, BBQ
- Free WIFI and Free Parking on site
- Wheelchair-accessible yurt accommodation and facilities
- Check prices and availability at Oasis Yurt Lodge
Travel Resources:
- Renting a car? Snap Rentals have two locations in the South Island – Christchurch and Queenstown. They offer low prices and a great range of cars.
- Jucy also has campervans and cars for adventuring around the countryside. With pet-friendly vehicles. They often have special deals.
- Looking for travel insurance? Cover-more Travel Insurance has an excellent range of policies for a range of holidays.
- If you love dining outdoors then check out The Market’s range of picnic hampers, blankets, and all your al-fresco dining necessities.
Lake Hawea
If you love the outdoors, then Lake Hawea is the perfect place for you. The lake is New Zealand’s 9th largest and a breathtaking sight! Activities centre around the lake with swimming, kayaking, kite surfing, boating, hiking, and helicopter sightseeing to name a few. If you’re planning on visiting this scenic area then glamping is the perfect way to experience the awe-inspiring surroundings.
3. The Camp – Lake Hawea
Best for: Big Camp with Lots of Glamping Options, Bike Trails, Kayaking, Swimming, Couples, Friends, Families, Groups
This is quintessential quirky kiwi camping at its best! The Camp – Lake Hawea is beautifully positioned to experience the great outdoors with forest, lake, and friendly campers.
The camp is laid out in a way that you can meet and hang out with your camping neighbours or hide away in your glamping village in the forest.
The Spaces
Overlooking lovely Lake Hawea, with a fabulous selection of bell tents, safari tents, Denver tents, tiny houses, quirky cabins, and 2 and 3-bedroom cottages, you’ll find options for groups, couples, friends, and families. There are also camping and powered sites so you can bring your own tent or camper van.
Review: Location. The view was surreal. The staff was super friendly.
Choose your Glamping
The Hideaway – Safari Tent: This cool rustic tent has bedding for 2 adults and 2 children. The queen-size bed is a four-poster, and the tent has a deck with cape cod chairs, BBQ, and the best view on the lake. If you have extras you can hire a tipi.
Denver Cover – Denver Tent Village: The glamping tents in this village are stylishly furnished with king-size beds, warm blankets, cape cod chairs, charging stations, and glampers get to share a kitchen mess tent and fire pit.
Bell Rise – Bell Tent Village. You’ll find 5-metre bell tents in this village. 5 with queen-size beds and 2 with king-size beds. All come with linen and towels, comfy warm blankets, and gorgeous natural furnishings. You have access to the Mess Tent with a small kitchen and dining, shared fire pit, and brazier.
Adventures Galore!
Enjoy swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing and walking through the forest. Biking and hiking trails in this area include:
- Hawea River Track – this is Lake Hawea to Wanaka
- Deans Bank – a loop track on the upper slopes of the Clutha River
- Isthmus Peak (1011 metres)
- Hawea School Track
- Breast Hill (part of the Te Araroa – The Long Pathway track that extends the length of New Zealand)
Good to Know:
- Glamping season is 1 October to 30 April
- All have access to shared camp kitchens, bathrooms, laundry
- Tipis can be hired if you have extra guests
- In holiday seasons a food truck is parked on site
- Staff can book local tours for you, e.g. Lake trip to Pigeon Island and wine tasting
- Check prices and availability at The Camp – Lake Hawea
4. Cross Hill Glamping – Lake Hawea
Best for: Luxury Geo-Domes, Hot Breakfast, Hot Tub, Free Bikes, Fireplace, Romantic, 2 Guests
Cross Hill Lodge and Domes is a luxury glamping experience positioned at the lake. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or an unforgettable experience to share with friends, you’ll find it here at these upmarket geo-domes.
Review: Our stay was absolutely magical. The domes are so luxurious with many little features that just add to the experience. Beautifully cooked breakfast in the morning, hot tub, and amazing views.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article with some great spots to embrace nature at the Best Glamping in Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Fun Tours:
Skip the line and book your tour online. Viator offers 24/7 support, payment options, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. See what’s on offer…
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