Glamping in the Taupō region

From relaxing under starlit skies, to baths in bush settings and roasting marshmallows over an open fire, glamping is the ultimate getaway. So, if you’re looking for a little bit of luxury out in the wilderness, with fine wines and good food, look no further. The Taupō region has plenty of different glamping options to pique your interest, from high-end to cosy and rustic chic.

The Telephone Exchange, Tirohanga

The Telephone Exchange is situated on a working dairy farm, just 25 minutes north of Taupō.

Originally a 1950s Telephone Exchange building, the hut was rescued and restored to become a charming off-grid glamping retreat. There is a romantic and spacious bedroom hut and a kitchen and bathroom hut created in the same style.

A short distance from the huts, you’ll find an outdoor bath hidden among the trees, perfectly elevated to look out over the idyllic views of the valley with a glass of wine in hand.

For those wanting to escape to Taupō for a few days, the Telephone Exchange is the perfect spot to stop and take a breath, enjoy life a little slower and less complicated. The view down the valley and the tranquillity of the pastoral surrounds are beautiful and the sunsets from the porch of your little hut are stunning. Sip your drink, relax and watch the visiting rosella and kingfishers swoop through the trees, while the farm animals lazily graze nearby. Bliss.

Kinloch Glamping, Kinloch

Kinloch Glamping is situated on a family-owned and operated working farm. From your spot atop the hillside, you’ll see cows being shifted, motorbikes zipping along and horses out for a ride. Soak it all up from the deck and see if you can spot some of the wild deer roaming the countryside.

This three-room spacious safari tent can accommodate anywhere from two to six people, making it the perfect spot for couples, groups or families. A six-seater dining table in the living room is ideal for evening meals or a friendly game of cards. For those cooler Taupō nights, there is a high-quality bio-fuel fireplace to keep you warm and toasty.

On the deck, an upcycled outdoor kitchen is fully equipped and ready for your culinary delights - perhaps an evening barbeque. For the best views, explore a little further and find the twin outdoor baths where you can enjoy a candlelit soak.

Kitted out for mountain bikers, there are hooks for storing your bikes, helmets, and gear, as well as tools for any maintenance required to take on the nearby trails. In the evening, grab a bean bag and a blanket, toast some marshmallows and watch as the stars appear above you.

Te Tuhi Hut and Dome, Kinloch 

A cute little hut perched on a hillside with views to remember across farmland, native bush, and down to beautiful Lake Taupō, Te Tuhi Hut is a tranquil couple’s retreat.

Along with a modern kitchen area, the hut boasts a luxurious bedroom with stunning views, right from the bed. The cottage also has a semi-open-air bathroom featuring the crowning jewel of this little gem, a gorgeous bath on wheels which can be moved outdoors to enjoy during those starlit nights.

The property is also home to Te Tuhi Dome, a large geodesic structure containing a bedroom and lounge space. Complete with a kitchen building, luxurious outdoor bathroom space, and amazing views down to Lake Taupō which can be enjoyed from every area. Both the hut and the dome are completely private and set on different parts of the property.

At dawn and dusk, the bush here is alive with birdsong. Depending on the season, lambs and calves frolic in the paddocks around the campsite. The cows, sheep and horses grazing, and chickens foraging make for a peaceful country vista to sit back and enjoy. The perfect home away from home.

Kawakawa Hut, Marotiri

Just 30 minutes from town, Kawakawa Hut is an off-the-grid oasis. A small but special place nestled between rolling hills.

Run by locals Chanel and Brent Griffiths, inside the hut you will find a 'rural-chic' feel - exposed wood, decor of copper and terracotta, and of course perfectly placed windows to view the surrounding farmland. Designed for two adults (and a child), the hut is perfect for a romantic getaway or simply time away from life stressors. A plush Queen bed, a spacious kitchen and a log burner make this hut a cosy stay.

Outside you will find an open fire pit with wood, perfect for a romantic dinner. Close by lies the vegetable garden, and friendly cows graze just over the fence. Further out over surrounding farmland you will see snow capped mountains in the distance, making for a peaceful vista to sit back and enjoy.

Poronui Safari Camp, Taharua

Poronui is known as one of the world’s finest sporting lodges and the Poronui Safari Camp is as close to ‘roughing it’ as it gets at this luxury lodge. Escape to your own little slice of outdoor heaven and fall asleep to the sound of the cascading Mohaka River.

The Safari Camp provides a unique opportunity to enjoy impressive backcountry isolation while not forgoing creature comforts like crisp cotton sheets, hot running water and flushing toilets. With no phone or internet access, this is a true chance to unplug from modern life and appreciate the incredible surroundings.

Spend your days fly fishing, hiking or horse-riding through this incredible wilderness. Explore the extensive trails, taking in nearby waterfalls, manuka-covered hillsides and native bush. If you would like to venture further afield, take to the skies for a heli-hike or race down the hills on a mountain biking adventure. In the evenings, partake in an exclusive dining experience under the stars created by Poronui’s talented onsite chefs.

MountViews Glamping, Acacia Bay

This whimsical Lotus Belle tent is the perfect place to stay for your romantic Taupō getaway. At MountViews Glamping you can relax and take in the stunning lake views, soaking in the quiet of your surroundings.

With a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this peaceful spot is also equipped with full WiFi, so you can stay connected during your stay. Take advantage of the hot tub and outdoor barbeque, nestled in this Acacia Bay paradise.

Puketui Forest Escape, Oruanui

For luxury that doesn’t come at a cost to the environment, check out the Puketui Forest Escape for a fully off-grid experience. Located just 12 minutes from Taupō and Kinloch, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle, tucked away in a private, native New Zealand forest.

There are two accommodation options, both with outdoor covered kitchens that come with all your cooking essentials. A sophisticated solar power system and modern and hygienic composting toilet allows for minimal environmental impact. Enjoy a bath or shower in the open air, spend the evening by a crackling outdoor fire and prepare for the best sleep of your life.

Camp Epic, Pureora

Camp Epic is forest accommodation at its finest. Located near the halfway mark of the Timber Trail, here you can experience all the beauty of the surroundings, while still enjoying home comforts such as warm beds inside large canvas tents. There’s also hot showers onsite, flushing toilets and solar power for charging e-bikes and phones.

You can cook a meal in the covered, open air camp kitchen or over the campfire (where all utensils and equipment provided). Don’t forget your marshmallows for evening chats beside the fire.

The 14 fully-serviced twin-room tents come with bedding, towels, and covered decks with seating. Accommodation packages also include basic breakfast items such as tea, coffee, milo, milk, bread, spreads, cereal, eggs and cooking oil.

Lakefront Glamping Domes, Motutere Bay

No where in Lake Taupō will you sleep closer to the water than the Motutere Top Ten lakefront glamping domes. Out the front of the dome it’s literally a hop, step and a jump, and you’re in the lake!

Inside the dome is a cosy, comfortable living and bedroom studio with a king bed, couch, an electric fireplace, a TV, a bar fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

This fantastic accommodation lets you get up close and personal with all the natural splendour of Taupō while you slow down to enjoy the simple things in life, such as beautiful sunsets and the waves lapping on the shoreline.

Lochview, Kinloch

Lochview offers an amazing glamping experience with a spacious tent suitable for couples, groups of friends or families looking to relax and reconnect - all while soaking up the glorious views of Lake Taupō and sunsets over the rural countryside.

This peaceful location is just a short drive to the well-stocked convenience store in Kinloch. Taupō township is just 15 minutes away.

Fully powered, with a heat pump for the cooler months, here you can have an adventure all year round. There’s an outdoor wood-fired hot tub and a brazier for roasting marshmallows.

Ruru Rest, Tūrangi

A beautiful glamping experience only 15 minutes from Tūrangi, Ruru Rest is set on a 14-acre olive grove and bush block that seemingly ‘floats’ in amongst the treetops. There’s a covered outdoor kitchen and a cosy interior complete with a queen-sized bed and sofa. Here you’ll find everything you need, but nothing you don’t, as you simply enjoy your incredible vantage point over the Mt Rangitukia scenic reserve and down the Kuratau river valley.

From this location, you can set yourself up for any number of adventures, or even just choose to stay ‘off-grid’ for a few days. At the bottom of a short path to the river, you’ll find kayaks that you can take for a paddle, or it’s a picturesque 15-minute bush walk from the cabin down to Lake Taupō.

Totara Perch, Marotiri

Simple, sleek and accompanied by the most incredible views, Totara Perch is a glamping-style hut set on a tree-clad hillside amongst native forests. Prepare to be serenaded by birdsong all day long and well into the evening, and stargazing is a must while you’re here - highly recommended to do so while relaxing in the outdoor bath.

From board games, to books and the scenery, you can truly switch off from everyday life at Totara Perch. But if you’re an active relaxer, explore the surroundings, there’s much to see and do. You can check out the farm and visit friendly sheep and cattle, bring your bikes and ride 3km down to Kawakawa Bay. There’s also a natural rock climbing wall not far, as well as a canyon where glow worms reside.

These exceptional glamping accommodations are always in demand (and it’s not hard to see why), so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.