What’s the difference between camping and glamping?
Author and environmentalist Edward Abbey wrote that ‘Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit.” He’s right, but that doesn’t mean that an escape into wilderness can’t be enjoyed with a lick of luxury: enter the age of glamping. Traditionally, getting closer to nature, camping style, has meant moving further away from hot showers, kitchens or a place to hang your clothes. Come sundown, the long johns are on and the head torch is out. Wholesome, but not hugely sexy.
Glamping, however, lets you escape the rush, slow down and tune into nature’s pace, without having to give up your creature comforts. It’s camping with a bit of glam, and all the facilities you may need. Sleep under the stars or beside a gurgling river, with the embrace of a warm duvet and without any impending doom about wind or rain. After all, as writer Dave Barry says, “It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent.”
So let’s explore New Zealand’s best glamping options.
How does glamping work?
It’s very simple, really – glamping is a luxury escape, your chance to get away from it all, which means you just need to show up and relax. New Zealand offers some of the best glamping in the world, too, pairing jaw dropping wilderness with luxury accommodation. While it’s simple, there are plenty of different glamping accommodation styles across NZ, from yurts and safari tents to tree houses and tipis.
Every experience will be tailored differently according to each host, but getting immersed in the great outdoors with the delights of comfort is a guarantee, whether you’re glamping in the North or South Island. It’s time to escape in style, and let New Zealand show off its finest spots.
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What is included in glamping?
That depends on the place, but can include anything from your own en suite bathroom, kitchen and hot tub to private views and a king size bed. Whether you’re after a cozy nook to escape to for the night after exploring the local area, or a secluded place to retreat in all day, New Zealand has no shortage of options.
Take stunning Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands for example: you’ll find a bell tent hideaway that offers their guests the ultimate retreat, including a rustic outdoor kitchen, a queen size bed with linen, WIFI, hot water and a private deck. Or, also located in Kerikeri, find yourself a night or two of luxury in The Arc, a floating houseboat on a private lake. Explore the islands by day, enjoy lake-top decadence by night. This is glamping, NZ style.
If a farm-style holiday is more your thing, escape to the hilltops of Waitomo in the central North Island. Waitomo Hilltop Glamping safari tents offer all the gifts of the wild with a generous dash of fancy. Located on a third-generation 700 hectare farm, the guest experience includes outdoor baths, a fire and world-class New Zealand views. They’re near the Waitomo caves, too, which offer one of the world’s most unique glow worm experiences, and the blazing sunsets over the hillside are an unbeatable show.
Marrying the best of nature with the best of luxury, glamping is fast becoming the top way to travel, escape the hustle and satisfy your search to reconnect with the wild. To find the best that NZ has to offer, Canopy Camping is a great online platform. Search for and discover the perfect family glamping holiday, romantic getaway or solo escape.
Do glamping sites have electricity?
Yes, whether you’re in a safari camp, bush pod or lodge, most will offer power. This is an escape from fast-paced life, but not from the conveniences of home, whether that’s your hairdryer, phone charger or U-Boom.
What makes a good glamping site?
The wonderful thing about glamping sites is that there is really no limit on accommodation features, and in New Zealand, hosts never run out of creative ways to give their guests the perfect experience. There are a few key facilities to look out for though, when you’re planning your great escape. Hot water, a bed and beautiful views are pretty key at any site, whether you’re waking up to the dense bush of the West Coast, river-threaded South Island valley views or the rolling hillside of a central North Island farm property.
Other popular features that make a place truly special are things like cooked dinners and farm or property tours. Some hosts take the time to leave information or show their guests around the local area, so they can experience the best of what’s around . After all, local intel takes travel to the next level, especially in hidden gem-studded New Zealand.
From a hilltop dome in Lake Taupo to a Golden Bay yurt or a South Island ski lodge, the abundance of options make New Zealand one of the world’s most popular places for any glamping escape.
How do you make a glamping tent?
If you’re keen to turn your camping into glamping, but prefer DIY-style to an all-inclusive escape, the world’s your canvas oyster. After all, glamping can be as simple as using a sturdier tent, a plusher bed or fancy kitchenware. Creative ‘home deco’ might be what brings you comfort for a night under the stars, whether that’s with fairy lights, a woven rug or incense, or maybe finally getting around to bringing a portable outdoor shower.
Other touches of comfort to add to your home-made New Zealand glamping site include fresh flowers in a vase, hammocks, board games, fancy pantry favorites and mosquito nets. There are endless ways to satisfy your search for true escape into the wild, with all the finest tastes of home.
Are glamping tents warm?
The premise of glamping is comfort, so yes, warmth is absolutely key – particularly if your escape is into a chilly South Island valley. Most places in New Zealand will include either a heater or a fireplace, and many come with an outdoor fire, too.
How do you prepare for glamping?
If your escape is to an pre-booked glamping site, the best thing to do is pack a book and get ready to chill. If the site provides guests with a kitchen and you’re going to be cooking, bring your favorite holiday treats. Remember,even the basics taste better cooked and eaten outside.
It’s important to think about the weather – New Zealand can deliver four seasons in a day, whichever island you’re exploring. Even if the camp has a fire or heating, you’ll want to be cozy at night, so bring warm clothes and a waterproof layer.
If you’re DIY-ing, the sky’s the limit, but there are one or two things things (like comfy bedding) that will lay the groundwork for your escape. A sturdy kitchen set-up, chairs and a robust canvas tent can make all the difference, as can a separate gazebo to set up near your tent for hanging out in rain or shine. Consider where in New Zealand you’re going to be located – think rugs and a fire pit for a frosty valley, and plenty of citronella candles if your escape is to a sandfly hotspot.
What do you wear for glamping?
This is your escape. Want to wear a matching hoodie and fat pants? Go for it. Keen to stay in a swimsuit and nothing else? Wonderful. Again, though, whether you’re in the North or South Island, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack something to keep you warm on a chilly night.
Can you go glamping in winter?
Absolutely. Think cozy days spent by the fire and views of snow-carpeted mountains. if you’re booking into a glamping experience, just bring warm clothes. If you’re cultivating your own escape, make like a New Zealander and always keep one eye on the weather.
Aside from that, happy Glamping folks!
