page title icon The 10 Best Glamping New Zealand South Island Spots


Planning an outdoor trip down to New Zealand South Island? Take your vacation to the next level with the best Glamping New Zealand South Island Spots from my list…

Located in the far south of Pacific Ocean, New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South. Well-known for its volcanoes and glaciers New Zealand is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. New Zealand is an amazing holiday destination with some of the epic glamping accommodations to rent on either island.

The west coast of the South Island is known for dramatic fjords and glacial landscapes, including one of the ‘eighth wonders of the world’ the magnificent Milford Sound. The tallest mountain Mount Cook or Aoraki is located on South Island. Scenic Lake Pukaki is great for stargazing and Tasman Glacier is one of the best climbing regions in Australasia. 

Do I need to go on? New Zealand’s South Island has so much to offer. Start planning your NZ glamping getaway.  

Top 10 Glamping New Zealand South Island Spots

Whether you are planning a romantic vacation or a long weekend with your family , I have found some of the best glamping New Zealand South Island spots…

1. Lake Stella Mountain Huts 

Lake Stella is situated on Mt Lyford in the heart of Mt Lyford Adventure Park and offers accommodation in lovely mountain huts. Lyford Hut, Terako Hut, Tinline and Penthouse Hut (all sleep 2) are located on the lake and equipped with a queen size bed, a little cracker wood fire, a hot tub, and offer stunning views. The full kitchen, dining area and toilet facilities are located in the main hut Stella Hut. 

The surroundings are amazing and include three mountains, native bush, mountain tops and hidden waterfalls, cascades, streams and tarns. In winter you will have access to your own hiking basin for skiing and boarding.  The ski resort is just around the corner, as well as ​ice skating on the lake and ice rink.

In the summer you can climb any of three surrounding mountains to climb, go hiking, cycling or swimming in the lake. 

Guest review: “Absolutely loved our stay! What a stunning location, totally relaxing, really enjoyed the wood fired hot tubs and going for walks. My partner loved biking from top of the mountain to the bottom. Everything you need and nothing you don’t! We will definitely return.” 

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2. Ngahere Hou Glamping 

Ideally located on a 40 acre private bush reserve on the Queen Charlotte Track at Kenepuru Head Ngahere Hou site offers accommodation in a luxury Yurt and a yurt-style Summer House.

This off-grid site has a private beach for swimming, a BBQ, a wood fired hot tub and shared kitchen facilities. Yurt (sleep 4) features a  luxury king size bed and a king twin bed, a private outdoor hot shower and composting toilet, and an organic 

The Summerhouse (sleep 2) features a queen size bed, a “little cracker” wood fire, and a shared private outdoor bathroom with hot shower and composting toilet.

Organic breakfast, free kayaks and mountain bikes are included in your stay. A great place for everyone looking for a remote location with a touch of luxury.

Guest review: ““It is a unique place to stay! There was fresh baked organic bread for breakfast. We enjoyed everything there very much. The view is amazing, birds are singing… close to the beach. Situated on the hill among forest and green plants. We are very thankful that we could experience it. We truly recommend it and if we are able we return one day for sure!” 

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3. The Shepherd’s Rest

If you are looking for a romantic getaway, then look no further than the Shepherd’s Rest. The Shepherd’s Rest is located close to the Historic Victorian Precinct and Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru and is the ideal base for exploring both town and country. 

The Shephers’s rest offers accommodation in a cosy Shepherd’s hut. The hut is located on a hillside, overlooking farmland and the Kakanui Ranges. It features a queen size bed with fairy lights, apower, a kitchenette with basic cookware and an ensuite bathroom with shower and Bambooloo composting toilet. 

While staying at this stunning site you can explore surrounding areas, including: Oamaru, the Blue Penguin Colony, Steampunk, the Victorian Precinct, Farmers Market,  Whitestone Cheese Factory, Moeraki Boulders, Elephant Rocks, Riverstone Kitchen,  Kurow and the Waitaki Valley, and more.

Guest review: Very pleased with our stay, only wish we could have stayed longer! Beautiful setting, friendly hosts and all we could ask for in a room. Loved the bambooloo – great to be saving water! Also particularly enjoyed our alpaca neighbours who we wished a goodnight and a good morning! Fantastic views over the countryside, would definitely stay again.

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4. The Woolshed Caravans 

Located in the Golden Bay area at Tata Beach about 12.5km from Takaka this site offers accommodation in beautifully furnished ensuite rooms and cosy caravans with the stunning views of the sea.

The Golden Bay area is great for fishing, kayaking, swimming, scenic flying, day walks, farm visits, art tours, golfing, mountain biking, cave tours and many more. 

Guest review: “Wonderful glamping set up with everything you need. Comfy beds and private kitchen, shower and outdoor seating. Loved our stay.”

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5. Glam Camping Queenstown 

A short drive from Queenstown, you will find a beautiful and secluded spot surrounded by mountains and great for escaping the daily grind. Glam Camping Queenstown offers a stay in a Lotus Belle Canvas tent and A Geodesic Dome tent (sleeps 3). A few metres from both tents there’s an Out Back trailer with a full kitchen, hot shower and flush toilet.

The site offers a variety of activities during your stay including 4WD buggy tour around Ben Lomond station, kayak and SUP rental or lessons on a Moke lake, helicopter tours and more.

Guest review: “This place is just insane! The location was perfect, we rediscovered what silence and communion with nature meant, it was just us and we enjoyed the full sunny day there. Amenities are great, full bathroom is working well and in stellar condition, the place is decorated with a lot of style, it’s comfortable, you have several blankets to keep you warm as well as heating pads to fill with hot water. You also have board games, a cooler for your food, everything you need to enjoy this incredible place 🙂 and the view!!” 

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6. Akaroa Glamping  

Akaroa Glamping offers an ultimate glamping experience on top of a hill with breathtaking views. Their custom glamping tents offer maximum comfort with a king size bed, arm chairs, wooden floors, a private bathroom with hot shower and a flushing toilet. 

The kitchen is located outside and shared between two tents. Here you will have everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. You will see plenty of birds in the area such as Wood Pigeons, Tui’s and Bell birds, a s well as local sheeps. 

Akaroa is located on a Banks Peninsula and is well-known for its historic buildings, magnificent harbour, great food and for being the only French settlement in New Zealand. 

Guest review: “Great spot, beautiful views! Amazing facilities and the bed was super comfy. Loved the extra little touches! Highly recommended if you’re after a getaway!”

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7. Omarama Oasis 

Omarama Oasis offers a unique glamping experience in a stunning permaculture garden with over 50 fruit and nut trees in a custom timber-framed tent. The tent (sleep up to 4) is equipped with a comfortable queen size bed with electric blankets, chairs, shelves, dresser, mini-fridge, futon couch and a spacious covered verandah.

There is an outdoor kitchen area adjacent to the tent for meal prep and a hot outdoor shower. The site is 600 meters away from the beach and close to the Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. This Golden Bay Heaven is a perfect place to reconnect with nature.

Guest review: “Totally adorable! The property is basically self sustained with fruit trees, a creek running through, chickens, and garden. The outdoor rain shower on river rock felt like a spa experience! Totally recommendable!”

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8. Kaniere Tailings 

Close to the Westland Wilderness Trail and a 5-minute drive from Hokitika township and Airport, you will find this peaceful forest luxury glamping site. 

The tent (sleep 2) is overlooking the surrounding wetlands and bushland, and features a queen size bed, an outdoor bathtub, hardwood floors and an outdoor fully equipped kitchen. The site offers home made bread, jams, eggs and other locally sourced products.

You can relax in an outdoor bush-bath, watch the sunset, enjoy a deep sleep and wake up to a beautiful birdsong. A full nature experience without compromising your comforts. 

Guest review: “It was beyond any of our expectations! It was truly an amazing experience. Everything about the site was extremely thoughtful from the luxurious bed to the kitchen and of course the bathtub! Kim and his family were super helpful, kind and considerate. It is very private. We were there for a couple nights for our honeymoon and it truly felt like it was just us two. All the amenities you wish you would have while camping was there to meet our needs and more.” 

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9. Mount Cook Station Huts 

Mount Cook Station is located on the northeast side of Lake Pukaki offering magnificent views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the Southern Alps, Lake Pukaki and the Jollie and Tasman Rivers. 

Mount Cook Station offers three different types of accommodation, including Shearers Quarters and Huts. Shearers Quarters, built for the shearers when they came on to the station to shear the sheep, have been extensively renovated with five bedrooms, a full kitchen and bathrooms.

Two unique farm huts were originally used by shepherds who worked on the station many years ago. They are equipped with cosy queen size and single beds, shared kitchen and bathroom, and an outdoor seating area with views over the garden, Tasman River and the Southern Alps.

At Mount Cook Station and the Mackenzie Region you can enjoy a relaxing walk, a hike or trek, find a quiet place to sit and enjoy the view, take a scenic flight tour of the Mount Cook region, visit Lake Tekapo Village and more.

Guest review: “This has to be one of the most amazing locations of anywhere we have ever stayed. The views are totally stunning. Great that we could wander anywhere we liked on the property. Super friendly host and her dogs were great. Amazing environment, amazing bird watching (which was one reason we went).”

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10. River & Trail Camping Pod 

Located close to Hokitika town and next to the West Coast Wilderness cycling trail you can find a secluded eco site offering accommodation in a cosy Norwegian Pod.

The pod (sleep 2) is well insulated for alpine temperatures and consists of one bedroom with a king size bed, a living area and a seating area. Outside you can find an outdoor hot shower, eco toilet and a camp style kitchen with running water. There is a small fire pit and outdoor furniture for you to sit and enjoy stunning views. 

The site is pet-friendly and there is no power or wifi so you can enjoy the natural surroundings. While staying at the site you can visit some good restaurants and cafes in the coastal town of Hokitika, explore Hokitika Gorge and Lake Kaniere or go cycling on the Wilderness cycle trail.

Guest review: “Beautiful peaceful location by the river, friendly accommodating hosts, great outdoor shower, and the pod itself is very well set up with a big comfortable bed and nice linens. ”

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AM I MISSING ANY OF THE BEST GLAMPING NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND SPOTS?

Have you been glamping on NZ South Island and stayed in awesome accommodations I didn’t mention in my list? If so, let me know in the comments. I’d love to add them to my list.

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