The 12 Best Taupō Glamping Spots to Enjoy in 2023

Known as one of the North Island’s most popular adventure tourism destinations, Taupō is renowned for its tranquil lakeside setting. And there’s no better way to make the most of the peace and quiet (without sacrificing comfort or convenience) than with a glamping Taupō holiday!

I’ve been a Taupō local for 20 years, and I’ve only recommended the glamping spots I know can offer the best of what Taupō has to offer with minimal impact.

Here are twelve of the very best glamping spots in Taupō to help you relax and unwind. And if you’re not sure what all this glamping stuff is about, head to the end of the post to find out more about it!

Glamping Taupō – A Unique Nature Experience

The central north island paradise of Lake Taupō offers plenty of options for glamping, from traditional luxury tents in rural locations, to rustic cabins in bush settings and even treetop vistas!

Connect to the natural beauty of the Central North Island region in a manner that staying in hotels and motels doesn’t allow. Get up close and personal with native bush and birdlife whilst still enjoying the proximity of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby!

Most glamping retreats in Taupō are located not far from the main town centres of Taupō and Tūrangi, which means you’ll be able to use your Taupō glamping retreat as a base for other nature-based adventure activities like hiking and biking to make the most of your stay.

When to go glamping in Taupō

Taupō is a fantastic location for glamping all year round!

In summer, you’re never far from the lake and its water activities, and the long warm evenings provide ample opportunity to lounge on the deck or patio and admire the views.

In winter, see this icy wonderland come to life, where the snow-capped mountains of the central plateau provide an icy crust to the lake environment, you can wake up to crisp clear winter morning vistas over rural landscapes or perhaps even lounge the evenings away in your outdoor bathtub or spa!

The 12 Best Taupō Glamping Spots to Enjoy in 2023

✔️ Lochview Glamping 

Located just 15 minutes’ drive from Taupō, Lochview Glamping’s safari-style canvas tent offers rustic but traditional accommodation with gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding area. Inside the tent is sectioned off into three rooms. A queen-sized bed, small lounge and kitchenette occupy the main space, and there is also an internal bathroom and separate bedroom with space for three additional guests.

Serviced by a full power supply and heat pump, this is a great option even for winter stays. The kitchenette features a microwave, kettle and toaster, whilst outdoors there’s a barbeque for additional cooking needs. Make the most of the outdoor setting by enjoying the light of the setting sun on the Kinloch valley from the unique wood-burning hot tub, undoubtedly the premier reason to choose Lochview over any other glamping escape in Taupō.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Lochview Glamping by clicking here!

✔️ Kinloch Glamping

Located just 30 minutes’ drive from Taupo, the luxurious and roomy tent at Kinloch Glamping offers spectacular rural views from a unique farm setting. The three-room glamping tent features two bedrooms and a kitchen/dining area, with a covered barbeque area from which you can enjoy the 180-degree views next to the roaring outdoor firepit. There’s a separate bathroom with toilet & shower, as well as outdoor bathtubs for you to relax and enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

Located very close to local mountain bike trails, there’s secure storage for your bike in the dedicated bike shed when you’re not exploring on two wheels. Featuring off-grid powerless living with solar lighting and gas hot water, there’s also a fully fitted-out kitchen so you can cook up delicious meals during your stay. All linens & towels are provided too!

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Kinloch Glamping by clicking here!

✔️ Te Tuhi Dome

Experience glamping at its best at the Te Tuhi Dome in Kinloch. This eco-friendly accommodation offers spectacular views from its high hillside location, with a geodesic dome tent featuring a queen sized bed with small lounge area, and all necessary linen and bedding provided. To keep you warm in the cooler months there is an electric blanket as well as a wood burner for heating.

Next to the dome is a separate enclosed kitchen cabin with all the amenities you need for cooking hearty meals including a small fridge, gas hob, and barbeque. The piece de resistance is the adjoined semi-open air bathroom, well appointed with an outdoor bathtub and shower (partially enclosed) and eco-friendly composting toilet! Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning rural views of farm landscape towards Lake Taupo whilst soaking in the warm water.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at the Te Tuhi Dome by clicking here!

✔️ Te Tuhi Hut

Located in the hills of Kinloch, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Taupō, Te Tuhi Hut offers spectacular and uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. The property is constructed from two separate pods linked by a sheltered semi-outdoor kitchen and lounge. From the cozy queen-size bed enjoy stunning views of the landscape, with birdsong from the nearby bush providing the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Enjoy taking an immersive bath in the semi-open air bathroom, complete with french doors opening to the landscape and plenty of natural light. There’s also a semi-outdoor shower if you prefer not to lounge and this eco-friendly retreat even features a composting toilet. With gas hot water, lighting and power provided, you can rest easy knowing that all your needs are taken care of. Self-catering is simple too, as pots, pans and cutlery are provided for your convenience.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Te Tuhi Hut by clicking here!

✔️ Treetops

Welcome to Treetops, a luxurious glamping cabin in the heart of native bush within Lake Taupō. This 30 sqm home, also aptly named the ‘house of fantails’, offers visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy peaceful and tranquil views from the deck or outdoor seating, or the warm and cosy lounge on those cooler days. Inside you’ll find a three-roomed tiny abode. The bedroom comes complete with a comfortable queen-sized bed, adjoining a well-appointed bathroom with a semi-outdoor shower (with a sliding glass door) for a fully immersive experience.

The functional kitchen features an electric hob, microwave, fridge and dishwasher, leading through to a cosy lounge area with floor-to-ceiling picture windows that showcase some of the best views in Taupō. There are expansive outdoor seating areas for the full experience, with both sheltered and unsheltered options. Cap off your stay with a soak in the outdoor hot tub whilst enjoying the twinkling lights of Taupō across the still waters of the lake at dusk.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Treetops by clicking here!

✔️ Poronui Safari Camp

Experience the ultimate luxury safari experience at Poronui Safari Camp! Poronui sporting lodge is one of New Zealand’s premier wilderness retreats. Whilst it’s famous for its luxury lodge accommodation, you can also escape to the wilderness by staying at the bespoke safari camp. Located next to the banks of the Mohaka River, this luxury glamping site offers complete isolation with no cellphone or wifi connection.

Enjoy your stay in a comfortable canvas tent set on a wooden platform, with the option of having delicious meals cooked by the Poronui head chef in a luxury dining experience in the separate kitchen cabin. Relax around the roaring campfire at night, or add on a hiking or mountain biking experience package to make the most of your stay.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Poronui Safari Camp by clicking here!

✔️ Camp Epic

Want a glamping experience with a difference? Combine your love of mountain biking with the experience of glamping at Camp Epic on the Timber Trail, the North Island’s most popular multi-day mountain biking trail. Owned and operated by a South African family, Camp Epic features authentic African safari canvas tents pitched on wooden platforms. Choose from standard tents sleeping up to 2, or family tents which sleep up to 4 people. Camp Epic offers the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor accommodation for a reasonable price.

Modern amenities on site include flushing toilets, semi-outdoor showers (the best on the Timber Trail!) and a fully equipped communal kitchen (basic supplies provided, or book a package with breakfast included). Gather around the outdoor fire pit to enjoy a night under the stars, lulled by the distant birdsong of ruru (morepork), kereru (NZ pigeon) and bellbirds. Camp Epic offers a range of packages tailored to your preferred experience, from accommodation-only to packages including bike hire and round-trip luggage & shuttle transport.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Camp Epic by clicking here!

✔️ Mountviews Glamping

Mountviews Glamping is a luxurious camping experience close to the heart of Taupō in beautiful Acacia Bay. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the iconic Lotus Belle tent set on a raised wooden platform. Inside you’ll find a queen bed, as well as a small lounge and a storage wardrobe for all your belongings. There is a shared outdoor swimming pool and spa for you to enjoy, plus free wifi so you can stay connected with your friends and family during your stay.

The kitchenette features modern amenities for the preparation of meals, while the outdoor shower and flushing toilet will help you keep fresh. After a long day of exploring the outdoors, settle down around the firepit for some much-needed relaxation! For added convenience, a full continental breakfast is included in your stay so you can enjoy your morning without the hassle of preparing a meal! 

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Mountviews Glamping by clicking here!

✔️ Puketui Forest Escape

Discover the ultimate couples retreat at Puketui Forest Escape, located just 12 minutes from Taupo! This off-grid getaway is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy the unique eco-pod house design, complete with solar lighting, an outdoor bath and composting toilet.

The home is insulated and double-glazed for comfort all year round – plus it boasts a ducted heating system and log fire to keep you warm during the winter months. With no minimum night requirement, you can stay as short or long as you’d like! There are plenty of private forest walking trails nearby for you to explore, and as an added bonus a delicious breakfast is provided for each night you stay. 

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Puketui Forest Escape by clicking here!

✔️ The Telephone Exchange

Located 25 minutes north of Taupo is an original 1950s telephone exchange building now known as The Telephone Exchange. Lovingly restored and repurposed, this off-grid escape is perfect for those looking to get away from it all! Divided into separate cooking, sleeping and bathing areas, the bedroom hut features a queen bed and small log burner while the separate kitchen hut offers you everything you need to prepare your meals.

An alfresco barbecue and gas cooktop provides your cooking needs. The bathroom hut is equipped with a flushing toilet and shower, but perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy the elevated outdoor bath, set on the side of the hill with excellent pastoral views. With no mains power and solar lighting only, this truly is an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at The Telephone Exchange by clicking here!

✔️ Totara Perch

Totara Perch is the perfect destination for glamping with stunning views of Whangamata Bay. Just high enough up on the hillside to provide you with breathtaking vistas, Totara Perch is comprised of two luxurious huts, a bedroom hut and a kitchen / living hut, and a covered and semi-enclosed outdoor bathroom. In the bedroom hut, you’ll find a king-sized bed and single bunks, while the kitchen and living area is fully equipped with a log burner to keep you warm during the winter months.

Adding to the rustic charm of your stay is an outdoor bath perched on the edge of the deck – it’s perfect for a relaxing sunset soak as you take in the uninterrupted views out over native bush and down to Whangamata Bay below. The covered outdoor bathroom with its rain shower rounds off your glamping experience, making it the perfect place to get away from it all. 

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Totora Perch by clicking here!

✔️ Ruru Rest

Experience a unique glamping experience at Ruru Rest on the southern shores of Lake Taupō. Located just 15 minutes from Turangi and an hour from Taupō, this beautiful property offers guests the opportunity to get away and truly immerse themselves in nature. Set on the side of a river valley you can enjoy spectacular views of the meandering river below while you relax on the deck.

Featuring a log-cabin-inspired hut with a queen-sized bed and sofa is accessed through the semi-outdoor kitchen equipped with a gas cooktop and barbecue for cooking, and a small fridge. Explore the river and spot native birdlife such as tui, piwakawaka (fantail) and ruru (morepork). There’s a flushing toilet in a nearby outhouse and a semi-outdoor hot shower for your ablution needs. Immerse yourself in the full experience by taking a short walk to the lake, or perhaps hop in one of the host-provided kayaks to get up close and personal with mother nature.

✅ Check prices and book your stay at Ruru Rest by clicking here!

What is glamping?

The word “glamping” is a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping”. It’s a type of luxury camping that combines the traditional pared-down outdoor experience with modern luxuries and comforts. 

Unlike traditional camping, glamping typically includes a range of luxury amenities such as proper beds, running water, electricity, air conditioning & heating, and private bathrooms. It’s common for modern glamping retreats to be upmarket and well-appointed, including unique features like fire pits, outdoor bath and hot tubs and even host-provided meals.

Glamping offers a unique experience that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort and luxury. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, glamping can provide the perfect balance of nature and modern amenities.

What’s great about it?

As a long-time camper, I know how harsh camping can be. Sharing a communal bathroom, sleeping on the ground, and having limited cooking facilities can really dampen the otherwise restful experience of being close to mother nature.

Glamping is an increasingly popular way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. It’s a great option for those who want to experience nature, but don’t necessarily want to rough it in a traditional camping situation.

Depending on where you want to go, you may have the option of luxury tents or yurts, handcrafted cabins or even treehouses for a unique outdoor experience that offers many of the comforts of home. There are even glamp-sites that offer hot tubs and wifi access!

What are the downsides of glamping?

The biggest downside of glamping is that it can be quite expensive compared to traditional camping. Whereas you might pay less than $40 per night to camp at a holiday park, glamping may set you back hundreds of dollars per night. Depending on the location and facilities available, you could end up paying more than you would for a hotel stay!

Glamping isn’t as remote as traditional camping. For those seeking a more wilderness-style experience, they may be disappointed to find that glamping sites are often located near popular tourist locations and are more accessible than backcountry campsites. This has obvious benefits in terms of the provision of things like water, electricity and even wifi, but with those comforts, sacrifices must be made.

Finally, some may consider glamping too easy and lacking in the challenge that traditional camping offers. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however for those wanting an authentic nature experience, it can feel like “cheating”.

Final Thoughts – Glamping in Taupō

From the traditional setup of a luxurious canvas tent by the fireside on the banks of a meandering river, to the more modern eco off-grid retreats set amongst native bush, there are plenty of options for enjoying glamping in Taupō. 

Stunning lake views, nature-inspired spaces, outdoor baths and hot tubs, and the lullaby of native birdsong characterise any glamping stay in Taupō, providing you with an unforgettable holiday immersed in the peace and tranquillity of nature.

Whether it’s just one night or a week-long stay, with this list of carefully researched glamping spots you can rest assured knowing you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable time away from home. 

So if you’re looking for something completely different for your getaway this year, why not try out glamping in Taupō? You won’t regret it!