New Zealand has a large camping culture, and it is easy to see why. Our beautiful landscapes and friendly wildlife make for some of the best backdrops for getting closer to nature. We know camping isn’t for everyone though, so we’ve come up with a way to bring glamour to camping, and hence glamping was born.
Simply put, glamping is camping with extra comfort. So, if you are a nature lover, but not a big fan of putting up a tent or sleeping on the hard ground, glamping is for you. If you are travelling with Kiwi Experience throughout our summer season (November to April), you can try out glamping at various points along our circuit. Here are a few good reasons (the comfy bed is only the first) to say ‘yes’ and give this unique style of accommodation a go while travelling around Aotearoa.
Sleep like a baby
The Lotus Belle luxury tents provide all the thrills of camping, but with none of the hassles. The tents are well equipt with 5 beds, bedside tables, lamps and even power sockets to charge all your electrics overnight. The 4m diameter tent is 3m high so there’s plenty of space to stand up. You can say goodbye to cold nights and uncomfortable sleep and live like the King (or Queen) you truly are.
Best of both worlds
Let’s not miss the point here though, you want to be one with nature – that’s what New Zealand does best. Glamping gives you the best balance between home-comfort, privacy and wilderness. You can’t put a price on waking up to the sound of native birds and the smell of the ocean nearby.
Good ole bonding time
There is something about camping that makes people want to tell stories, sing songs and have a good laugh. If you are travelling with Kiwi Experience from Auckland heading South, your first stop will be Hot Water Beach, in the Coromandel Peninsula. Trust us, there is no better way to break the ice and get to know your new travel mates than spending the night glamping under the stars.
Look up
Speaking of stars, don’t forget to take a minute to look up at the sky. Lake Tekapo, in the South Island, is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, the spot is perfect for stargazing. So just look up and take in the starry night. You may be lucky enough to make a wish upon a shooting star.
Unique Landscapes
Ever spent a night in a rainforest? Franz Josef is set amongst lush rainforest and punga groves, meaning you can really live among the trees, while still remaining in contact with civilization. This is one for the bucket list!
Green, not mean
The tents are Kiwi Experience’s eco-friendly answer to increased demand for accommodation from passengers. Like us, the team at Lotus Belle are passionate about sustainability and reducing waste. Where possible, the tents are powered by solar pods and after the summer season, they are removed - allowing Mother Nature to take back the lands they occupy after our visitors return home. Kiwi Experience does everything we can to protect our beautiful country.
Say yes and try something new
Glamping has been around for a while, in fact, the first Lotus Belle tent was produced in 2012. Kiwi Experience has been using these tents since 2015. We have the tents set up in 3 locations along the circuit, at Hot Water Beach (North Island), Franz Josef (South Island) and Lake Tekapo (South Island). This unique style of camping will be one of the unique experiences that you take home to tell your friends.
