Glamping has changed the Kiwi holiday camping experience forever.
No more counting out the tent pegs to find two are missing, tent poles that will not reach, air mattresses that let you down overnight and groundsheets that are mysteriously wet in the early morning.
Although you may have retained your camp setup expertise from trips with the family as a kid, none of that is necessary when you book a glamping escape in The Coromandel.
What you do get though is all the fun. Cooking outdoors, the smell of barbeque smoke in the evenings, waking with the light and sun showers. Glamping means tranquil spots tucked away in the bush or at the beach, up a river, over the hill. The Coromandel is known for its campgrounds, and many of them have been Kiwi family favourites for generations. Some of them have added glamping options to their camp sites and cabins, and there are some new pods that have popped up in some surprising locations.
First Light, Hahei
From high on a hill overlooking the village of Hahei, the early morning light over the Mercury Bay sets you up for the day. It's a 10-minute walk down to the beach and into town, but with the bush at your back and the ever-changing vista laid out before you, we imagine you will choose to stay up here, relaxing outside your luxurious tent.
Coromandel Luxury Escapes
Where coast meets country. Looking out over Matarangi Harbour with the iconic Coromandel mountains silhouetted against the sunset, the deep peace and country air infuses this glamourous tent. The wood pile is a work of art, and the bathhouse, yes, with a sleek bath, has a view for miles.
Slipper Island Resort
If you ever dreamed of being a castaway on a tropical island, this is as good as it gets.
A privately-owned island, just off the coast of Tairua and Pauanui, this eco resort is a rare experience. You can hire the entire island for a night or three (there are chalets as well as glamping), and imagine you'll never have to return to the mainland.
Bubble Tent at Mercury Bay Estate Winery
Glamping in a vineyard, heaven for wine-lovers. The views from the grassy slopes running down to Cooks Beach and over the Mercury Bay are expansive and stunning. With the Italian-inspired menu from the restaurant (you will discover the true Italian connection), combined with platters of local food to go with tasting flights of the estate's wines, everything is taken care of. And no drive home after dinner.
Close to some of The Coromandel's iconic places, so make it your glamorous base for a laid back romantic getaway.
Coro Camping at Coroglen
Well off the beaten track, up Rangihau Road, this could be the perfect base for a day trip up The Pinnacles, or a lazy sojourn beside the river with your own private swimming hole. Guaranteed you will not be disturbed here!
Shelly Beach Top 10 Pods
Set on the shore at Kikowhakarere Bay, 5 minutes north of Coromandel Town, the latest addition to this favourite family holiday park are the cute and cosy glamping pods nestled on the beach edge. Amazing views over the bay, with epic sunsets from your room and private deck.
Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
The range of options at the Hot Water Beach park-like campground is impressive. Deluxe chalets, villas, campsites and motorhome parks, all within a hop skip and a jump of the famous beach by the same name. In summer the exotically-shaped glamping tents are great for couples, with plenty of space to chill out alongside the stream. Solar power and fine linen make a luxurious camp combination.
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