Frequently asked questions

Both the Kōwhai Tent and the Pōhutukawa Tent are located on Mangarino Road in Hangatiki, Waitomo, in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand.

We are approximately 2.5 hours from Auckland, 1.5 hours from Hamilton, and 3 hours from Wellington.

Visit our booking page, select your preferred tent, and choose a check-in date on the calendar. Available dates will be shown clearly. Dates already booked will be crossed through.

If you have questions, email hello@wildcanvas.nz and we will help.

Yes. Weekend bookings fill up quickly, but we maintain a cancellation list for both tents. Scroll down this page to sign up and you will be the first to know when a spot becomes available.

Kōwhai Tent: Check-in from 2pm. Check-out by 11am.

Pōhutukawa Tent: Check-in from 2pm. Check-out by 10am.

You are welcome to check in later than 2pm, but we recommend arriving as early as possible to make the most of your stay.

Kōwhai Tent: There is a 120-metre uphill walk from the carpark to the tent. We recommend packing light. A 4WD or all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for the track — you are welcome to borrow ours if needed.

Pōhutukawa Tent: Yes, you can drive all the way to the tent. Most two-wheel-drive vehicles are fine.

For minor incidents, a first aid kit is located in the drawer of the sofa bed at each tent.

For emergencies, dial 111 and request an ambulance. There is cellphone reception and 4G at both sites. The nearest hospital is Te Kuiti Hospital in Te Kuiti township.

Kōwhai Tent: $590 NZD per night for up to 2 adults. This rate applies for weekdays, weekends and public holidays. A one-night minimum applies year-round, except between 22 December and 5 January when a three-night minimum is required.

Pōhutukawa Tent: $1,635 NZD per night for up to 8 guests. Same minimum stay conditions apply.

Kōwhai Tent: Maximum 2 adults. One queen bedroom. Adults only.

Pōhutukawa Tent: Maximum 8 guests. Four bedrooms with queen beds. Children very welcome.

Kōwhai Tent: Due to the steep hilltop location and various hazards, we are unable to accommodate children at the Kōwhai Tent.

Pōhutukawa Tent: Children are very welcome.

Unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs or other animals as Wild Canvas is located on a working farm.

Kōwhai Tent: The tent is off-grid. Battery-powered lanterns and power packs for charging small devices are provided.

Pōhutukawa Tent: Full power throughout, via a state-of-the-art off-grid system. All appliances run just as they would at home, powered by solar and renewable sources. You would never know it was off-grid.

The two tents are about 1km apart. They are just visible to each other in the distance, but far enough apart that you will not hear each other and will have complete privacy at each site.

Both tents offer complete privacy, stunning views and a luxury glamping experience, but they are designed for different groups.

A selection of basics is included with every stay. Beyond that, you will need to bring your own food or add one of our catering options. We recommend stopping at a supermarket on the way as there are no shops immediately nearby.

Kōwhai Tent basics included:

• 4 organic eggs and 750ml organic milk (Puhoi Valley)
• Butter and a loaf of fresh homemade bread
• S'mores kit: marshmallows and biscuits
• Tea, coffee and sugar
• Condiments: salt, pepper, oil and flour

Pōhutukawa Tent basics included:

• Bottle of New Zealand wine
• Milk, yoghurt, butter, eggs and cereal
• S'mores kit: marshmallows and biscuits
• Tea, coffee and sugar
• Condiments: salt, pepper and oil

We offer three catering options that are prepared fresh and waiting at your tent on arrival. At least one week's notice is required.

• Antipasto Platter $89: a generous spread including homemade seed crackers, cheeses, salami, smoked salmon, bruschetta, hummus and more
• Ready-to-Cook Pizzas $44 each: 10-inch handmade pizzas in six flavours. Fire them straight in your pizza oven
• Gourmet Dinner for Two $170: beef scotch, sausages, choice of chicken or beef patties, garlic bread, two salads of your choice and passionfruit cheesecake

A private chef experience is also available exclusively for Pōhutukawa Tent guests. See our Experiences page for details.

You can add catering during the booking process at checkout. If you have already booked, visit our Experiences page and use the "Add to My Stay" button to purchase separately via Stripe. Alternatively, email hello@wildcanvas.nz with your order at least one week before your stay.

Most guests choose to dine on site, but there are good options nearby:

• Waitomo (13 min): Huhu Café, Tomō Bar and Eatery, Waitomo Homestead
• Ōtorohanga (13 min): The Thirsty Weta, Fat Kiwi Café
• Te Kuiti (10 min): Stoked Eatery

2 weeks or more notice: Full refund.

Less than 2 weeks notice: 50% refund.

Less than 1 week notice: No refund.

If you need to change your dates, please email hello@wildcanvas.nz. Our cancellation policy applies to date changes.

Email us at hello@wildcanvas.nz and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note our cancellation policy applies to date changes.

A one-night minimum applies year-round for both tents. Between 22 December and 5 January, a three-night minimum is required.

Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. A range of credit and debit card options are available at checkout.

Yes. Gift vouchers are available for the Kōwhai Tent, the ultimate Kōwhai experience, and the Pōhutukawa Tent. They are valid for 24 months from purchase and can be used on any available date. Vouchers are delivered by email for printing or forwarding. Visit our Gift Vouchers page to order.