Kōwhai Tent
Our cozy Kōwhai tent is an ideal glamping retreat for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The tent boasts a spacious living and sleeping area along with an ensuite bathroom complete with a flushing toilet, shower and basin.
Experience ultimate relaxation in our two outdoor bathtubs with panoramic 360-degree views of the stunning surroundings. You can also create a culinary masterpiece in the pizza oven, BBQ or gas cooker, gather around the fire pits, or snuggle up for a movie night outdoors or indoors with the projector.
Nestled in the heart of Waitomo, New Zealand, the Kōwhai tent offers an enchanting escape for couples seeking a unique and memorable adventure.
THE TENT
Experience the ultimate in glamping luxury with our custom-made safari tent, crafted by world-renowned experts in South Africa. Perfectly insulated for added warmth in the cooler months, the tent features large windows, curtains, and fly nets that offer stunning views of the surrounding nature. You can unwind and relax in our en suite bathroom that is stocked with eco-friendly toiletries, including soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Enjoy the best of both worlds with top-notch amenities and the beauty of the great outdoors.
TO NOTE
There is no electricity at the Kōwhai Tent, but the water in the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor baths is heated by gas. A power pack is provided to charge small devices, and there is excellent mobile phone and 4G coverage.
Access to the tent requires a short uphill walk from the carpark, but please note that the track is quite steep. We recommend packing lightly as you will need to carry your belongings up. If walking up is difficult for you, just let us know in advance, and we can arrange to drive you to the top via our service entrance.
AMENITIES
We take your comfort seriously, which is why we've equipped the bed with a queen-size mattress, a 100% wool underlay, and a 100% cotton mattress protector. To ensure a good night's sleep, we provide Hungarian goose down pillows and duvets, and 100% linen sheets, pillow and duvet covers. You'll find the thick, fluffy towels in the bathroom are made of luxurious Egyptian cotton.
In the kitchen, you'll find a Buschbeck wood fired BBQ and pizza oven, a Weber gas BBQ, as well as a gas hob to cook on.
We've added some complimentary items to the kitchen to make your stay even more enjoyable - including fresh organic herbs, condiments such as oil, salt and pepper. You'll also find marshmallows and biscuits for toasting on the fire pit, butter, 750ml milk from Puhoi Valley, organic eggs from our farm, and a freshly baked loaf of homemade bread.
Please bring your own food, but if you prefer not to cook, we have catering options available at an additional cost.

Book the Kōwhai Tent
Feature | Kōwhai Tent | Pōhutukawa Tent |
---|---|---|
Capacity | 2 adults (adults-only) | Up to 8 guests (4 bedrooms, kids welcome—ideal for families & groups) |
Privacy and Location | Completely private, perched on its own hilltop | Entirely private, located on separate hilltop 1km away |
Bathrooms | 1 indoor bathroom | 2.5 indoor bathrooms |
Power | No electricity, gas-heated water, battery powered lanterns, power pack for devices | Full off-grid power system with full indoor electricity |
Kitchen | Outdoor kitchen with gas cooktop, BBQ, wood-fired pizza oven | Full indoor kitchen with oven, electric cooktop, fridge, microwave, plus outdoor BBQ and pizza oven |
Heating | Fire-powered heater, no underfloor heating | Indoor fireplace, underfloor heating |
Outdoor Features | Outdoor baths, BBQ, pizza oven, firepit, movie projector | Outdoor hot tub, BBQ, firepit, pizza oven |
Tent Size | Cozy, perfect for couples | Spacious, designed for families, groups, or couples wanting a luxury escape |
Décor and Interior | Thoughtfully styled, intimate and romantic | High-end designer finishes, luxury fittings and spacious feel |
Arrival | 4WD or AWD required; car available to borrow. Short walk uphill (approx. 120m) from parking to tent | Accessible by most 2WD vehicles (unless very low to the ground). Parking conveniently close to the tent |
Fire Making Equipment | Firewood, fire starters, newspaper, lighters supplied | Firewood, fire starters, newspaper, lighters supplied |
Exclusive Use | Yes – entire tent and surroundings just for you | Yes – entire tent and surroundings just for you |
Extras | Optional massages and catering available | Optional massages, catering, and private chef available on request |
TAILORED EXPERIENCES
Make your stay even more memorable with thoughtfully crafted add ons—indulge in a relaxing massage or savour fresh, locally-prepared catering, all designed to complement your peaceful hilltop escape.