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Families & Groups · Up to 8 Guests
Designed for families, friends and celebrations, the Pōhutukawa Tent is a private hilltop stay where everyone can come together. Four queen bedrooms, a cedar hot tub, full indoor kitchen, underfloor heating and sweeping 360° views make it easy to settle in, slow down and make the kind of memories that last.
The Tent
Perched atop its own private hilltop with panoramic 360° views across the Waitomo countryside, the Pōhutukawa Tent is our flagship experience. Built to sleep up to eight guests across four queen bedrooms, it's perfect for families, friend groups, milestone birthdays, and memorable celebrations.
Inside, a double-sided fireplace anchors the open-plan living space. Underfloor heating, a full indoor kitchen with dishwasher, 2.5 bathrooms, and insulated double-glazed windows mean you're as comfortable in winter as in summer. Outside, a cedar hot tub pre-heated to 38°C, wood-fired pizza oven, Weber BBQ and firepit complete the picture. Everything runs seamlessly, with all the comforts of home.
At a Glance
What's Included
Everything is chosen with care and waiting when you arrive. From locally sourced provisions to premium amenities, the details are taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your time together.
Reserve Your Stay
A few treats
For your stay
Bathroom amenities
Your Stay
Hot tub soaks, outdoor dinners, fireside evenings, and the kind of time together everyone remembers.
Check in from 2pm. Take in the views, unpack slowly, and let the kids discover the space. The hot tub is pre-heated and waiting. Open the complimentary wine and breathe.
Board games, kites on the lawn, or a massage for a slower start. The hilltop is yours — no neighbours, no schedule.
Fire up the BBQ or pizza oven, cook together, and gather around the large outdoor table as the sun drops behind the ranges. Then sink into the hot tub as the evening settles in.
Toast marshmallows around the sculptural firepit, share stories under the stars, and drift inside to the glow of the stone fireplace when the night air turns cool.
Breakfast together, no rush. Cook up something on the BBQ or keep it simple inside.
Coffee in the hot tub, birdsong in the distance, and another moment to simply soak it all in.
Ready to make some memories of your own?
Check Availability✓ 200+ five-star reviews · ✓ Free cancellation up to 14 days prior · ✓ Family-owned since 2017
Powered by Nature
A purpose-built system uses solar energy and renewable wood pellets to run every appliance, heat the water, warm the floors and keep the cedar hot tub ready. Curious how it works? Watch the video to see what happens behind the scenes.
Tailored Experiences
Enhance your stay with curated experiences designed exclusively for Pōhutukawa guests. Book ahead or enquire after your reservation.
Set high in the hills with sweeping rural views. Learn technique and timing as you take aim at moving clays with expert supervision. Each session includes 100 shots shared between participants.
Add a splash of fun with a private cocktail bartender or mixology class. Sip expertly crafted cocktails or learn to make your own in a relaxed, hands-on session.
A gourmet three-course meal prepared and served exclusively for your group. Perfect for special occasions, tailored to your tastes with indulgence and convenience in a stunning setting.
A guided, beginner-friendly pottery workshop with all materials, glazing, and firing taken care of. Perfect for birthdays and special occasions. Pieces couriered to you within 4-6 weeks.
A personalised yoga session outdoors surrounded by nature, or inside for a more intimate experience. Perfect for stress relief, team building, or a mindful moment with friends.
A therapist comes to you. For groups booking more than three massages, two or more therapists are arranged to ensure everyone gets pampered without the wait.
Book a massage →To add an experience to your stay, email hello@wildcanvas.nz after booking.
Most two-wheel-drive vehicles can access the Pōhutukawa Tent. Parking is available close to the tent with no significant uphill walk required.
Family trips through the North Island · Milestone birthdays · Multi-generational stays · Groups visiting Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton · A special final night before heading south · Friends travelling together
WiFi, good mobile and 4G coverage from the hilltop. The views, however, are a compelling reason to put the phone away entirely.
Guest Reviews
Comparing the Tents
| Pōhutukawa Tent | Kōwhai Tent | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 8 guests, kids welcome | 2 adults only |
| Bedrooms / Bathrooms | 4 beds, 2.5 baths | 1 bed, 1 bath |
| Outdoor Water Feature | Cedar hot tub (pre-heated 38°C) | Twin claw foot baths |
| Kitchen | Full indoor kitchen plus outdoor pizza oven and BBQ | Outdoor: pizza oven, Weber BBQ, gas hob |
| Power | Full power, all appliances included | All essentials powered |
| Heating | Fireplace and underfloor heating | Indoor wood fireplace |
| Access | Most 2WD vehicles, parking nearby | 4WD recommended, 120m uphill walk |
| Exclusive Add-ons | Clay shooting, cocktail bartender, private chef, pottery, yoga, massages | Massages, catering |
Explore the Area
Waitomo is bursting with things to see and do: the world famous Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave, scenic bush walks, waterfalls, ziplines and cosy local cafes. Whether you are chasing adventure or a slow day of exploring, it is all nearby.
Discover Waitomo
Planning a New Zealand Trip?
The Pōhutukawa Tent is 2.5 hours from Auckland, close to Waitomo Caves, and works beautifully between Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua and Taupō. With four bedrooms and a full kitchen, it's a relaxed and comfortable base for families and groups exploring the North Island — the kind of place that earns its own place on the itinerary.
Ready to Book?
The Pōhutukawa Tent books quickly, especially over weekends and school holidays. Check availability now to secure your dates.
✓ 200+ five-star reviews · ✓ Free cancellation up to 14 days prior · ✓ Family-owned since 2017
Questions? Email hello@wildcanvas.nz or call 021 166 6248
