Looking for somewhere to stay in the Nelson-Tasman region to make your trip extra special? There are some brilliant Nelson glamping spots that will take your holiday to the next level. Here are 10 of the best places for glamping in Nelson or Abel Tasman.
Hi, I’m Alexx and I’m addicted to glamping. I’m slowly making my way around the best places for glamping in New Zealand and ticking off the coolest yurts, huts and domes to stay in around the country.
The Nelson-Tasman region is a hub for some of the funkiest glamping stays in Aotearoa, from secluded farm cabins to Mongolian yurts to giant boots. Yes, for real, a boot!
Read on to find out about my top pick for glamping in Nelson and the Tasman region, Pepin Island, plus nine other Nelson glamping spots to add to your New Zealand bucket list.
Pepin Island Glamping near Nelson
From $190NZD per night
If your idea of relaxation is a secluded farm cabin on a private island with ocean views, Pepin Island is guaranteed to impress. There are three huts on the island (Passage Hut, Nikau Hut and Rocky Point Hut) and we stayed at Passage Hut.
You can get to the huts by walking (30 mins to passage, a bit longer to the other two) or book a 4WD transfer to take you and your gear.
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Once you arrive you’ll enjoy a cosy hut complete with a kitchen, super comfy bed, dining area, outdoor beanbags, outdoor bath and stunning views.
Why I loved it:
- You feel like you’re the only people on earth! There’s absolutely no light or sound pollution, except for crashing waves and farm animals.
- The outdoor bath was so dreamy, nothing like a warm soak with a glass of vino
- You can take all your own food to cook with the gas stove or organise a grocery delivery and/or cheeseboard through the hosts
Book it here: Passage Hut on Pepin Island
Or try Nikau Hut (it has space for four people) or Rocky Point Hut (super romantic on the other side of the island.
Chocolate Yurt in Motueka Valley
From $111NZD per night
Set in an off the grid eco-village 15 minutes away from Motueka, this insulated yurt is a stunning retreat amongst native bush.
Why it’s amazing:
- 4.96/5 rating from more than 500 reviews!
- Outdoor kitchen plus bath, shower and composting toilet
- Hand-crafted wooden furniture and woodburner for winter
- King bed plus a mattress for a child
Helpful guest review: “Very unique and peaceful stay, we enjoyed every minute of it and wish we booked the yurt for more than 2 nights. The views are amazing and staying at the yurt was more comfortable than we anticipated. We even had a weka stop by and inspect the cleanliness of the kitchen for us :)” – Irene, Feb 2021
Book it here: Chocolate Yurt Motueka
Adobe Home in Delaware Bay
From $192NZD per night
With space for five guests across three bedrooms, this unique earth house is made from clay and kanuka from the property itself. This is a fancier glamping option, with tasteful decor and comfortable furnishings, as well as insane views over Cable Bay estuary.
Why it’s amazing:
- Perfect 5/5 rating from 22 reviews
- Nestled amongst native bush with lots of walking tracks nearby
- 20 minutes from Nelson’s main centre, 10 minutes walk to a swimming hole and 10 minutes drive to a swimming beach
Helpful guest review: “What a peaceful natural retreat in the bush with a sensational view! This handmade adobe house is welcoming and calm, surrounded by trees and birds. Everything a family could want for a getaway. Rachel is a wonderful and warm host and provided everything we could need.” – Andrea, March 2021
Book it here: Adobe Home, Delaware Bay
Rabbit Island Huts near Mapua
From $220NZD per night
A hybrid of classic Kiwi camping, funky glamping and a boutique hotel, these little huts on stilts are super Instagrammable. Each hut has a comfortable bed, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, and you can choose from ensuite or shared bathroom (which is cheaper).
There’s also a well-equipped lodge kitchen complete with fresh bread and homemade condiments, a lounge with books and boardgames, and an outdoor dining area for BBQs in the sun.
I spent a night here on my recent Nelson-Tasman adventure and it’s a brilliant option if you want a stop between Nelson and Abel Tasman.
Why it’s amazing:
- 4.96/5 rating from 75 reviews
- Access to a shared kitchen, BBQ, fire and outdoor bath (private and ideal for stargazing)
- Short drive to walking and biking tracks, rivers, wineries and cafes
- The same property also has a house that’s available for rent for up to 8 guests if you have a group
Helpful guest review: “True paradise! Couldn’t have asked for a better way to unwind so close to Richmond/Nelson. Super quiet and clean and the shared kitchen is gorgeous. So many little touches that made it a perfect wee night away. Highly recommend – particularly for locals who love the area. Thanks – we’ll be back” – Carley, Jan 2021
Book it here: Rabbit Island Huts
The Caboose near Takaka
From $135NZD per night
Spend a night in a handcrafted replica of an old train carriage complete with a private garden and outdoor bath. You’ll be only five minutes from Takaka beach and the township, the ideal base to explore what the region has to offer.
Why it’s amazing:
- 4.95/5 rating from almost 150 reviews
- Super unique accommodation showcasing some incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Outdoor shower and bath
- Lovely outdoor dining area to sit and soak up the region’s famous sunshine
Helpful guest review: “Lisa and Peter have created a wonderful, relaxing oasis at The Caboose. The outdoor shower and bath are incredible and we absolutely loved all the little touches that made the place feel like home. They’ve clearly put a lot of thought and love into creating The Caboose. We will most certainly be back again in the future!” – Nicole, Jan 2021
Book it here: The Caboose Takaka
Toto’s Eco-Friendly Bush Cottage
From $110NZD per night
Simple and sustainable, Toto’s Bush Cottage offers an eco-friendly escape amongst native bush. The tiny house consists of a naturally-insulated bedroom with seating area, then outside you’ve got a basic kitchen, shower and compost toilets plus an outdoor bath.
Why it’s amazing:
- 4.97/5 rating from 117 reviews
- Fully off the grid with micro hydro and solar panels for power
- Nestled in lush native forest home to loads of birds
- They also have a woodfired pizzeria on the same property, yum!
Helpful guest review: “Absolute bliss! Outdoor bath in the sunshine with nothing but the sound of birds and nature. An awesome Eco set up amoungst the stunning hill top. Cant wait to visit again!” – Jemma, Jan 2021
Book it here: Toto’s Eco-Friendly Bush Cottage
Upindowns Golden Bay Glamping
From $100NZD per night
This classic lotus belle tent offers brilliant value if you want to glamp on a budget. There’s space for four guests across a queen bed, sofa bed and a hammock, and you’ll also have access to a mini kitchen, BBQ, dining area and outdoor shower and bio-loo.
Why it’s amazing:
- 4.88/5 rating from 90 reviews
- Surrounded by trees on a remote property
- Mesh doors on the tent to let the air flow without bugs getting in
- Thoughtful touches and details like fresh flowers and solar chargers to keep your gadgets juiced
Helpful guest review: “We absolutely loved our stay here. There isn’t one negative thing we can say about it. Everything was provided, everything looked perfect and it was overall an experience we’ll never forget. Absolutely speechless! We even stayed up until 3am to see the stars. The best part was definitely the chooks following us around everywhere, they made fantastic company and provided some good laughs. We hope to stay again soon!” – Luka, Jan 2021
Book it here: Upindowns Golden Bay Glamping
Abel Tasman Beach Bach
From $265NZD per night
The Barn at Marahau is a campground with a number of different accommodation options, including this classic bach, campsites and an ocean-view teepee.
Why it’s amazing:
- Perfect 5/5 rating from 8 reviews
- The location is ideal, right next to the entrance to Abel Tasman Coastal Track
- Your bach has a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor bath and shower, plus an indoor woodfire for winter
Helpful guest review: “Dream spot, dream house. We have already booked to come back for my partners birthday next month. Comfiest bed in the world. Shower with a view, outdoor bath, sharp knives! Roaring fire that kept the place toasty all night. Friendly, welcoming people at reception, friendly, welcoming ducks at the house. A short walk/ ride to so many great spots.” – Zoe, Nov 2020
Book it here: The Beach Bach at Abel Tasman
The Boot Fairytale Accommodation
From $250NZD per night
One of the most unique places to stay in New Zealand, this Boot will take you way back to childhood thinking about the old lady who lived in a shoe! Enjoy both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a lush queen-sized bed, flowers, chocolate and other romantic touches at this unforgettable retreat.
Why it’s amazing:
- 4.87/5 rating from 39 reviews
- A private courtyard to enjoy the sun or stargaze at night
- Grazing platters available to order
- One of the craziest places you’ll ever stay!
Helpful guest review: “We had a marvellous time at the boot on our honeymoon and felt so looked after. Judy has amazing attention to detail and was so kind.” – Ashley, Jan 2021
Book it here: The Boot Fairytale Accommodation
The Tasman Cloud
From $365NZD per night
Looking for a bit of luxury with your glamping getaway? The Tasman Cloud has a huge safari tent that can fit up to five people (with a wooden partition to separate beds if necessary).
Why it’s amazing:
- Brand new! Only opened in January 2021, so far has a perfect 5/5 rating
- Set on a working farm 30 mins from Nelson Airport and 15 mins from Motueka
- Insane sunset views over rolling farmland
- Kitchenette plus outdoor BBQ, and a hot tub for stargazing
Helpful guest review: “Absolutely outstanding couple of nights away from the world. We actually live less than 20 minutes away from the Tasman Cloud but the trip was so relaxed and a real opportunity to get away from it all. The views are outstanding and the whole set up is brilliant. The tent and facilities are extremely comfortable and the hot tub is amazing! Would certainly recommend to others.” – Chris, Jan 2021
Book it here: The Tasman Cloud
The glamping scene in Nelson and the Tasman region is absolutely on fire, so I hope this has helped you find the perfect Nelson glamping site for your next trip. If you think I’ve missed something epic off the list just let me know in the comments!
RELATED READS:
- The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List
- 22 of the Best Glamping Spots in New Zealand
- My South Island Road Trip Itinerary
- All of the Best Places to Visit in the South Island
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Huge thanks to the Pepin Island team for hosting us for one night. As always, all opinions are my own and are completely based on my personal opinion.
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