Tarawera Glamping
Experience the ultimate escape to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tarawera, where nature and luxury blend seamlessly in our exceptional glamping sites. Each glamping spot it unique and set up for couples, although Ponga Lodge Safari Tent does have a pull out sofa bed as well if required. Imagine arriving at a stunning, private location, surrounded by pristine wilderness, with a luxurious canvas tent, hut, or tipi fully set up and ready for your stay. Here, you'll find solitude and serenity, far from the hustle and bustle, yet with all the comforts you need.
Our glamping sites offer more than just a beautiful setting. Enjoy hot water, a proper toilet, a comfortable bed, and a warm, cosy environment, use of double kayak or canadian canoe, hot tub bath with instant hot water, outdoor firepit with marshmallows provided—all in the heart of nature. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a unique and adventurous getaway, our sites provide the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort. Embrace the great outdoors without sacrificing convenience, and discover the magic of Lake Tarawera with us.
We also offer Elopement and vow renewal packages.
Ponga Lodge
Ponga Lodge is set only minutes away from the edge of Lake Tarawera and 24 minutes from Rotorua.
The safari tent is set in a sheltered spot with a ponga forest to the rear and breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera to the front.
The interior of the tent features a super-king bed with a dual electric blanket. There's comfortable lounge seating and cosy rugs. Board games, books and a TV. The decor is simple and stylish - and the soft glow of the overhead lantern light gives a lovely ambiance and warmth. Cosiness is also a priority! There are two instant heat infrared heaters. One is placed inside the tent, ensuring a snug atmosphere and another in our undercover dining/kitchen area guaranteeing warmth and comfort as you dine and relax.
The undercover kitchen and dining area are equipped with everything you need to make a delicious meal. There's a fridge, mini oven and an induction hob. You also have a weber BBQ. A luxury stoked hot tub bath, with instant hot water, is set on the large deck -looking out to the lake. The bathroom, clad with rustic reclaimed wood is accessible via an automatically-lit decked walkway. If weather permists there is a double kayak and a canadian canoe available. On the main deck there is a smokeless firepit and marshmallows are included.
Surrounded by nature, you're likely to see fantails, tuis, kereru, and morepork owls perched in the bushes. You may even hear the distant roar of a deer in Autumn. On a clear night, you'll be treated to breathtaking crystal-clear starlit skies.
RATES & BOOKING INFORMATION FOR PONGA LODGE:
NIGHTLY RATE: $420 per night
PET FEE: $25 per pet, per night (max 2 pets)
SINGLE NIGHT SURCHARGE: $50
Use the "Check Available Dates" button to view current availability
TO BOOK OR ENQUIRE: Call or text Angie: +64 27 490 8145
EMAIL: angela.mackay94@gmail.com or use the "Contact Us" button at the top of this page.
PROMO CODE: If you have a special offer of promo code, please quote it when booking.
Jack's Hut
Jack's Hut is set only minutes away from the edge of Lake Tarawera and 15 minutes from Rotorua.
Jack's Hut is an original South Island shepherd's hut from the 1930s. With imagination and love, it's been transformed into an atmospheric getaway, perfect for two.
The interior of the hut is quaint and cosy, with just enough room for a double bed, table, and chairs. Double doors open out to the spacious, covered deck.
Just next door, you'll find the kitchen hut with everything you need to cook a hot delicious meal with a mini oven, kettle toaster and induction hob with a Weber BBQ on the undercover deck. There's also an adjoining toilet unit and an al-fresco-style shower. To top it off, there's a luxurious outdoor hot tub, big enough for two, with instant hot water, where you can soak your worries away. For a unique movie night under the stars, turn on the projector screen and enjoy your favourite film from the comfort of the hot tub.
Sip your morning coffee on the delightful swinging seat on the porch and appreciate the gorgeous lake and mountain views. You may even spot the herd of fallow deer playing in the paddock below.
As the day draws to a close, you can toast marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit and gaze up at the crystal-clear, starlit skies. It doesn't get more restful than this...
RATES & BOOKING INFORMATION FOR JACK'S HUT:
NIGHTLY RATE: $290 per night
PET FEE: $25 per pet, per night (max 2 pets)
SINGLE NIGHT SURCHARGE: $50
Use the "Check Available Dates" button to view current availability
TO BOOK OR ENQUIRE: Call or text Angie: +64 27 490 8145
EMAIL: angela.mackay94@gmail.com or use the "Contact Us" button at the top of this page.
PROMO CODE: If you have a special offer of promo code, please quote it when booking.
Shepherd's Legacy
Welcome to Shepherds Legacy, a beautifully handcrafted modern take on a traditional English shepherd's hut—blending rustic charm with luxury comfort in a spectacular natural setting amongst sheep grazed pasture and fallow deer.
Perched above the sparkling waters of Lake Tarawera and framed by breathtaking views of the majestic volcano, this peaceful hut offers everything you need for a relaxing and memorable escape. Inside, you'll find a plush queen bed, a cosy sofa for taking in the views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom finished to the highest standard. There is even a wireless projector for you to enjoy Netflix.
Step outside onto your spacious deck, where you can unwind in the outdoor sitting area, fire up the barbecue, or soak in the private outdoor bathtub surrounded by a ponga fence for seclusion and tranquillity. There is also a firepit for cosy nights under the stars.
During your stay, take advantage of the complimentary double kayak or Canadian canoe to explore the lake at your own pace. You're just a short stroll from the swimming beach at Stoney Point and the scenic lakefront walking track. For more adventure, book a water taxi across the lake to experience the stunning Tarawera Falls walk, relax in natural hot pools, or visit the famous Hot Water Beach.
For keen hikers, the Tarawera Trail offers an unforgettable journey through native bush, ending with a refreshing dip in thermal waters—then return in comfort via water taxi. Nearby, the Buried Village tells the haunting story of Mount Tarawera’s 1886 eruption, bringing local history to life.
Just a short drive away, Rotorua awaits with its world-class geothermal parks, the luxurious Wai Ariki Spa, white water rafting, the famous Canopy Tours ziplining experience, horse trekking at Lake Ōkāreka, and so much more.
Whether you're after peaceful seclusion or thrilling adventures, Shepherds Legacy is the perfect base to soak in the magic of Lake Tarawera.
RATES & BOOKING INFORMATION FOR SHEPHERDS LEGACY HUT:
NIGHTLY RATE: $380 per night
PET FEE: $25 per pet, per night (max 2 pets)
SINGLE NIGHT SURCHARGE: $50
Use the "Check Available Dates" button to view current availability
TO BOOK OR ENQUIRE: Call or text Angie: +64 27 490 8145
EMAIL: angela.mackay94@gmail.com or use the "Contact Us" button at the top of this page.
PROMO CODE: If you have a special offer of promo code, please quote it when booking.
Meet the hosts
Dave and Angie Mackay
For over 36 years, Dave and I have shared a life built around family, adventure and creating places where people can slow down, reconnect and experience something truly special together.
We first met in the UK when Dave was there on his OE. After marrying, we moved to Dave’s family farm in West Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, where our two older children, Georgia and Daniel, were born. When the children were still young, we returned to the UK to run the family instant lawn business, which we managed for around 20 years. During that time our youngest son, Ben, joined our family and completed our busy household.
When Ben was around 11, we decided it was the perfect time to make a lifestyle change and semi-retire. We chose Lake Tarawera — a place we had visited many times over the years and always felt deeply drawn to. The beauty, serenity and sense of escape here completely captured our hearts.
Our glamping journey began with Jack’s Hut — a very special place with deep family history. The hut originally belonged to Dave’s grandfather, who lived in it while establishing the family farm in West Otago many decades ago. We lovingly transported the little shepherd’s hut all the way to Lake Tarawera, where it now sits overlooking the lake and Mount Tarawera, beginning a whole new chapter of its story.
We live on an 18-hectare lifestyle block, and after seeing how much guests loved the peace, romance and simplicity of Jack’s Hut, we created Ponga Lodge Safari Tent on the other side of the farmlet. We are also excited to be introducing a beautiful new yurt in the coming months.
For some time we have also hosted intimate elopement-style weddings at our home, Spencer Lodge. Couples are constantly drawn to the tranquillity, sweeping lake views and the feeling of complete escape. That inspired us to create “Just Us Elopements” — bespoke elopement packages based at Jack’s Hut, Ponga Lodge and the Shepherd's Legacy Hut, all designed for couples wanting a deeply personal and romantic wedding experience surrounded by nature.
What we love most is seeing guests arrive stressed and busy from everyday life, then leave feeling rested, connected and inspired by the beauty of Lake Tarawera.
Check Our Exclusive Services
Optional add-ons: To make your stay extra special we can help you out by providing knowledge and activities around the area, just let us know what you're into. We can also arrange for grazing platters and picnics or a breakfast pack waiting in your fridge.
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Bespoke And
Exclusive Services
We take pride in offering more than just property management; we treat each home as if it were our own.
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Have a memorable Experience
Our goal is to ensure you have a truly memorable experience, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and yearning to come back again