Tarata Tent

Tarata Tent Tarata Tent Kāwhia Harbour, Waikato Tarata Tent is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Hamilton and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Auckland City. It shares the same property as Tarata Cabin. Located on the beautiful Kāwhia Harbour, this is the ideal romantic getaway for couples. The large African Safari-style tent features glass windows and French doors, creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces and the magical views of the harbour. Inside the tent, you'll find a bedroom, kitchen and a lounging area with a fireplace. The semi-outdoor covered bathroom can be accessed from indoors. Step onto the deck where you can cook alfresco while enjoying the golden hues of sunset. There is also a wood-fired pizza oven with beanbags for lounging. After your meal, the wood-fired tub beckons. To add to the ambience, let the melodious calls of kereru, tui, and ruru serenade you, or visit the resident glow worms at dark! Tarata Tent is more than a place to stay, it's an invitation to reconnect with nature. Sink in, let worries dissolve, and drift back to nature's sanctuary. FROM NZ$ 395 /pn Check Availability & Book Sleeps 2 Check Availability & Book Previous Next Getting There FAQS Rates and Extras Booking Terms ADDRESS   885a Te Waitere Road, Taharoa 3988 DIRECTIONS   Tarata Tent is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Hamilton and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Auckland City.  Follow the Google Maps directions to the address. You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay. Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected]. Locate Tarata Tent What is the minimum stay at this escape? The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.  The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates. Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions. If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit. Can I stay for one night only? To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book. If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day. Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions. What time is check-in and check-out? What are the bed and bedding arrangements? The tent has a king-size bed. Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. The sheets are made of a linen/cotton blend, and the mattress has a feather topper. Additionally, the pillows and duvet are feather. An extra wool blanket is provided to keep you warm. The king-size bed can be separated into two single beds upon request, with an additional $20 setup fee. If you wish to select this option, please send us an email at [email protected] after completing your booking. What are the kitchen and cooking facilities? The outdoor cooking area is on the deck outside the tent. It includes a two-burner gas stove top. Additionally, a pizza oven, which can double as a full BBQ oven, is located down the steps. Inside, you have an eco-fridge with a small freezer compartment, a sink and cupboard space. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. Some pantry basics are supplied - salt, pepper, oil and a range of spices. What are the bathroom facilities? The bathroom is located behind the tent but accessible from indoors. The covered semi-outdoor bathroom includes a pleasant-to-use Bambooloo composting toilet (bucket style), hand basin and hot shower. Towels are provided. Is there power? Tarata Tent is fully off-grid with a solar system providing lighting and electricity at the accommodation. Wall sockets and USB ports are provided for charging devices. If it’s sunny, the system will be generating power. If it’s not sunny, you’ll be using power from the bank of batteries. While there should be plenty of electricity for your stay, you will need to conserve to avoid running out. Please don't bring your hairdryers and straighteners, as these have a large power draw and will run the power supply down quickly. Please get in touch with your host if you use a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for sleep apnoea. Is there mobile phone reception? Yes, 3G mobile phone reception is available at Tarata Tent but it's worth noting that it may be patchy at times. Wall sockets and USB ports are provided for charging devices. What sort of heating is there? The tent has a woodburner to keep you warm. An extra wool blanket is provided. Can I have an outdoor fire? Yes, Tarata Tent has a designated custom-made multi-use outdoor oven. The fire simultaneously heats the hot tub through a passive copper coil heating system. As you cook your dinner, the hot tub warms up, allowing you to enjoy a soak right after your meal. However it is dependent on the time of year and conditions though, and at certain times of the year will be unavailable due to higher than normal fire risk. Your hosts will let you know if there is a fire ban in place when you are visiting.  How does the hot tub work? Tarata Cabin has a hot tub available to use when no water restrictions are in place. This may be the case throughout much of the summer, so please bear this in mind when booking your stay if you want to use the hot tub. The hot tub is filled with fresh natural and clay spring water before each booking. This has a cloudy clay-coloured appearance but is clean and safe to soak in. The hot tub is wood-fired, so you'll need to light this when you arrive and stoke it for at least a couple of hours while it heats through. It takes a little bit of skill with lighting fires and patience, but the hosts provide excellent details of how to build a great fire in their guide, which you will receive prior to your stay.  The good news is that the hot tub holds heat well and will only need a little bit of heating from time to time during the remainder of your stay.  What is glamping like in winter? Tarata Tent is open for stays during winter, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping! The tent has warm bedding and a wood burner, plus lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure and brush up on your fire-lighting skills. Please note - your stay includes outdoor elements, such as a semi-outdoor bathroom. Can children stay at Tarata Tent? Tarata Tent is not suitable for children and is strictly adults-only. The one exception to this rule is for non-mobile babies under 6 months at the time of your stay with BYO bedding and portacot.  If you're looking for a family-friendly glamping escape, select the family icon in the search bar on our 'find your escape' page to easily find them. Can I bring my dog? Tarata Tent has a 'no dog' policy (with no exceptions). If you're looking for dog-friendly glamping, check out some of our other glamping spots in the Canopy Camping Escapes collection that welcome dogs - you can select the 'dog-friendly' filter in the search bar to easily find them. How private and remote is Tarata Tent? Very private! It's just you, nature, the birds and the view.  You'll need to drive past Tarata Cabin before reaching the tent; however, rest assured that once at the tent, your privacy will remain unaffected. Depending on the wind direction, from time to time, you may hear noise from guests staying at Tarata Cabin. What is the access like and where do I park my car? You can drive and park your vehicle right next to the tent, allowing for easy access. The access is not suitable for lowered cars and you'll need to exercise caution when reversing down the driveway and maneuvering in the turning bay. If you are coming in a campervan or have a boat, please contact your host prior to arriving. You're welcome to come and go from the property as often as you please. Will I come across creatures and critters during my stay? Most of our stays are nature-based with components of outdoor living, and Tarata Tent is no exception. Because of this, you may be exposed to various creatures and critters that you wouldn't usually find at your average hotel or motel. What do i need to bring? Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay Toiletries  Insect repellent and sunscreen Beach towels for taking off the property for swimming Warm clothing for cooler evenings Are there any safety considerations? Please be vigilant of your environment and carefully review the welcome guide provided at the cabin. This guide outlines essential safety information, particularly concerning the pond and pest traps located on the property. MASSAGE BY TANZANITE BEAUTY You can book an onsite massage session with Natasha Johnston, a certified massage therapist, available for both couples and individuals, each lasting one hour. For more information on pricing and how to book please email [email protected]. Extras ***Please note that these can only be ordered for stays that are more than 7 days away***   Artisan Sourdough Loaf - $12 Locally made large Artisan Sourdough Loaf.     Gift Vouchers Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our glamping spots in the Canopy Camping Escapes collection. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here. 1. Introduction 1.1 Canopy Camping Limited (Canopy Camping Escapes, also referred to as we, our and us) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (Hosts). 1.2 By making a booking through our website (here) (Website), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (Booking Conditions). 1.3 Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host.  That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host.   1.4 In these terms: “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked] 2. booking and payments 2.1 If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking.  A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. 2.2 Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process.   2.3 If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.  2.4 If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.   3. Guest cancellations and date changes 3.1 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. 3.2 Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.  3.3 Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. 3.4 Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: Road closure. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by Waka Kotahi as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. Metservice RED Weather Warning. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the Metservice has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. Natural disasters in New Zealand. Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation. 4. Host Cancellations 4.1 Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:  (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest.  (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property.  (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. 4.2 Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.   5. safety and hazards 5.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. 5.3 To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay. 6. pets No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the Website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets. 7. Activities Hunting or motorcycles are not permitted on the properties. 8. GST GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested. 9. conditions of occupancy and conduct 9.1 Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. 9.2 You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: Specified on the Website. Contained in the information folder provided at the property. 9.3 You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. 9.4 You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. 9.5 You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. 9.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. 9.7 The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. 9.8 The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted.  9.9 You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.  10. Complaints If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [email protected] with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues. 11. Liability To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay,  Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes.  If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking.  Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.   12. Gift vouchers Gift vouchers expire if not redeemed within 3 years of purchase.  If a booking paid for using a gift voucher is cancelled, any refund will be by way of a gift voucher with the same expiry date as the original gift voucher. Gift vouchers are not refundable or redeemable for cash and cannot be transferred or on-sold. 13. Law These Booking Conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction. 14. Changes to booking conditions We may amend these Booking Conditions at any time. Any changes shall apply to bookings made from the date of such changes. You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Booking Conditions each time you make a booking. 15. Authority to sign As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period. eating and drinking Tarata Tent is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the two-burner gas stove top and pizza oven provided in the outdoor undercover kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need. If you fancy a meal out, Toi Toi Cafe is a 25-minute drive away and has great coffee and Denheath Custard Squares. Make sure you ring ahead to check opening hours though!  A little further afield is the Kāwhia Fish and Chip shop. Taharoa has a simple dairy offering basic supplies and a limited selection of takeaway food options, just a 15-minute drive away. There is also a convenience store in Ōpārau, 40 minutes drive away and the nearest full supermarket is in Otorohanga. things to do With board games, cards, and a stunning view to soak up, once you get to the tent, you'll find you won't want to leave. If you want to get out and about though, there's plenty to explore. If beaches are your thing, check out the local options! Marokopa Beach is a stunning black sand West Coast beach - about a 40-minute drive away. Kāwhia Hot Water Beach is a bit further afield but a real gem. To experience the hot water, take a shovel and get digging. The hot water is accessible two hours before and two hours after low tide. Kiritehere Fossil Beach has 200 million-year-old fossils of shells in the rocks at the South end of the beach. If you're going fossil hunting, go when the tide is out. Finally, Waikawau Tunnel Beach is accessed by walking through a tunnel. The tunnel was originally used for exchanging goods with ships in the harbour.  A fantastic outing from the cabin involves a visit to the Marokopa Falls (about 30 minutes away) at sunset, followed by a walk to the Piripiri caves as it starts to get dark. When you arrive at the Mangapohue natural bridge, you'll walk along the river and see thousands of glowworms emerge as darkness falls. The famous Waitomo Caves is about 1.5 hours from Te Waitere. your hosts Your hosts at Tarata Tent are Kirstie and Michael. Kirstie and Michael bought the property on the edge of Kawhia Harbour in 2019 as a peaceful retreat from their busy lives. They are both passionate about restoring the native forest and wildlife, experiencing the beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscapes and sharing this with others. Kirstie and Michael have meticulously crafted their two accommodations, Tarata Cabin and Tarata Tent, with love and care for others to enjoy. Testimonials " We cannot fault Tarata Tent, what an absolutely stunning, romantic and relaxing getaway. I couldn’t believe my eyes when it was available over New Year’s Eve, we booked it immediately. The host has thought about absolutely everything and I can’t recommend this place enough. The tent, the bath, the view, the surroundings, the peacefulness, the nature, the fresh flowers in vases, bath robes, comfy warm bed, everything was incredible. I highly highly recommend Tarata Tent. " Kelly Carson - 05 Jan 2026 1 / 11 " Such a special place to stay, as soon as you arrive you feel relaxed. Thoroughly enjoyed cooking outdoors. " Melanie Mitchell - 05 Jan 2026 2 / 11 " Amazing stay! Super clean tent and great atmosphere. " Jessica Riley - 15 Nov 2025 3 / 11 " Great setting and atmosphere, recommend for an off the grid getaway. " Andrew McKay - 01 Sep 2025 4 / 11 " My partner and I were seeking an eco-friendly, off-grid, private escape, and Tarata Tent was above and beyond what we imagined. Staying in a canopy tent in winter sounds cold, however, the addition of the indoor wood fire, the outdoor fire which heated the hot tub, and fun added extras like chopping our own firewood and making wood-fired pizzas kept us warm, cosy, and very happy. We would so love to return. " Emma Ridley - 13 Aug 2025 5 / 11 " Tarata Tent, what a beautiful gem. The backdrop of bush and water, the bird call to wake and end the day, the attention to detail inside and outside the tent make this place truly special. We will definitely be back to unwind and unplug from the daily grind. It was the first time in a while I felt I actually stopped to breathe and appreciate all I am blessed with. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous space. " Bex Hoy - 27 Jul 2025 6 / 11 " What a stunning location! I didn’t realise Tarata Tent is so close to Kāwhia Harbour. The setting of the tent is lovely and so beautifully set up. We loved our mid winter stay. " Rachel - 22 Jul 2025 7 / 11 " What a beautiful set up. Absolutely loved it. Had to work pretty hard to keep warm, but that's part of the adventure haha. Thanks so much. " Nate Alley - 09 Jun 2025 8 / 11 " Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Very luxurious and well worth staying here. " Pam Joseph - 18 Apr 2025 9 / 11 " Fantastic get away in a beautiful part of the country. We really enjoyed the pizza oven and hot tub! " Matt Wood - 11 Jan 2025 10 / 11 " Great off grid spot, perfect place to spend time relaxing and recharging. " Daniel & Veronica Pettigrew - 11 Dec 2024 11 / 11 Browse the Collection Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection. Find your escape