If you’re searching for glamping in New Zealand, think about the kind of stay you want. Somewhere to spend time outdoors? A comfortable bed beneath canvas? A place where you can put your phone down, settle into a warm bath and enjoy an evening together?
At Forest Hillside Glamping Retreat in Lochiel, near Winton, we’ve created a place for exactly that. Our Southland retreat combines cosy sleeping tents with spaces to eat, relax and spend time with the people you’ve brought along.
What makes glamping different from camping?
Glamping brings some of the comforts of accommodation into an outdoor setting. You still get the feeling of sleeping beneath canvas, hearing birds outside and stepping into the fresh air in the morning, with your bed and accommodation already set up.
When comparing glamping NZ stays, it helps to look beyond the photographs. Check whether facilities are private, how the tents are heated or equipped, and where you’ll cook, shower and spend a rainy afternoon. Those details can make a real difference to your holiday.
South Island glamping with the retreat to yourselves
One of the first things to consider is whether you want your own space or a stay with shared facilities.
Forest Hillside welcomes one booking group at a time, with stays for up to five guests. That means you can enjoy the guest spaces together without sharing them with another booking. It suits a couple wanting time away or a small group of family or friends planning a relaxed catch-up.
You can make dinner together, choose a game for the evening or simply settle in with a book. Having room to spend time together makes a short break feel different from your usual routine.
Cosy sleeping tents and room to gather
Our sleeping tents are off-grid, so there’s no mains power inside them. They’re prepared with warm bedding, woollen underlays and hot water bottles for a cosy night beneath canvas. Bring warm pyjamas and layers so you’re comfortable as the evening cools down.
For indoor time together, Belle Retreat is our spacious lounge and dining tent, with power and heating. Having a separate place to gather means you can enjoy a meal and an evening together before heading to your sleeping tent.
When choosing glamping accommodation, this balance is worth considering: a comfortable place to sleep, plus somewhere inviting to spend the hours before bedtime.
Outdoor baths and unhurried evenings
A stay here leaves room for simple pleasures. Soak in the outdoor claw-foot baths, enjoy the hot tub or sit down for a long conversation as the day winds down.
You don’t need to fill every hour with activities. Bring something you enjoy reading, plan an easy meal and allow yourself an afternoon without a schedule. For couples, it can be a chance to reconnect. For friends and families, it’s time to share the little moments that busy weeks often squeeze out.
Planning a glamping stay in Southland
Before you book any New Zealand glamping escape, check the current guest capacity, sleeping arrangements, bathroom facilities and what’s included. Think about the season too, and pack for time outside as well as a night in a tent.
For a Forest Hillside stay, bring warm clothing, your swimwear and the food you’d like to enjoy. Check our current arrival information and booking details so you know what to expect.
Whether you’re planning a local break or adding a restful stop to a South Island holiday, we’d love you to discover our corner of Southland.
Explore Forest Hillside Glamping Retreat and check availability
