The best South Island Glamping New Zealand spots you need to try!
Looking to stay in an epic colonial wagon? Or an original 1800s train carriage? Want to go glamping with llamas? What about some bubble dome tents? There are plenty of places to choose from whilst South Island Glamping New Zealand. South Island has something for everyone. If you’re after some Glam Camping, then look no further!
If there’s anything you should do consider booking a great stay glamping on south island. We ended up staying at Wacky Stays, which is an incredible fantastical and unusual place to stay and will definitely be a memorable experience on your south island tour.
There are lots of different camping sites along most of the popular South Island Trail roots, and it’s definitely worth one or two evenings of luxury.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!
Akaroa Dolphins – world’s rarest dolphins
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Best activities & tours on South Island
Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.
| Jet Boat & Wilderness experience – If you’re after an adrenaline experience then this is for you! Milford Sound Cruises – The best way to see the unofficial 8th wonder of the world. Franz Josef Glacier tours – one of the most iconic, stunning, incredible things to experience in South Island! Glenorchy & Paradise half day tour – if you’re after some beautiful sight seeing this is for you! Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves in South Island! Scenic Flights – One of the most iconic experiences in all of South Island, New Zealand. |
Glamping South Island
My absolute favourite place to stop for glamping in South Island is in Kaikoura New Zealand and you are absolutely destined for a Wacky Stay.
They have several different options for you to choose where to stay on site, and you will find something that suits everybody whether that’s families with small children or a romantic getaway.
Colonial wagon South Island Glamping
One of the most epic places you can stay is in the colonial wagon on South Island. This was specifically made with luxury and comfort in mind and comes equipped with everything you need and more for a luxury glamping stay. It has some spectacular views of the llamas!
This is on the East Coast South Island.
Inside the colonial wagon, you find it, wonderfully decorated with artefacts that dates back to the early colonial and settlers time as well as a kitchenette, complete with sink, fresh eggs, butter, milk, microwave and kettle.
You’ll also have access to all your own cutlery, plates, wine, glasses and mugs, making it a great glamping experience without too much of a hassle of bringing your own. One of the best glamping spots!
It has an incredible shower and bathroom area, and if you can believe it, they also have a delightful outdoor woodfired bath, which stays warm, for hours.
Is that wasn’t enough it sits directly opposite the llama field so if you’re lucky enough, the llamas will be a great view point from your luxury woodfired bath tub outside. Sit back relax and have a sip of wine or two in the afternoon.
There is also an outdoors kitchen area outside the colonial wagon which is private use for colonial wagon. Yes only. It comes complete with a pizza oven a huge barbecue, a stove, a kettle, outdoor table and chairs, as well as all other kitchen amenities. You need to cook and eat from the pizza area, it also has a great dining area!
The kitchen area is also great for having authentic decor from colonial times, which is exceptional and adds to the feeling of a rustic glamorous stay.
If you are staying with children, there is an additional small outhouse cabin, where they’re bunkbeds for two additional little ones. The best way to go camping in South Island New Zealand. Definitely great for some romantic glamping South Island.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!
South Island Itinerary New Zealand in 10 days
Stella Mountain Huts Glamping South Island
I discovered Lake Stella Mountain Huts on New Zealand’s South Island and was captivated by the stunning views & quiet, peaceful wilderness. It has views for days, these huts offer anyone a serene escape.
Authentic 1889 train carriage
This authentic 1890s train carriage is the ultimate glamping experience for tourists and train enthusiasts alike. The train carriage sleeps four and is fantastically decorated with train memorabilia.
The train carriage itself is mostly in original condition with obviously the exception of it having been converted into a sleeping area with bathroom, kitchenette lounge area and bunkbeds.
The train carriage also has access to the outdoor shed kitchen area with barbecue pizza oven and stove. In many other kitchen abilities. You would need for a complete glamping stay.
It also has plenty of outdoor space with additional train memorabilia, signs and swing seats for you to sit back and relax in.
The fun decorations include things like train, salt and pepper, shakers and lots of neat little train references throughout the carriage.
Mongolian yurt
The Mongolian yet was actually bought in Mongolia, and is an authentic representation of a traditional Mongolian yurt. The Mongolian, yet sleeps four with a double bed and two singles on the sides and Comms, decorated with various references to Mongolian culture. They’ve also made the decision to include lots of fairy lights on the inside of the roof lighting up the room.
The Mongolian yurt has a very small kitchen its area for making teas and having a quick breakfast, although there is a large outdoor shed kitchen area which is fantastic where you have access to the pizza oven, barbecue, stove, fridge and all kitchen amenities.
The Mongolian yurt also comes with a fantastically unusual, hexagonal bathroom complete with shower which you will be stoked to bathe in.
The converted motorhome truck
The converted motorhome truck is a very fun and Wacky place to stay. It sleeps two and is a wonderfully cosy, soft and warm place to stay no matter the time of year. Thanks to the spectacular mini fireplace.
It also has a small kitchenette complete with kettle sink and kitchen utensils. However you bear in mind you do have access to the outdoor kitchen which is a shed space but comes with barbecue pizza oven and kitchen area which is frankly a fantastic place to cook on your glamping stay.
It also has its own private toilet and shower which are tucked away at the back of the van and it has a nice seating area outside as well. This is a great place to watch the stars late at night. Thanks to the very low levels of light pollution in the area. Look at those incredible mountain views!
Mount Cook Station Hut
Mount Cook or Aoraki has some of the best views you could possibly hope for. And this glamping spot is a great place to stay so you can admire the area.
Tipi / teepee ⛺️
The TP is what you would expect from a traditional teepee. It is a cool canvas tent with all of the luxury glamping amenities.
You would expect inside, including a small kitchenette area where you will receive eggs, breakfast, muesli, oats and cornflakes, as well as butter, milk, and everything you need for a delicious cup of coffee or tea, you also have access to the outdoor kitchen area where you will be able to use the pizza oven, barbecue, kettle and whatnot.
Quaint English cottage
There is also the wonderfully quaint cottage, which you can stay in, which is reminiscent of old charming English homes. This is a great place to stay if you’re after charming stay away from home, but still wants the excellent experience of a luxury glamping stay in South Island New Zealand.
You will have access to the outdoor kitchen area as well as access to the free llama tour.
Free Farm tour + LLama trekking
If you’re staying at Wacky Stays, then included in your trip, is the llama feeding experience, and you will also shown around the farm and have the chance to feed all the animals, such as alpacas, pigs, chickens and deer.
This is a fantastically fun experience, especially because the alpacas are so soft and wonderful to pet and you’ll also learn about how llamas and alpacas are hierarchical. You’ll notice this when you start feeding them and the most dominant member of the pack will always be favoured to eat first.
Make sure you get a photo by the chicken coop, which is another wonderfully weird and Wacky part of your stay. You’ll also benefit from the free range chickens that roam the grounds as you will receive eggs every morning for breakfast.
The town of Kaikoura is only a short drive away, and there are plenty of supermarkets there where you’ll be able to pick up fresh produce, or even a pizza for your dinner in.
Wacky Stays also provides breakfast kits, barbecue kits and utensils for the pizzas.
Valley Views Glamping South Island, East Coast
Valley Views Glamping is an incredible bubble dome glamping experience on South island. It’s a great place to experience nature, go horse riding and admire the stunning views of the Waitaki Valley. Well worth a trip! This is the ultimate luxury accommodation New Zealand South Island! This glamping dome is everything you could hope for!
Rainforest Retreat, West coast
Rainforest retreat glamping is a value for money option (cheap), starting at $49 dollars per night, complete with hot tub for being the stars!
Te Wepu pods Akaroa
The only thing to note is that it is temporarily closed.
The Te Wepu pods in Akaroa are an excellent choice for when visiting Akaroa. These cute little wooden pods are the perfect place for you to get the camping feel whilst maintaining a bit of luxury in your life! The best South Island glamping with hot tub or outdoor baths.
Don’t forget to check out the Akaroa dolphin tours!
There are several closed sites, including Glamping in Waikato.
South Island Weather
Here is the average weather on the South Island by each month. The South Island of New Zealand experiences a diverse climate, with the west coast receiving high rainfall and the east coast being drier and cooler.
Seasonal temperatures vary widely, from warm, sunny summers to cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous regions.
South Island Weather in January
Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM
South Island Weather in February
Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM
South Island Weather in March
Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM
South Island Weather in April
Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM
South Island Weather in May
Average temperature: 6°C (43°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
South Island Weather in June
Average temperature: 4°C (39°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM
South Island Weather in July
Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
South Island Weather in August
Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
South Island Weather in September
Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
South Island Weather in October
Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM
South Island Weather in November
Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
South Island Weather in DecemberAverage temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!
South Island Itinerary NZ 10 days
Quick Links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!
Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate policy here.
