In the Media

Orchard Valley Glamping, Waikato: Is this the ultimate glamping experience?

"If a bit of luxury is your thing, but you also love the experience of camping, Orchard Valley Glamping is definitely the place for your next stay. The safari-style tent, which is bespoke from South Africa, was our home for two incredible nights and offered the best of both worlds in one package.

The Place: Located just outside of Ōtorohanga, Orchard Valley Glamping is only a 12-minute drive from Waitomo. The site is tucked away on a secluded hillside, nestled next to some kiwifruit orchards and overlooking a heart-shaped pond. Regardless of where you are on the site, there's always incredible views across the countryside.

The Space: With three separate spaces, the layout is unique. Walking through the front door of the tent (yes, there's a door and lock) will send your senses into a spin. At first glance, it feels like a beautiful open plan house, but on second look the circus-like ceiling and zips on the walls become noticeable. It's a whopping 50m2, featuring two double beds, so it can comfortably sleep four adults.The interior design is unique but classy, fusing boho and classic styles seamlessly with eco-friendly touches around every corner. Surprisingly, there’s also a living room and couch, centred around the fireplace for nighttime warmth. Outside the main tent, there’s a reasonably well-equipped separate kitchen and private bathroom, complete with freestanding tub and rain-head shower.

The Verdict: A chance to reconnect with nature in the most luxurious way possible.

The Highlight: You get to enjoy the feeling of camping, with a five-star experience."

View the full article on Stuff.co.nz here

Out of Africa in King Country

A glamping escape nestled in Orchard Valley with a hot tub and view.

"Stepping into Orchard Valley glamping tent, one immediately feel glamorous. The luxurious colonial-style interior of the magnificent safari tent, which has travelled here all the way from South Africa, invokes the mood. I feel like Meryl Streep in Sydney Pollack’s 1985 Oscar-winning movie. There are so many creature comforts here, including a four-poster bed draped in white linen. Carvings and soft furnishing depicting African animals are artfully scattered. There’s a decent bookshelf that has been carefully curated to appeal to a variety of tastes and a games cupboard for off-grid entertainment – even though you can get phone and internet coverage here. Though it is worth turning off the phone and tuning in to this very special and unique boutique glamping retreat recently opened by Cheryl and Te Taki Ruarau.

Located on a hill overlooking a pond teaming with bird life – we counted numerous ducklings as well as shags – the spacious three-roomed safari tent surrounded by decking looks over a valley of rolling hills and charming winding country road. The kind of road Gandalf the wizard could suddenly appear on if you are a Lord of the Rings fan. Indeed the scenery is just as idyllic as Tolkien’s imagination. Though, of course, Orchard Valley is not Hobbiton and it’s located in the Waitomo District, just a 5-minute drive to Ōtorohanga and a 10-minute drive from Waitomo Adventures and Day Spa. It’s the perfect jumping off point for adventures or pampering, or not, if stopping is what you need."

The full feature article is in the Jan/Feb 2021 issue. 
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