Kanuka

Kanuka

Lake Tarawera, Rotorua

Kanuka, on Lake Tarawera in the Rotorua region, is accessed by water taxi or walking track only, making it one of the most off-the-beaten-path campsites in our collection.

Set on Maori land, in a mystery location on the lake edge, Kanuka is secluded and peaceful. Beautiful native bush surrounds the glamping site, with the large, comfortable tent enjoying direct access to the beach. 

The campsite consists of one large tent with a queen-sized bed. It's tastefully decorated and features elements of Maori design - beautiful natural materials and traditional flax weaving. A camp kitchen, dining area and camp bathroom are set a short distance from the tent, providing everything you need for comfortable camping.

A stay at Kanuka is something very special. The discrete lake-edge location, with towering pohutukawa trees, gives you the chance to really surround yourself in nature - and the magic of a truly amazing place.

FROM $340 p/n

scenic water taxi included

  • Sleeps 2

Your hosts, David and Karen, run the Totally Tarawera water taxi service which ferries guests to and from the campsites. Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions to water taxi and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.

address

Water taxi departure point: Tarawera Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua 3076

Check-in for the boat ride to the campsite is 2.45pm (other times by arrangement). It is important to be on time as the taxi can be committed for other trips. We'll ask you to confirm your arrival time in a pre-stay reminder email that we send you about 4 days out from your stay.

The boat will collect you for the journey back at 11am on the day of departure.

directions

The Landing is a 20 minute drive from the centre of Rotorua. Google Maps gives accurate directions to The Landing. 

Kanuka

What time in check in and check out?

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

IS THERE POWER?

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

Can children stay at Kanuka?

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Are kayaks provided?

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS Kanuka?

How do I get there and WHERE DO I PARK MY CAR?

What is glamping like in Winter?

I want to walk to the hut... Does the nightly rate change?

CAN I HAVE A CAMPFIRE?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

CAN I BOOK FOR A ONE NIGHT ONLY?

MINIMUM STAY PERIOD

Rates

TRANSPORT

CATERING

GIFT VOUCHERS

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    At Kanuka, you have the option of self-catering or you can order one of the Kanuka breakfast or dinner hampers.

    The breakfast hamper includes fresh fruit or berries accompanied by Helen's Homemade Muesli, orange juice, home baked wheaten bread for toast, with creamy butter and homemade preserves, four free range eggs ready for cooking with fresh local ham and tomatoes. Also includes fresh coffee grounds to make that special first cup.

    The dinner hamper includes organic, locally grown meat and vegetables. The main meal is accompanied by fresh salad greens and tomato salad, with a delicious home-made dessert slice and yoghurt. To finish is an 'Over the Moon’ (local cheese maker) cheese board. All accompanied by 2 bottles of crisp Kawakawa Beer.

    The camp kitchen has a BBQ and camp cooker for preparing either your own self-catering, or the meal hamper meals. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need as well as environmentally-friendly detergents and basic condiments such as salt and pepper. Once you're there, it's either a boat ride or a walk back to The Landing, so make sure you're thorough - and bring all the supplies you'll need!

    The best place to stop for groceries on your way to Kanuka, would be the Countdown or Pak N' Save supermarkets, located near the centre of Rotorua. Closer to the lake, at the turn off to the Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera (Te Ngae roundabout) is the Redwood Centre. It has a good range food stores including any pharmacy requirements which should include insect repellent.

  • Things To Do

    Your stay at Kanuka can be as relaxing or action packed as you want it to be.

    A beautiful, private, safe and sandy beach is 50m from your tent. Explore the lake edge on the two single kayaks provided, discovering untouched bays and magical natural springs. Or walk the Tarawera Trail to Hot Water Beach, a 1.5 hour walk from the site, to enjoy a soak in the warm thermal water at the lake edge. You'll pass historic sites, past settlements and cross spring-fed streams teaming with trout in the spawning season.

    When it's time to relax, grab a good book, jump in the hammock and take in the peaceful surrounds of a magical place. You are truly in touch with nature.

  • Your Hosts

    Tarawera translates to “a very special place” - and that’s what it is to Karen and David and the many visitors who visit.

    Karen is a descendent of Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao. She now lives on the same lands that her tupuna (ancestors) lived on for 600 years before the arrival of the Pakeha. Her surviving descendants left the area after the devastation caused by the Mt Tarawera eruption, 130 years ago. Destroyed at the same time were the world famous Pink and White Silica Terraces reputed to have been the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

    Karen is passionately involved with her tribe, but also very much enjoys sharing the lake and surrounds with visitors and guests.

    David is a fifth generation New Zealander whose family stems from the far north of New Zealand. The time up he spent up north, fostered his love of the sea, and his passion for the care of the land. While his career has been in the design field, you're more likely to encounter him sharing local stories while operating their Eco Discovery Cultural & Geothermal Tour on the lake, restoration and maintenance of their 100 year old lake boat, and of course fly-fishing for rainbow trout.

    Another interest for Karen and David is in the preservation and improvement of the environment of Tarawera, through animal and plant pest control, true planting and DOC support programmes.

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.

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