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Kahikatea Farm is a farm and bush block, just outside of Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. It's a 3.5-hour drive from Auckland and approximately one hour from Rotorua and Tauranga.
Kahikatea Farm is set on an elevated spot amongst the pristine bush on the farm, surrounded by mature manuka trees. It consists of a lotus belle glamping tent and three small timber huts. The tent forms a luxurious master bedroom complete with a king-size bed, deluxe linen and comfortable lounging furniture. Each of the huts contains the facilities for accommodation - a kitchen and dining hut, a bathroom hut, and finally a second bedroom hut for children - or when two couples are travelling together. The entire site is only ever booked by one group at a time, so you'll have the whole place to yourself.
There is a lot to do on the property and in the surrounding area. A 30-40 minute loop bushwalk on the property takes you past huge kahikatea trees and groves of nikau palms. Native birds abound. Spend time enjoying the view over the Bay of Plenty and Te Urewera Park from the deep outdoor bath at the property - big enough for two!
Kahikatea Farm is a unique and special accommodation of the deluxe glamping kind - and the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Bay of Plenty!
FROM $320
Children aged 5+ only
Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.
639 White Pine Bush Road, Whakatane 3191
Kahikatea Farm is just under 2.5 hours from Hamilton, approximately 1 hour from Tauranga and Rotorua, and a 3.5 hour drive from Auckland. Google Maps gives accurate directions.
The campsite consists of a lotus belle tent as a master bedroom, with three small timber huts containing the kitchen/dining area, bathroom and second bedroom.
The luxury tent has a king-sized bed and the second bedroom is a hut with a king-sized bed which can also be configured as twin beds. 100% cotton linen, wool duvets and pillows, bathrobes and towels are supplied.
The kitchen has a bench and sink, a small fridge/freezer, a double-ring induction hob and microwave, and all the equipment you need for cooking and eating. An indoor and outdoor dining option is provided. A weber BBQ is supplied outside.
A Nespresso machine is available. Two complimentary capsules are provided and you're welcome to bring along extra capsules.
Some pantry basics are supplied - oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, coffee and tea.
The bathroom hut includes a flushing toilet, sink and beautiful glass shower - connecting you to the bush outside. An outdoor bath with running hot water is situated a short distance from the bathroom hut. Body wash and bubble bath are supplied.
The huts and tent have mains power. LPG bottles and a gas califont provide hot water. There is no WIFI at the site, but there is a plug to charge devices. A mini-ironing board, iron and hairdryer are supplied.
There is mobile phone reception at the campsite, but no wifi.
Heaters are provided in colder weather.
Kahikatea Farm is open for winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking an outdoor escape - without the usual luxuries of a hotel or home. Glamping is still a form of camping!
Kahikatea Farm has lots of warm bedding, heating in the form of oil heaters, and other elements that will make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your fire-lighting skills, and be prepared for the elements!
Children aged 5 and over are welcome to stay at Kahikatea Farm, however children under 5 years of age cannot be accommodated due to water and other safety hazards on the property. The one exception to this rule is for non-mobile babies under 6 months with BYO bedding and portacot. If you are bringing your non-mobile baby, you'll need to mention this in the comments box when you book.
If you have preschoolers, check out some of our other Canopy Camping Escapes campsites that are super suitable for young ones.
Kahikatea Farm is a strictly 'no dog' campsite (with no exceptions) and is not suitable for horses.
Kahikatea Farm is very private. The campsite is tucked well into the property, so it's just the sounds and sights of the bush, and the odd farm animal that you'll hear.
Guests can drive right up to the campsite for easy loading and unloading, and can park your car near the campsite so coming and going is easy.
There is a designated outdoor chiminea area where campfires can be held (great for toasting marshmallows).
Kahikatea Farm is a working farm, with hazards both farm related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural (ie. Ongaonga/stinging nettle). You'll need to supervise children closely, as there are specific water hazards, such as troughs and ponds. There are also some areas with steep drop offs. There are bait stations in the QEII areas as well as other parts of the bush that should be avoided. For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter buildings on the property.
Weekends and Main Summer Holidays:
There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) and during the main summer holiday period (20 December - 31 January).
Please note that during this period single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online.
Weeknights:
Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies for Kahikatea Farm.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Kahikatea Farm.
Weekends and Main Summer Holidays:
There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) and during the main summer holiday period (20 December - 31 January).
Please note that during this period single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online.
Weeknights:
Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
All Year Round:
The nightly rate is $320* for up to two people.
Extra people are $50 per adult, per night and $25 per child (between 5-16 years), per night.
Note: Kahikatea Farm cannot accommodate children under 5 years of age due to water and other safety hazards on the property. An exception applies to infants under 6 months with their own portacot and bedding, free of charge.
*This rate applies for stays of two nights or more.
Single Night Stays:
Where single-night stays are available on the online booking calendar, a higher nightly rate applies. This is to reflect the additional servicing time/costs that single-night stays incur.
Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers can be used at any of our Canopy Camping Escapes sites including Kahikatea Farm. 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.
1.1 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:
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 2.5% 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 2.5% 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.
3.1 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.
4.1 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.
5.1 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.
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.
Hunting or motorcycles are not permitted on the properties.
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.
8.1 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.
8.2 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:
8.3 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.
8.4 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.
8.5 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.
8.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties.
8.7 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.
8.8 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.
8.9 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.
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.
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:
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.
Gift vouchers expire if not redeemed within 2 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.
These Booking Conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
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.
The campsite at Kahikatea Farm is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.
If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Whakatane is just a 15 minute drive away, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from.
The nearest supermarket for supplies is in Whakatane.
There's no shortage of things to do on the property or in the local area. Alan and Merle have created their own 30 - 40 minute bushwalk on the farm, featuring one of New Zealand's tallest native trees (a Kahikatea tree that is 60 metres high!). At night, you'll see glow worms on the mossy banks of the track.
There are plenty of board games provided and even an outdoor dartboard. At the end of the day, soak in the outdoor bath and enjoy the view of Te Urewera National Park - 'gateway to the valley of the mist'.
The Awakeri Hot Springs is a 10-minute drive away, and another Awakeri attraction, the 'Rail Ride' is just 5 minutes down the road.
A golf course, stylish shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found in the attractive township of Whakatane, just a 15 minute drive away. Beach lovers will enjoy Ohope beach and the Ohiwa Harbour area, a 20-minute drive from the property.
Alan and Merle Brabant are the owners of Kahikatea Farm, and will be your hosts during your stay. They are two of the hardest working, perfectionists we've ever met!
Kahikatea Farm is a 20 hectare property, mainly bush, including QE II protected reserve. The property itself is stunning - and a direct result of their own hard toil over the last 20 years. A baiting programme run in conjunction with the regional council means the bird life and native flora and fauna thrives, and the bush is some of the loveliest we've ever seen.
The glamping site is a more recent labour-of-love, opening in February 2017. An enormous amount of research, time and effort was spent by Alan and Merle, creating the perfect hilltop glamping retreat.
Alan and Merle love sharing their unique and beautiful property with others - and what a privilege it is to see and enjoy.
This piece of paradise is truly a remarkable place. It's private and peaceful, and the views are amazing. Merle and Alan have thought of everything! They are incredible hosts and beautiful people.
"Natasha Dooney - 29 Apr 2025
1 / 12
Our family had such a wonderful stay. The accommodation was comfortable and well looked after. It has everything you need to have a good stay. The hosts are so kind, generous and open – they offered and gave us flowers from their garden without a second thought, which we could take to our nana's grave, and we were so deeply grateful for that. We would love to come back in the future. Thank you so much.
"jennice stringer - 02 May 2025
2 / 12
Fantastic place to stay, very welcoming hosts, peaceful and beautiful. The track that you walk through in the bush is spectacular. Nothing bad to say at all, ten out of ten, and thank you.
"Sue Delaney - 14 Apr 2025
3 / 12
Beautiful glamping escape. The hosts were so amazing and nice. Some of the best hosts I’ve ever had. At night, having a campfire and listening to the Ruru owl and kiwis call was really special. We also found many kinds of stick insects, which was really cool. The driveway is quite steep and, when it rains, it can be slippery. It was a fun glamping experience.
"Julie Moore - 09 Apr 2025
4 / 12
Lovely hosts that are super friendly. The place is beautiful and spotless.
"Helena Connon - 01 Apr 2025
5 / 12
Excellent hosts, top-notch accommodation, and an awesome, challenging bush walk. I would highly recommend Kahikatia Farm. Thank you for a wonderful weekend in paradise.
"Ian Murray - 28 Mar 2025
6 / 12
Kahikatea Farm is the perfect place to relax and disconnect. It was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. The hosts are so friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. The place is amazing, with all the amenities you need. It is perfect if you are looking to be in nature with all the comfort. Our family had the best stay, and we wish we had stayed longer.
"Emilie David - 05 Apr 2025
7 / 12
Merle and Alan have created a beautiful sanctuary on their property, and I can't recommend it enough! Everything has been well considered, and we had the best stay. They are lovely hosts! Thank you.
"Marissa - 17 Mar 2025
8 / 12
Really welcoming from the host, great conditions. Close to all amenities but still very private. Loved it.
"Lorraine Pilcher - 22 Jan 2025
9 / 12
Our second time coming to stay here and it was just as beautiful as the first time we stayed. The most lovely hosts, a peaceful place, incredible views and a short drive to town and beautiful beaches...what more could you want!
"Sam Hastings - 16 Jan 2025
10 / 12
The native forest was beautiful, and the facilities had all the amenities I wanted from my stay – BBQ, outdoor bath, and fireplace. The hosts were very kind and friendly, and the wildlife in the area was varied and wonderful. It was an amazing stay.
"Dylan Ewens-Belin - 13 Jan 2025
11 / 12
Absolutely loved it! We stayed there for five nights during Christmas with our kids. We loved the view, the hike, the outdoor bath and the tent.
"divya goundar - 18 Jan 2025
12 / 12
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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