Underhill Valley

Underhill Valley

Waikato

Set in the gentle rolling hills of the Waikato, for those who want to escape the modern world for a bit, we have just the thing...

Step out of the hustle and bustle of your real life, and straight into a fairytale, with a stay at the enchanting Underhill Valley. Built into the hillside, this atmospheric accommodation has been beautifully hand-crafted with rustic native timbers and ironwork, to create a sustainable and authentic space. Created over 15 years ago, Underhill Valley has remained a closely guarded family secret...until now.

Underhill Valley is the perfect, romantic, glamping retreat for couples. Huge timber doors open wide to overlook a picturesque pond and farmland beyond. You’ll enjoy the warmth and ambience of an old coal range, the soft glow of candlelight and a glass of wine on a seat by the pond under the stars. Or just snuggle into the luxurious, specially shaped bed with pure cotton linen, comfy pillows and a thick wool duvet. 

Underhill Valley is a truly special and unique place to unwind, switch off and reconnect. Immerse yourself in the stillness and peace of Underhill Valley and take some time to fully enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

FROM $405

  • Sleeps 2

Directions

Underhill Valley

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 I HAVE an outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT UNDERHILL VALLEY?

CAN I BRING MY DOG OR HORSE?

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS Underhill Valley?

Underhill Valley looks like a cave. Is it?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

Will I come across creatures and critters during my stay?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

CAN I BOOK FOR A ONE NIGHT ONLY?

MINIMUM STAY PERIODS

RATES

PRIVATE TOURS IN WAIKATO REGION

GIFT VOUCHERS

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Underhill Valley is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and have a truly unique experience cooking with the wood fire stove. Or enjoy a peaceful outside cooking experience on the Weber gas BBQ. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you do intend to use the wood fire stove, note that the fire will need to be lit and burning for a little while to get up to the required heat for cooking, so you'll need to allow enough time.

    A portable gas ring is also supplied for making a quick cup of tea.

    The closest supermarket is located a five-minute drive from the property. Stock up before you get to Underhill Valley, so you don't have to worry about food for the duration of your stay!

  • Things To Do

    Make the most of Underhill Valley's peaceful surrounds by taking the time to just chill out and relax.

    Bring your favourite board game and slog it out over a game of scrabble or Monopoly. Relax under a tree, or snuggle up in front of the coal range with a good book. Or get active with a game of petanque across the pond.

    There's plenty to see and do in the local area. The set of 'Hobbiton' (as seen in films The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) is in Matamata, a pleasant 45-minute drive away. The amazing Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are one hour drive south. The arty West Coast town of Raglan with its black sand beaches is about a half-hour drive.

  • Your Hosts

    Underhill Valley is owned and hosted by Jessie and Craig Moon, who live on the property along with their young children Paige, Piper, Oakley and Zen.

    Jessie’s father Graham is the creator of Underhill Valley. It was his dream to have a little house built into the side of the hill, overlooking the pond on the family farm, so he set about creating it some 15-20 years ago. Jessie spent many years of her childhood planning, along with her dad, how this little house would be built and what it would be furnished with. Needless to say, Underhill Valley is a very special place to her. 

    After meeting in New Zealand some years ago, Craig and Jessie spent a few amazing years living and working overseas together. They worked in tourism, managing a hostel in Ireland for a year, worked in Australia, and travelled around Europe and Asia for a few months.

    Once they returned to New Zealand, they married, bought the family farm and started their own family. They loved the idea of sharing the 'Underhill Valley magic' with others, so they got in touch with us here at Canopy Camping Escapes. The rest, they say, is history! 

Testimonials

  • "

    This was the perfect stop on our journey across New Zealand. This authentic Hobbit home has been thoughtfully appointed down to the tiniest of details, and was supremely comfy despite its understandably rustic environment.

    "

    Tom Heinan - 17 May 2025

    1 / 11

  • "

    Underhill Valley far surpasses the images online. The owners are friendly, communication is great and they were helpful. The facilities – wow. An absolutely amazingly beautiful place to stay. No detail was spared in the creation of Underhill. The place was spotlessly clean, the surrounding area of the small lake, the spectacular bathroom and picturesque outdoor bath were something from a movie. Small details like fresh flowers, chocolates on the bed, the cabinetry, the complimentary robes to use and decorations are beautiful. We were off-grid, felt like we were the only people in the world. We will definitely be back and will be telling everyone we know to book at least one night if they are ever in NZ.

    "

    Leeann Greaves - 13 Apr 2025

    2 / 11

  • "

    The perfect escape to reset.

    "

    Jenny Page - 01 Apr 2025

    3 / 11

  • "

    It was a magical place to stay, it felt like you had been transported to a fictional place similar to middle earth.

    "

    Gavin Cook - 29 Mar 2025

    4 / 11

  • "

    Just a lovely place and an amazing experience! So cosy, and I loved the wildlife and farm animals.

    "

    Suzanne Snyder - 22 Mar 2025

    5 / 11

  • "

    A most magical stay.

    "

    Tina Tran - 13 Jan 2025

    6 / 11

  • "

    It is a magical place. Serene and beautiful, tucked away inside of a hill.

    "

    Matthew Calabro - 13 Jan 2025

    7 / 11

  • "

    Underhill Valley was unlike anyplace I’ve ever stayed. It’s truly magical and I wish I could’ve stayed longer!

    "

    Scout Easley - 14 Dec 2024

    8 / 11

  • "

    Underhill Valley has been the perfect haven to recharge and reconnect. Our tanks are now full, and we leave with wonderful memories. Can't wait to return someday!

    "

    Hollie - 03 Dec 2024

    9 / 11

  • "

    Simply stunning. A definite highlight of our one-month travels around New Zealand. A place I will never forget. What a privilege to get to stay in a place like this. Every detail was spot on, and the place is clearly loved and well looked after.

    "

    Sanni Leppänen - 24 Nov 2024

    10 / 11

  • "

    Absolutely magical spot – we got engaged on the beautiful bridge over the gorgeous little lilypad-filled pond! We loved everything about this place, and now it is even more special to us. The most private, unreal getaway for a night.

    "

    Kaitlyn H - 11 Nov 2024

    11 / 11

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