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Kanuka

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Kanuka

Lake Tarawera, Bay of Plenty


Kanuka, on Lake Tarawera in the Rotorua region, can only be accessed by the owner's water taxi or your own boat, making it one of the most off-the-beaten-path campsites in our collection.

“It's like being on your own island." Set in a mystery location on the lake's 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 accommodation 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 campsite kitchen, dining area and bathroom are set a short distance from the tent, providing everything you need for comfortable camping.

A stay at Kanuka is something very special, with bathing in the crystal clear waters at your doorstep, walking access to a natural bush hot pool, canoe exploring around the lake or just relaxing in a hammock reading a book. 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.

Scenic water taxi included

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Eating and drinking near Escape

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 near Escape

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 at Escape

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.

TESTIMONIALS

“ We loved the beautiful private lakeside location of Kanuka and the hosts were very friendly. ”

Celestina Sumby- 2024-09-20

20 / 20

“ My partner and I stayed at Kanuka for two nights. Our experience was truly magical. The experience was exactly what we were after. A truly off the grid experience. The facilities and the food provided by Karen were also amazing. There were so many little touches which made the stay even more magical. David, the host who took us over on the boat, was also absolutely lovely and made us feel so welcome at Kanuka and in New Zealand more generally. Learning more about the Māori culture from him was great. ”

James Temple- 2026-04-21

1 / 20

“ We had such a beautiful stay at Kanuka! The host was wonderful and the setting and facilities amazing. Thank you for sharing your taonga with us. ”

Chantelle Fletcher- 2026-03-23

2 / 20

“ The most relaxing place from the moment you step onto the beach and follow your own private pathway to your accommodation. ”

JUSTINE BROWN- 2026-02-24

3 / 20

“ This is a beautiful place to relax and reset. We had a fabulous couple of nights there. It helped that we had our boat and could explore the lake a little further. The accommodation was outstanding, I thoroughly recommend. ”

Heather MOORE- 2026-02-03

4 / 20

“ We loved our stay at the magical Kanuka — waking up surrounded by native bush, a short stroll to the beach for a swim, hiking the trail to the natural hot pools. It was the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and adventure. ”

Melissa Rhodes- 2026-01-20

5 / 20

“ This was off the grid bliss. The location was 10/10 beautiful and we couldn’t do anything but relax and appreciate our surroundings. The hosts were wonderful to deal with and the dinner hamper that we ordered was delicious. ”

Christine Love- 2026-01-15

6 / 20

“ Great experience staying at Kanuka, comfy bed, beautiful decor, and everything we needed for glamping. Communication and orientation to the glamping escape were very informative. We were fortunate to be able to take our own boat, so got the full experience of Lake Tarawera – trout fishing, hot pools, and walks along the Tarawera Trail. Thank you, would love to return. ”

Sharon Hendry- 2026-01-15

7 / 20

“ We have now discovered the meaning of paradise. We felt so relaxed and yet there was plenty to do if you wanted to. Can’t rate it highly enough. ”

Sandra White- 2026-01-09

8 / 20

“ We had an amazing time at Kanuka. The property is so perfectly set up for getting away from the hustle and bustle and the manaakitanga from the hosts left us feeling so lucky to find and share their piece of paradise. We have arrived home feeling rested, connected and with happy pukus. ”

Luke Faithfull- 2025-11-25

9 / 20

“ We had the best time while staying at Kanuka! The walks, kayaking, and peacefulness of our private beach. Would stay here again for sure! ”

Rachel Young- 2025-04-16

10 / 20

“ Great place to relax and unwind. ”

Denise DeDera- 2025-04-07

11 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Kanuka Glamping. Tracey and her husband were wonderful hosts, showing us around on the first day to ensure we had everything we needed. The glamping site has no electricity (apart from solar power) and can only be reached by boat or a long hike. It’s the perfect place to fully immerse yourself in nature and avoid any other people during your stay. The canoe is a great way to explore the area on the water and reach the hot pools, which are only accessible by water. ”

Verena Bradley- 2025-03-04

12 / 20

“ Thank you for the most incredible weekend away! This was, by far, the most amazing accommodation we've stayed in. The location is so remote and private, the facilities were great and the Kanuka team were very welcoming and accommodating. We can't wait to visit again. ”

Joel Brenstrum- 2025-02-03

13 / 20

“ Absolutely stunning location. Extremely peaceful and so relaxing. ”

Melanie Farquhar- 2025-01-16

14 / 20

“ Loved the quiet and serenity, especially in the evening when all the boaties have gone home. ”

Tony Waddel- 2025-01-13

15 / 20

“ Kanuka was the best place to rest and forget about everything in the “real world”. A beautiful tranquil spot that was well set up and equipped. Will be back again for sure. ”

Sophia Cuttriss- 2025-01-08

16 / 20

“ Absolute peace in the heart of nature! ”

Chris Guthardt- 2024-11-06

17 / 20

“ Kanuka was absolutely amazing. It's a great place to relax off the grid and enjoy nature. Highly recommend. ”

Lajanne Smith- 2024-10-28

18 / 20

“ Lovely stay, everything we needed was there. Private beach was great. Hosts were lovely and had great communication. ”

Nick Wood- 2024-10-26

19 / 20

“ We loved the beautiful private lakeside location of Kanuka and the hosts were very friendly. ”

Celestina Sumby- 2024-09-20

20 / 20

“ My partner and I stayed at Kanuka for two nights. Our experience was truly magical. The experience was exactly what we were after. A truly off the grid experience. The facilities and the food provided by Karen were also amazing. There were so many little touches which made the stay even more magical. David, the host who took us over on the boat, was also absolutely lovely and made us feel so welcome at Kanuka and in New Zealand more generally. Learning more about the Māori culture from him was great. ”

James Temple- 2026-04-21

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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