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Underhill Valley

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Underhill Valley

Whatawhata, 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.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

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 near Escape

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 at Escape

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

“ Underhill Valley was a highlight of our trip, and the booking process with Canopy Camping was easy and seamless. ”

Mandy Howells- 2025-10-20

20 / 20

“ Staying in Underhill Valley was like living in a dream. You could feel the dedication of Jessie and her family to provide a wonderful, whimsical stay in every corner of Underhill Valley. Looking forward to returning one day! ”

Marius Voigt- 2026-05-22

1 / 20

“ Underhill Valley was an incredibly whimsical and romantic escape from ordinary life! Such a peaceful and special place to stay! ”

Rachel Wise- 2026-05-14

2 / 20

“ Perfect! Five star hotel quality. ”

Ashleigh Pattison- 2026-05-13

3 / 20

“ A unique experience. ”

Rodney Holmes- 2026-05-04

4 / 20

“ This stay was the first thing I booked when planning our trip to NZ, and honestly, I’m so glad I did. I still cant believe how magical it was and I simply cannot wait to visit again!! I already miss being there so much, greetings from Chile! ”

Maria Antonia Muñoz Abarzua- 2026-04-29

5 / 20

“ A magical place to stay and unplug from the world. ”

Hannah Hartgers- 2026-04-15

6 / 20

“ Underhill Valley is an amazing place to stay, truly unique! It’s so peaceful and a great opportunity to unwind and connect with who ever you’re with. ”

Jess Gardner- 2026-04-09

7 / 20

“ Magical night. Must see. Created one of the best memories in a life time. ”

Gural Eryasar- 2026-04-08

8 / 20

“ Staying at Underhill Valley felt like slipping into our own little storybook. Driving the farm buggy down set the tone immediately - part adventure, part secret hideaway. The setting is beautifully peaceful, with nature all around, sweet ducks and rabbits wandering past, and thoughtful touches like indoor and outdoor games (bocce) that made it feel playful as well as restorative. Somehow it manages to feel luxurious while still completely immersed in the countryside. We’d absolutely stay again, it’s the kind of place that lingers with you. ”

Marie D'Arcy- 2026-02-18

9 / 20

“ It was magic. Like being in a fairy tale for a weekend. The ducks, the pond, the candle lit dinners. Perfect. ”

Tayla Hemp- 2026-02-13

10 / 20

“ This is the most magical, calming and unique place I’ve ever stayed in. 20/10 recommendation for anyone to stay here. If I ever come back to NZ, I’d be back in a heartbeat. ”

Sandra Moeller- 2026-01-18

11 / 20

“ Superb, unique, understated luxury in a wonderful setting. ”

Christopher Dobson- 2026-01-17

12 / 20

“ Underhill Valley exceeded expectations! The entire setting was incredible, the cottage was so beautiful and homely. It felt like I was being welcomed home! The communication about how to check in, where to go, whether to use the buggy or not, where the toilet and bathroom were - all of it was clearly explained in the multiple forms of communication with the hosts. I wish I could live in a place like this, it was so beautiful and I felt like I was in a dream. I would highly recommend Underhill Valley to anyone who wants a genuine Lord of the Rings, off the grid experience. ”

Anne-Maree Nagy- 2026-01-14

13 / 20

“ Great stay at Underhill Valley, like something out of a picture book. The bed was extremely comfortable and we didn’t have any issues with our stay. The hosts were also lovely. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to add a bit of magic to their NZ adventures. ”

Elise Marra- 2026-01-12

14 / 20

“ Thank you for everything! It was amazing. ”

Alexandre Michaud- 2025-12-16

15 / 20

“ Most incredible stay I have been to! ”

Eliza McCarthy- 2025-11-27

16 / 20

“ What an amazing and magic place you and your family have built up here, our stay was well and truly memorable! Thanks so much! ”

Joe Clarke- 2025-11-09

17 / 20

“ Absolutely incredible and unique experience. The accommodation were exceptional, with a rustic charm. Lots of privacy. The candles and woodfire stove made for a very relaxing evening. ”

Jordan Bergerson- 2025-10-27

18 / 20

“ We totally loved our stay here. The location and place were amazing. We wanted for nothing during our stay; everything we needed and more was provided. Book now, trust me, you will not regret it. My only complaint is that we didn't book two nights to take complete advantage of the serenity. ”

Alicia Breen- 2025-10-22

19 / 20

“ Underhill Valley was a highlight of our trip, and the booking process with Canopy Camping was easy and seamless. ”

Mandy Howells- 2025-10-20

20 / 20

“ Staying in Underhill Valley was like living in a dream. You could feel the dedication of Jessie and her family to provide a wonderful, whimsical stay in every corner of Underhill Valley. Looking forward to returning one day! ”

Marius Voigt- 2026-05-22

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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