Top Hut

Covid-19 update

Find out more about our COVID-19 Cancellation Terms and Vaccination Policy here.

Coromandel

Top Hut is situated on the Coromandel Peninsula, a scenic 3-hour drive from Auckland or Hamilton, and 40 minutes from Coromandel Town.

The elevated one roomed hut is nestled amongst native bush, surrounded by Nikau, Kauri, Rimu and the colourful Rata. Private and quiet, it's a complete escape from everyday life.

Tastefully decorated, this unique accommodation has a subtle Moroccan interior theme. Large windows open widely out to the treetops. Sheepskins and large, decorative cushions on the sofas and window seats invite lounging in the dappled sunlight. It's glamping at its finest, with simple but luxurious natural linen bedding and a high thread count - 100% cotton sheets.

Outside, the hut deck has everything you need to enjoy outdoor living. Soak up the serenity, relaxing in comfortable deck chairs and toasting marshmallows on the chiminea under twinkling vintage string lights.

The property borders the Department of Conservation Kennedy Bay Block. Bushwalks and native trees abound, with plenty of kaka, wood pigeon, fantail, tui and bellbird to be found in the surrounding forest. A 10-15 minute walk from the hut leads you down to a rocky shore for a morning ocean dip - the perfect place for a peaceful picnic, fishing, or just sea gazing in an idyllic, unspoilt pohutukawa fringed bay.

FROM $220 p/n

Adults Only

Sleeps 4
Specials

A $40 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

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.

ADDRESS

119 Waihirere Drive, Tuateawa, Coromandel 3583

Directions

Top Hut is a 3 hour's drive from central Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Top Hut

What time is check in and check out?

Check-in: 2pm - 7pm

Check-out: 11am

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

Top Hut is a spacious, one-room hut with a mezzanine floor. The mezzanine floor has a raised platform double bed for a couple. Note that this is a standard double bed.

There are two divan single beds in the downstairs lounge area for extra people if needed. Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. Linen is all top quality, 100% cotton and all beds have either wool or feather duvets.

Access to the mezzanine floor, with the double bed, is up a ladder-style staircase (with a non-slip coating).

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

The kitchen facilities include a gas stovetop and oven inside the hut for cooking, or you can use the woodfired chiminea/bbq on the deck. There is a small refrigerator with a freezer inside the hut for cool food storage and plenty of cupboard storage for supplies. Hot water is supplied by a gas califont.

All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.

Some pantry basics are provided - cooking oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, sauces, spreads (marmalade, chutney, jam), tea, plunger coffee, hot chocolate and sugar. There are also ingredients for making toastie pies on the chiminea.

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

The bathroom facilities consist of a luxurious, tiled outdoor shower room under the hut with a vanity, plus a separate flush loo in its own little hut (with wonderful views of the treetops). Hot water is supplied by a gas califont.

Shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand wash, body wash and towels are provided.

IS THERE POWER?

Yes, Top Hut has mains electricity.

A USB port is available for charging devices.

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

Yes, there is reasonable mobile phone reception on the property, but note that there is no WIFI.

A USB port is available for charging devices.

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

Top Hut has a wood-burning stove inside which provides a cosy warm atmosphere, as well as an electric heater.

CAN I HAVE A CAMPFIRE?

Top Hut has a chiminea on the deck with wood provided. Great for toasting marshmallows, barbequing or even cooking a pizza, as well as providing warmth and atmosphere when you're outside. At certain times of the year, there may be fire restrictions which means the chiminea can't be used. Your hosts will let you know if there is a fire ban in place when you are visiting.

What is glamping like in winter?

Top Hut is open for stays during winter, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

The hut has warm bedding, an electric heater and a wood burner, plus lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure and brush up on your fire-lighting skills.

IS TOP HUT CHILD-FRIENDLY?

Top Hut is not suitable for children and is a strictly adults-only site. 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're looking for a safe family-friendly glamping site, select the family icon in the search bar on our 'find your escape' page to easily find them.

CAN I BRING MY DOG OR HORSE?

Top Hut is a strictly 'no dog' campsite (with no exceptions) and is not suitable for horses.

If you're looking for animal-friendly glamping, check out some of our other Canopy Camping Escapes sites that welcome dogs or horses - you can select the filter in the search bar to easily find them.

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS THE CAMPSITE?

Top Hut is very private. It is a fairly short distance from Kit's house, your host, but well and truly nestled into the bush. You'll feel like you're a million miles from anywhere.

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

You can drive right up to Top Hut in your car, and access is up about 15 steps to the deck and entrance of the hut.

You're welcome to come and go from the property as often as you please.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay
Walking shoes or boots for exploring the property and walking the track to the look-out
Warm clothes for sitting out on the deck at night and enjoying the chiminea and bush surrounds
Shower and bath toiletries
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Towels for swimming - bring some spare beach towels for taking off the property to swim

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

The property is a small bush block, with no serious safety hazards. In the hut, there is a steep staircase/ladder up to the mezzanine floor so take caution. All steps, decks and bush paths can be slippery when wet, so please also take extreme care here.

CAN I BOOK FOR A ONE NIGHT ONLY?

All Year Round:

There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.

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 with a $40 Single Night Surcharge applicable.

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 Top Hut.

MINIMUM STAY PERIOD

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Top Hut.

All Year Round:

There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.

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 with a $40 Single Night Surcharge applicable.

Public Holiday Weekends:

RATES

Peak (1 November to 30 April):

The weekend (Friday/Saturday) peak rate is $280 per night for up to 2 people.
The weeknight (Sunday - Thursday) peak rate is $250 per night for up to 2 people.
Two extra adults can be accommodated on the single sofa divans downstairs for $25 per person, per night.

Off-Peak (1 May to 31 October):

The weekend (Friday/Saturday) off-peak rate is $250 per night for up to 2 people.
The weeknight (Sunday - Thursday) off-peak rate is $220 per night for up to 2 people.
Two extra adults can be accommodated on the single sofa divans downstairs for $25 per person, per night.

Single Night Surcharge:

Where single nights are bookable (see Minimum Stay Periods) a Single Night Surcharge of $40 applies. Please apply this during the online booking process.

The Single Night Surcharge applies to all one night stays, even when there is only one night available. By their nature, glamping sites are more remote and time-consuming to service than more standard accommodation types. Therefore, in order to cover the costs and time involved, a Single Night Surcharge is applicable to all one night stays.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for Top Hut or any Canopy Camping Escapes glamping site. 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.

2. cancellation, date changes and severe weather warnings

2.1 Canopy Camping reserves the right to cancel the booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:

(a) Extreme weather conditions that mean accessing or staying may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(b) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(d) A death in the host families.

Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund, or to alter the booking to another date, or site at no additional cost or penalty.

2.2 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.

2.3 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.

2.4 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.

3. safety and hazards

3.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.

3.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.

3.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.

4. pets

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.

5. GST

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.

6. conditions of occupancy and conduct

6.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.

6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.

6.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.

6.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.

6.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.

6.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

6.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.

7. authority to sign

The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.

Eating and Drinking

Top Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the chiminea, BBQ or hut kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need, as well as plenty of sauces, seasonings oils and herbs.

You can stock up on supplies at either Colville or Coromandel, about a half-hour drive away. There is a unique community-owned store run by the locals at Colville, with an excellent selection of food and wine. Coromandel town has a large supermarket, and a variety of interesting shops - butcher, bakery, and liquor outlet.

There are several very good restaurants in Coromandel Town, a 35-40 minute drive away, and Colville (close to Coromandel Town) has a friendly little cafe, where the food is very local, homemade and delicious. Good coffee, good ice cream and the farm's own meat are also sold there.

In the summer, the nearest shop is the campground at Waikawau Bay, just 15 minutes away, where the store sells basic essentials.
Things To Do

Top Hut is the ideal place for some rest and relaxation. Toast marshmallows over the chiminea, battle it out over a board game (various games provided) or just lie back in a deck chair and enjoy the serenity.

There is a short walk on the property up to a look-out point for taking in the stunning views and spectacular sunsets. For keen walkers, enjoy walking the multiple bush tracks in the Department of Conservation Kennedy Bay Block situated on the boundary of the property. Maps and advice will be provided.

Take your togs and towels down the walkway 50ms from the property to the rocky beach below for a refreshing ocean dip. This is a leisurely 20 minutes walk, and a great place to soak up the local wildlife, with Kaka, Wood pigeons (Kereru), fantail (Piwakawaka) Tui and Bellbird keeping you company.

If you're looking for more action, take the car and explore further afield! Little Bay, 10 minutes drive away, is a stunning sandy bay with safe swimming, and Waikawau Bay (another 5 minutes along), is a long stretch of wilder sea, good for long walks and surfing, with rollers for boogie boarding.

Jump in the car and get to know the wider Northern Coromandel Peninsula - with its magical scenery and walks. Nearby Colville and Coromandel have many worthwhile attractions. The Barry Brickell Driving Creek Railway and Pottery, and the Stamper Battery a little further down the road are well worth a visit. There are plenty of good shops here too, with Art and Craft and Cafes for all tastes and wallets.
Your Hosts

Kit and Colin were introduced to Tuateawa 30 years ago by friends. They soon decided it was where they wanted to be, and moved there to live permanently. Top Hut was where they lived happily together for 10 years, before moving to a larger home on the property.

Prior to moving to the Coromandel, Colin had been a farmer all his working life, farming all over the North Island of New Zealand. His last farm was in Waikato, where he farmed sheep and beef. Colin was a real man of the land, a raconteur extraordinaire, read heaps, and before age slowed him down a bit - loved his fishing and outdoor activities. Colin died in early 2020.

Kit was born in Holland and emigrated to New Zealand in 1951. She went nursing at the age of 17, until 2016 when she finally retired. Kit was a midwife for 18 years, then a practice nurse/district nurse/ambulance officer at Colville Medical Centre, and loved her work. She's a keen gardener, and loves handcrafts, cooking and domestic pursuits.

Kit loves Top Hut. She feels there has always been special magic about the place. Over the years, Top Hut has been shared with family and friends, so she's now delighted to be sharing it with guests!

"
We wanted a place that we could just ‘be’ and Top Hut was absolutely that. The host, Kit, has thought of everything. It’s homely and such a beautiful space that really allows you to hide away from the world for a few days. Being surrounded by the bush with a view of the ocean makes it a perfect backdrop for a little sanctuary stay.
"
- 23 May 2022
"
Great spot to relax and reset, loved sitting around the cast iron chiminea during the late evening listening to the calls of the many different native birds. Well appointed accommodation, comfortable bedding. Loved and appreciated the home baking, milk and bread in the fridge upon our arrival. Will definitely be back.
"
- 27 Apr 2022
"
It's paradise on earth. Unlike other glamping sites, which are mostly new build, Top Hut makes you feel as if it were your real home. We find that very soothing and relaxing.
"
- 20 Apr 2022
"
Our sons gave us a voucher as birthday ad Christmas gift. We enjoyed the unique glamping experience which is different to other types of accommodation, yet still some home comforts that it enables you to relax and unwind in nature. Kit is a lovely hostess.
"
- 13 Apr 2022
"
We loved the quiet seclusion of Top Hut and waking up to sunrise over the treetops. Kit is an awesome host and you can really feel the effort she puts into making it such a welcoming place to stay.
"
- 12 Apr 2022
"
Novel, lovely and peaceful spot. Sitting on the deck while watching and hearing the birds was fantastic.
"
- 29 Mar 2022
"
Top Hut is an epic place to stay. It recharged my tree-hugging soul. The surroundings are beautiful, the house is quirky and full of home building inspiration, and the fridge was decked with drool-worthy home baking. Absolute bliss. We want to come back!
"
- 15 Mar 2022
"
Top Hut is located in a beautiful private native bush setting with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Kit is a very thoughtful and generous host. The hut itself was cosy and immaculate, with luxurious linens and comfortable bedding. Everything you need is supplied - just bring your own food. The ‘loo with a view’ was a highlight, as well as listening to the kiwi calls at night. It’s something we will always treasure.
"
- 01 Mar 2022
"
Top Hut is even more special in person! Kit was the best host. We will be back very soon!
"
- 21 Feb 2022
"
Top Hut was fantastic. Well provided for, Kit was so lovely and the place is so unique and special. Can't wait to go back for longer.
"
- 08 Feb 2022
"
Absolutely loved our stay. 10 out of 10. Perfect for a getaway from it all. Beautiful location, lots of native birds native bush. Accomodation was wonderful with so many personal touches added by our wonderful host, will definitely return.
"
- 01 Feb 2022
"
Absolutely loved the peace and quiet here! Right in the middle of native bush, with everything you need to relax, read, eat and sleep. A beautiful little walk takes you to a deck with an incredible view and you truly feel as if you are off the grid.
"
- 26 Jan 2022

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