hello@yurtinthedirt.com.au
+61 489 269 088 
We don't publish income promises, because every site is different. What we can share are real client numbers and the costs people tend to forget.
What does a real glamping build cost and earn?
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total build cost, all in | $41,350 |
| Nightly rate | From $300+ a night |
| Structure | 6m Geo Dome with kitchenette, bathroom and composting toilet |
Read the full story in Stu's 6m Geo Dome build. For a yurt comparison, Dave's off-grid 8m yurt in WA cost $37,000 all in, including a mezzanine, bathroom, kitchen and solar. See Dave's build.
How do you work out your own income?
Fill in your own figures. Be conservative with nights booked, especially in your first year.
| Line | Your figure |
|---|---|
| Nightly rate | $ |
| Nights booked per year (be conservative) | |
| Gross income (rate x nights) | $ |
| Platform fees | $ |
| Cleaning and laundry | $ |
| Consumables, power, water | $ |
| Insurance | $ |
| Maintenance and cover replacement fund | $ |
| Net income | $ |
| Total setup cost | $ |
| Years to pay back (setup / net) |
Check local listings for similar stays to set a realistic rate.
What do you spend before your first guest?
- The yurt or dome kit (our ORON from $17,890, Geo Dome from $17,990, NZD ex GST)
- The deck, the same diameter as the structure
- Delivery from port to site
- Bathroom, kitchenette, power and water
- Furniture, linen and styling
- Approvals and insurance
- Photos for your listing
For the full price picture see how much does a yurt cost.
What ongoing costs eat into profit?
Platform fees, cleaning and laundry, consumables, power and water, insurance, repairs and a fund for the outer cover, which lasts about 7 years. Replacement covers start from around $3,000 delivered, depending on size.
What improves your return?
- A view and privacy
- A proper bathroom and a good bed
- Comfort in all seasons: insulation, heating and shade
- Great photos
- Fast replies and good reviews
Is a yurt or a dome better for Airbnb?
Both work. A Geo Dome sells the view through its clear panoramic section. An ORON yurt feels cosy and traditional, with straight walls that fit furniture well. See our comparison.
Do you need council approval for an Airbnb yurt?
Paid accommodation usually has more requirements. See our glamping permits guide.
How do you list it?
Our Airbnb and Hipcamp host guide walks through listing, photos and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How much can glamping earn in New Zealand?
It depends on your site, rate and occupancy. Stu's 6m Geo Dome cost $41,350 and lists from $300+ a night (2025). Use our table to run your own numbers.
What occupancy should I assume?
Be conservative, especially in year one. Look at similar local listings and their booking calendars.
Are yurts or domes more profitable?
Neither is always better. Domes sell the view; yurts sell cosiness. Your site and guests matter more.
What do people forget in ROI calculations?
Cleaning, platform fees, insurance, approvals and a fund to replace the cover every 7 years or so.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you're planning and where it's going, and we'll help you pick the right size and range. Or grab the Buyer's Guide with $500 off.
