hello@yurtinthedirt.com.au
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Starting a glamping business in NZ comes down to five things: a site guests want to visit, a structure that suits it, a conversation with your council before you spend, a realistic budget, and a listing with good photos. Our yurt and Geo Dome kits for glamping start at $17,890 NZD ex GST, shipped to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
Is glamping a good business in New Zealand?
It can be, for the right site. Plenty of New Zealanders and visitors search for glamping stays, but a glamping business lives or dies on location, presentation and how well it's run.
We don't publish income or occupancy figures, because every site is different. Do your own numbers: what similar stays near you charge, how many nights you can realistically fill, and what it costs to clean, maintain and market each unit.
Step 1: what makes a good glamping site?
Something guests can't get at home. A view, bush, water, quiet or dark skies.
Then the practical side. Can a car get in year round? Is there level ground for a deck? Where will water, power and wastewater come from? Is the spot sheltered from the prevailing wind? A great view on an exposed ridge needs more planning than a sheltered gully.
Step 2: yurt or Geo Dome?
A yurt for a cosy, sheltered feel. A Geo Dome when the view is the selling point.
| Typical standard yurt | ORON | Geo Dome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | Varies by maker | 5 to 10m, 12m on request | 5 to 10m |
| NZD ex GST | Varies by maker | $17,890 to $39,890 | $17,990 to $32,990 |
| Feel | Lighter build, lower cost | Natural materials, hardwood doors and windows, wool felt | Steel frame, panoramic clear section |
| Guest extras | Varies by maker | Extra doors and windows, curved glass | Keypad lock, solar vent fan, curtains, glass front on quotation |
For a single couples' stay, 6m to 7m is a common choice. For families or a unit with its own bathroom inside, look at 8m and up. The NZ Geo Dome buyer's guide goes deeper on domes, and our NZ yurt price guide has every size.
Step 3: when should you talk to council?
Before you buy anything. Paying guests usually change how a council looks at a structure.
Ask about the use of the land, the number of units, building and resource consent, wastewater, fire safety and access. Rules differ between councils, so we can't tell you what yours will say. Our NZ consents guide lists the questions to take with you.
Step 4: what goes into the budget?
The kit is only part of it. Build a line-by-line budget for each unit.
- Kit (see prices above), shipped to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
- Port to site transport
- Deck, the same diameter as the yurt or dome
- Bathroom and kitchen, or a shared amenities block
- Power (grid or off-grid solar), water and wastewater
- Heating, see heating a yurt for NZ winters
- Furniture, linen and the small touches guests photograph
- Insurance, booking fees and marketing
- Covers: they last about 7 years, and replacement covers are starting from around $3,000 delivered, depending on size
For finance, NZ enquiries go to our partner Great Escape Finance.
Step 5: how do you get your first bookings?
Great photos, an honest listing and fast replies.
Photograph the unit at golden hour and at night with the lights on. Show the bathroom, the bed and the view. Describe the access road and the walk in honestly, so guests arrive happy. Ask your first guests for reviews.
Can you see a glamping build?
Yes. Here's the Glover family's 7m ORON in Tamworth.
More real builds to watch
More client builds, including one in New Zealand:
- 8m yurt in Taumarunui NZ
- ORON Yurt: built for Australia and New Zealand
- The Munoz family's 8m ORON build
- Our full client build playlist on YouTube
Want the detail before you decide? Our free buyer's guide covers sizes, decking and the build, step by step. Get the buyer's guide
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a glamping business in NZ?
It depends on the number of units, the site and the services. Our ORON kits are $17,890 to $39,890 and Geo Domes $17,990 to $32,990 NZD ex GST each, and you'll add decks, bathrooms, power, water, furnishing and any council costs.
What's the best structure for glamping in NZ?
It depends on your site. Yurts suit sheltered bush and farm sites and feel cosy inside. Geo Domes suit a view, with a large panoramic window.
Do you need a resource consent for glamping in NZ?
Taking paying guests usually changes how council looks at a project. Talk to your local council early about your plans before you buy anything.
How many glamping units should you start with?
Many hosts start with one and add more once they know their site and guests. That also spreads the cost.
5-star Google reviews and 150+ client builds across Australia and New Zealand.
Prices are NZD excluding GST, as shown on our NZ product pages at 26 October 2026, and include shipping to the port in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
