Located 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Ruakaka Beach, this campground is within a 5-minute drive of Waipu Museum. The accommodation includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a travel crib.
Refining NZ Visitors Centre - 8 min drive - 8.1 miles
Waipu Caves - 15 min drive - 8.3 miles
Waipu Cove Beach - 16 min drive - 9.7 miles
Getting around
Whangarei (WRE) - 38 min drive
Restaurants
Waipu Pizza Barn - 4 min drive
Unit Six Cafe - 5 min drive
La Nonna Italian Bakery - 5 min drive
little RED - 4 min drive
Bach Cafe - 5 min drive
About this property
Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome
In just 1.5hrs from Auckland, you can unwind in a geodesic glamping dome that is perched on a hill with spectacular sea and countryside views. Wake to golden sunrises over the ocean, watch fiery sunsets fade to a starlit sky, and enjoy the privacy of your own cozy dome, outdoor shower, and eco-toilet. Romantic, rejuvenating, unforgettable.
In just over 1.5hrs hours from Auckland, your off-grid adventure awaits. Perched high on a hill, our rustic geodesic glamping dome is the perfect retreat to reconnect with nature. From your private perch, gaze out across rolling farmland that tumbles down to the glittering Pacific ocean. The gorgeous white sands of Uretītī beach is just 2 minutes drive or 25 minutes walk. Soak up golden sunrises that rise over the ocean, watch the sky catch fire at sunset, and when darkness falls, lose yourself beneath thousands of stars in a crystal-clear sky. Inside, your private dome offers a cozy bedroom, hammock, and heater to keep you warm and relaxed. Step just outside to your own luxurious shower and eco-friendly composting toilet, blending comfort with sustainability. It’s glamping with a touch of magic—where the horizon stretches endlessly, and the sea is never out of sight.
Guests are free to take a look around the rest of the property, but please respect the other dome when guests are staying. We also live onsite :-)
Happy to answer questions if we are around, otherwise available on the app for any questions.
Beach, bush, free glowworm cathedral caves, waterfalls, quaint village with great coffee, pizza and beer bars.. what more could you want?
Like most rural areas you generally need a vehicle to get around. You can walk to the beach in about 25-30mins, but it is a rural road & involves crossing the busy SH1.
This is a rural property and it is glamping. This means there are bugs around the place like flies, spiders, slaters & occasionally bush cockroaches. As we are an Organic property, we don`t spray any poisons. If you don`t want a bug inside, please pick it up & put it outside, or ask us to come & remove it for you 😊 This is a fully off-grid property so we absolutely cannot use electric heaters here, as we will run out of power. Please dress appropriately, make use of the robes, diesel heater & the hot water bottles. If you need more blankets, please don`t hesitate to ask. If you go out, turn the diesel heater off. It only takes 5 mins to warm up the dome when you turn it on, & you will run out of diesel if its left on all the time. Please wash your dishes using the water at the sink to fill up the kettle and heat the water so that you can clean them properly. Wipe them & put them away again, & leave the kitchen as you found it. No shoes inside the dome please, you can leave them in the entranceways. We also run off tank water, so please keep your showers to a 5 minute maximum, otherwise we will also run out of water. We love it that you can bring your fur babies, but please keep dogs off the furniture & rugs, feel free to roll up the rug if you don`t think that you can keep the dog off it. When they are outside they must be on a leash as we have had some chase our cat in the past. Please clean up your dog poo before you leave, we have bags for this if you need one. We have farm fencing and no stock, but there is stock next door.
The accommodation is heated and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. The accommodation also includes a travel crib. Change of towels is available on request.
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
100% renewable energy
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
Bulk dispensers for toiletries
Composting
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Garden
Grey water recycling system
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic soft drink bottles
No plastic water bottles
Reusable coffee/tea filters
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Solar energy
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 301 square feet
Water dispenser usage encouraged
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
This is a fully off-grid property so we absolutely cannot use electric heaters here, as we will run out of power. Please dress appropriately, make use
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
Property is also known as
458926
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do within easy reach of this campground?
This campground is located in Waipu, close to Ruakaka Beach, Waipu Caves, and Waipu Cove Beach. Waipu Museum is also within a driving distance of 3.5 mi.
How much does it cost to stay at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome?
As of Apr 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome on Apr 14, 2026 start from $114, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is parking available on site at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome?
No, this campground doesn't offer parking.
Is this campground adjacent to a casino?
No, this campground is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this campground?
No, there is no indoor pool at this campground.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome?
Couples staying at this campground will value amenities like a kitchen, a kitchen in some accommodations, as well as a garden.
Are there hot tubs at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this campground.
Does this campground offer breakfast?
No, this campground doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this campground allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this campground.
Are there connecting rooms at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this campground.
How far is the airport from this campground?
The closest major airport to this campground is Whangarei (WRE), which is 25.6 mi away (38 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome?
No, you won't find accommodations with balconies at Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome.
Waipū Thunder Domes no.1 offgrid eco glamping dome Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 8 reviews
10 - Excellent
7
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 8 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Paula C.
Aug 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Paula C.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brad W.
May 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfectly relaxed
Really relaxed, peaceful stay in a really well presented glamping geodome.
Brad W.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
KARI M.
Mar 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Glamping
Had a fun adventure staying in a dome. Place is a work in progress however it’s well on its way to being completed. Enjoyed our stay in the wilderness!
KARI M.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
8/10 Good
Verified traveler
Mar 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Experience
Great view. Close to Waipu.
Verified traveler
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Step away
Awesome off-grid and off-rat-race break for us. Nicely furnished and cool, unique concept. Private with lovely rural outlook
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jessica K., Auckland
Jan 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful dome
We had a great stay in the dome for 5 nights. Great location, beautiful views and the dome was very clean and tidy. We loved being off grid (a great idea!) and would love to stay again sometime!
Jessica K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Becky M.
Jan 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
News Years trip
Clean and comfortable. Great views def worth staying went with a friend so took a blow up bed but plenty of room with that in there. Close drive to the beach -
Becky M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gibin V.
Oct 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Mini-escape!!
We had sun, wind, rain, and a clear night sky for a wee bit of stargazing. It was such a great way to unwind without needing to plan much. Totally enjoyed it!