The Camps

Designed by Jim Wheeler, the tents are reminiscent of the traditional Maori whare style. Embracing traditional materials with a recycled wooden-floor and tan canvas, the tents are furnished with the comforts of home. There’s a huge made-up bed, covered in pillows and soft floral quilts by New Zealand makers. Sheepskin rugs adorn the floor. A sofa, woollen blankets, and crocheted throws add to the comfort. The tent porch offers a place to perch and ponder surrounded by bush and bird life.

Feel free to linger at your campsite or meander. Wander down farm tracks, through streams, over the dunes. Leap into the lake or take a dip in the sea.

At Wainamu you can make use of the outdoor kitchen & stocked pantry, a large 90 litre chilly bin for ice and the fire-pit. You can cook over the open wood fire with Lodge cast-iron cooking ware and tripod, or use the gas-ringed BBQ hob.

Wainamu also offers seasonal picnic and apt camp cooking hampers, and the much-loved local Bethell's Cafe is in co-ee. After dining in the evening, watch the valley darken, enjoy the birdsong, light lanterns and listen to your cast-iron bath fill with water before taking a soak and stargazing.

Ideal for couples, families or groups, Waimumu welcomes all to enjoy luxury camping at Bethells’ Beach.

Wainamu is open 10 October to 30 June each year.