New Zealand is extraordinarily well-suited to dome living. The landscape is dramatic, the light is extraordinary, and the culture has always embraced unconventional ways of living on the land. But some regions stand out more than others.
1. Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's glamping capital. The combination of a reliable dry climate, stunning pastoral landscapes, working vineyards, and proximity to Napier and Havelock North makes it the top region for investment domes. Occupancy rates for well-positioned rural domes average 68 percent annually, higher than any other NZ region.
Land prices in the foothills remain accessible, and a number of our Wanderer and Horizon owners in the region are now operating two to four domes with waiting lists for bookings.
2. Marlborough Sounds
The Sounds offer something unique: waterfront land at a fraction of coastal North Island prices. A dome with direct water views in the Sounds, accessible by water taxi, commands some of the highest nightly rates in NZ glamping at $350 to $550 per night for a premium experience.
3. Bay of Plenty and Coromandel
Beach proximity, native bush, and a booming domestic tourism market make this region a perennial favourite. The challenge is land prices: coastal sections are expensive. But the returns justify the investment, with summer occupancy rates for coastal domes frequently hitting 95 percent.
4. Central Otago
For the lifestyle buyer rather than the investor, Central Otago is unmatched. The high-country landscape of schist rock, golden tussock, and clear alpine skies provides the most dramatic backdrops for dome living anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. Northland
Sub-tropical climate, long summers, and some of the most affordable large-block rural land in the country. A dome in Northland runs warm year-round with minimal heating, making operating costs very low.
6. Waikato and King Country
Overlooked by many buyers, the Waikato offers excellent value: large pastoral blocks at accessible prices, proximity to Auckland at three hours, and a growing wellness tourism market.
7. Nelson and Tasman
Consistently NZ's sunniest region, Nelson-Tasman offers a combination of lifestyle appeal, arts culture, and natural beauty that attracts high-spending visitors year-round.
