124 | BUSINESS Valley Views Glamping T T Alexia Anderson Waitaki glamping wows the world Valley Views Glamping was named among the Top 10 Unique Places to Stay in the World in 2025. A glamping venture in the Waitaki Valley is capturing global attention, placing it among some of the best accommodation providers in the world. Valley Views Glamping, established and operated by Amber and Patrick Tyrrell, was named among the Top 10 Unique Places to Stay in the World in 2025 and also received a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Award, securing it a spot in the top one percent of listings worldwide. They also won the World Luxury Travel Awards for Glamping Destination for Australasia and Oceania in 2024 and were named finalists in the Grand Business South Awards in 2023. Behind those titles lies a distinctly local story, one of rural diversification, agritourism and passion to connect land with community. Valley Views Glamping was created in response to growing demand along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and the need for more accommodation options. Amber and Patrick were well aware of the impact glamping could have after staying in a safari tent on a South African game reserve in 2008. “That experience inspired us the most,” Amber says. After returning home to the Waitaki Valley after more than two decades away, they decided to establish Valley Views Glamping, combining rural life with high-end hospitality. They originally constructed Lotus Belle tents, but demand grew beyond cyclists riding the Alps to Ocean. Instead, they were also accommodating young couples, families, groups and international travellers, which prompted the Tyrrells to look at something more permanent than canvas tents. “After some research, we discovered geodesic domes and gradually transitioned to an all-dome setup,” Amber says. “We haven’t looked back.” Complementing the accommodation are two sets of forest baths, set within a sevenhectare pine forest, which backs onto the glamping site. Plus, Station Peak dome has private baths in front of it. However, the business offers more than just an attractive accommodation base and a chance to unwind off grid. “We are deeply connected to the rural environment of the Waitaki Valley. We operate in a way that respects the working farmland and natural surroundings that define the area. Being off grid and surrounded by open space allows guests to experience the stillness and authenticity of rural life.” OFF-GRID POWER. DONE RIGHT. Solar | Battery | Full Installations poweroptions.nz | 021 946 915 Rural & Off-Grid Electrical Specialists Residential & Commercial Building New builds, renovations, decks and outdoor living spaces, alterations and additions, general carpentry and maintenance. 027 874 9454 | bwbuilding2018@hotmail.com The business operates alongside a working farm, which is leased to Amber’s brother and sister-in-law who also offer 4x4 farm tours, showcasing how the land is managed. Amber says the working landscape “isn’t a backdrop; it’s the product”. “Agritourism allows us to generate additional income from rural land while keeping it in active production and helping bridge the gap between urban visitors and the farming sector.” Valley Views Glamping has also been a member of Agritourism New Zealand for several years, aligning with the organisation’s mission to combine agriculture and tourism in ways that support local farming businesses, while creating sustainable visitor experiences. Looking ahead, the Tyrrells are continuing to invest in the experience, with a new 10 metre multi-purpose dome set to be completed very soon. Designed to accommodate larger families, retreats and private gatherings, it will feature a mezzanine sleeping space, full bathroom facilities, generous decking and outdoor baths positioned to maximise views of the valley. The additional dome represents the next phase of the business, while further diversifying their rural tourism offerings. “We’re incredibly excited about this addition. It’s definitely our next-level glamping experience.”
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