Clifton Glamping in Clifton, Hawke's Bay. Photo / Supplied
Clifton Glamping in Clifton, Hawke's Bay. Photo / Supplied
If doing the hard yards on a camping trip isn't your thing, how about glamping? Sarah Thornton discovers a brand new luxury getaway in Hawke's Bay.
Far from the hard ground, deflating airbeds and guy rope injuries that have typified our previous camping expeditions, Clifton Glamping is a world away.
Overlooking the picturesque Maraetotara river on secluded farmland, this new 'glamour camping' experience in Hawke's Bay is located on Clifton Station, a family farm which has been owned by the Gorden family since 1860.
Tom Gordon is the sixth generation to live at Clifton, running the 800 hectare farm with his father Angus.
Regularly heading off on camping jaunts to various picturesque spots around the property with wife Lucia, the idea for Clifton Glamping was born.
"Over the past few years we have loved discovering all the beautiful places on the farm. At the same time, we were reading about this thing called glamping, which was gaining popularity globally. We thought that with access to such an amazing landscape, we would investigate setting up a glamping business here," explains Lucia.
My husband Mick and I escape to Clifton on a typical Hawke's Bay 30 degree December day, having farmed our 10-year-old son out for the night. Driving up the shingle road to the north-facing site set on a high ridge, we instantly know we're in for a slice of rural paradise. The location is breath-taking.
As we walk through the safari-style tent, the framed vista opens out in front of us. Clusters of poplar trees line one side of the Maraetotara river with open rolling farmland on the other. In the distance, a glimpse of the sea at Te Awanga beach can be seen through a break in the shelter belt — perfectly positioned to ensure complete quietness and privacy from cars heading up to Cape Kidnappers' retreat and golf course.
Lucia and Tom Gordon, with daughter Frankie, on Clifton Station, the site of their business Clifton Glamping. Photo / Supplied
The tent — imported from Holland and built by Tom — is permanent in the sense that huge poles are set deep in the ground, but the canvas can be taken down, which the Gordons will do in the winter for maintenance.
Huge by Kiwi camping standards, the tent still manages to feel intimate, broken into three distinct spaces: an entrance, the bedroom, and the deck and kitchen room. The doors and windows are all zipped and can be securely rolled and fastened at night. The entrance is filled with treasures Tom and Lucia have collected or picked up on their overseas travels. The main room is devoted to the king-size bed with lounging chairs, perfect to curl up in with a good book. Outside there is a large permanent deck, kitchen, herb garden and outdoor bathroom, bath and shower.
There's a breezy Balinese feel to the accommodation blended with African safari and nods to the history of Clifton Station, with old-world touches including framed photographs of the farm and boots handed down through Lucia's family. Many of the fittings and decor, like the the rattan chandeliers and cushions, were sourced from Plowman Collective, a homeware store in Havelock North owned by Lucia's sister Annabelle.
Although luxurious, we are very much aware of being isolated in nature, with the tent's rustling canvas, boisterous birdlife and the odd unidentified agricultural noise around us.
The whole glamping site is off the grid, powered by solar panels. There's plenty of power points, cellphone coverage and even a small gas-powered fridge. The large outdoor bathroom features a dehydrating eco-friendly toilet and washbasin complete with lovely toiletries. The view from the shower is pretty spectacular, across farmland and up a valley. Bugs are kept at bay by fine screened windows throughout the tent.
Guests bring their own food, but cooking al fresco is a joy at Clifton Station. Photo / Supplied
Although guests need to bring their own food, the Weber Q, gas hobs and provisions supplied by Lucia mean cooking al fresco is a joy and not limited to sausages on the barbie. We dine on an Italian spaghetti carbonara made by Mick, washed down with a Te Awa Merlot. Buonissimo.
While the tent only sleeps two, the couple has plans for another glamping site; a larger tent sleeping four to six.
"We have started planning the next site, which will overlook a river basin. It will be completely private and sheltered, ideal for families or a group of friends. In the future I think I'll also look at hosting weddings — it's so gorgeous here."
Taking advantage of the hot day, we cool off in the water hole the Gordons have created in the river below the tent, accessed by a stepped track. Later on, we find the piece d'resistance of our stay, a soothing soak under the stars in the outdoor bath. The peace is deafening, punctuated only by the sounds of nature.
We feel as if we've found the perfect getaway spot — ideal for honeymooners, couples, friends, and working parents in need of some post-festive season/school year respite. It's a chance to reconnect and relax; the perfect place to unwind, read, talk and sleep. An escape indeed.
While you're there ...
The relaxed seaside village of Te Awanga has plenty to do and see, right on its doorstep.
