Ponga Lodge Safari Tent
Glamping / East
A luxury escape like no other.
Ponga Lodge Safari Tent sits with its back against a lush green native forest full of ponga which are medium-sized tree ferns endemic to New Zealand.
Just under 140 years ago there was nothing to see but volcanic ash as far as the eye could see, following the devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera. Since that time the area has recovered and, because of the rich volcanic soils, is exceptionally lush and green.
The tent has an elevated position with breath-taking views of the Lake Tarawera and the volcano. The bush surrounds encourage amazing bird life, including native ruru (New Zealand native owls) that have a unique call that sounds like “more pork, more pork”.
Ponga Lodge owners Dave and Angie Mackay have thought of everything setting up the lodge. The 50m2 tent has a luxury super king bed, bespoke furnishings, large kitchen and dining area, Weber BBQ, comfortable outdoor seating, Stoked hot tub bath big enough for two, and a choice of packages that can include dinner hampers, breakfast hampers, and/or luxury platters.
A recent guest surprised his wife on their anniversary by flying in on one of Rotorua-based Volcanic Air’s float planes and landing on the lake just down from the tent.
A separate bathroom block – rustic yet refined and characterful – was built from jetty wood rescued from renewed deck builds.
There are two ways to reach the tent: via short bush walk through native forest, or guests can drive right up to it.
Just under 140 years ago there was nothing to see but volcanic ash as far as the eye could see, following the devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera. Since that time the area has recovered and, because of the rich volcanic soils, is exceptionally lush and green.
The tent has an elevated position with breath-taking views of the Lake Tarawera and the volcano. The bush surrounds encourage amazing bird life, including native ruru (New Zealand native owls) that have a unique call that sounds like “more pork, more pork”.
Ponga Lodge owners Dave and Angie Mackay have thought of everything setting up the lodge. The 50m2 tent has a luxury super king bed, bespoke furnishings, large kitchen and dining area, Weber BBQ, comfortable outdoor seating, Stoked hot tub bath big enough for two, and a choice of packages that can include dinner hampers, breakfast hampers, and/or luxury platters.
A recent guest surprised his wife on their anniversary by flying in on one of Rotorua-based Volcanic Air’s float planes and landing on the lake just down from the tent.
A separate bathroom block – rustic yet refined and characterful – was built from jetty wood rescued from renewed deck builds.
There are two ways to reach the tent: via short bush walk through native forest, or guests can drive right up to it.