A Peaceful Family Getaway at Wainui Seaside Glamping
Our dog-friendly glamping escape with a toddler in tow – April 2023
In April 2023, we packed up the car and headed off on a much-needed long weekend from Auckland. With our 17-month-old daughter Florence, our dog Bonnie, and a few bags filled with snacks, toys, and swimsuits, we hit the road bound for Ohope Barnie, part of Wainui Seaside Glamping.
We were craving something quiet, nature-filled, and easy — somewhere we could disconnect, slow down, and just spend time together. Ohope Barnie delivered all of that and more. It ended up being one of the most peaceful and wholesome little family getaways we’ve had.
The Journey from Auckland
The drive took us just under four hours, with a couple of necessary stops to stretch tiny legs, let Bonnie out, and keep everyone topped up on snacks. Once we left the motorway behind and started winding through the countryside toward the coast, it felt like we were really leaving the hustle behind.
We arrived in the early afternoon to beautiful weather and that unmistakable feeling of fresh sea air. We were greeted with the kind of calm you don’t even realise you’ve been needing — no traffic, no rush, just birdsong, open space, and sunshine.
Wainui Seaside Glamping – A Hidden Gem
Ohope Barnie is tucked away within Wainui Seaside Glamping — a private, off-grid luxury escape that honestly felt like a secret sanctuary. Surrounded by native bush and overlooking the inlet, it’s nestled in a hidden valley that offers peace, privacy, and postcard-worthy views.
Here’s how the owners describe it — and honestly, we couldn’t say it better ourselves:
“Welcome to Wainui Seaside Glamping – a private luxury escape surrounded by harbourside views and native bush, nestled within a hidden valley, offering a tranquil oasis with private seaside access. A place where you can relax and unwind, and do as much, or as little as you want. With the seaside at your doorstep you can kayak or swim during high tide, then walk around the surrounding harbour and beyond to a private beach where you can picnic and take in the beautiful scenery. The beautifully crafted Glamping Barn and luxurious Glamping Tent each have a private outdoor bath, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. Enjoy all the comforts and warmth of home while experiencing an authentic off-grid lifestyle. Location supplied when booking confirmed.”
Our home for the weekend was the Glamping Barn, which was both rustic and luxurious in all the best ways. It had a beautiful indoor-outdoor flow, a full kitchen (so handy with a toddler), comfy beds, and the dreamiest outdoor bath with a view. There’s also a luxurious tent option on the property with its own setup — both spots spaced far enough apart to feel totally private.
We loved that the entire stay was off-grid, but you still had everything you need — power, hot water, gas cooking, and really thoughtful touches throughout.
Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly & Just So Relaxing
One of our biggest drawcards for choosing Ohope Barnie was that it’s dog-friendly. Bonnie is part of our family and she had just as much fun as we did — sniffing around the property, splashing in the shallows, and sunbathing on the deck. It was the kind of place where we didn’t have to worry about her being cooped up or on a leash the whole time.
Florence absolutely loved the wide open spaces. She could roam barefoot, collect sticks, and splash at the water’s edge — we didn’t need a single screen the whole weekend. The rhythm of the days felt simple and nourishing. We’d wake up slowly, have coffee on the deck, go for walks down to the water, and take turns kayaking on the inlet at high tide (there were kayaks available to use, which was such a bonus).
Simple Eats & One Burger Break
We mostly made food ourselves at the Barnie, which worked perfectly. The kitchen had everything we needed, and it was nice to eat outside or have a picnic down by the water. There’s something about cooking when you’re surrounded by birdsong and sea breeze that makes even toast and eggs feel special.
One afternoon, we took a quick trip into Whakatāne for lunch and found The Wagon — a casual food truck-style spot known for their burgers. We can confirm: delicious. It was a great little outing and gave us an excuse to grab a few supplies from town before heading back for a cruisy evening at the barn.
A Morning at Ōhope Beach
Of course, we had to make a stop at Ōhope Beach — just a short drive away and perfect for families. The sand stretched for miles and the waves were nice and gentle, so Florence could paddle safely while Bonnie ran wild. We had a couple of hours just relaxing on the sand, soaking up the sun, and feeling like we’d hit the jackpot of peaceful places.
This little weekend away was exactly what we needed. No tight schedules, no screen time, no crowds. Just slow mornings, fresh air, nature at our doorstep, and the freedom to do absolutely nothing — or everything.
We left Ohope Barnie feeling grounded and connected. If you’re after a peaceful, family-friendly (and pet-friendly!) escape with a bit of luxury, a touch of adventure, and lots of space to just be, we honestly can’t recommend Wainui Seaside Glamping enough.
We’ll definitely be back.
Kiwis Off Course 
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