750+ Stays Highly Reviewed Since 2019
Wainui Seaside Glamping
Wainui Seaside Glamping offers two private couples’ retreats on Ōhiwa Harbour, just 15 minutes from Ōhope Beach in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, and 90-minutes to Tauranga.
Since 2019, Wainui Seaside Glamping has welcomed over 750 guest stays and consistently earned strong reviews as a private and memorable coastal glamping destination near Ōhope Beach, recognised as the NZ's most-loved beach.
How Wainui Seaside Glamping Began
Meet the Hosts
Tony, Aleisha and their Labrador, Sky, are the people behind Wainui Seaside Glamping. Their connection to this special coastal setting began with a spontaneous drive off the beaten track.
After more than 20 years in optometry, Tony and Aleisha embraced a new chapter shaped by nature, creativity, wellbeing and a slower pace beside the sea.
Tony is a certified Radical Remission Coach, retired optometrist and research scientist. Through Wainui Wellness and Mana Whakaora workshops in Auckland, he works alongside health professionals to offer practical guidance and support to people living with a cancer diagnosis.
Home & History
Aleisha is a creator with a passion for writing, photography, and meaningful storytelling.
She studied at the University of Waikato and Massey University, though much of her inspiration comes from curiosity and lifelong learning.
With family roots stretching along the East Coast, including Tokomaru Bay and Gisborne, where Wyllie Cottage forms part of her heritage, the journey to Wainui has also felt like a return home.
A Private Sanctuary
Together, they created Wainui Seaside Glamping for couples who value nature, thoughtful craftsmanship and a slower pace.
Surrounded by native bush, abundant birdlife and the changing tides of Ōhiwa Harbour, each private retreat offers a peaceful place to step away from busy routines, reconnect and enjoy time together in nature.
Sense of Seclusion
Guests highly value the privacy and tranquillity of each retreat. Barnie and Seaside Escape are self-contained and separately positioned across the 14-acre lifestyle property, approximately 200 metres apart with a hill between them. This thoughtful separation gives each retreat its own peaceful outlook and sense of seclusion - something guests frequently highlight in their reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Story Behind Wainui Seaside Glamping
If you’re considering a cosy winter glamping getaway, these frequently asked questions will help you learn what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of a peaceful stay near Ōhope Beach.
Who are the hosts behind Wainui Seaside Glamping?
Tony, Aleisha, and Sky are the people behind Wainui Seaside Glamping. Their story began in this beautiful coastal setting after a spontaneous drive off the beaten track.
After more than 20 years in optometry, Tony and Aleisha were ready to begin a new chapter and create a life shaped by nature, creativity, wellbeing, and a slower pace beside the sea.
Tony is a certified Radical Remission Coach, a retired optometrist and a research scientist. Through Wainui Wellness and Mana Whakaora (Healing Power) workshops in Auckland, he works alongside a dedicated team of health professionals to provide practical guidance, knowledge, and support for people living with a cancer diagnosis.
Aleisha is a creator with a passion for writing, photography, and meaningful storytelling. She completed her degree at the University of Waikato and postgraduate studies at Massey University, although she credits much of her creativity to curiosity, experience, and a lifelong love of learning.
Together, they created Wainui Seaside Glamping for couples who appreciate nature, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a slower way of living. They love welcoming guests to this private sanctuary, where couples can step away from busy routines, reconnect with one another, and experience the simple, restorative pleasure of time spent in nature.
For Aleisha, whose family roots extend along the East Coast - including Tokomaru Bay, known for its historic 1,200-foot wharf, and Gisborne, where Wyllie Cottage forms part of her family heritage, the journey has also carried a deep sense of returning home.
What is the meaning behind the name Wainui Seaside Glamping?
Wainui Seaside Glamping reflects the retreat’s rural coastal setting beside Ōhiwa Harbour and near Ōhope Beach. In te reo Māori, Wainui means “big water,” with wai, meaning water, and nui, meaning large.
While coastal, the experience offers much more. Native bush, orchard, abundant bird life, open countryside, and sweeping harbour views come together to create a rich and peaceful natural setting for guests.
What was the inspiration behind Barnie?
Barnie was inspired by a boatbuilder’s love of American barns, traditional craftsmanship, and buildings with a strong sense of character.
This American-style timber barn was lovingly crafted using Douglas fir and macrocarpa, locally milled in Rotorua. Its generous open-plan interior, large barn doors, chandeliers, music, books, and comfortable living spaces reflect the care, creativity, and craftsmanship behind its design.
Guest review — T. Thompson, May 2026
“We loved our stay at Barnie. Such a secluded, private, romantic spot for a weekend getaway. Highly recommend!”
What inspired Seaside Escape?
Seaside Escape began as a glamping tent in 2019 and was reimagined in 2026 into the cottage hideaway guests enjoy today.
A companion to Barnie, its timber gable form sits gently within the landscape while opening towards Ōhiwa Harbour, native bird life, and the changing coastal light.
Morning sunlight filters through the windows, softly illuminating the timber interior and bringing the cottage to life. In the evenings, the clear skies and wide harbour outlook make the stars feel especially close, creating a magical view guests can enjoy from the comfort of bed.
A peaceful hideaway that feels deeply connected to the harbour, the surrounding bush, and the changing rhythm of the day.
Guest review - Y. Nouri, November 2025
“Everything about our stay exceeded our expectations. Aleisha was a kind and considerate host, the setting was beautiful and peaceful, and the facilities were fantastic. We loved our weekend here and will definitely be recommending it to all our friends and family.”
What does off-grid hospitality mean at Wainui Seaside Glamping?
At Wainui Seaside Glamping, off-grid hospitality means providing the comforts guests need in a thoughtful way while reducing reliance on conventional infrastructure.
Solar energy powers lighting, refrigeration, and charging for smaller devices. Gas is used for cooking and hot water, fresh spring water is supplied for drinking and bathing, and wood burners provide warmth during the cooler months.
Beyond the retreats, organic gardening, garden mulching, and regular planting help support healthy soil, native bird life, and the wider ecosystem across the property.
Guest review - D. Markham, January 2026
“Absolutely loved glamping here, enjoyed the privacy, birdsong and the well considered details throughout. A wonderful host too! ”