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Underhill Valley is part of Canopy Camping Escapes' growing network of New Zealand glamping sites. Built into the hillside, this remarkable cave-style house has been beautifully handcrafted with rustic native timbers and ironwork, to create a sustainable and authentic space. Underhill Valley makes a perfect romantic retreat for couples.
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It was the uniquest way to end a month of celebrations for my 80th birthday. Having time to spend with my very special best friend in the quiet, playing potonk, lighting the coal range and listening to the whistle of the kettle made this experience so awesome and one that I will never forget. I found that the toilet was a little too high for me and a stool would of helped. Loved everything especially the wood and stone work. Thank you Jessie and Craig.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent a night at Underhill and loved every second of it from the gorgeous house to the outside bath and the surroundings. Hosts were absolutely lovely and we had everything a hobbit could desire. And there were even marshmallows. It was an absolutely magical experience and nice to get away from the modern day appliances for a night.
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well hidden spot perfect for switching off and getting away for a bit. We didn’t expect the bathroom facilities to be so well set up so that was a bonus! Incredible view of the stars as well. One small feedback (though it didn’t affect us) would be that the outdoor bbq was full of creepy crawlies - it might need to be kept in a different spot? Thank you for having us!
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Instructions for the road trip not accurate - owner admitted she knew this and said "we must look at this as roads have changed"
Met at the gate by the owner as arranged and taken to the "hobbit house" This building and nearby bathroom we were told by the owner were constructed by her father over several decades - clearly a labour of love and an artist.
Beautiful close views from the house of hills and pond.
We self catered - if doing this bring everything as in a relatively remote location. Lots of candles provided but take a torch.
We were given a run through on arrival how to operate everything - told there was a gas cooker for quick hot water to make a drink - in the morning when we looked for it not there.
Despite being told in writing that the check out time was 12PM , and the instruction book in the accommodation said this, we were asked on arrival when did we want to leave - 11 AM being the latest as the owner had child care commitments!! We felt the owner couldn't wait for us to leave - we had looked forward to this break - we felt tolerated but not welcome.
While all furnishings were adequate in an artistic way many were grubby - windows looking out to the pond filthy in the early morning sun - Hobbits were not dirty!
Instructions said to leave the BBQ clean - there were two - gas/electric - all plates were dirty when we arrived - rather than clean them we settled for a salad. While we were "Glamping " and are experienced campers we did expect facilities to be clean on arrival - plates dirty, sink dirty etc. From a distance the pond looks pretty - it was not enjoyable to sit near - needed a good dredge to remove mud and dying vegetation.
In summary wonderful accommodation let down by various management issues.
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Date of stay: January 2015
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LizAH1974, Owner at Underhill Valley Earth Huts
Responded 4 Feb 2015
Thanks for your comments! We value all feedback about the Underhill experience and appreciate it takes time to complete a review. Your comments regarding the directions and check out time reminded us that we do have a few small details to update, so we're really sorry about any confusion this caused. These details will be rectified immediately. We'll also make sure our verbal briefing is made a bit clearer, as the gas cooker referred to is actually part of the BBQ rather than in the earth house itself. Again, apologies that this wasn't clear. While we clean Underhill as thoroughly as possible, it is an 'earth hut', made from natural materials and 'carved' into the hillside. Unlike a typical motel or hotel room, it's almost impossible to keep it completely immaculate. Some of the things that make it so charming, such as the handcrafted wooden doors, and the old coal range, also make it challenging to keep everything sparkling clean. Having said that, we appreciate your comments around cleanliness and will make extra effort to check and recheck - particularly the items and areas you specify. It's been extra dry in the Waikato, so our pond isn't it's usual lush self. We expect that with a bit more rain on the horizon, that will change soon! We're really sorry you didn't feel welcome at Underhill. It's certainly not our intention to make you feel anything less than completely welcome and at home here. Please come back and stay with us again so we can change your impression from average to amazing!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Let me just say we were blown away. My wife and I spent our honeymoon at this amazing destination. We are from the United States and we wanted an amazing destination to celebrate our marriage. We arrived in New Zealand to find out we were unable to rent a car. The hosts came and picked us up from the airport and really helped us out. Not only did they accommodate us with the lodging they set us up with a package to transport us to different locations. They went above and beyond as hosts.
Underhill is absolutely breathtaking. It’s quiet, beautiful, and honestly jaw dropping. Every part of the house under the hill was unique and different from anything we could have imagined. The outdoor shower and tub were something out of a fairy tale. The amazing view made for perfect relaxation. We left the doors open at night because it made for peaceful sleep. The pond had eels, now I know you think that is not a safe thing, but these eels were something else. We fed them by hand and it was awesome. The baskets for meals were fantastic and because of them we now have sundays with a grazing platter. That made a huge impact on us and turned into a tradition we have so thank you for that. We loved our experience here and to translate it into words is impossible. Thank you for everything! We will be staying here in the future without a doubt, we are planning our next trip and it WILL include spending more time at Underhill.
-Josh and Hannah Mann
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Date of stay: February 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I spent three nights in heaven! Having a bath under the stars on a freezing Waikato evening was sensational! The next night we had a bath in the rain! The lack of electricity only adds to the wonder of being in nature - being woken by the birds, looking at the stars through the glass roof and generally being able to unwind and relax. Jess, Craig, Paige, Piper and Oakley - you are indeed wonderful people. Thank you for allowing us to experience your family hide away!
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Date of stay: July 2016
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No electricity, no free wifi, no telephone - none of the usual hotel amenties - and this is what makes Underhill the best. It really fits the new wave "Glamping" phenomenon, not how I would chose to live on a weekly basis but a real treat for the soul to go back to a more calmer and restful space. We ate near the lake feasting on local produce cooked on the woodburner and sat around talking, really talking - around the candlelight. The shower and toilet are outside the hut and although I like my ensuite - it really wasn't too much of a hassle for the time we spent there. The only thing that I would prefer is a wider bed (the end tapered off and took playing footsies at night to a new level) and the glass window above the bed would be better if you had the option of blocking the morning sun out........and that my friend would make this place PERFECTION!
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Date of stay: November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I recently stayed one night in this amazing location situated under the side of a hill and looking out onto a lily pond complete with timber arch bridge. This place has an old world charm about it. My only criticism is that the custom made bed is a little narrow unless you are used to sharing an old fashioned sized double bed. Lovely to sit with the doors open and watch the swallows darting over the pond.
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Date of stay: November 2013
Value
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Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Underhill is a wonderful romantic glamping retreat. We stayed one night and had a really lovely, relaxing evening - watching the wildlife by the pond, cooking the amazing dinner (prepared by host Jessie so all we had to do was light the BBQ and cook it!), and drinking wine under the stars. The setting is gorgeous and very peaceful. The cave is very cosy and candlelight makes it look even more special, and the bath cave is excellent - plenty of hot water! Everything's provided to make it super simple so we almost forgot we were 'camping' (and therefore had to do the washing up!). Definitely recommend Underhill for couples looking for a relaxing short break away from it all.
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Date of stay: November 2013
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A perfect little spot for all kinds of special days. The scenery is beautiful and you get a true hobbit experience. The hosts were so responsive, kind and adaptable. Couldn't recommend this place enough,
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Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wellington, New Zealand15 contributions2 helpful votes
Hi there, Underhill is very cosy and atmospheric in all weather. We think it's actually even more special on a wintery night with all the candles and coal range going! :)
Lingfield, United Kingdom35 contributions41 helpful votes
Hi Cheyenne, We stayed at Underhill in January, and it really was a fantastic experience. Very unique and was a great way to finish our trip. We found all the details on the Canopy Camping website, including prices and availability etc, (just google canopy camping new Zealand underhill and it should come up - they won't let me paste the link in this message!)
Hope you enjoy your stay!
Katie
There are more places to choose from in the Hamilton area.
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionHamilton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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