Underhill Valley

Underhill Valley

Waikato

Set in the gentle rolling hills of the Waikato, for those who want to escape the modern world for a bit, we have just the thing...

Step out of the hustle and bustle of your real life, and straight into a fairytale, with a stay at the enchanting Underhill Valley. Built into the hillside, this atmospheric accommodation has been beautifully hand-crafted with rustic native timbers and ironwork, to create a sustainable and authentic space. Created over 15 years ago, Underhill Valley has remained a closely guarded family secret...until now.

Underhill Valley is the perfect, romantic, glamping retreat for couples. Huge timber doors open wide to overlook a picturesque pond and farmland beyond. You’ll enjoy the warmth and ambience of an old coal range, the soft glow of candlelight and a glass of wine on a seat by the pond under the stars. Or just snuggle into the luxurious, specially shaped bed with pure cotton linen, comfy pillows and a thick wool duvet. 

Underhill Valley is a truly special and unique place to unwind, switch off and reconnect. Immerse yourself in the stillness and peace of Underhill Valley and take some time to fully enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

FROM $405 p/n

  • Sleeps 2

A $40 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process.

Underhill Valley is located a short distance from Hamilton City, in the heart of Waikato. It's a pleasant 45-minute drive from Matamata, home of 'Hobbiton', making it the ideal overnight stay after your Hobbiton tour. The amazing Waitomo glow worm caves are about a 1-hour car journey away.

Detailed arrival instructions (including your host's contact details) will be provided in a pre-arrival email 5 days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Underhill Valley

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HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS Underhill Valley?

Underhill Valley looks like a cave. Is it?

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MINIMUM STAY PERIODS

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PRIVATE TOURS IN WAIKATO REGION

GIFT VOUCHERS

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3. Guest cancellations and date changes

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  • Eating and Drinking

    Underhill Valley is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and have a truly unique experience cooking with the wood fire stove. Or enjoy a peaceful outside cooking experience on the Weber gas BBQ. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you do intend to use the wood fire stove, note that the fire will need to be lit and burning for a little while to get up to the required heat for cooking, so you'll need to allow enough time.

    A portable gas ring is also supplied for making a quick cup of tea.

    The closest supermarket is located a five-minute drive from the property. Stock up before you get to Underhill Valley, so you don't have to worry about food for the duration of your stay!

  • Things To Do

    Make the most of Underhill Valley's peaceful surrounds by taking the time to just chill out and relax.

    Bring your favourite board game and slog it out over a game of scrabble or Monopoly. Relax under a tree, or snuggle up in front of the coal range with a good book. Or get active with a game of petanque across the pond.

    There's plenty to see and do in the local area. The set of 'Hobbiton' (as seen in films The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) is in Matamata, a pleasant 45-minute drive away. The amazing Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are one hour drive south. The arty West Coast town of Raglan with its black sand beaches is about a half-hour drive.

  • Your Hosts

    Underhill Valley is owned and hosted by Jessie and Craig Moon, who live on the property along with their young children Paige, Piper, Oakley and Zen.

    Jessie’s father Graham is the creator of Underhill Valley. It was his dream to have a little house built into the side of the hill, overlooking the pond on the family farm, so he set about creating it some 15-20 years ago. Jessie spent many years of her childhood planning, along with her dad, how this little house would be built and what it would be furnished with. Needless to say, Underhill Valley is a very special place to her. 

    After meeting in New Zealand some years ago, Craig and Jessie spent a few amazing years living and working overseas together. They worked in tourism, managing a hostel in Ireland for a year, worked in Australia, and travelled around Europe and Asia for a few months.

    Once they returned to New Zealand, they married, bought the family farm and started their own family. They loved the idea of sharing the 'Underhill Valley magic' with others, so they got in touch with us here at Canopy Camping Escapes. The rest, they say, is history! 

Testimonials

  • "

    Our stay at Underhill Valley was not just relaxing, it was cathartic. The beauty and simplicity of our evening reminded us both of some favourite childhood memories - times when life was easier and free from stress. Everything about the design of this space is genius, and every detail has been thought of.

    "

    - 09 Apr 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    Underhill Valley is a beautiful earthhouse with a lovely, rural atmosphere. Driving the buggy next to the alpaca and sheep farm to access the house was a fun addition! The shower was amazing and unique. We liked the calmness of the place, and the garden with the pond and small bridge was magical. It's a nice place to unwind.

    "

    - 05 Apr 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Underhill Valley is absolutely magical. We spent our wedding night here and will absolutely be back for anniversaries in the future. One of the most unique, homely stays you will ever find.

    "

    - 01 Apr 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful scenery and atmosphere.

    "

    - 26 Mar 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Really beautiful and comfortable place.

    "

    - 19 Mar 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    The stay in Underhill Valley was just fantastic. It is really magical to be there, and you recognise the love for all the details. If you have the chance, you have to go there and spend one night or two.

    "

    - 18 Mar 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    We loved staying at Underhill Valley. It was so relaxing, and the attention to detail in every aspect of the design and accommodation was very well thought through. Highly recommend!

    "

    - 16 Mar 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    This is truly the most magical place you will ever stay in.

    "

    - 19 Feb 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful and magical!

    "

    - 14 Dec 2023

    9 / 12

  • "

    The setting is magical, and you feel transported into another world. We disconnected from media and relaxed. Our stay was just what we needed. Thank you.

    "

    - 06 Dec 2023

    10 / 12

  • "

    Underhill Valley is so very private and romantic. The setting is absolutely beautiful. The facilities are primitive, so probably not for people that expect amenities. Everything you need is there, including the birds, bunnies, and fish. It was a ten out of ten for us.

    "

    - 06 Dec 2023

    11 / 12

  • "

    Cosy, comfortable, rustic and romantic. A real escape.

    "

    - 23 Nov 2023

    12 / 12

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