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Waitaki’s growing reputation for distinctive visitor experiences has received another international boost, with Valley Views Glamping in Kurow ranked the world’s second-best “One-of-a-Kind” hotel stay in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
The recognition marks the second consecutive year the Waitaki accommodation provider has featured in Tripadvisor’s global Top 10 for unique stays, having placed eighth in the category in 2025.
Tourism Waitaki says the accolade further strengthens the region’s profile as a destination for experience-led accommodation, following Nest Treehouses being recognised as Tripadvisor’s Best Design Stay last year.
Located in the Waitaki Valley, Valley Views Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed to immerse guests in the surrounding landscape while combining comfort with a connection to nature.
Tourism Waitaki general manager Heather Matthews says the recognition reflected the region’s commitment to delivering memorable visitor experiences.
“To see a local operator ranked among the world’s most memorable stays highlights the strength of our region as a destination that offers something genuinely distinctive,” she says.
“As New Zealand’s only UNESCO Global Geopark, we’re seeing growing interest from visitors looking for experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.”
The Tripadvisor rankings are based on consistently high reviews and ratings from travellers over a 12-month period.
Valley Views Glamping co-founder Amber Tyrrell says the award was particularly significant because it reflected the experiences of guests.
“As a small, family-run off-grid retreat in the Waitaki Valley, it is incredibly rewarding to see people from around the world connect with what we have created here,” she says.
The recognition comes as the region continues to expand its accommodation offering, with the recently opened Grayson Peak Dome adding to Waitaki’s portfolio of distinctive stays.
