Camping Tents NZ: 8 Best Models, Brands & Prices 2025 Guide
You're planning your next camping trip but the tent market feels confusing. Prices range from $200 to over $5,000, brands claim their tents are the best, and you need something that actually works in New Zealand conditions. Rain, wind, sun, and unpredictable weather mean you can't just buy any tent and hope it holds up.
This guide breaks down eight camping tents available from New Zealand retailers in 2025. You'll see what each model offers, who it suits, and what you'll actually pay. We cover family tents, inflatable options, lightweight hikers, and canvas classics. Each review includes specs that matter for camping in New Zealand, from waterproof ratings to pack size. By the end, you'll know exactly which tent matches your needs and budget.
1. Zempire Aero TXL Pro Inflatable Air Tent
The Zempire Aero TXL Pro is an inflatable family tent that sleeps up to six people and sets up in minutes without poles. This air tent uses inflatable beams instead of traditional poles, which means you pump it up with the included pump and you're done. Zempire is a New Zealand brand that designs specifically for local conditions, and this model represents their top-tier family camping option.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Zempire started in New Zealand and built their reputation on gear that works in changeable weather. The Aero TXL Pro sits at the premium end of their air tent range and targets families who camp regularly. This is a three-room design with a large living area in the centre and sleeping pods on either side. The inflatable beam structure means no threading poles through sleeves or fighting with traditional tent frames on windy days.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
You get 360cm of headroom in the living area, which lets most adults stand upright without hunching. The tent uses air beam technology with TPU-coated inflatable tubes that take 8-10 minutes to pump up. Each beam is independent, so if one fails, the others keep the tent standing. The fabric is polyester with a 5000mm waterproof rating, which handles heavy rain without leaking. Zempire added ventilation panels throughout to reduce condensation, which is critical in New Zealand's humid camping spots.
A 5000mm waterproof rating means this tent handles the rain that hits many New Zealand campsites without water seeping through the fabric.
The packed size is 78cm x 42cm x 42cm and the total weight sits at 35kg, which fits in most car boots but isn't lightweight enough for hiking.
Who this tent suits best
This tent works for families with kids who want a proper camping setup without spending an hour wrestling with poles. You need a vehicle to transport it due to the weight, but the quick setup makes it worth carrying if you're camping with children who get impatient. Weekend campers who visit holiday parks or campgrounds will appreciate the space and weather protection.
Price range and value in New Zealand
The Aero TXL Pro costs between $2,199 and $2,499 at New Zealand retailers including Dwights and Torpedo7. That's a significant investment, but you're paying for quick setup, durability, and room that budget tents can't match. Inflatable camping tents NZ shoppers buy at this price point typically last 8-10 years with proper care.
2. Kiwi Camping Takahe 6 Family Tent
The Kiwi Camping Takahe 6 is a traditional dome tent that uses fiberglass poles and offers sleeping space for six people at a fraction of the cost of inflatable options. This mid-range family tent comes from Kiwi Camping, a New Zealand brand that focuses on affordable gear for casual campers and families. The Takahe range targets budget-conscious buyers who want decent weather protection without paying premium prices.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Kiwi Camping builds entry-level to mid-range camping tents NZ families actually use at holiday parks and campgrounds. The Takahe 6 follows a classic dome design with two sleeping compartments and a shared living space between them. You set it up using fiberglass poles that thread through sleeves in the fabric, then secure everything with pegs and guy ropes. This design has existed for decades because it works, and Kiwi Camping keeps the price down by using proven methods rather than new technology.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 565cm long by 305cm wide with a peak height of 195cm, which gives most people standing room in the centre section. The fabric carries a 2000mm waterproof coating, which handles light to moderate rain but struggles in heavy downpours. Kiwi Camping added mesh panels in the sleeping pods for ventilation and included a sewn-in groundsheet that keeps moisture from seeping up through the floor.
A 2000mm waterproof rating works for typical summer camping but you'll want to add a tarp or choose a different tent for winter trips with heavy rain.
The packed weight sits at 18kg with dimensions of 74cm x 35cm x 35cm, making it manageable for family camping trips.
Who this tent suits best
Families who camp a few times per year will find this tent provides adequate space and weather protection without breaking the budget. You'll spend 20-30 minutes setting up the poles and fabric, which is reasonable if you're not rushing. Holiday park campers who want a basic shelter with separate sleeping areas should consider this option.
Price range and value in New Zealand
Expect to pay $599 to $799 for the Takahe 6 at retailers like Kiwi Camping and Dwights. That's roughly a third of what premium air tents cost, making this tent solid value for occasional campers who prioritize budget over features.
3. Kathmandu Retreat 60 Canvas Tent
The Kathmandu Retreat 60 is a canvas family tent that balances traditional tent design with modern materials and sleeps up to six people in comfort. This canvas tent uses a polycotton blend fabric that breathes better than synthetic materials while maintaining durability. Kathmandu designed this tent for families who value natural ventilation and longevity over the quick setup of inflatable options.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Kathmandu operates across New Zealand and Australia with a reputation for outdoor gear that handles varied conditions. The Retreat 60 follows a cabin-style design with near-vertical walls that maximize internal space and sleeping room. You set this tent up using steel poles that slot into grommets and support the heavy canvas fabric. The construction takes longer than modern air tents but delivers a tent that lasts decades with proper maintenance.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 600cm by 300cm with a 210cm peak height, giving you room to move around without stooping. The polycotton canvas combines 65% polyester with 35% cotton, creating fabric that breathes naturally and reduces condensation buildup inside. Kathmandu rates the waterproofing at 3000mm, which covers most rain situations you'll encounter at New Zealand campgrounds. The tent includes large mesh windows with storm flaps and a full coverage fly that extends over the entrance.
Canvas breathes naturally unlike synthetic tents, which means less condensation dripping on you during cold nights.
The packed weight reaches 28kg with dimensions of 85cm x 45cm x 35cm.
Who this tent suits best
You'll appreciate this tent if you camp for extended periods and want a shelter that feels like a room rather than a nylon cocoon. Canvas camping tents NZ families choose work particularly well for week-long stays at holiday parks where you set up once and leave the tent standing. The breathable fabric makes summer camping more comfortable than synthetic alternatives.
Price range and value in New Zealand
Expect to pay $1,199 to $1,399 at Kathmandu stores and online. That positions this tent between budget synthetic options and premium air tents, offering solid durability and comfort for families who camp regularly throughout the season.
4. Macpac Minaret 2 Hiking Tent
The Macpac Minaret 2 is a lightweight hiking tent designed for two people who need reliable shelter on multi-day tramps without carrying excessive weight. This backpacking tent uses aluminum poles and ripstop nylon to balance durability with a pack weight of just 2.4kg. Macpac builds gear specifically for New Zealand conditions, and the Minaret series represents their core hiking tent range for trampers who prioritize weight savings over living space.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Macpac started in New Zealand over 50 years ago and maintains its reputation for backcountry gear that works in alpine and coastal environments. The Minaret 2 follows a tunnel design with two curved poles that create a streamlined profile against wind. You pitch this tent using guy ropes and pegs, which takes practice but results in a stable shelter that handles exposed ridgelines and coastal campsites where wind hits hard.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 215cm long by 130cm wide with a peak height of 102cm, giving you enough room to sit up but not stand. The 70D ripstop nylon fly carries a 3000mm waterproof rating and the floor uses tougher 190T nylon to resist punctures from rocks and roots. Macpac included mesh panels at both ends for ventilation and added vestibules at each entrance for gear storage. The packed dimensions sit at 48cm x 16cm diameter, which fits inside or straps to the outside of most hiking packs.
A tunnel design creates better wind resistance than dome tents, which matters when you're camping on exposed tops or coastal sites.
Who this tent suits best
Trampers who walk the Te Araroa or Great Walks will appreciate the weight savings and compact pack size this tent delivers. You sacrifice standing room and comfort compared to family camping tents NZ retailers sell, but you gain the ability to carry your shelter for days without destroying your back.
Price range and value in New Zealand
The Minaret 2 costs $549 to $649 at Macpac stores and online. That's reasonable for a genuine hiking tent built to withstand New Zealand backcountry conditions rather than casual campground use.
5. Coleman Instant Up 4 Person Tent
The Coleman Instant Up 4 is a pop-up tent that sets up in under 60 seconds using a pre-attached pole system and sleeps four people in a single compartment. This instant tent eliminates the need to assemble poles or thread fabric, making it one of the fastest camping tents NZ retailers stock for families who prioritize setup speed. Coleman built this tent for weekend campers who want a shelter that doesn't require instructions or patience to pitch.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Coleman operates globally with a focus on accessible camping gear that works for beginners and casual users. The Instant Up 4 uses pre-attached poles that unfold from a central hub when you pull the tent out of its bag. You extend the frame until it locks into position, then peg down the corners and guy ropes. This cabin-style design creates vertical walls that maximize internal space, and the entire process takes less time than inflating an air tent.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 240cm by 240cm with a 165cm peak height, giving you room for four sleeping mats laid side by side. The polyester fabric carries a 1500mm waterproof rating, which handles light rain but struggles in sustained downpours. Coleman added mesh roof panels for ventilation and included a welded floor that prevents water from seeping through the base. The packed weight sits at 14kg with dimensions of 106cm x 25cm x 25cm, making it lighter than most family tents but bulkier than traditional dome options due to the rigid pole system.
A 1500mm waterproof rating works for dry season camping but you'll want to bring a tarp for sites that get regular rainfall.
Who this tent suits best
You'll benefit from this tent if you camp a few times per year and want to avoid the frustration of traditional tent setup. Festival campers, holiday park visitors, and families with young children who need shelter quickly will appreciate the instant setup. This tent works best in protected campsites rather than exposed locations where wind can stress the quick-release pole system.
Price range and value in New Zealand
Expect to pay $349 to $449 at retailers including Hunting and Fishing and Torpedo7. That positions this tent as an affordable option for casual campers who value convenience over premium features or extreme weather protection.
6. Zempire Evo TM Air Tent
The Zempire Evo TM Air is a mid-range inflatable tent that sleeps four people and offers air beam technology at roughly half the price of the premium Aero TXL Pro. This compact air tent targets couples or small families who want the convenience of inflatable setup without paying for the largest models. Zempire positioned this tent between their budget pole tents and top-tier family options, creating an entry point into air tent camping for New Zealand buyers who camp regularly but don't need maximum space.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Zempire designed the Evo TM Air as a two-room layout with one sleeping compartment and a living area that doubles as extra sleeping space. You inflate the beams using the included pump in roughly 5-7 minutes, which gives you most of the speed benefits of premium air tents without the extra rooms and features. The structure uses three main air beams that create a stable frame capable of handling moderate wind, and the design packs down smaller than traditional six-person tents.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 390cm by 270cm with a 190cm peak height, giving you room to stand in the centre section. The fabric carries a 4000mm waterproof rating on the fly and 10000mm on the floor, which handles New Zealand rain better than budget synthetic tents. Zempire added zippered ventilation panels at multiple points and included a sewn-in groundsheet that prevents water ingress from below. The packed weight sits at 19kg with dimensions of 65cm x 35cm x 35cm, making it manageable for car camping.
A 4000mm waterproof rating gives you protection against sustained rainfall without the premium price of 5000mm+ fabrics.
Who this tent suits best
You'll appreciate this tent if you want inflatable convenience but camp with just two to four people rather than a full family. Weekend campers who visit holiday parks or DOC campsites will benefit from the quick setup and weather protection. This tent works well for camping tents NZ shoppers consider when they need portability without sacrificing modern features.
Price range and value in New Zealand
Expect to pay $1,299 to $1,499 at retailers including Zempire and Dwights. That positions this tent as a mid-range inflatable option that delivers air beam convenience at roughly 60% of the cost of premium six-person models.
7. Kmart 4 Person Dome Tent
The Kmart 4 Person Dome Tent is a budget entry-level shelter that costs under $100 and provides basic weather protection for casual campers who camp once or twice per year. This economy dome tent targets first-time campers, festival goers, and families who need temporary shelter without investing in premium gear. Kmart stocks this tent in stores across New Zealand and online, making it one of the most accessible camping tents NZ shoppers can grab on short notice before a weekend trip.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Kmart sells affordable outdoor gear imported from overseas suppliers and positions this tent as a starter option for people testing whether they enjoy camping. The tent uses a standard dome design with fiberglass poles that cross over the top and attach to corner grommets. You set this up by threading poles through sleeves, which takes 15-20 minutes if you follow the instructions. The construction quality reflects the price point, with thinner fabric and simpler pole connections than branded alternatives.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 210cm by 240cm with a 130cm peak height, giving you space for four sleeping bags laid flat. The polyester fabric carries a 800mm waterproof rating, which handles light drizzle but leaks in sustained rain. Kmart included mesh roof panels for ventilation and a basic groundsheet that keeps moisture at bay in dry conditions. The packed weight sits around 4kg, making it light enough to carry but flimsy in wind.
An 800mm waterproof rating means this tent works for fair weather camping only and you'll need backup shelter if rain arrives.
Who this tent suits best
You'll find this tent suitable for protected campground use during summer months when rain is unlikely. Festival campers who need cheap shelter or families testing camping before buying proper gear should consider this option.
Price range and value in New Zealand
Expect to pay $79 to $99 at Kmart stores. That makes this tent the cheapest viable option for temporary shelter, though you sacrifice durability and weather protection that better tents deliver.
8. Zempire Moa Air Canvas Tent
The Zempire Moa Air Canvas is a premium inflatable canvas tent that combines air beam technology with breathable polycotton fabric and sleeps up to eight people in luxury. This top-tier air canvas tent represents Zempire's flagship family camping option, targeting buyers who want the convenience of inflatable setup without sacrificing the comfort and durability of traditional canvas. Zempire built this tent for extended camping trips where weather protection and living space matter more than budget or pack weight.
Brand, model and tent type overview
Zempire designed the Moa Air as their most spacious canvas option using three main inflatable beams that support heavy polycotton fabric. You get a four-room layout with three separate sleeping compartments and a central living area large enough for a table and chairs. The air beam system inflates in 10-12 minutes, giving you canvas tent comfort without spending an hour assembling a traditional pole frame.
Key features, specs and NZ friendly design
This tent measures 670cm by 310cm with a 220cm peak height, creating space for adults to move around comfortably. The 300gsm polycotton canvas breathes naturally and carries a 5000mm waterproof rating on treated areas. Zempire included multiple ventilation points with mesh panels and added a full-coverage fly that extends over entrances for weather protection. The packed weight reaches 52kg with dimensions of 95cm x 50cm x 45cm, requiring a vehicle for transport.
Canvas fabric reduces condensation dramatically compared to synthetic tents, which makes long stays more comfortable in humid New Zealand conditions.
Who this tent suits best
You'll appreciate this tent if you camp for week-long holidays with extended family and want a shelter that feels like a portable house. The weight and price limit this to serious campers who prioritize comfort over portability.
Price range and value in New Zealand
Expect to pay $4,999 to $5,499 at Zempire retailers. That positions this as the premium choice among camping tents NZ families buy for regular extended trips where living comfort justifies the investment.
Next steps
You've seen eight camping tents nz retailers stock for 2025, covering everything from budget dome tents to premium canvas shelters with air beam technology. Your choice depends on how often you camp, who joins you, and what weather conditions you expect at your destination. Budget $79-$99 for basic festival shelter, $599-$799 for solid family options, or $1,299-$5,499 for inflatable and canvas tents that deliver serious weather protection and years of reliable use.
Once you've sorted your camping setup, consider what other outdoor gear you need for adventures across New Zealand. Many campers combine trips with fishing, and having the right equipment makes the difference between catching dinner and coming home empty-handed. Check out our range of fishing nets for New Zealand waters to complete your outdoor kit with gear designed for local conditions and fish species.