Frequently asked questions

Check out our most commonly asked questions below. Please get in touch if your question is not included.

General

Are you pet friendly?

Yes! We pride ourselves in being a dog-friendly campground because we know they are an integral part of the whānau.

Unfortunately, they are not allowed in our beachfront accommodation which includes our Glamping tents, Zen Cabins, Little Villas Tiny House as we aim to keep this experience as peaceful as possible.

However, our Log cabins, Moana Cabins and Podlife units are dog friendly.

Dog Policy:

Keep your best friend on a leash when walking on the campground.
Please do not allow your dog on the bed.
Always carry your dog bag and clean after their mess.

Can I request what accommodation or tent site we stay in?

Sure can, when you book please leave us a note describing what site you would under  “booking notes”. Though we can’t guarantee the fulfilment of your wishes we will try our darndest.  

What time is check in and check out?

Check-in: 3pm, Check-out: 10am.

Earlier check-in or late check-out is possible by prior arrangement. Please contact us if this is required and we’ll be happy to accommodate as much as we can.

What is the cancellation/deposit policy?

We welcome alterations to bookings but know they will be subject to availability and may require a camping site, glamping or cabin change to ultimately accommodate your needs.

Cancellations or alterations made for any reason will incur a $25 administration fee.
A 100% refund will apply to cancellations made 14 days or more before the date of arrival.
A 50% refund will be made for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice before your date of arrival.
No refund will be made should guests alter or leave for any reason before their confirmed departure date.

Updated on 15/02/21 – Any bookings canceled prior to this date are void of the updated cancellation policy.

How long does it take to get to town?

It’s approximately a 12min drive. 

How much is a taxi to the airport?

Expect to pay around $80 from the Gisborne Airport to Tatapouri Bay and $60 from Tatapouri Bay Accommodation to Gisborne city centre. Uber isn’t an option but it’s a scenic drive if we’ve ever seen one so that’s a bonus.

Are there any places to eat that are close by?

We are currently working on a food offering right on the beachfront. At the moment most things are in the town.

Am I allowed a guest? Can they stay overnight?

Yes, all we ask is that guests have to check in at reception before their visitation. If they decide to have a sleepover they will have to pay for their stay.

Do you have rooms with disability access?

Our camp facilities all have disability access meaning camping is an option. Our Moana 1 cabin has Disability access. Unfortunately, our other cabins are perched upon steeper hills which would make access difficult.

Can I book a wedding or function?

Soon friend, we are working hard to make this happen after many requests from guests. Watch this space…

Do you take large group bookings? For example school groups?

Yes, depending on availability we would love to host your school field trip, big family reunion or entire badminton association etc. Simply email us the details and we can go from there.

Glamping Tents

What do the tents have inside?

Our tents are kitted out with all the necessities for a comfortable stay. These include a big comfy queen bed (or two if you’re in the four person tent), quality linen, towels, tea/coffee sachets and a hot thermos, battery powered lamps/torches, a small chair and table setup, clothes hangers and mirrors. 

How many people do the tents sleep?

The majority of our beautiful Lotus Belle Tents have a queen size bed each so comfortably sleep 2 persons. There is also an option for a tent with two queen size beds meaning 4 people can be comfortably accommodated. If you’re in a group of three we do offer a foldout single mattress that can be requested upon booking.

Do the tents have power?

Our lovely glamping tents are hooked up to power. Thank goodness.

Do the glamping tents have their own facilities?

They sure do their own facilities. Just a short walk away from your glamping tent there are hot showers and toilets next to the spa and sauna setup.

What if there is a storm, are the tents strong enough?

The weather can be unpredictable but our tents are waterproof and can withstand strong winds should there be any so there’s no need to worry.

Can I see the sunrise from my tent?

Can you ever! You’ll have front row seats, or better yet, a front row bed to the world’s first sunset. Some of the most magnificent colours fill the sky before the sun even peeks over the horizon so we suggest getting your seats early.

Are the tents safe?

Though we haven’t had any theft issues in the past, we’d still suggest keeping valuables on you or in locked in your car if you’re not in the tent.

Are you allowed to bring your own gas cooker/BBQ?

Yes, all we ask is that cooking is done outside so as to keep the tents smelling nice and fresh.

I have a young child, do you have portacots?

We don’t provide portacots but you can certainly bring your own to accommodate your little one.

Are you allowed to have dogs sleep inside the tent?

For the comfort of future guests we don’t allow pets to stay inside the tents.  

How many people do the tents sleep?

The majority of our beautiful Lotus Belle Tents have a queen size bed each so comfortably sleep 2 persons. There is also an option for a tent with two queen size beds meaning 4 people can be comfortably accommodated. If you’re in a group of three we do offer a foldout single mattress that can be requested upon booking.

Are the tent bug-proof?

Though we do our best to ensure no insects get into the tents it’s likely you may still come across during your stay. At the end of the day it is still glam camping and you’re at the hands of nature regardless how glamorous.  

Shanti enjoying the scent of the wild flowers.

Facilities

Do you have Wifi?

Yes, free and unlimited wifi! Just be sure to soak up your surroundings more than the wifi but we’re not about to tell you how to live your best life. Ps. Please be sure to tag us in any Instagram snaps/stories for a feature @tatapouri 

Kindly note our lovely boutique campground is located just over the Makorori hill and sometimes has poor phone coverage. However, we now have 4G and the signal does reach us. 

When will be the Tatapouri Cafe (Tata Cafe) openning this summer 2024/25?

This summer 2024/25, the opening for our Tatapouri Cafe  will be from mid of October 2024 and will close end of March 2025. We are located at Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation.
Tata Cafe opening hours:

Saturday & Sunday 8am to 2pm.

Special working hours from xmas week to mid January. To be confirmed

Do you have to pay for hot showers?

You’ll be stoked to know hot showers come at no additional cost. That being said, we trust you’ll remain conservative in your precious water usage.

Are the spa and sauna free? How can I book?

Our dreamy spa and sauna facilities right on the beach do require additional dollars to book and are only available to Glamping, Zen Cabin & Little Villas guests. Be sure to let us know upon arrival your ideal time frame because the sunset slot is no doubt popular.  It is 45-min slot.

The spa is oceanfront and it is shared by the others cabins. The time you are booked, is only you using it.

Do you have a dumping station?

Yes, we do have a dumping station that only can be used by guests staying in our accommodation. Nearby dumping stations:

  • Gisborne Mobil Service Station – 49 Wainui Rd
  • Hallrite Plumbing and Gasfitting Yard – 71 Awapuni Road
What’s in the shared kitchen facility?

We have places to keep your food chilled or frozen. gas cooktops, microwave, kettles, toasters , and a filtered water tap.

Do you have space to park boats?

Boat parking is available on request.

Stay connected with us #TatapouriBay

Phew, what a wild start to 2025! Thank you all for braving the storms and we hope for much calmer weather ahead of us. We appreciate each and every guest that comes to visit us 🤗 Wishing you all a magical year from the land of the first light ☀️
The perfect location for your next Surfcation 🏄‍♀️ Anyone have "surf more" as a New Years resolution?
Wishing you all the most Merry Christmas friends 🎅 May the season be as bright and cheerful as this Pōhutukawa Tree. We looking forward to seeing you at Tatapouri ♥️
Guests have been loving our Tiny Home 🥰 So many features to help make your stay more magical. A skylight above the bed for star gazing and a bath embedded in the deck for relaxing 😌
Which one will you pick for your weekend treat? 😋 @bestuglybagels
Sometimes it seems like we are looking out at a painting 🙌 The old tractor definitely adds to the scenery. Gotta love Tatapouri 😌
Treat yourself to a Zen getaway 🧘‍♂️ With all the fine touches to make your stay feel luxurious.
Summer has well and truly arrived 🌞 Bring on warm friends and cold beverages, surf missions and magic sunrises.
That uncontrollable sprint as soon as your feet hit the sand 🏃‍♂️ Gotta love it.
If Sunshine were a person 🌞 Super lucky to have had an appearance from her highness @geo_2.0 Never a dull moment in her presence and her yoga classes 🤗
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