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A multi-million-dollar eco-dome glamping retreat on the shores of Lake Hawea has taken out the title of best new build over $100,000 at an industry awards ceremony last weekend.

The Camp, a quintessential Kiwi camping ground located in park-like settings on the shores of Lake Hawea, won the title of Resco Best New Build over $100k Award at the Holiday Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ) annual awards for the development of the Cross Hill Lodge & Domes. 

The judges were impressed by the six energy-efficient geodesic domes which have been designed and built in a secluded area of The Camp, providing a premium level of glamping accommodation at the popular South Island glamping spot.  

HAPNZ CEO Fergus Brown said the judges were “very impressed with the premium product”. 

“The geodesic domes provide quality accommodation at a premium rate that will meet the needs of visitors and provide valuable income for the property. It is excellent to see holiday parks investing in new and improved product at a time when business is very difficult. 

“The judges applaud Sarah and Richard for providing a premium product to meet customer demand as well as exceeding their expectations when they arrive,” he added. 

In the works for over two years, and delayed due to covid-19, owners Sarah and Richard Burdon forged ahead with the $2M + build despite the pressures and uncertainty of covid-19. 

Co-owner Sarah Burdon said the couple and the wider Camp team were “stoked” to take out the title. 

“We’ve all worked so hard to get the domes completed, facing numerous barriers along the way.  It is one of our long-term sustainability goals to provide accommodation all year round, so to have the domes now finally open and experienced by guests for the winter is so rewarding. The feedback we’re getting is phenomenal and guests are loving the uniqueness of the concept and the High-Country Hospitality we’re providing”, said Sarah. 

Located within the parklike surroundings of The Camp, Cross Hill Lodge and Domes celebrate the magic of human connection on the land with high country hospitality and premium comfort in a remote, peaceful setting. 

Each of the six domes at Cross Hill has a 40sqm interior with a 30sqm deck and provide an enviable architectural aesthetic, bringing the outside in, to each and every dome. 

The floor to ceiling window enables guests to lie beneath the stars at night, cocooned, safe and warm (or cool) from the outside elements and in the day the beauty of the natural environment surrounds the domes. 

The domes are the latest accommodation offering at The Camp, which introduced Bell, Denver and Safari-style glamping tents to the campground in 2019 to complement its cottages, cabins and other camping options.