Not Just for Holidays—Yurts Are Becoming Big Business
You’ve probably seen them online by now—round tents with cozy beds, wood floors, and twinkly lights. They’re called yurts, and they’re popping up all over the place in Australia and New Zealand. But they’re not just a cool place to stay for a night or two. More and more people are actually buying yurts to start their own glamping businesses. And honestly, it’s working.
This isn’t just a hobby. People are turning their backyard, farm, or unused land into small, profitable stays that guests can’t get enough of. It’s a smart way to earn money without needing to build something huge or complicated. And it fits perfectly with the way travel is changing right now.
Travelers Want Something New
Let’s face it—no one’s getting excited about a regular motel room anymore. Travelers today want something different. They’re looking for unique places that give them an experience, not just a bed. A yurt in a quiet paddock or hidden in the hills offers just that.
And this shift in what people want is why glamping has become such a solid business idea. Yurts are right in the sweet spot. They feel adventurous but still comfortable. They’re Instagram-worthy but also practical. That’s why so many hosts are choosing them when starting out.
If you’re thinking of launching a glamping business, Beyond Yurt is worth checking out. They offer high-quality yurts that look amazing and hold up well in different weather. It’s a good starting point for anyone who wants to create a stay that guests will remember.
Why Yurts Work for Glamping
A yurt gives off that back-to-nature vibe, but it doesn’t feel like rough camping. That’s a big reason why they’re winning over both guests and hosts. People want the peaceful surroundings, but they also want real beds, warmth in winter, and maybe even a private bathroom. A good yurt setup can offer all of that—and look beautiful doing it.
They’re also super flexible. Whether you live near the beach, in the bush, or out in the country, a yurt can work. Hosts are setting them up on farms, family land, or even large backyards. Some keep it simple with just one or two, while others build full-on glamping sites with paths, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens.
And because yurts are semi-permanent, you often don’t need the same kind of building approvals you’d need for a regular structure. That makes starting up way faster and easier.
A Low-Cost Way to Start Hosting
Starting any business costs money—but yurts make it way more doable. Building a small hotel or even a cabin can take years and cost heaps. A single yurt, though, can be up and running in a few weeks, especially if the land’s already clear and ready.
Many hosts start with just one. They test it out, see what guests love, and then add more over time. That kind of step-by-step growth keeps costs down and lets people build at their own pace. Plus, because you’re offering something different, you can charge more per night than a basic rental.
The return on investment can be strong, especially in places with a lot of tourism traffic or beautiful scenery. People are willing to pay for something cool, peaceful, and private—especially if it looks good online.
Airbnbs and Booking Platforms Make It Easy
Another reason yurts are such a smart business move is because they fit perfectly with platforms like Airbnb and Hipcamp. These websites already have categories for unique stays, and yurts are one of the top searches. That means you don’t have to spend loads on marketing. You just need great photos, a strong description, and a yurt that delivers what it promises.
Hosts who go the extra mile—adding fairy lights, outdoor bathtubs, comfy chairs, or local snacks—often find their listings rise to the top. Guests leave better reviews, come back for special occasions, and tell their friends. Word spreads fast when something feels special.
Aussie and Kiwi Landowners Are Jumping In
People across Australia and New Zealand are already getting in on the action. Some are farmers looking to earn extra income from unused land. Others are families wanting to offer a peaceful spot for couples or travelers. Some are even turning it into their full-time job, managing a few yurts and giving guests a standout experience.
There’s also a growing community of glamping business owners who share advice online—what works, what to avoid, and how to improve the setup over time. That kind of support makes it less scary to start, especially for someone totally new to hospitality.
Guests Want Privacy, Comfort, and Nature
One reason yurt stays are so successful is because they tick all the right boxes. Guests want to escape city noise and screens, but they don’t want to be uncomfortable. A yurt offers privacy, fresh air, and the kind of quiet you just can’t get in a hotel.
Plus, you don’t need to build anything over-the-top. The setting does most of the work. If you’ve got a pretty view, a peaceful forest, or a paddock with wide skies, that’s already a win. Add a warm bed, clean space, and a few thoughtful extras, and you’ve got something people will book again and again.
Going Eco-Friendly Without Going Off-Grid
More travelers care about the environment now, and glamping stays are a great way to meet that demand. Yurts use less power, often run on solar, and don’t need concrete foundations. Many glamping hosts also offer eco-friendly toiletries, composting loos, or water-saving showers.
This makes the business feel good to run—and easier to market. Guests are drawn to places that show care for the planet, especially if it doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
You don’t have to be fully off-grid, either. Plenty of yurts have hot water, fridges, and heating. It’s about balance. Guests like the idea of “getting away” without giving up the basics.
Starting Small Is Totally Fine
What’s cool about starting a glamping business with a yurt is that it doesn’t have to be a huge leap. You can begin with one structure, set up a booking system, and just test the waters. See who books, what they say, and what you can improve. Then add more if it’s working.
You don’t need a team, a fancy website, or tons of extras right away. Many successful hosts began by renting out space part-time and slowly built it into a bigger income stream. The key is giving guests a place that feels peaceful, clean, and cared for.
Big Takeaways
Yurts aren’t just trending—they’re helping regular people build real businesses. In Australia and New Zealand, where nature is everywhere and travelers want something new, they’re the perfect fit. With low startup costs, flexibility, and major guest appeal, it’s easy to see why more people are giving it a go.
Whether it’s a single yurt in the bush or a full-on glamping site near the coast, these getaways are winning because they offer what modern travelers want—comfort, style, and a break from the usual. And for hosts, they offer a chance to turn simple land into something amazing.
If you’ve ever thought about hosting, this might just be the sign to start.
