This geodesic dome sits on the Mangora River in New Zealand, offering guests a glamping experience with all the comforts of home—a king-sized bed, wood-burning stove, kitchen with two-burner cooktop, and bathroom with shower.
Donna and her husband built this dome on her parents’ farm as a way to generate income while she’s home with young children. What started with a bell tent evolved into this impressive dome structure that they assembled in just two days.
Don’t miss other interesting tiny homes – join our FREE Tiny House Newsletter for more!
Geodesic Dome on the Mangora River
The dome’s location on the riverbank provides guests with a scenic retreat surrounded by New Zealand farmland. The geodesic structure offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and can be assembled quickly.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
Large Windows with River Views
A large wall of windows looks out over the river, connecting the interior living space with the natural surroundings. This design maximizes natural light while framing the scenic views that make this location special.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
King-Sized Bed for Comfortable Stays
The dome’s circular interior accommodates a king-sized bed, providing hotel-level comfort in a unique architectural setting. The curved walls create an intimate atmosphere while the dome shape provides surprising headroom.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
Adjacent Bathhouse and Kitchen Building
A separate outbuilding houses the kitchen and bathroom facilities, keeping utilities simple while providing all the amenities guests need for a comfortable stay. This multi-structure approach is common in glamping setups.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
Video Tour
Watch the full tour from Tiny Home Tours to see the dome, outbuilding, outdoor tub, and fire pit area:
Design Details
- Type: Geodesic dome with separate outbuilding
- Location: Mangora River, New Zealand
- Setting: Working farm
- Build Time: Two days for dome assembly
- Sleeping: King-sized bed
- Heating: Wood-burning stove
- Kitchen: Two-burner cooktop in outbuilding
- Bathroom: Shower in adjacent outbuilding
- Outdoor Features: Outdoor soaking tub, fire pit with repurposed boat feature
- Business Model: Farm-based glamping rental
Lessons from This Glamping Business
Donna’s geodesic dome offers insights for anyone considering farm-based or rural glamping:
- Geodesic domes assemble quickly — The entire dome structure went up in just two days, minimizing construction disruption
- Start simple and upgrade — The business began with a bell tent before upgrading to the dome, allowing them to test the concept first
- Separate outbuildings simplify utilities — Keeping kitchen and bathroom in a separate structure makes the dome itself simpler to build and maintain
- Farm locations offer unique appeal — The working farm setting provides guests with an experience they can’t get at traditional accommodations
- Glamping can work around childcare — This business model allows Donna to earn income while being home with young children
- Budget outdoor features add value — An outdoor soaking tub provides a “hot tub experience” at a fraction of the cost
- Creative touches create memories — The fire pit featuring an old boat adds unique character that guests remember
- Riverside locations command premium interest — Water features significantly increase a property’s appeal for vacation rentals
Learn More
- River Belle Glamping Website
- Follow River Belle Glamping on Instagram
- Watch the Full Tour on Tiny Home Tours
Related Stories
- Nomadic Couple Build a Geodesic Dome in the Woods
- Silver Birch Resort Geodesic Dome Home
- Wildlife Sanctuary Geodesic Dome Vacation
You can share this using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks!
If you enjoyed this you’ll LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more!
You can also join our Small House Newsletter!
Also, try our Tiny Houses For Sale Newsletter! Thank you!
More Like This: Tiny Houses | Dome Homes | Vacations | Video Tours
See The Latest: Go Back Home to See Our Latest Tiny Houses
This post may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
Alex
Latest posts by Alex (see all)
- Custom Built 7×14 Cargo Trailer CAMPER Tour - May 20, 2026
- Living Full-Time in a Tesla Model X - May 20, 2026
- Tiny House Communities in Georgia: Where to Live Small in the Peach State - May 20, 2026