Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
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Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
197 Revell Street Goofing.fantastic.solidifying, Hokitika 7810 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 2 guest houses in Hokitika
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Drifting Sands is a Beachfront Retreat located in Hokitika on the untamed West Coast of New Zealand. Nestled on the beach and flanked by the grand Southern Alps, here you can experience both in such close proximity. Offering an unrivalled ‘home away from home’ experience we are just a five minute walk from the town centre. We share all our favourite spots and tips for a bespoke tailored time while visiting our cool little town. We pride ourselves on our quality linens, hotel grade mattresses, pillows and real feather duvets ensuring a sumptuous and well rested sleep. Dine at one of our recommended restaurants or prepare a banquet for your family in our fully equipped kitchen. Relax by the fire in our cosy lounge or chill out in the private beach garden with a bonfire listening to the roar of the crashing waves just metres away. The sunset on our front lawn will take your breath away as it lights up the sky and says goodnight dropping slowly into the Tasman Sea. After dark stroll to the glow worm dell, light a bonfire on the beach or sink into our stargazing hot tub under the milky way. You will understand why just one night is not enough. Leave fully rested, rejuvenated and fuelled for your onward adventures. Your satisfaction is at the heart of our every offering… This is Drifting Sands.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Breakfast available
Beach
Bicycle rental
Indoor play area for children
Free airport transportation
Open-air bath
Street parking
Wifi
Game room
Board games / puzzles
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Laundry service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Fireplace
Kitchenette
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Budget
Location
197 Revell Street Goofing.fantastic.solidifying, Hokitika 7810 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 70 out of 100
70
23 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Claire has put a lot of work into the details of her home.
Whether it be the obvious custom floor shower and outdoor bath or the subtle Oars used as curtain holders or homely handmade breakfast. Staying here definitely a highlight of our trip Claire is a wonderful person to have a yarn to and meeting her puppy was an absolute delight!
Thank you Claire - that yoghurt really did have just the right amount of coconut
Below is a view of the sunset from the front lawn - absolutely stunning
Whether it be the obvious custom floor shower and outdoor bath or the subtle Oars used as curtain holders or homely handmade breakfast. Staying here definitely a highlight of our trip Claire is a wonderful person to have a yarn to and meeting her puppy was an absolute delight!
Thank you Claire - that yoghurt really did have just the right amount of coconut
Below is a view of the sunset from the front lawn - absolutely stunning
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Claire O'Connell, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 2 Nov 2020
Thank you so much for the awesome review Emma! Such a pleasure to host you and fabulous to hear you enjoyed all the creative touches and new suites - and of course the breakfast and yummy home made coconut yoghurt :) Best front lawn in the country and love to have you back again one day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a lovely B and B with well decorated interior, access to a full kitchen and designer bathroom. We had a very pleasant front bedroom and though not en suite , the shower room had amazing freatures. The highlight of our stay was breakfast out in the beach garden. Homemade goodies were served, ....jams , bread and muesli were all delicious. Wish we had stayed for more than 1 night!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Room Tip: Rooms are not en suite, but this didn’t put us off a lovely stay.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sugarhawke, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 8 Mar 2020
Thank you kindly for sharing your experience with us. Wonderful to hear you enjoyed one of our beach garden breakfasts and liked the many design elements that make up Drifting Sands. Safe travels and welcome back again one day for another fabulous sunset and breakfast on the beach.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
3 nights stay as part of a 50km per day West Coast Wilderness Experience, where any and every need and comfort is heard. Exceptional hosting, attention to detail, an aesthetic that takes Hokatika to the world and back again. Our rooms were luxurious from linen to design, the welcome heart felt. We felt that nothing was left wanting.
Thank you Clare for setting the stage for 3 perfect nights sleep.
Thank you Clare for setting the stage for 3 perfect nights sleep.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: 2 with the sounds of the sea on the shore
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Claire O'Connell, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 19 May 2021
Wonderful to meet you Jane and thank you so much for taking time to share the magic you all had on the cycle trail and staying in my wee wonderland. It was such a pleasure to host you, chat, share and learn from you. Thank you for enjoying all the fun nostalgia and luxuries, especially the linens and your amazing deep sleeps!! Happy Birthday Year - Can't wait to welcome you back down here again one day with the whole whanau.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Staying at Drifting Sands was the best stay during our whole trip in New Zealand. As soon as you walk in, it gives you a sense of coming home. The owner was incredibly friendly showing us the best activities to do in the area, as well as what features the place had. It was immaculately maintained and modern in style. It was so close to the beach you could hear the waves crashing. The next morning you are treated to the best home made breakfast. Highly recommend, and will return soon
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sugarhawke, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 29 Jan 2020
Thank you so much for the fabulous review and most of all enjoying our B&B just the way it has been designed to be enjoyed. All the little extra touches, help and tips of our fav secret spots and breakfast are a pleasure to share and great to set you up for an epic day ahead. Such a pleasure to host you and welcome back again :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simply a beautiful residence, tastefully decorated, with a great kitchen, sensational al fresco room, plus absolute beachfront.
We enjoyed sunset bonfires each night, alfresco dining in the cabana room, and the outside bathtub.
The beds were amazingly comfy, and just a short stroll into town
and credit to Claire for making such a magical place
We enjoyed sunset bonfires each night, alfresco dining in the cabana room, and the outside bathtub.
The beds were amazingly comfy, and just a short stroll into town
and credit to Claire for making such a magical place
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: The kitchen is great, so grab some supplies, cook up a storm and enjoy the sunset over the beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved our stay at Drifting Sands and are already looking forward to visiting again. Claire is a wonderful host with lots of local knowledge about the area.
The beds are all so comfortable with quality bedding and linen making for a brilliant nights sleep. The house is an eclectic mix put together very tastefully with an eye for detail.
Being right on the beach is amazing for sunset lovers.
Highly recommend Claire and her lovely home for a relaxing West coast holiday. Thank you Claire x
Look forward to visiting again.
The beds are all so comfortable with quality bedding and linen making for a brilliant nights sleep. The house is an eclectic mix put together very tastefully with an eye for detail.
Being right on the beach is amazing for sunset lovers.
Highly recommend Claire and her lovely home for a relaxing West coast holiday. Thank you Claire x
Look forward to visiting again.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Claire O'Connell, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 16 Feb 2022
Thank you for the incredible review Louise - it was such a pleasure to host you and the family and wonderful to see you enjoy the property in all the ways it was designed to be enjoyed along with all the finer touches - thank you so much for noticing and coming and supporting the little business' as mine in these times. I really look forward to welcoming you, Steve, Samantha and Edward back again one day for a west Coast beachfront retreat. :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a great time here!! Hokitika rocks! The house had so many cool touches, lots of retro nostalgia, in the most amazing setting. Loved the appointments through the house, great beds, awesome linen and stylish everywhere you look. We loved the 30 second walk to the beach, bonfires, the glow worm dell (magical) toasting marshmallows, sea caves, volleyball on the beach and not to mention the awesome local cafes!!
We can't want to come back for another West Coast adventure!
We can't want to come back for another West Coast adventure!
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Date of stay: January 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Claire O'Connell, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 16 Feb 2022
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of my wee wonderland and making the most of your stay - soaking up all the extra features and noticing all the finer details. It is such a pleasure to create and even more of a pleasure to share. Would love to welcome you back again one day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had two nights in the family room during our trip to Hokitika. The family room is seperate from the house and faces out onto the garden. The room was well decorated and clean, the beds were very comfortable. The B&B as a whole had a gorgeous aesthetic. The host has a fantastic knowledge of the surrounding area and local eateries and has also created a blog where she shares information about places she has visited across the south island for those heading further north or south from Hokitika during their trip. The garden leads right onto the beach and you can hear the sea from your room. I think it's important to know when booking this place that it is shared bathroom and kitchen facilities but this is also one of it's charms. It's a great opportunity to get to meet some other very interesting people from all over the world. The breakfast itself was pretty impressive, there was fresh fruit, homemade bread and spreads as well has homemade muesli with yoghurt and milk. Highlight though was getting to meet Hunter the cat who is a super friendly well mannered mog. In saying this though if you do have cat allergies it may not be the best place to stay but if you are cat lovers like us this is the place to be.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sugarhawke, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 27 Feb 2020
Awwww - thank you so much for sharing in detail all the things you loved most about our wee wonderland. It is a pleasure tp host and help you with your travels and adventures. Glad you loved everyones favourite room, listening tot he iceman nd Hunter and her charming manner. Great to hear you liked all the homemade treats for breakfast and all the little touches that make us, us - and wonderland a wonderland. Safe and awesome travels and we look forward to welcoming you back again one day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire makes sure that you enjoy this gorgeous home of hers . We had a room with a lovely view of the ocean and the kitchen was steps away from the room. There were two bathrooms shared by the rooms but it was not an issue. The kitchen was well stocked. It was drizzling when we visited so we didn't use the outdoor seating but the garden is quaint and lovely and overlooks the ocean. There is also a hammock to relax in.The piece de resistance of the stay was the hospitality and the home made breakfast that Claire provided and we hope that we get a chance to go back for a few days
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire has created a lovely comfortable and welcoming home. She also had great recommendations for what to do in the area and where to eat. We enjoyed a very relaxing stay in the beautifully decorated bedrooms and lounge room. Shared bathroom was very clean. The house backs right onto the beach which had a lovely area of tables and chairs and beanbags where you could watch the beautiful sunset over the beach! Breakfast was homemade muesli, yoghurt, breads and jams which were all absolutely delicious! Overall it was a lovely place to recharge and have a relaxing stay, would most definitely return!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sugarhawke, Owner at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Responded 29 Jan 2020
Thank you kindly for taking time to review your experience and share the favourite parts of your stay Sarah. It was awesome to host you and so glad you enjoyed all the little touches that we love to add to make it a real 'home away from home' - especially the beachfront sunsets from the private beach garden and our homemade breakfasts. Safe travels and we'd love to welcome you back one day :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Two bathrooms and two toilets 😀
"The kitchen is great, so grab some supplies, cook up a storm and enjoy the sunset over the beach"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$817 - $1,216 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionHokitika
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingDRIFTING SANDS BEACHFRONT RETREAT | Guesthouse Reviews & Price Comparison (Hokitika, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Wilderness Gallery (0.7 km), Glow Worm Dell (0.8 km), and Hokitika Beach (0.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, blackout curtains, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat?
Guests can enjoy breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Hokitika Sandwich Company, Fat Pipi Pizzas, and Stumpers Bar and Cafe.
Does Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Hokitika.