Kahutara PurePod - luxurious glass eco-cabin in stunning & remote NZ location
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Overview
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
2 guests
1 night minimum
The Kahutara PurePod is perched high above the Kahutara River with vast views across to the mighty Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range. It is only 20 minutes inland from Kaikōura and 2.5 hours north of Christchurch.
PurePods are designed to ensure that you experience nature's show vividly, utilising all of your senses whilst remaining sheltered in luxury. The effect is incredible. The stress of life disappears, the wonder at nature’s power and subtlety reconnects us with ourselves – and our partners.
What is the experience like?
On a hot day you can pull back the sliding doors on all three glassed sides, turn up the shade on the ceiling blinds and indulge the privacy. If its cold you are totally insulated, the heating system is keeping you warm but you can see the rain or snow falling all ar...
House Rules
Pets not allowedNot suitable for childrenNo smoking
Not suitable for pets or children and strictly no smoking.
All PurePod guests must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (or have an official exemption issued by the Ministry of Health). While the PurePod experience is a low risk activity (as you are unlikely to meet any other humans once you leave the PurePod carpark and start the short walk to the PurePod), we do need to ensure our cleaning teams aren’t put at unnecessary risk. Thank you for your understanding.
Bedrooms
1 Super King
Bathrooms
1 Full bath
Contribute
Reviews (13)
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Kate N
Whitianga, New Zealand29 contributions
Rotten timing at Kahutara PurePo
Rotten timing for our two nights reserved at Kahutara PurePod. Knowing it is a working farm, the owners should have allowed a few nights without renters so they could separate the calves from their cow mothers, and not disturb guests. We had the misfortune of arriving to mooing cows, believing they were simply warning of our arrival. However, the mooing soon turned to LOUD wailing and continued until we left the next morning. We didn’t sleep a wink.
We understand timing of activities on a working farm is not always possible, after all, farm management depends upon nature quite a bit.
When we notified PurePod the next morning of our departure & reason, they weren’t able to offer us an alternative accommodation, we understand the nature of short notice. We pivoted.
PurePod refunded our second night’s stay, however not the food hamper, which they DID agree at first to refund. The went back on their word to refund the foods we left in the PurePod, untouched.
The ‘pod’ is beautiful! The farm land & mountain setting is gorgeous! The grazing sheep & cows add to the beauty (when they are not wailing all night).
We lost a night’s sleep which was not refunded nor did we receive an apology for, and half the food hamper costs (couple hundred bucks). We are continuing our travels in New Zealand until the end of May - PurePods could have offered an equivalent property to help with our good will.
Our favorite similar property is Drift Off Grid, in Franz Josef —- top notch ‘tent’ glamping!
Visited February 2024
Written 14 April 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nomad33853881124
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent stay at Kahutara PurePod. We apologise for the disturbance caused by our farming activities, we'll review our schedules to prevent similar issues in the future.
We're pleased to hear you enjoyed the PurePod and its surroundings.
We hope you continue to enjoy your travels in New Zealand and apologise again for the sleepless night, this is not the luxurious experience we strive for.
Written 21 April 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
whattosay
Wanaka, New Zealand141 contributions
Relaxing and scenic
We stayed for one night. The unit was in a lovely scenic spot, exactly as the pictures show. It was well laid out, very clean, a great bed (though we found the duvet a bit hot for much of the night, always tough to get it right at this time of year), and had everything we needed. The seclusion was lovely. We carried in our own food, with the unit being equipped with everything we needed to make dinner and breakfast. We were lucky with the weather - whilst it was too windy and cool to sit outside in the evening, the sky was clear over night so we got to stare at the stars from bed and spot the passing satellites. The morning dawned sunny so we set off up the hill behind the unit for a walk. Lots of young lambs about at this time of year and we had to be careful not to stress the stock out that were in our path. Great view from up the hill - a bit of a steep climb for first thing in the morning but it was worth it.
Great communication and clear directions to the site. Thank you.
Visited September 2021
Written 26 September 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nomad33853881124
Fantastic you were able to enjoy the stars from the bed! It's such a magical experience isn't it. Thanks for sharing your review.
Written 21 April 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fritzschi
Hausham, Germany19 contributions
Echt ungewöhnlich
Ein Haus aus Glas, echt ungewöhnlich. Sehr schön eingerichtet und ausgestattet. Die Aussicht auf die leicht schneebedeckte Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range ist wunderschön. Besonders beim Sonnenuntergang. Der Sternenhimmel ist gigantisch und es gelingen uns ein paar Bilder vom Kreuz des Südens. In der Nacht können wir den Sternhimmel vom Bett aus bewundern und auch der Himmel bei Sonnenaufgang ist wunderschön. Duschen mit Bergblick!!! Das hat man auch nicht jeden Tag.
Tolle Idee, diese Pure Pods.
Visited March 2019
Written 16 May 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
Thank you for taking the time to send your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay at Kahutara PurePod!
Written 19 May 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne S
Gladstone, Australia4 contributions
Spectacular views, location and experience
We had no idea what to expect but absolutely loved our overnight stay. Luckily we had clear sky's so sleeping under the stars was wonderful. The hosts supplied lots of food (we took our own wine). There was supplies for a cheese platter, which we enjoyed while watching the sun go down. We had steak for dinner (optional as you can choose Salmon or Chicken if preferred). There was a salad, potatoes, sweets for desert and condiments. Breakfast supplies were yoghurt, museli, berry compote, croissants, butter, jam, fruit. More than enough for two people.
It's about a 1km tramp (kiwi for trek) from the carpark at the farm to the remote purepod. The pod itself is quite small but quite sufficient for two people. There is hot water, a shower, toilet, fridge, small BBQ, hotplate, cutlery and a very comfortable bed. Even the floor is glass, and there is underfloor heating which we welcomed the next morning as it was quite cold in the morning. Waking up to the sunrise was awesome.
Visited April 2019
Written 10 April 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
That's so cool to hear how much you enjoyed your stay Joanne! It's a very special spot up there nestled amongst the majestic Kaikoura ranges. Thanks for taking the time to send us your thoughts.
Written 11 April 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cowgirlNZ
254 contributions
Stunning Setting - Stunning Place
Excellent weekend break away - so peaceful, you feel as if you're in the middle of nowhere and yet you are reasonably close to Kaikoura. Hearing the birds, and the river tumbling past just sets the tone for total relaxation. The booking was easy to make online and communication with directions etc very explicit. The Pod was extremely clean and in pristine condition (no mean feat with all that glass!) Completely recommend this for a weekend in nature. If you're lucky you'll get a clear sky.
Visited March 2019
Written 29 March 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
Thanks Samantha, so pleased to hear you really enjoyed your stay! Kahutara is so peaceful nestled there amongst the Kaikoura Seaward ranges.
Written 31 March 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marissa F
New York City, NY2 contributions
A must-do experience on the South Island!
We just returned from a 2-week trip to NZ and our stay at the Kahutara PurePod was easily one of the highlights of our trip. The cabin and amenities were lovely and we enjoyed the stunning views and the peaceful quiet... until the sheep woke us up - the best kind of alarm clock! Our only regret was that we only stayed one night and the clouds prevented us from seeing the stars that night. We didn't want to leave!
A special thank you to Tony for getting in his trailer to manage the water in the fords so we could leave safely after our stay.
I can't recommend the PurePod experience enough!
Visited October 2018
Written 14 November 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
So glad you to hear you enjoyed your PurePod stay - sounds like you had a lovely relaxing stay.
Written 19 November 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BettinaSoCal
San Diego, CA50 contributions
Our Life is Fritted Away By Detail...Simplify, Simplify (Thoreau)
Wow, simplified yet with unmatched elegance and luxury of experiencing nature purely.
A shout out to Tony and Angela for welcoming us on their beautiful farmland that hosts Kahutara PurePod. We enjoyed three incredibly relaxing days removed from the ever-present electronic “noise” of our professional lives. To leave Tony’s farm yearning for ‘just one more day’ is attest to his and Angela’s kind hospitality. Being strong believers of sourcing local knowledge for overall sustainability, we will rally for Tony from afar to continue his efforts on such!
A huge thanks to Ruth of PurePods for an unforgettable experience!!! What an ingenious concept in sustainability, luxury and functionality!
Visited April 2018
Written 13 May 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
Well that makes it all worthwhile! Sounds like you had a wonderful stay. Thank you so much for taking the time to place your feedback. We love guests that fully embrace and immerse themselves in the entire experience!
Written 15 May 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JBontourworld
North Brabant Province, The Netherlands38 contributions
Unique experience
A really unique experience, glamping in a house of glass on top of a hill. Stunning views. We had 2 rainy days which made the stay more challenging and unfortunately no stars at night. A pity was the sound of the power generator which made a noise frequently. Therefore the expected tranquility was a little difficult to achieve.
Visited February 2018
Written 1 March 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
Thanks for taking the time to send through your feedback. That is such a shame the weather didn't behave itself for you enough for you to glimpse the stars. Thanks for you comment on the generator noise - that is not normal so we will be looking into what is causing that. Our apologies for it detracting from an otherwise spectacular wee haven!
Written 2 March 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison W
16 contributions
Fully disconnect from stress and connect with an awesome NZ landscape in luxury.
Don't know where to start really - we arrived in dodgy weather and were escoretd to the start of the track up to the pod by the farm owner. Turns out we knew lots of people in common. The pod is incredible. The views outstanding, especially when you walk to the highest peak (about half and hour) behind the pod. The pod is really well equipped - they have thought of everything. If you are in to conservation like we are, you'll appreciate the what the pods about ... low/no impact, this is eco-tourism at its very best. These guys walk the talk. We were reated to seeing native skinks, butterflies, stick insects and birds on this enormous drystock farm, much of which is being allowed to revert to native bush by the sensitive owners. even with moody, cloud covered skies (no star-gazing through the glass roof), we were still in awe of the view and surroundings. Food was plentiful and really nice. We took a bottle of bubbles and sat on the deck listening to cicadas, birds and crickets. Can't recommed highly enough. Such a cool experience in such a cool area of NZ.
Visited February 2018
Written 12 February 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
Thank you for such lovely feedback! It sounds like you had a fabulous time. You're right, the walk up to the hill behind the PurePod is well worth it.
Written 13 February 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ScotTravller
31 contributions
Unique experience
We stayed 2 nights at the Kahutara purepod and it was a wonderful and unique experience.
Staying in a glass cottage might sound odd and daunting but it is very private (we only saw people at the farmhouse on the road in) and allowed a different perspective, especially going to sleep under the stars. After a while it becomes quite liberating. The pod also had everything needed for a comfortable stay - it is probably the ultimate glamping trip.
We were lucky with the weather so cooked on the BBQ and ate outdoors. The nights were clear so we could see the stars (although the moon was quite bright).
It is a 10-15 min walk through fields and woods so be prepared - we felt that it really added to the adventure of the whole experience.
Definitely worth trying if looking for something different.
Visited January 2018
Written 2 February 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Resort642712
Thank you so much for taking the time to send your feedback Russell, we are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and completely embraced the unique "PurePod" experience. Would love to host you again anytime!
Written 7 February 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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What this rental offers
Kitchen and dining
- Grill
- Refrigerator
- Kettle
Indoor amenities
- Central heating
Location info
- City getaway
Scenic views
- Mountain views
- Waterfront views
Outdoor amenities
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Deck
Parking
- Parking available
Nearby
- Countryside area
- Horse riding facilities
- Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
Bathroom and laundry
- Linens provided
- Towels provided
Things to do
- Fishing spots available
Map
Getting there
Christchurch Intl Airport
144.9 km
About the neighbourhood
The PurePod is designed as a place to relax and re-connect. It is purposely isolated but there are walks around the property to allow you to explore the natural setting. Kaikoura is 20 minutes drive away, where you can participate in a number of activities, from whale watching, swimming with the seals, kayaking or get some exercise on the spectacular 3 hour Kaikoura Peninsula walk.
Getting around
If you want to explore the wider Kaikoura region during your stay, it's best to bring your own vehicle.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
The Kahutara PurePod is 20 minutes inland from Kaikoura, and 2.5 hours drive north of the Christchurch International Airport.
The best option is to self-drive to our secluded and safe car park. You'll be sent directions after you book.
Alternatively, you could catch a bus into Kaikoura and book a ride with Kaikoura Shuttles to the PurePod carpark or we can provide you with contact details for a door-to-door transfer service from Christchurch Airport.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilities
About this property
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kahutara PurePod - luxurious glass eco-cabin in stunning & remote NZ location
- Kahutara PurePod - luxurious glass eco-cabin in stunning & remote NZ location is able to accommodate up to 2 guests. See all property details.
- Kahutara PurePod - luxurious glass eco-cabin in stunning & remote NZ location has one bathroom available. See all property details.
- Kahutara PurePod - luxurious glass eco-cabin in stunning & remote NZ location has one bedroom available. See all property details.
- Stays at Kahutara PurePod - luxurious glass eco-cabin in stunning & remote NZ location must last at least one night. See all property details.