Kahutara PurePod, Kaikōura

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.

Driving into the Kahutara PurePod carpark is the start of your unique PurePod adventure as you ford small streams on your way to the secure carpark near the farmhouse. From the carpark, you walk down a grove of trees and across a farm track, in the ever present company of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range.

Native bush walk to your PurePod

As you enter the bush pathway on your way to the PurePod, you will encounter a grove of kanuka trees. In the summer, as the kanuka flowers, the ever present hum of pollinators hovers overhead. Your track branches off here as you enjoy the private journey to the Kahutara PurePod.

Kanuka is the endemic form of vegetation on this property as parts of the farm revert back to native bush. The tree is a crucial coloniser of land recovering from deforestation, acting as a nursery plant as other species begin to regrow. Over the past 20 years over 200 acres of this property have been allowed to revert to bush, protecting waterways and hillsides from potential erosion, as well as hosting one of the largest populations of the South Island Robin found anywhere in New Zealand. 

The walkway continues past wetlands featuring flax and rushes, the sound of the Kahutara River close by. Then, it’s a short climb up to your PurePod to complete the 10-15 minute walk (a total walking distance of around 900m).

On arrival the craggy foothills behind the PurePod will be the dominant first impression, closely followed – as you climb the steps and stand on the deck – by a feeling of awe looking north across the river to the Seaward Kaikōura range. Please note, this PurePod is not suitable for those with mobility challenges due to the walk and the steps up to the PurePod.

Private secluded setting

An added benefit of the Kahutara PurePod is your own “private” range of foothills bordering the opposite side of the river. While the river is a hundred metres away, down below, you will still hear it in the stillness and its sounds will lull you to sleep at night. The Kahutara PurePod sits on a cute little spur backing onto a large paddock. Nearby kanuka trees shelter the choir of birds you’ll hear from dawn to dusk.

It’s hard to know where to start the review of this place. I’ll start by saying: You have to go there and stay at least one night. It was definitely one of the highlights of our NZ trip. The PurePod we had was perfectly located out of reach of civilization. The pod was super clean and cosy, and had all the necessities to make our stay very comfortable. The pictures do not lie; it’s an absolutely amazing place. Gustaf & Diana, Sweden

Things to do

Behind the PurePod, steep sided hills stretching to 500 metres high invite you to explore the marked trails. Take an extra day to explore and grow to understand this rugged, vast landscape. Pack a picnic lunch, fill a bottle of the fresh tap water and spend a few hours of wandering over well-formed farm tracks to see magnificent views of from high above the PurePod.

Of course, if such exploration is not quite what you desire, feel free to stretch out on the deck or in the shade nearby and enjoy a complete absence of people, traffic – even your cellphone will have no signal. Comfortable deck chairs are provided, as is the most comfortable bed we can find.

PurePods Luxurious Facilities

The PurePod has all the facilities you require including a fabulous shower, flush toilet, crisp linen, cooking and eating equipment including a hob and barbeque, tea coffee and milk. There is also an assortment of games, local reference books, a telescope and a whole lot of nothing to do!

Thank you so much for the incredible hospitality, the gorgeous cabin, and the BILLION dollar views! What a wonderful stay and such a great choice for little Oren’s first ever holiday. Such great memories! Laura & Michael, New Zealand.

Dinner & Breakfast Package

You can either bring your own supplies, or pre­order a dinner and breakfast food package when you make your reservation. Made from fresh local ingredients the evening eating includes a scrumptious platter of a local cheese, pâté, relishes and crackers with seasonal fruit. Plus the chef’s selection of lamb, beef or chicken (ready for you to cook on either the cooktop or barbecue) accompanied with a fresh seasonal salad and gourmet potatoes and something delightfully sweet to finish. Breakfast is organic muesli with yoghurt, a berry compote and croissants with butter & jam. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.

While you can walk back out to stock up on supplies, you’ll find that the desire to stay put and relax is overwhelming (plus it is best not to walk the track in the dark). So please ensure you have enough food and drink to totally indulge the isolation.

To include the Dinner & Breakfast Package on your booking, select this option at the time of booking your PurePod stay.

Check in & out

Check in is from 3pm (but please make sure you arrive in plenty of time to walk to the PurePod before dark). Check out is by 12pm on the day of departure. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will receive instructions on how to find your secret slice of paradise.