Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know but if you have further questions be sure to reach out to us on email.
The drive to Kahutara PurePod is a scenic 2.5-hour, 190km journey from Christchurch along the stunning coastal highway. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and keep an eye out for wildlife like seals, seabirds, and dolphins.
On your walk to the PurePod, you’ll pass a grove of kanuka trees, buzzing with pollinators in summer. Kanuka is key to regenerating the native bush on this property, where 200 acres have reverted to nature, protecting waterways and hosting one of the largest populations of South Island Robins.
The path winds through wetlands with flax and rushes, and the sounds of the Kahutara River nearby. After a short climb, you’ll reach the PurePod, offering stunning views of the foothills and Seaward Kaikōura Range. The walk takes 10-15 minutes, covering about 900 metres.
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.
The Kaikōura region offers a wide array of exciting activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the Kahutara PurePod, you can easily explore Kaikōura’s famous whale watching tours, swim with dolphins, or take a kayaking adventure along the coastline, where you can spot seals lounging near the Seal Colony.
For those who love the outdoors, Kaikōura provides fantastic hiking and biking trails with stunning coastal and mountain views. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to experience the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust’s self-guided stargazing tour, or try the exhilarating Eco Zip adventure. Whether you’re exploring land or sea, Kaikōura is full of unforgettable experiences.
You can choose to bring your own supplies or pre-order a delicious breakfast and dinner hamper when you book your stay.
Our hamper is filled with fresh, locally-sourced produce from Kaikōura. Begin your evening with a selection of cured meats, a local cheese, fresh bread and crackers. For the main course, enjoy a chef’s choice of lamb, chicken or beef accompanied by a seasonal salad. Breakfast includes muesli with yoghurt, a berry compote and croissant with butter & jam.
We suggest bringing your favourite beverages to enjoy on the deck while you take in the stunning surroundings.
Your PurePod has everything you need for a perfect escape. Settle into the camp chairs on the deck or stretch out on the super comfy bed as nature takes centre stage.
All you need to know but if you have further questions be sure to reach out to us on email.
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). Please note, this PurePod is not suitable for those with mobility challenges due to the walk and the steps up to the PurePod.
To make your stroll as enjoyable as possible, we recommend bringing a small backpack to carry your essentials. Take your time, enjoy the fresh country air, and get ready for the serene escape that awaits at Kahutara PurePod.
Please ensure you have suitable walking shoes and a backpack or small carry bag is best. This track is not suitable for large suitcases or wheelie bags.
Each PurePod has a gas cooktop, a small fridge, and all the cookware, plates, and cutlery you need. You’re welcome to bring your own food, or you can pre-order a delicious locally sourced dinner and breakfast hamper.
Totally private! Each PurePod is carefully placed to ensure you’re completely private, with no unwanted interruptions! You can truly relax and immerse yourself in nature without worrying about being seen.
Absolutely! Each PurePod has a fully plumbed piping hot shower and a flush toilet. Everything is designed to be eco-friendly while still giving you a comfortable experience.
We love dogs, but unfortunately, PurePods are not pet-friendly and Kahutara PurePod is located on a working farm. This helps us protect stock and the surrounding wildlife and keep the experience pristine for future guests.
There are no standard 240V power plugs due to the off grid nature of the PurePod as these require a high level of power. However, if your device is USB chargeable there is one of these available on the control panel above the kitchen sink.
Yes! You can select dietary options when booking, or add details in the notes section if yours isn’t listed. Some special requests may have a small extra charge due to our remote locations. Please note that changes within 3 days are not possible.
Pack for comfort and adventure! Bring cosy layers, sturdy shoes, and a waterproof jacket. NZ weather can be unpredictable. Don’t forget any personal essentials, plus a good book, your knitting, painting supplies, or your favourite card games. And of course, bring your favourite beverage to sip while soaking in the views!
Not at all! The PurePod is designed with comfort in mind. The glass is double-glazed and insulated, and there’s both heating and ways to cool to keep the temperature just right, no matter the season.
There is limited mobile reception from the deck at Kahutara PurePod but it does depend on the weather and your cellular provider.
We understand you might need a specific date to celebrate a special occasion. If this date if booked out, please get in contact and we can put you on a waitlist or choose another location as we have a number nationwide.
There’s no reception—just pure freedom!
At time of booking you will be sent detailed instructions how you can discover and access your PurePod, you will need these.
Before your stay, we’ll email you to confirm your arrival time and vehicle details so the landowner knows when to expect you. That’s it—you’re all set!
Some locations benefit from a 4WD depending on the season, but if you don’t have one, we’ll provide alternative driving instructions. Most sites are accessible with an AWD, as the roads are gravel. If you are new to driving on gravel roads just take it slow and follow the wheel marks, avoid rapid acceleration.
No, sorry! PurePods are designed for two guests only. For safety reasons, we can’t allow a third person to stay, as it would block the exits.
Super easy! Just leave by 12pm, and our team will take care of the rest. No need to check out anywhere, just head off when you’re ready.
Yes, all rates listed on the PurePods website are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). You may see other currencies on other websites and booking platforms so it pays to check which currency they are referring to.
All changes including any dietary requests must be made 3 days before arrival.
Each PurePod has communication facilities for emergencies. Instructions are available in each PurePod to ensure you can explain your location. Each PurePod also has a personal location beacon for added safety.
Yes, all PurePods are on private property and it is safe to leave your larger luggage in your vehicle in the designated car park. Just take a small backpack with you.
We have an on-call phone to help you with any issues you may encounter during your stay which is manned 7am – 9pm.
If you have an emergency such as a medical event, fire or other natural disaster we have a personal locator beacon and a direct line to the emergency services.
Make sure you have the Welcome Guide you were emailed at time of booking, this contains all the driving directions, gate codes and lock codes you need, make sure you download it before you arrive as phone reception can be limited.
If you have booked through an agent and you have not received or welcome guide please email us or your agent of details before you arrive.
See Kaikōura on a 3.5 hour adventure with unique 4X4 drive across a working farm, to the exhilarating ziplines above native forest canopies with incredible 360º views to Kaikōura and beyond.
Kaikōura is renowned for its great fishing grounds, which anyone can enjoy by boat with a local fishing guide. Experience scuba diving the undersea world for some of the best reef diving in the country.