Atatu PurePod

The highlights

• Rather than bringing groceries, pre-order a food package to suit your needs, making use of seasonal local ingredients, and incorporating charcuterie, cheeses, local meat and homemade breakfast luxuries, with vegetarian and gluten free options available.
• A guaranteed break from the noise and light pollution of the city, with no public roads for 750 metres, uninterrupted views, and a truly solitary landscape all to yourself.
• Be as active or as sedentary as you please, with powerboating, mountain biking and swimming options, or simply spend your time gazing at the seas and forest with a glass of wine and a book.
• A truly immersive natural experience, without compromising on comfort or contemporary amenities.

You should know

• Breakfast and dinner packages need to be ordered in advance.
• Check-in is from 3pm and you need to make sure you arrive with enough time to reach the PurePod before dark.
• No smoking.
• Make sure you take your welcome guide instructions with you so you can find the PurePod location as these are tucked away for privacy. Using Google Maps is often unsuitable (as signal is limited) and you may travel on unmarked farm roads.
• Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for the nature walk to the PurePod.
• It is a 750m (10 minute) walk to Atatu PurePod.

The detail

Perched high above a patchwork of agricultural and wild land on the coast, Atatu PurePod is a comfortable and contemporary one bedroom space set in extraordinary scenery, and offering everything you need for a romantic trip into one of the most beautiful regions in New Zealand. Fitted out internally with high end amenities to keep you comfortable, well fed and entertained, Atatu PurePod is the ultimate getaway for individual travellers and couples looking to immerse themselves in beautiful scenery and unplug from the chaos and stress of contemporary urban life.

The pod itself sits on a knoll, with sheep farms below and around. Whichever direction you look out, you'll take in an extraordinary view, from rolling hills to snow capped mountains and the glittering blue horizon at the far reaches of the sea. While the pod itself is far removed from access roads and busy activity, guests will be pleased to learn that there's no compromise on the facilities. The bathroom contains an excellent high-pressure shower with endless hot water, as well as a fully plumbed toilet, while the kitchen boasts a gas hob, although many guests understandably choose to use the outdoor barbecue instead. The bed is ultra-comfortable, and made up with crisp linen. As far as entertainment goes, you'll find an eclectic selection of games in the pod, as well as reference books, and a telescope for taking in the stars, the landscape, and the bellbirds, fantails, riflemen and other unusual birds in the area.

Most guests relish the chance to take it easy, spending lazy mornings drinking coffee outside the pod, taking in the birdsong, the morning light, and the beautiful views all around. Days are spent wandering the land or checking out the coast, before a leisurely early barbecue with a few beers, and ending the evening sitting out watching the stars rise. That said, there are a number of more active pursuits for holidaymakers interested in exploring their surroundings more rigorously. The wineries in nearby Waipara are well worth touring, the fishing at Hurunui River mouth is excellent, and Motanu Beach is unmissable. Take a powerboat ride along the river, or rent a mountain bike and take the 8km loop tour round the farm. Another great activity is the private farm tour, a drive which incorporates local history, the stretches of beautiful coastline, and even a seal colony. This is the sort of holiday property where the space itself is the activity, and the tranquillity and beauty of the spot really has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Even a short break here is entirely restorative, and the views will stay with you forever.

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