Manakau PurePod

The highlights

• Indulge yourselves with a wonderfully comfortable queen-sized bed dressed with crisp linens, and a lovely hot shower.
• An excellent dinner and breakfast is available.
• Solar-powered, off-grid and Wi-Fi free, this pod is an environmentally friendly choice for a minimal carbon footprint.
• You’re just 20 minutes from the coast, with the Kaikoura region offering whale-watching, kayaking, swimming with seals and more.

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.
• There is a 900m (15 minute) walk to Manakau PurePod.

The detail

On New Zealand’s South Island, north of Christchurch, the Manakau PurePod is a place where what’s outside your room is even more important than what’s inside. You have glass walls on all sides so you can truly appreciate the incredible panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikoura mountains.

It doesn’t get much more private than the Manakau PurePod – you will need to walk for around 15 minutes from the farmhouse you arrive at, a sometimes steep but always rewarding climb. There’s nobody and nothing else around to interrupt the spectacular scenery. To the north is the mighty Mt Manakau and the often snow-covered Mount Fyffe. It won’t surprise you there’s no mobile coverage or Wi-Fi… but that’s the beauty of this place.

With an ethos of minimalist luxury and environmental sustainability, your pod is perfect for two. A super-comfy double bed is accompanied by a great shower and flush toilet, and you’ve got a hob and barbecue, plus very welcome essentials like tea, coffee and milk.

Deprived of technology (doesn’t that sound nice?), you have books, games and a telescope to entertain yourselves. But even doing absolutely nothing is a pleasure with a view like this. Comfortable deck chairs are provided so you can sit outside and soak up the experience.

Another great plus is the breakfast and dinner packages you can order from PurePods. Tasty, local ingredients and healthy treats like freshly made muesli and organic yoghurt will make sure you are well nourished before you head out exploring the surroundings, with vegetarian and gluten free alternatives to the evening meal choices.

Trails are marked to make your excursion to the PurePod easy – it’s best to complete it before dark. The vast landscapes seem to go on forever, and it will be hard to believe you’re only 20 minutes’ drive from the coastal town of Kaikoura, which has all the amenities you are likely to need. There’s a supermarket, several bars, restaurants and ice cream shops just moments away from the ocean.

Many will claim it, but your break at the Manakau PurePod will genuinely be unforgettable.

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