Accommodation Inspirations - Part 1 - Purepods

Purepods are a novel getaway experience that leave you feeling that you’ve been on a little adventure all of your own.

Finding the pod is part of the experience. I left the main road and ventured down an unsealed driveway that took me across a trio of fords that were deep enough to make the back tyres spin (please don’t let this put you off, part of the fun is navigating these easy crossings - the worst that can happen is you get your feet wet getting out to push!). Close to a farmhouse I had instructions to park the car and take my belongings with me for a twenty-minute walk through bush to my Purepod. Having read the instructions, I came prepared and had everything crammed into my backpack, clothes, food, of course wine, and a good book. I really wouldn’t recommend any large luggage items or roller cases as this is the bush in New Zealand and all you will do is create a great deal of amusement for any sheep or cows you encounter. The walk though is lovely, up through bush and with clear signage to follow. As you reach a higher patch of land you can look down over the wide braided river beneath. After a wee while, and for some uncertain moments, thinking you might have actually missed it, you turn a corner, and your pod appears like an illusion. Purepods are famous for being made largely out of glass so that they blend in with the landscape. Being off grid means they are eco-friendly, relying on solar power and rainwater.

Looking down across the braided river, we even spotted a couple of deer one evening

Approaching the pod from the front it looked amazing. The glass seems to reflect the gorgeous scenery rather than ruin it. The door slides open from the large, expansive deck (great for taking in all those views) to reveal a bed that you could just fall into and never climb out off. A small table and chair set (clear plastic - which wasn’t the comfiest I must confess) and a kitchen area with every possible tool you could think of to use. Behind the kitchen is the bathroom that bordered on luxury. The shower with its glass side, took in the views beyond. You could literally stand washing your hair whilst gazing out over the most awe-inspiring scenery, and no one could see, except a few sheep who were more shocked than me!! When darkness falls you pray for a clear night. With the glass roof and sides, gazing up from the bed into the abyss of stars and galaxies is a revelation to behold. Trust me there are more stars than you can ever imagine out there. There are blinds but please don’t be a fool, you are here for the stars and sunrise, don’t block it out. Waking up naturally at dawn to the sun rising across the countryside and the sound of the birds’ chorus is truly one of the best experiences. Grab a coffee and jump back under the covers to simply enjoy the moment.