A “food for the soul” experience serves up uninterrupted views, stunning New Zealand scenery and the opportunity to slow down. Delivered in a sustainable, stylish, and innovative glass cabin it is an experience like no other.
This is where immersion, seclusion and innovation intersect to magnify the senses and create connection and restoration we knowingly or otherwise yearn for.
This is the PurePods concept. A 100% Pure New Zealand experience in a network of glass eco-cabins located in remote and spectacular parts of the New Zealand landscape.
In an era when responsible travel is front of mind, PurePods stands as a beacon of eco-friendly accommodation.
Founded by Grant Ryan, the idea came from his childhood experiences of growing up on a Southland farm and being spellbound by remote New Zealand landscapes.
Grant felt more people needed to see and feel the wonders nature had to offer. It is more than just being in the area and staying in a hotel, tent or cabin.
It is about being surrounded by nature, nestled in comfort, immersed in the landscape, and not shutting it all out when you close the door.
We sat down with the PurePods team to hear more about the 5-star luxury off-grid experience, and got a little excited about Ruru, their latest offering in our very own Karangahake Gorge.
Photo credit: Felicity Jean - Ruru PurePod birds eye view
At PurePods, sustainability is at the core of everything we do and has been from day one.
From the design and construction of our unique glass cabins to the daily operations and beyond, we prioritise minimising our ecological footprint while maximising the guest experience.
Our PurePods are made for stargazing, and some of them are located in areas with a Bortle Class rating of 1.
The Bortle rating tells you how bright and amazing the night sky is at a certain spot. Level 1 means it's the best possible dark sky.
The lighting system we use in our PurePods is specifically planned to minimise light spill to maximise uninterrupted views of the star-studded night sky.
Photo credit: Felicity Jean - Ruru PurePod night sky
Conservation and reclamation of the natural environment is close to the heart of PurePods.
We partner with landowners who are committed to sustainability, and through the commercial returns from a PurePod they are able to expand their conservation activities through the extension of nature covenants and the reduction of stock grazing in sensitive areas.
Photo credit: Felicity Jean - Waitawheta River
Ruru PurePod is tucked among the serene beauty of forest, mountains, and farmland and offers an unforgettable escape into nature.
With sweeping views of Mt Karangahake, this secluded glass eco-cabin provides a sanctuary where the only sounds you’ll hear are the whispers of nature and the faint flow of the Waitawheta River below.
Photo credit: Felicity Jean - Ruru PurePod, morning light
As dusk settles into night, guests prepare for a nighttime show. The unspoiled night sky reveals a canvas of twinkling stars.
Accompanied by the gentle murmur of the river, you’ll feel a deep sense of peace.
At night you’ll hear the nocturnal calls of the Ruru (morepork), which inspired the name of the Ruru PurePod.
Photo credit: Felicity Jean - Special moments at dusk
Located just a 90-minute drive from Auckland and 10 minutes from Waihi, Ruru offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Each PurePod experience begins with an exploration guided by our detailed directions to the secure car park, a short nature walk (to Ruru it is 600m along a farm track), and then the PurePod is all yours.
Sit back and enjoy natures show!
Photo credit: Felicity Jean - Ruru PurePod
Must Do's for Visitors staying at the Karangahake Gorge Ruru PurePod:
Rail Trail Adventure:
Waihi Goldmine Tour:
Goldfields Railway:
Victoria Battery Museum and Tunnel:
Waikino Hotel:
Owharoa Falls:
Falls Retreat:
Windows Walk:
Bullswool Farm Heritage Park:
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