Kaiaua to Thames
Thames to Paeroa
Paeroa to Waihi
Paeroa to Te Aroha
Te Aroha to Matamata

Rail Trail Tales With PurePods

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

 

Sustainability is key at PurePods. How do you embrace it?

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. 

 

How important is the surrounding natural environment?

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

 

Tell us about your locations and the significance of nature conservation.

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

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:

  • Follow the Ohinemuri River through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge, a deep canyon cut through the Kaimai Ranges.
  • The Trail is perfect for walking or biking and offers breathtaking views of the regenerating forest and diverse wildlife.

 

Waihi Goldmine Tour:

  • Experience modern-day gold mining up close with the Waihi Gold Mine Tours.
  • Visitors are shown every stage of the process, from ore extraction and crushing to final processing.
  • Enjoy interactive activities at the Waihi Gold Experience, such as rattling the drill and cranking the handles.

 

Goldfields Railway:

  • Ride the vintage train operated by Goldfields Historic Railway between Waihi and Waikino.
  • You can take your bike on the 30-minute journey and then refuel at the picturesque Waikino Station Café.
  • Relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Waikino Gorge.

 

Victoria Battery Museum and Tunnel:

  • Explore the historic gold mining relics and the 1km long railway tunnel in the Karangahake Gorge.
  • Visit the Victoria Battery and the Victoria Battery Tramway and Museum to see remains of a vast industrial area.
  • Take a tram tour, explore the relics of the old processing site, and tour the museum to learn about the site's history.

 

Waikino Hotel:

  • Enjoy delicious meals and friendly service at the Waikino Hotel, which offers well-appointed adjacent accommodations.
  • The hotel's publican, Wayne Chowles, is a gold-medal winner for his Eliza’s Claim Gold Gin, made from scratch with fourteen botanicals and a dusting of edible gold!
  • Stop by for a refreshing drink and experience Wayne’s award-winning gin.

 

Owharoa Falls:

  • Picnic and swim at the stunning Owharoa Falls, nestled in the heart of the Gorge.
  • If you're up for an adventure, explore the second lesser-known falls upstream, perfect for those willing to climb and get their feet wet.

 

Falls Retreat:

  • Dine at the award-winning Falls Retreat, located just opposite Owharoa Falls.
  • Enjoy a variety of dining experiences, boutique accommodations, and cooking workshops that promote cooking from scratch and eating seasonally.
  • Join their masterclasses to learn about their paddock-to-plate ethos.

 

Windows Walk:

  • Take the hour-long round trip starting from the Karangahake Gorge carpark area.
  • Observe relics of the gold extraction processes, from the tunnels where rock was extracted to the roasting pits and the huge stamper battery processing plant remnants.
  • Check the DOC website before you go to check for any closures.

 

Bullswool Farm Heritage Park:

  • A short drive from Paeroa or Waihi, this farm is home to rare breed farm animals, working farm museums, outdoor displays, and an award-winning Native Bird Reserve.
  • Explore the farm's diverse and interesting exhibits and enjoy a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Read more about the farm here.

 

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