Ruru PurePod

The Verdict

A sublime getaway just 90 minutes from central Auckland, Ruru PurePod is The Room Of Requirement—the forest edit. A jaw-droppingly gorgeous setting for a romantic getaway,  a secluded retreat for reflection and self-care, and the tonic to a this-close-to-burnout sort of week, this PurePod is where it’s at. 

In first world problems incarnate, it’s pretty damn difficult to impress us these days but this striking eco-cabin and view of Mt Karanaghake actually did take our breath away (so much so we had to mute our first look video clips or risk subjecting viewers to a string of jubilant expletives).

The cabin is almost entirely glass—yes that includes the shower and no you won’t care at all. In fact, we might be ruined for all other showers from here on out. Let it be known there are blinds if you want them, but you won’t. 

On that note, be sure to arrive with plenty of daylight. Check-in is from 3pm and there’s a 600m walk across farmland to the PurePod (you’ll find gumboots and raincoats in a locker in the carpark if the weather gods require it) which will definitely be easier to navigate in daylight. Most importantly though, if you’re anything like us, once you’ve excitedly clocked every inch of the cabin you’ll want to pull up a lounger on the deck and just drink it all in, awestruck. A glass of bubbles is the perfect pairing for sunset. 

Then it’s time for dinner by starlight. The pod has a kitchenette and BBQ but it’s definitely worth tacking on the generously-portioned dinner and breakfast hamper package (think: a glorious cheeseboard, salad, mains, and some extra treats). Dietaries are well-catered too, just give them a heads up when booking. 

You’ll be starry-eyed several times over and not least due to the immaculate view of the night sky while you're lying in bed (which is advertised as an “ultra comfortable king” and they’re not wrong). 

Unlike other stays where you have to be up and out by 10am, checkout at Ruru is midday meaning you’ve got all the time to leisurely wake up and enjoy a delish breakfast of muesli and fresh fruit, delight in the sweeping views with a hot mug of Starbucks by Nespresso, and venture down into Karangahake Gorge or tackle a stretch of the Hauraki Rail Trail before returning for lunch and another top-tier shower before heading home. 

If this sounds like a bit of you, book here or drop your details here for your chance to win a PurePod escape for two with Starbucks by Nespresso.  

Words: Alice Rich | Main image credit: PurePod | Facebook. 

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