Five-star escape at Drift Off Grid

Drift Off Grid offers luxury eco glamping with expansive views across Golden Bay. Photo: Supplied.

Looking for a winter escape? The Bay has a new luxury eco glamping experience on offer.

Drift Off Grid is nestled in the northern end of the Pikikirunga Range, surrounded by native kānuka, with expansive views over Tata Beach and across to the Whakamarama Range.

The vision for the luxury accommodation is a “five-star experience set in nature”, says hosts Jana and Drew Houston. The experience is designed for “people looking to get away to celebrate something special, or just to take a break from life”.

Located on the family farm, Drew has spent the last two years building the access road, sites, and tents from the ground up, assisted by local tradesmen and builder Ruru Kraal and family. The tents are steel structures with canvas walls, with doubleglazed sliding doors stepping out onto wooden decking. Drew researched and designed the power supply, comprising 12 solar panels and a lithium battery, backed up by a generator.

On arrival, guests are provided with an electric buggy to explore the property, nearby Tata Beach, and to travel the short distance to their accommodation.

Guests can anticipate a private luxury tent (either the Kānuka or Korimako) sleeping two, orientated to enjoy afternoon sun and spectacular sunsets. Each tent is made cozy in winter with a log burner and underfloor heating in the bathroom. Cooling is provided by floor-to-ceiling fully zippered mesh windows, allowing a gentle breeze to permeate the dwelling. To relax, guests can lounge on the deck to take in the views, all to the soundtrack of native birdsong.

There are two outdoor baths for stargazing, and a firepit (complete with marshmallows ready to roast). Everything one might desire has been considered and included, such as a delicious breakfast, outdoor BBQ, bathrobes, slippers for guests to keep, and luxury French linen on the king-size bed. There are plenty of local touches too – with both tents boasting spectacular dried floral artwork by local florist Black Swan Botanicals.

After opening in mid-December 2022, the couple have enjoyed a busy summer, with guests being “blown away” by Golden Bay and their glamping experience. Jana and Drew say that guests love the “complete immersion in nature - waking up to the tūī and bellbirds. Our logo is inspired by the moreporks you can hear at night.”

To find out more, head to the website: https://driftoffgrid. com/ visit www.sudokuwiki.org

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