Entire home

Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland quite unlike any other...

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Beach/ocean view
Exterior
3 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.4

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 680 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Explore the area

Map
Hokitika, Hokitika
  • Popular LocationHokitika Beach6 min walk
  • Popular LocationNational Kiwi Centre7 min walk
  • Popular LocationTe Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre10 min walk
  • AirportHokitika (HKK)2 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Hokitika

On the beach.Within a 10-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Hokitika Beach and National Kiwi Centre. The Gold Room and Hokitika Glass Studio are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Hokitika Beach - 6 min walk
  • National Kiwi Centre - 7 min walk
  • Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre - 10 min walk
  • Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve - 13 min walk
  • Sunset Point - 18 min walk

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 3 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cafe 39 - 9 min walk
  • Dulcie's Fish & Chips - 13 min walk
  • Fat Pipi Pizzas - 8 min walk
  • Porkys Takeways - 10 min walk
  • Kitchen Hokitika - 10 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland quite unlike any other...

With the majestic Southern Alps as your backdrop and the untamed beach on your doorstep, this retreat offers a unique blend of ocean to alps. Whether you're family, friends or adventure seekers, Drifting Sands is your home away from home.
An ideal central point for exploring the West Coast, the property is equipped with incredible beds, linens and dinnerware, a sunset beach studio and a large ozone spa pool for 6 so you can soak up and soak in the sunsets and milky way.
PET FRIENDLY:
Yes, we are absolutely dog friendly and understand the joy in travelling with your pooch. We welcome pets that are well behaved, quiet and sleep on their own beds and please not our furniture or linens.

We ask you to please make sure to note this on your reservation so we can account for extra time to deep cleanse the property upon check out.
We are just an email or message away if you require any assistance during your stay
Beachfront at its best. Some of the best sunsets in the world on your front lawn. Minutes from town and some amazing lakes within a 30min drive.
You will enjoy the awesome beach garden with stunning views of the ocean from the several wee nooks. Immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings and take a soak in the spa pool with the beach and waves just metres away.
With convenient access via a front door code and off-street parking, you can make yourself so at home you won't want to leave!

Book now and experience the fabulousness for yourself. One night is never enough…

If you need more space or have a larger groups please check out my other eight beach retreats or reach out to see how I may find you the perfect fit for your vacation.
Nestled on the beach and flanked by the grand Southern Alps, here you can experience both in such close proximity. Drifting Sands offers an authentic beachfront sanctuary offering an unrivalled 'home away from home' experience it is just a five minute walk from the charming town centre of Hokitika. We pride ourselves on hotel grade mattresses, superior quality pillows, duvets and linens ensuring a sumptuous and well rested sleep.

A delightful mix of luxury and nostalgia awaits you.

Dine at our new Revell St restaurant Thatcher & Small or prepare a beachfront banquet for your family and friends in our fully equipped kitchen. Relax in our cosy lounge or chill out in the private sunset beach garden studio with a good book listening to the roar of the crashing waves just metres away.

The sunset on our front lawn will take your breath away as it lights up the sky and slowly sets into the Tasman Sea. After dark stroll to the glow worm dell, light a bonfire or sink into our stargazing spa pool or bath tub under the milky way.

You will understand why one night is never enough. Leave fully rested, rejuvenated and fuelled for your onward adventures.

Your satisfaction is at the heart of our every offering and our digital guidebooks are designed to share all our favourite spots, tips and adventures for a bespoke tailored time to remember while visiting our cool little town.

This is Drifting Sands.
Drifting Sands is only 5 mins drive in a car or taxi from Hokitika airport.
From Christchurch - It is a 3.5 hour stunning drive over the Alps through Arthur"s Pass.
From Nelson - It is a 5 hour drive along an amazing coastal road.
From Queenstown - It is a 7 hour drive through ever changing scenery.

Property manager

Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Kitchen island
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Office
  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Up to 55 lbs per pet
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 861.1 sq ft (80 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Weight limit: 55 lbs per pet
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 12
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Drifting Sands Perfectly Positioned Beach House
DRIFTING SANDS Your own infinity beachfront garden
53e6fa13-bb30-48ea-874a-3b07f4f6aef2

Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland quite unlike any other... Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sue J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Drifting Sands
An amazing place full of original items and everything we could want. Right on the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Margaret R., McLean

Liked: Cleanliness
Eclectic Decorating
Drifting Sands has lovely access directly to the beach with views. Claire repurposes much in building materials and natural resources to create a unique space. The kitchen was well equipped. Claire is very available to answer questions or offer suggestions on what to see. She lives right upstairs so if home, she is there. The bathrooms are not en-suite and one is a bit away from the bedroom and lacks shelving. We had a delightful time and enjoyed it there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aaron S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Second stay. Same great experience.
This is a great property and Claire is a fantastic host. Our group has stayed here twice now and it will be our preferred accommodation next time. I would highly recommend this property when visiting Hokitika.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vicki C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay
Was easy and an amazing place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Peter M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing and peaceful
Hokitika is a great place to stay. This house has the advantage of being a easy walking distance to shops and having the beach on your back doorstep. Blessed to have perfect weather to enjoy sitting on the back lawn, eating at the dining table on the beach, gorgeous sunsets and beach walks.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Devon G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bursting with character!
This place is so special. An absolute gem! Claire was a perfect host. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hana L., Bay of Plenty NZ

Liked: Cleanliness
Hokitika Beach front at it’s best!
Wow, Drifting Sands is a hidden gem on the beach at Hokitika. Claire is an amazing, generous host who goes out of her way to make sure you have the most relaxing, enjoyable, comfortable time in Hokitika. She was so helpful recommending cool local adventures to go on (when we were rained in for a day). From when we arrived with the fresh, warm raisin bed with homemade preserves, to taking our friends to see their first ever glow worms just up the road, to recommending the best Sunday night muso session at the Woodstock hotel, comfortable beds, good kitchen and a cosy coal fire after a day’s biking, you have to experience it to believe it! The big brazier on the beach with the seating and long table meant we had a Wild West coast beach fire and enjoyed a divine sunset. The outdoor bath with a view another highlight, private with the sound of surf and nature, was pure outdoor bliss. I cannot recommend this place highly enough especially with Coco the puppy and Hunter the cat. The best West Coast hospitality you can ask for :-). Thank you Claire, Coco and Hunter for a perfect long weekend.

10/10 Excellent

Graeme R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach Retreat
Quirky artwork and attention to detail with a home away from home feel. The beach is right on the doorstep. You can wine and dine on the amazing outdoor table and snuggle up around the brazier after stargazing from the heated outside tub. An easy walk to cafes and restaurants and a short car ride to the magnificent Buller Gorge and Treetop Walk. We came away knowing we will definitely be back :-)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

6/10 Okay

Kay W.

Stay
Enjoyed our stay house wasn’t quite what I expected but we had a nice fire on the beach which was great
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Drifting Sands, Hokitika
Excellent location right on the beach and a short walk from town. The owner was very friendly and helpful and provided fresh bread and lemon honey as a welcome gift. We all enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020