Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground

Where the Southern Alps meet the Tasman Sea, there's a little piece of the West Coast you'll wish you could stay in forever. Welcome to Drifting Sands, the flagship beachfront retreat of Host’d. A little luxury, a little nostalgia, and a whole lot of West Coast soul.

Think barefoot beach walks, sunset dinners in your private beach studio and stargazing from the warmth of the spa. Beautiful interiors, thoughtful touches and the ocean as your soundtrack.

One Night Is Never Enough.

We're just an email or message away if you need any assistance during your stay. Our team stays busy managing multiple properties, so for the quickest response, please contact us through the reservation platform where you made your booking rather than calling by phone.

We're here to help make your stay just fabulous!

A little more about Host’d

Drifting Sands is where the Host’d story began. Our flagship beachfront retreat, and the heart of a boutique, design-led collection of thoughtfully curated stays on New Zealand's wild West Coast.

We have a soft spot for houses with character, beautiful old things, interiors that feel collected rather than decorated, and all those thoughtful little details that make somewhere feel like home. But more than anything, we love the West Coast.

The wild beaches, the mountains, the weather, the wonderfully creative people and that hard-to-explain feeling that stays with you long after you've left.
Host’d is our way of sharing a little of what we love about this extraordinary place. Beautiful homes, genuine hospitality and the freedom to enjoy the Coast in your own way. We hope you'll arrive feeling welcome, settle in like an old friend and leave with a few good stories, lovely memories and every intention of coming back.


Host’d.

One Night Is Never Enough.

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.

Make yourself at home. Drifting Sands is yours to enjoy.

Wander through the beachfront gardens, find a quiet little nook overlooking the ocean, or slip into your own private stargazing spa as the evening settles in. The sunset beach studio is a particular favourite. Morning coffee with the waves rolling in, a long dinner with your favourite people, or a glass of something lovely while the sky changes colour over the Tasman Sea.

There's convenient keyless entry and off-street parking too, so arriving and settling in couldn't be easier.

Drifting Sands is a home full of character, beautiful things and thoughtful little touches, sitting right on the edge of New Zealand's wild West Coast. Here, life has a lovely way of slowing down.

There's something about this place that makes you feel you've arrived somewhere rather special. Perhaps it's the ocean, just beyond the garden. Or the Southern Alps rising in the distance. Perhaps it's that wonderful feeling of being tucked away from the world, while Hokitika's little village, with its cafés, galleries and shops, is only a five-minute wander away.

Whatever it is, people tend to settle in rather quickly here. Inside, Drifting Sands has a personality all of its own. A delightful blend of luxury and nostalgia, with beautiful old things, thoughtfully layered interiors and those little touches that make a stay feel rather special.

Think hotel-quality mattresses, sumptuous linens, beautiful dinnerware and all the comforts of home, only a little more indulgent. Nothing too overly polished. Just a wonderfully welcoming home, full of character, where everything has been considered and you're encouraged to make yourself at home and settle in for a while.

The kitchen has everything you need for cooking and gathering. Slow breakfasts, a pot of coffee on the go, something delicious bubbling away for dinner. There's room to come together, and room to disappear with a book when the mood takes you.

Outside is where Drifting Sands really comes into its own. The beachfront garden is full of little places to sit, linger and watch the sea. Follow the path down to your private sunset studio, a rather lovely spot for morning coffee, afternoon drinks or a long dinner as the sky turns pink and gold.

And then there's the spa. Warm water, cool coastal air and the sound of the Tasman rolling onto the shore. On a clear night, the stars are extraordinary. The Milky Way stretches overhead, and suddenly there's nowhere else you particularly need to be.

Of course, the West Coast has a habit of tempting you out. Hokitika is just a short stroll away, with its galleries, cafés and wonderfully creative little corners. There's the magical Glow Worm Dell, miles of beach to wander, and beyond town, a landscape of ancient rainforest, blue rivers and mountains that never quite look the same twice.

We've gathered our favourite places, local secrets and little discoveries in the Host’d Guest Manual, so you can explore the Coast a little more like a local. Come with family. Bring your favourite people. Make it a long weekend, or stay long enough to forget what day it is.

Drifting Sands is a place for good company, windswept hair, unhurried mornings and evenings that seem to go on forever. And if you do absolutely nothing for an afternoon?

Well, that's rather the point. 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.



Bringing the whole gang?

If you're travelling with a larger group, The Upper Deck can also be added to your stay. A little more room for everyone, while still sharing the same beautiful beachfront setting.

airbnb.co.nz/h/driftingsandsupperdeck

Host’d also has a small collection of lovely West Coast stays. If you're bringing a crowd or planning a longer coastal adventure, we'd be delighted to help you find the right combination.



Four-legged friends welcome

We happen to think holidays are even better when the dog comes too! Well-behaved four-legged guests are very welcome at Drifting Sands. We simply ask that they keep the barking to a minimum, sleep in their own cosy beds and leave the furniture and lovely linens to the humans. Please remember to include your dog when booking, so our housekeeping team can allow a little extra time to have everything looking beautiful for the next guests.



Travelling with an electric vehicle?

You're welcome to charge your EV at Drifting Sands using your own charging cable. A longer cable is handy, as access to a suitable power point is generally from inside the house. There's also a public EV charging station at New World Hokitika, perfect for topping up while you're out exploring town.