Entire home

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

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

A sunset view over a beach with a patio area featuring a fire pit and seating.
Two people in a hot tub with a view of the ocean at sunset.
Enjoy a clear view of the ocean from your breakfast table.
Enjoy a soak in the hot tub surrounded by coastal plantings and lantern lights. A favourite spot at Drifting Sands.
Gather for meals, stories, or a glass of wine. This space is perfect for connecting over good food.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Barbecue
    A rare find - perfect for a relaxed, outdoor grilling experience.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Hokitika Beach

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Spa pool on site
  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Hokitika, West Coast
  • Place, Hokitika Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, National Kiwi Centre
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Hokitika (HKK)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (4 reviews)
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About the area

Hokitika

Located in Hokitika, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Glowworm Dell and Hokitika Beach, while Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre and Hokitika Museum are cultural highlights. National Kiwi Centre and The Gold Room are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in HokitikaOpens in a new window
Map
Hokitika, West Coast

What's nearby

  • Hokitika Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • National Kiwi Centre - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Hokitika Glass Studio - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Hokitika Museum - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hokitika Sandwich Company - West Coast - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Stumpers Bar & Reasturant - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Hokitika Townchip - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Cafe 39 - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Fat Pipi Pizza - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground?

As of 15 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground on 29 Nov 2026 start from NZ$1,749, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Drifting Sands... a beachfront wonderland, private, an untamed and magical playground located?

Nestled on the beach, this Hokitika holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Hokitika Beach, National Kiwi Centre and The Gold Room. Hokitika Glass Studio and Westland Greenstone Ltd are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you are wondering whether to book this property, stop wondering and just book it! This property is a gem, and our only regret is not spending longer here. The pictures don’t do it justice, and the hosts are quick to respond to questions, even offering the name of the person at the local liquor store who can help select wine. This property is lovely and in our top stays!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay in Hokitika

We had a great stay at Drifting Sands over New Year’s. It was the perfect place for a group of 12 people across 3 generations to ring in the New Year. Truly felt like the NZ Bach experience, and with excellent comforts!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Wonderful Bogdan, So glad you enjoyed the property just as it was designed to be enjoyed. Happy 2020 and welcome back should you every wish to spend time on our gorgeous coast again :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beauty by the sea

Excellent home, right on the beach .. Big comfy beds and great amenities.. Thank you so much for the home cooked breakfast Clair, we weren't expecting that !
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Feb 2022
Wonderful to have you and the family and the puppy come and stay Peter. Thank you for the glowing review and we look forward to welcoming you back again one day.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2021
Thank you so much for coming to stay! So glad you had and awesome stay and can't wait to welcome you back again one day!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Drifting Sands

An amazing place full of original items and everything we could want. Right on the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Amazing house with a lot of love for the detail and an amazing view

Amazing house with a lot of love for the detail and an amazing view! Definitely worth every penny! The sunset in front of a private bondfire and whirlpool was amazing. (only downside: no heating available - during the night it got a bit cold...; electric heaters would have been nice :) )
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay

Was easy and an amazing place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Apr 2021
Thank you so much for the wonderful review - it was an absolute pleasure to host you all and I can't wait to welcome you back one day. Thank you for enjoying Drifting Sands just the way it was designed to be enjoyed.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Communication, location

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Nov 2020
Thank you so much for the awesome review. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you all and host you in my wee wonderland. So glad you enjoyed the treats and look forward to welcoming you back one day :)
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One night stay

We really enjoyed our family stay at Drifting Sands. Claire was amazing She’s very warm, bubbly and friendly nothing was a problem. The property was very tidy and situated in an ideal spot close to town and right on the beach front. The homemade fruit bread was a nice bonus to wake up to in the morning!! Will be back 😊
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Nov 2020
Thank you kindly for the awesome review Kris. It was fabulous to host you and the family and look forward to welcoming you all back again one day :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Place

Great property and a very welcoming host, will definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2020
Thanks Dave, it was awesome to host you all at Drifting Sands. Thanks for taking time to share a great review and I look forward to the welcoming you all again next time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls weekend away

We had a blast the place was awesome and Claire was so welcoming and friendly we would definitely recommend and stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Backs onto beach and plenty to do in Hokitika

Backs onto beach and plenty to do in Hokitika
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely waterfront residence

We only spent one night but thoroughly enjoyed this funky spot.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wild West gem

A classic kiwi home with a tonne of character .
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Family time

Drifting Sands was an excellent opportunity for my family to spend quality time together. The owner Claire was very welcoming and provided good knowledge of Hokitika and family activities The accommodation was well equipped and spacious The beach was easy to access and provided opportunity for the children to run off some energy as well as a place for the adults to relax in such a beautiful space. Hokitika had plenty to offer for families such as eel feeding and live kiwi at the National Kiwi Centre, swing bridge at Hokitika Gorge, the Treetop Walk, a Glow worm dell, plus gold mining areas to explore.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Loved the welcome of freshly baked bread and spreads

Loved the welcome of freshly baked bread and spreads. Rooms and beds were very cosy and comfortable and the cottage has a lot of character. Our members enjoyed the hot tub outside, access to the beach and the lovely friendly cat.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic location right beside the beach.

Fantastic location right beside the beach. wonderful to walk through the back yard to have peaceful walks gathering stones and driftwood. The house is spacious and everything is there for your comfort. It is an easy walk to town or supermarket.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

The property was out of this world.

The property was out of this world. Totally gorgeous and comfortable for 3 generations of our family. A real highlight of our South Island adventure
Archival

8/10 Good

The house as a very unique and.

The house as a very unique and. cosy atmosphere, there are signs of TLC all over the place, be it decoration, shelves or dishes. And best if all are the beds: they are soooo comfy, it was almost hard to fet up in the morning :-) Thanks Claire fir creating such a lovely place. We like ve coming back and enjoying your house again!
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