Ruru House | Off-Grid Escape near Medlands Beach
Ruru House is a private, solar-powered retreat on a north-facing hillside above Medlands Beach. It sleeps seven across three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with views over native bush, farmland and the valley beyond.
Inside, warm timber, a wood burner and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area make it easy to settle in. Outside, front and back decks catch the sun, with an outdoor bar window for evening drinks, a BBQ and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the beach.
The house has Starlink Wi-Fi, Samsung Smart TV, Sonos, a Nespresso machine, air fryer, washing machine and dryer. It is fully off-grid, with solar power, battery storage and generator backup. Comfortable, but properly away.
Medlands Beach is an eight-minute walk. Aotea Roast, Aotea Brewing and Good Neighbours Food are about five minutes away on Mason Road. Grab coffee, locally brewed beer and seasonal food without getting back in the car. Opening hours vary outside summer. Claris Airport and Tryphena Wharf are around 10 minutes by car.
After dark, step outside for an honest Dark Sky experience. The Milky Way is usually doing far more than your phone camera can manage, and the ruru that gave the house its name are regular night-time visitors.
Ruru is one of three private 175° East houses at Medlands, alongside Pītokuku House, which sleeps 10, and Tree House, which sleeps 8.