Butler's Quarters, Hawke's Bay: Off-grid bliss in the middle of nowhere

There is a part of New Zealand few people have fully explored. It's a magical piece of the country between Napier and Dannevirke that's home to rolling hills, lush green pastures and charming small towns.

I'm talking about the Central Hawke’s Bay and the area around a settlement called Pōrangahau, a small coastal village.

From here, you can head about six kilometres southwest, and you’ll find the in the world: Taumata­whakatangihanga­koauau­o­tamatea­turi­pukaka­piki­maunga­horo­nuku­pokai­whenua­ki­tana­tahu.

Just a few kilometres further is one of the country's newest off-grid escapes.

It's proudly in the middle of nowhere – because it's a place where you can indulge in the rarest of luxuries: doing nothing at all.

Andrew and Merys Butler moved from Wales to New Zealand with a dream: to live in the countryside.

They eventually found paradise in the form of a 316-hectare rolling valley that is now home to their family farm.

The property has been farmed for more than 100 years, with one of the oldest buildings being a shearing shed that dated back to the early 1900s.

The Butlers hatched a plan to relocate the old shed to a stunning elevated part of the farm, where they would renovate and extend it – before opening for guests in late 2022.

The year-long renovation has resulted in an off-grid cabin that doesn't sacrifice luxury.

One of the common drawbacks with remote cabins is the lack of space to unwind – you often spend the day reading on the bed. Then sleeping on the bed, leading to a bit of cabin fever. This place has been designed exceptionally well, so you don’t suffer from that problem.

You have an outdoor lounge for relaxing, including a hanging egg chair. There’s also an outdoor bath that’s one of the best places to be during sunset.

Inside, there’s another lounge – where you can enjoy the view no matter the weather. There's also a fire to keep you warm in the colder months.

This cabin has a flushing toilet, full bathroom and kitchen, including fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle. It’s a pretty impressive setup considering the cabin is solar-powered. But it uses the latest technology, thanks to Andrew being an electrician.

With a full kitchen and barbecue, it's easy to prepare a meal - you'll also find a few basics in the pantry, such as oil and salt and pepper.

We tried the fish and chips down at Pōrangahau, which were cheap and tasty - and there's also a pub there too.

If you want to explore the area, ask your hosts if a farm walk is possible – it will depend on farm conditions and stock. The top of the farm has exceptional views around the hinterland.

Pōrangahau Beach is a short drive away, and on a sunny day is perfect for swims, walks and even fishing. The village also has a nine-hole golf course.

If the weather is stormy, the cabin is a great place to hunker down with a fire, board games, cards, and books to enjoy.

The perfect off-grid escape if your main priority is relaxation.

The location doesn't have cellphone reception, which is refreshingly rare - and gives you no choice but to switch off. The outdoor bath is also a blissful place to unwind.

I couldn't fault it.

The Butler's Quarters is a one-hour 30-minute drive from Napier or around four hours' drive from Wellington. Air New Zealand has flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to Napier, with connections across the domestic network. See:

In winter, a 4WD is recommended to access the cabin along the one-kilometre farm track. However, if you are in a 2WD car, the hosts are very happy to run you up in their 4WD free of charge.

A night at Butler's Quarters starts from $300. A minimum two-night stay applies.