Tucked away in Tokoroa, New Zealand, Philip and Hilary have built a life that embodies self-sufficiency, creativity, and a connection to nature. We had the privilege of visiting their place to experience what off-grid living truly means to them and to get a real sense of their daily routine. From harnessing solar power with their GridFree system to cultivating their food and embracing projects like beekeeping and worm farming, their journey is a testament to what’s possible with determination and vision. We sat down with them to learn about their challenges, how they made it happen and get advice for others who dream of going off-grid.
Thinking of going off-grid? Don't overthink.
If there’s one piece of advice Phil and Hilary have after years of off-grid living, it’s this "Start now". During our interview, Phil fought back tears as he reflected on his journey. “If I could do this again, I would have started 20 years ago”, he admitted. But despite the challenges, he and Hilary have built a self-sufficient lifestyle—one they’re eager to show others is not only possible but incredibly rewarding.
Finding the perfect place.
Going back to when they started looking for a new patch of land, Phil and Hilary realized their small leased block in Putāruru wasn’t enough. They needed more space and more freedom. After searching for the right property, they found a block that spoke to them—one with character, potential, and endless possibilities.
Their decision to go off-grid.
For them, going off-grid wasn’t just about eliminating power bills—it was about freedom. They loved the idea of being independent of power companies, avoiding monthly bills, and never worrying about outages when the neighbors lost electricity. But beyond energy independence, they also wanted a deeper connection to nature and their animals, especially their beloved horses, which are now a daily part of their lives instead of being kept kilometers away. Being more self-sufficient was another key goal—growing their own vegetables and fruits, keeping bees for honey, and managing their own meat supply gave them more control over their food sources and a greater sense of security.
“The freedom to create a space that we love—that’s what off-grid living gives us...” says Hilary.
Beekeeping & Worm Farming.
Phil and Hilary aren’t just living off-grid; they’re thriving by embracing new skills. Hilary’s beekeeping journey started with a simple jar of honey from a friend. That one moment sparked a new passion, and today, she’s managing her own beehive, fascinated by the intricacies of the bees' world.
Meanwhile, Phil's worm farming project has become a game-changer for their land. By harnessing the power of worm tea, he's improved their soil quality dramatically. What began with just a few barrels has gradually expanded, and they can now produce thousands of liters of nutrient-rich worm tea to revitalize their farm's soil.
Building their forever home, one step at a time.
The next big step for them is to renovate and finish a relocated home they purchased not long ago and brought to their land.
It's a big project that will keep them busy for a while, and they are tackling the renovation of this four-bedroom house with patience, careful budgeting, and a can-do attitude. Every detail is carefully thought out, from positioning it to capturing the best views to maximising insulation and efficiency. Now with a Tui Solar Nest from GridFree installed, they have more than enough sun power that will sustain them completely off-grid.
“This whole solar experience has made us strong advocates for solar. We don’t see any other way of living,” Hilary shares. “We’ve got the right gear, the right job, the right house—it’s the perfect kit for us.”
Advice for aspiring off-gridders.
So what’s their advice for anyone dreaming of a self-sufficient lifestyle?
Just start.
Yes, there will be challenges. Yes, the budget will be tight at times. But Phil and Hilary emphasise that with smart planning and a willingness to learn, it’s all worth it.
Their story is living proof that with passion and the right mindset, off-grid living isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality waiting to be embraced.