Across Aotearoa, something is shifting.
More people are questioning the pace of modern life - the rising bills, the constant noise, the sense of disconnection. And quietly, deliberately, many are choosing a different path: off-grid living.
From rugged coastlines to rural farmland, converted sheds to tiny homes, families across New Zealand are redefining what it means to live well. Not by having more - but by needing less.
This is not a trend.
It’s a return.
What Does Off-Grid Living Really Mean?
Off-grid living isn’t about escaping society or rejecting comfort. It’s about choice.
It means generating your own power, collecting your own water, growing your own food - and living within the resources you have. It’s about independence, resilience, and connection: to the land, to your whānau, and to yourself.
“It’s not perfect. It’s not always easy. But the payoff is immeasurable.”
Raglan: A Father & Son Living Simply
In Raglan, Pete and his son Ben live in a converted shearing shed overlooking sweeping ocean views.
When Pete first arrived over 35 years ago, there was no power, no services, no infrastructure. Most people didn’t want the land.
Pete did.
Working the farm, tending sheep and cattle, heating their home with a wood range, and eventually installing solar, Pete built a life based on independence.
“You’re in control. No one else has anything to do with it. That’s a wonderful thing.”
For Ben, growing up off-grid means freedom - roaming paddocks, learning practical skills, hunting, fixing fences, and living close to the land.
Their home is simple, open-plan, and warm - proof that off-grid living doesn’t mean going without, it means choosing differently.
Tokomaru Bay: Raising Whānau on the Whenua
For Kayla and Paula, off-grid living was always the dream.
Returning to the whenua in Tokomaru Bay, they chose a life centred on whakapapa, self-sufficiency, and raising grounded children. Their tamariki grow food from seed, harvest kai, tend fruit trees, and learn lessons far beyond any classroom.
“If we weren’t around, we know our kids could feed themselves.”
They don’t pay power bills. They don’t buy vegetables or meat. Their costs are lower, but their lives are richer - with more time, more presence, and more connection as a family of six.
“Off-grid living to us means freedom.”
Tutukaka Coast: Building Before Baby Arrives
Josh and Jo built their off-grid home just in time for the arrival of their second child - through cyclones, long nights, and intense pressure.
With no power, no water, and a tight deadline, they worked around the clock to make their home safe and warm. Solar power became the turning point - providing certainty, comfort, and security for their growing family.
“No matter what happens, I know we’ll have power, water, and food.”
Off-grid living allowed Jo to become a stay-at-home mum, raising their children with intention, safety, and freedom - no traffic, no stress, no rush.
“I wish I’d had an upbringing like this.”
Te Mata, Near Raglan: Surviving Became Thriving
For Marcia and Jason, off-grid living wasn’t a lifestyle experiment - it was survival.
After losing their rental, they faced an impossible choice: another mortgage just to connect to the grid, or build something simpler. They chose off-grid.
Starting with a relocated Sunday school building, no power, no water, and a long drop toilet, they learned quickly how little they truly needed.
“You realise you don’t need as much as you think.”
Now, years later, off-grid living has given them financial freedom, clarity, and time — to think, to grow, and to be present with each other.
“The world slows down. And that’s a good thing.”
Ruatoria: Long-Term Resilience
Tom Dewes has lived off-grid in Ruatoria for over 20 years.
For Tom and his whānau, off-grid living is about tikanga, kaitiakitanga, and looking after people and land.
“Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au.”
Solar power gives Tom’s family security - especially during storms and floods. It means warmth, communication, and safety when it matters most.
“Off-grid living means security for our family.”
His advice is simple:
“Just give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose.”
Why More New Zealanders Are Choosing Off-Grid Living
Across every story, the same themes emerge:
- Freedom from power bills
- Lower living costs
- More time with whānau
- Stronger connection to whenua
- Greater resilience in emergencies
- Living intentionally, not reactively
Off-grid living humbles you. It retrains how you use resources. It strips life back to what actually matters.
“We’ve drifted so far that living off-grid might actually be closer to our natural state.”
Is Off-Grid Living in New Zealand Possible?
Yes. And these stories prove it.
It takes work. It takes patience. It doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right information, systems, and support, off-grid living is not only achievable - it’s deeply rewarding.
How GridFree Supports Your Off-Grid Journey
At GridFree, we exist to make off-grid living in New Zealand practical, accessible, and achievable.
Whether you’re:
- Dreaming about going off-grid
- Building a tiny home or cabin
- Living rurally or remotely
- Wanting energy security for your whānau
We provide:
- Proven off-grid solar systems
- Real customer stories from across Aotearoa
- Educational resources to help you plan with confidence
Off-grid living isn’t about going backwards.
It’s about moving forward - lighter, freer, and more connected.
If these stories resonate, your journey might already be calling.
When the time feels right, explore our complete off-grid Solar Packages, and feel free to get in touch anytime.