In the quiet hills of Waikato, nestled between trees and open skies, stands a small wooden home of just 18 square meters. Built by hand and powered by the sun, this tiny house is now home to Sarah and Ben — two former Auckland residents who chose to abandon city life for something radically different.
Burned Out in the City
A few years ago, Sarah and Ben were living in central Auckland, juggling busy jobs, rent, traffic, and the never-ending noise of urban life.
“We were constantly exhausted,” Sarah explains. “We earned decent money but spent most of it on rent and trying to escape our stress.”
The turning point came during lockdown. Forced to slow down, they began to question everything.
“We realized we didn’t need most of what we had,” Ben adds. “What we were really craving was space, peace, and freedom.”
So they sold most of their belongings, bought a trailer, and began building their tiny home from scratch.
A Simpler Life — Not Always Easier
Now, their electricity comes from solar panels, their water from a rain tank, and their toilet is compost-based. They grow vegetables, chop wood, and spend their evenings by the fire instead of stuck in traffic.
“It’s not glamorous,” says Sarah. “But it’s incredibly freeing.”
They no longer feel trapped by debt, overwhelmed by noise, or disconnected from their surroundings.
“We live with less — but we live so much more.”
Why More Kiwis Are Downsizing
Tiny house living is growing in popularity across New Zealand. With skyrocketing property prices and increased awareness around sustainability, more people are trading square footage for freedom and flexibility.
Top reasons Kiwis are making the switch:
- High housing costs in major cities
- Desire for a lower environmental impact
- Remote work opportunities
- Burnout from the urban lifestyle
- A return to meaningful, minimalist living
Tiny House vs. Traditional Home: The Comparison
| Feature | Tiny House (Rural) | Traditional Home (Auckland) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 – $600 NZD | $2,500 – $3,500 NZD |
| Utility bills | Very low | Moderate to high |
| Access to services | Limited | Easy and immediate |
| Mental stress | Low | Often high |
| Connection to nature | Constant | Occasional |
Not for Everyone — But Worth It for Some
Living in a tiny house comes with its own challenges: isolation, limited space, and self-sufficiency requirements.
“There are weeks when it rains non-stop, and you miss the convenience of city life,” Ben admits.
Still, the couple says they’ve never been happier. “We thought this would be a temporary experiment. Now, it’s become our permanent lifestyle.”
For Sarah and Ben, the trade-offs are clear — and entirely worth it.
In a world that moves too fast, maybe the ultimate luxury is simply learning how to slow down.
Great article, thank you.
Awesome!