Tried, Tested and Recommended

Treetops is situated within a large working estate of native bush complete with trout streams, roaming deer and a stunning waterfall. This hunting lodge-style hotel offers nature, adventure – then a full degustation dinner at the end of the day.

Location 9 / 10
Treetops is a fair distance from anywhere. A 25-minute drive from the centre of Rotorua, you arrive onto the Treetops Estate via a long, tree-lined driveway, through a locked iron gate and half a mile or so of winding roads hemmed in by thick native forest – it’s a beautiful introduction.

The lodge sits within a 2,500-acre estate which includes a working farm, hidden waterfalls, hunting and fishing opportunities and around 47 miles of trails through 800-year-old forests. There are no local amenities, but you won't be needing them.

Style and Character 8 / 10
Holding just 36 guests, the lodge is built in the style of an American-style hunting lodge with soaring ceilings, sturdy rimu timber doors and beams made from timber from the estate. There's a large open fireplace and the look is completed with plenty of antlers and mounted game heads. The estate is home to alpacas, water buffalo, wild turkeys, beehives, wild boar, and native birds. With deer roaming and trout swimming in its rivers, you might find either on your plate come dinner time.

Service and Facilities 9 / 10
Service during my stay at went above and beyond. Guests are invited to explore the property and make the lodge their home, making use of the reading rooms, libraries, games rooms and the full-size billiards table.

Families are warmly welcomed and invited to participate in lodge life, whether they want to feed the horses, visit the glow worms, or join the chef picking vegetables for dinner. Fussy eaters are easily catered for. From the freshly baked chocolate-loaded cookies that welcomed us, to the spaghetti carbonara whipped up to replace the degustation, our 10-year-old ate like a king.

There is a spa offering massages from off-site masseuses as well as a small gym, sauna and two outdoor hot tubs that sit amongst the trees. Bookable activities include hunting, fishing, archery and farm tours. Be sure to take the 45-minute walk to the picture-perfect Bridal Veil Falls, which is hidden in thick bush – and ask the kitchen to pack you a picnic.

Rooms 8 / 10
Rooms are both large and cosy. An open fireplace, stacked and ready for you to apply the match, adds to the traditional lodge feel, and each cottage has underfloor heating as well.

Beds are wide and extremely comfortable with not-too-firm mattresses and softer than soft linens. In-room beverages include a Nespresso machine plus local herbal teas, plus port, gin, wine and beer for purchase. A welcoming basket of fruit and snacks is complimentary and replenished each day. There is a small kitchenette with a hob, and the large bathrooms include a deep spa bath, huge vanity and a bidet.

The villas are a short drive back up the driveway, and come with their own golf cart for travel between room and main lodge. Be sure to pull the curtains in the morning – the sunrise view across the forested valley is an early morning treat.

Food and Drink 9 / 10
Food at Treetops is sourced as locally as you could hope for and the dinner menu changes daily depending on what staff hunt and gather from the estate, whether game, fish or vegetable, complemented by other ingredients from nearby suppliers. We enjoyed seared venison, sauteed brussel leaves and roasted vegetable soups, kumara crisps and pork belly bites during our stay. A top-notch wine list includes regional gems from around New Zealand and well-known international drops such as Château Margeaux and Château Lafite Rothschild.

At breakfast, a fresh and healthy buffet of fruit, chia puddings and breads, plus a cooked à la carte options including meat, bacon and eggs from the farm were served. Sausages are made from venison and pig fat from the estate, while the omelette was stuffed with goat’s cheese and herbs.

The kitchen is not open for lunch but rooms have basic cooking facilities, or for an extra cost you can order a platter or picnic for enjoying anywhere on the property.

Access for guests with disabilities?
Lodge rooms or the Owners Retreat are most suitable.

Family-Friendly?
Hugely. With hundreds of animals, after-dark glow worm discovery walks, fruit and homemade cookies available around the clock, and a kitchen that will happily swap out dishes and ingredients, children receive as warm a welcome as the adults.

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