Gentle in the native forest.

Like something straight off the pages of Vogue Living, Treetops Lodge near Rotorua is a deliciously luxurious escape in the middle of 2500 acres of native forest and game reserve, roughly 15 kilometres from Rotorua and a two hour drive south of Auckland. Loved as an eco-retreat, fishing lodge, golf retreat, honeymoon venue and family escape, Treetops Lodge is one of the best of its kind in New Zealand. The architecture is striking – a contemporary take on the old colonial design of the early settlers. Owner, John Sax, built his dream – ‘As a boy one of my greatest passions in life was to fish. I dreamt that one day I might be lucky enough to have a stream or build a pond on a property that carried those ever-challenging trout’.

Being close to Rotorua and Taupo gives many opportunities to explore. The region is an active geothermal area with some stunning hot pools, geysers and silica formations. Rotorua is also a key part of Maori tourism, which is well worth experiencing. There are also cooking classes, horse treks, hiking, golf, hunting, guided safaris and helicopter tours, and some stunning fishing.

The Accommodation

• 4 lodge rooms in the main lodge, with super-king bed, ensuite and a large shared kitchen

• 8 spacious villas spread around the garden, each with separate lounge and open fire, a super king bed and full bathroom with spa bath

• the Owners Retreat is a very luxurious, self-contained hideaway, with four ensuite guest rooms, a large lounge with open fire and a full kitchen / dining area

• the four lodge rooms can be booked for exclusive use as the Lodge Wing, including a large kitchen area

• Pheasant Cottage is a less formal accommodation, with four bedrooms, open plan living, a kitchen / dining area, open fire and deck area. It sleeps up to 8 people and the tariff covers accommodation and use of lodge activities only

The Main Lodge

• the main lodge sits on a terrace surrounded by verdant native forest. It is a quiet, gentle spot where sunlight filters through the trees on a sunny day

• the main lounge, or Great Room, opens out both sides to the outdoors, with large glass doors and windows. There's a feel of safari lodge here

• cuisine is a delicious blend of on-site and off-site ingredients. The lodge has a large organic vegetable garden, providing fresh veges, fruit and herbs

• and has its own bee hives for honey

• wilderness and native foods are also sourced locally

• each day guests are invited to share on a Signature Experience - these are complimentary and include a Maori food trail, a Wild Food Cooking School and an Estate to Plate Safari