Treetops Activities - Self Guided Walks
In the heart of a forest in the middle of New Zealand's incomparable Volcanic Plateau, Treetops offers an unbeatable range of activities, both on the estate and further a field, to suit everyone's taste.
 Walk out the door, and into adventure! The forest is all around you and, within minutes, you can be at the start of the more than 40 km of trails that wind through the Treetops Estate. Follow one of the guided walks listed in this booklet, or plot your own course using the map. Visit towering stands of Rimu trees or the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, follow crystal-clear streams through leafy glades, or stand high on the valley rim, and take in the stunning view.
Wildlife abounds in the valley. Spot deer and buffalo in the lowlands, and unique native birds on the forested slopes. Your walk may last less than an hour, or most of the day. Various picnic options are available, ranging from Chef´s packed sandwich lunch through to an exclusive lunch for two at Bridal Veil Falls. Other popular picnic spots are Daydream and Kokako Heights. For the energetic, there is mountain biking. We have all the gear you need, including excellent mountain bikes, so why not take a packed lunch and make your way to the farthest corners of the estate?
OTHER TRAILS
Buffalo Run; lower end
The trail runs through the open valley floor, from the junction with the Pheasant Trail to the junction with Gobbler's Folly and Cabbage Tree Walk. The track is wide (4WD) throughout, with views over the swampy land of the central valley, and good opportunities to see wildlife. At the Gobbler's Folly (straight ahead through gate)/Cabbage Tree Walk (right) junction. You have the choice of taking either of these tracks, or turning left to continue over pasture to Dawn Rise.
Cabbage Tree Walk
This short trail runs along the base of a low ridge, with views over the cabbage tree filled wetlands of the valley floor. It is best approached from the junction with Gobbler's Folly and the Buffalo Run, since its junction with the Pheasant Trail is far from clear.
Dawn Rise Trail
This half-hour loop trail passes three of the four ponds on the property, and affords fine opportunities for viewing deer. Start by passing through the gate just beyond the farm buildings, on the right of the Pheasant Trail. The wide (4WD) track winds over the hill, then down to the Dawn Rise Lake. Sweeping round the far side, it then becomes less easily discerned as it makes its way back over the pasture, under a stand of mature pine trees, to rejoin the Pheasant Trail close to the Duck Inn. Return along this trail past Lake Reflection.
 Day Dream
There are two trailheads, one at the uphill side of the helipad on the lower access road, the other opposite the start of the Tawa Trail along the upper access road. Both are about 5 mins walk from the lodge. The wide, 4WD track leads upwards through rough grassland. At the first junction, turn left if approaching from the helipad, or go straight ahead if coming from Tawa Trail. At the next junction, turn right. The summit is reached after about 15 mins. There are tables and seating and fine views across the surrounding countryside.
Gobbler's Folly
This short trail runs along a ridge between the Pheasant Trail and the end of the Buffalo Run. There are views to either side over the valley. At the Buffalo Run end, you can return either via Cabbage Tree Walk (left) or via Buffalo Run straight ahead which will take you to the far end of the valley, right brings you to Dawn Rise.
Jurassic Park Trail
The trailhead is at the far side of a grassy clearing, set up for clay pigeon shooting, about 15 mins walk down the upper access road from the lodge. There is some space for parking. The trail drops steeply into a wooded valley, then turns left to run along the bank of a very picturesque stream. There is a viewing platform at a bend in the stream. The latter section of the trail has views over the neighbouring valley, before terminating behind Pheasant Cottage, close to the estate entrance. Returning to the road, and thence back to the clearing makes a round trip of about 15 mins.
Stag's Highway
The trail starts and finishes on the Buffalo Run. At either end it winds through quite attractive valleys, but the middle section, through forest at the foot of the valley escarpment, is muddy and steep in places, with few views to compensate you for your effort.
Tawa Trail
The trailhead is about 5 mins walk along the upper access road from the lodge. The wide trail drops steeply into the valley. Tawa is the dominant tree in the forest, and some impressive examples can be seen here. The trail rejoins the access road after 15 mins, where you have a choice of turning up the road to return to the lodge (15 mins) or continuing down to Jurassic Park Trail. (2 mins).
View our Guided Safari's here.
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