The Treetops Story

The Treetops Story, "the story of a dream that didn't die"
by John Sax

As a boy one of my greatest passions in life was to fish. I dreamt that one day I might even be lucky enough to have a stream or build a pond on a property that carried those ever challenging trout. I dreamt that one-day, just maybe, I could turn the clock back and restore some of those magnificent trees and habitat that was not only my playground, but the playground of native and game birds alike.

This is a story about a dream that didn't die. Some 30 years later Treetops was born. It was a place with all the right ingredients to fulfill that dream. There was a virgin native forest with 800 year old giants that would humble even the very greatest.

Then there were the 7 crystal clear spring fed streams cascading and tinkling through the forest to the valley below. There was a valley floor that man cleared in yesteryear and had regenerated and degenerated into Titree and gorse. Then there was the towering bluffs that had formed from fissures in the earth's crust, millions of years ago, to create a perfect and sheltered amphitheatre. As the clouds skipped across the treetops above, a feather would fall to the ground.... It was just perfect.

For 10 years we toiled, with planning and planting of habitat, building ponds for the trout, controlling predators and now it was time. Time to build a lodge.

Now this was not to be just any ordinary lodge. With my love of God's creation and nature, it was my dream that perhaps we could build a sanctuary. A place that reflected the very best of what New Zealand had to offer-where all could come and appreciate the beauty of nature, be refreshed and depart a little brighter for the experience.

The real delight to me is not that you have discovered Treetops, but to discover yourself. It is my hope that God's creation, may be what really inspires you, that encourages you to reflect on the things that are truly important, family, friends, community and what it brings us life's real joy and satisfaction.

By visiting Treetops, you have shared in a dream - and depart rejuvenated and refreshed. It is my hope when you leave this place in the hills and return to the valleys below, that life's journey may be a little brighter from your experience. And just perhaps, the grand children and animals of tomorrow may be able to climb the trees again.

One of the greatest attributes of mankind is to dream - I had a dream - thanks for coming and sharing it with me.

”Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”
WB Yeats