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A Luxury Wilderness Retreat in the Heart of New Zealand
Treetops Lodge & Estate is located in the central North Island of New Zealand, set across 2,500 acres of protected native forest, rolling hills, and private farmland. The estate lies just 20 minutes from Rotorua and approximately 50 minutes from Taupō, placing guests in one of the country’s most diverse and spectacular natural regions. Treetops Lodge & Estate in Rotorua is accessible from Auckland by a 3-hour drive (approx. 240km south) or a 45-minute flight to Rotorua Airport (ROT), followed by a 25-minute drive. Private transfers are available, and the route is well-serviced by rental cars and scenic driving routes.
The nearby city of Rotorua is internationally known for its remarkable geothermal landscape. Visitors encounter steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, mineral hot springs, and dramatic volcanic scenery created by powerful underground geothermal activity. Rotorua is also one of the cultural heartlands of the indigenous Māori people. Guests can experience traditional performances, storytelling, and authentic cuisine while learning about the history, traditions, and spiritual connection Māori communities have with the land. The region is equally renowned for its outdoor adventures, including mountain biking through world-class forest trails, ziplining through ancient trees, white-water rafting, and scenic helicopter flights across geothermal valleys and volcanic landscapes.
Just under an hour from the estate lies Taupō, located on the shores of the spectacular Lake Taupō. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, the lake is now the centre of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful outdoor destinations.Taupō is famous for world-class trout fishing, scenic hiking trails, mountain biking routes, skydiving over the lake, and breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic plateau. The region offers year-round opportunities to explore pristine rivers, alpine landscapes, and dramatic waterfalls.
Within the estate itself, guests can explore more than 2,500 acres of wilderness and farmland through a range of guided and self-guided experiences. Activities include guided nature walks through native forest, horseback riding across rolling hills, trout fishing in pristine streams, and 4WD adventures to remote areas of the property. For those seeking a uniquely New Zealand experience, the estate also offers world-class trophy hunting in carefully managed wilderness areas, alongside wildlife viewing opportunities that highlight the region’s diverse ecosystems.
Guests wishing to explore more of the central North Island can combine their stay at Treetops Lodge & Estate with time at Kinloch Manor & Villas, located just outside Taupō and overlooking Lake Taupō. Together, these two exceptional properties allow visitors to experience the best of the region: geothermal landscapes, ancient forests, pristine rivers, world-class trout fishing, outdoor adventure, and refined luxury accommodation in some of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural settings.
The Vision of John Sax: Creating a Private Wilderness Sanctuary
From a young age, John Sax dreamed of creating a private wilderness sanctuary. Growing up on a Bay of Plenty farm, he saw forests cleared and wetlands drained for farmland, and as a nine-year-old, imagined that it didn’t have to be this way. Known for his determination, John devoted his life to turning that vision into reality.
In 1986, he began acquiring land near Rotorua, initiating a restoration journey: replanting native trees, establishing wetlands, and protecting wildlife habitats, gradually forming the sanctuary that would become Treetops Lodge & Estate. Hidden treasures like Bridal Veil Falls were discovered along the way, cascading from the escarpment into pristine rainforest.
By 2001, Treetops opened as one of the only New Zealand-conceived, designed, and owned luxury eco-lodges, combining intimate luxury, conservation, and immersive wilderness experiences. John’s philosophy was clear: create a place where guests could walk humbly among 800-year-old giants, explore untouched forest, and connect deeply with New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.Since opening, Treetops has received numerous international accolades, including recognition as one of the top luxury lodges in New Zealand, while remaining true to its core principle: luxury without compromising the environment.
Treetops blends intimate luxury, 2,500 acres of ancient forest, curated wildlife encounters, Estate-to-Plate gastronomy, self-guided hiking, fly fishing, helifishing, 4WD safaris, helicopter tours, golf, Rotorua excursions, Forest Spa wellness, cultural immersion, family adventures, corporate retreats, and award-winning sustainability.This combination of luxury, adventure, culinary mastery, cultural, family, and ecological stewardship positions Treetops as a world-class destination retreat unmatched in New Zealand.
Treetops’ lodge, suites, and 13 private villas immerse guests in nature using native timber felled that was milled on-site. Architectural highlights include high insulation, double-glazing, energy-efficient heat recovery ,site-sensitive placement preserving ecological and archaeological features, and integration of timber, stone, and natural materials reflecting the landscape. Each villa offers private terraces, fireplaces, and direct access to trails, lakes, and streams, providing secluded wilderness immersion.
Treetops Lodge & Estate sits on 2,500 acres of native forest, rolling hills, and private farmland, just 20 minutes from Rotorua and 50 minutes from Taupō in New Zealand’s central North Island. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal wonders, bubbling mud pools, geysers, Māori cultural experiences, and adventure activities, while Taupō features New Zealand’s largest lake, world-class trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, skydiving, and stunning volcanic landscapes. On the estate, guests can enjoy trophy hunting, guided walks, horseback riding, and trout fishing, combining luxury accommodation, outdoor adventure, and cultural immersion in a central North Island location, paired with our sister lodge Kinloch Manor & Villas you are perfectly poised to fully experience all.
Treetops Lodge & Estate is unique for its combination of private wilderness, luxury accommodations, guided outdoor experiences, and active conservation management. With 2,500 acres of native forest, multiple streams and lakes, and professional hunting and fishing programs, it offers guests privacy, immersion in nature, and access to experiences rarely available at other luxury lodges. The estate also integrates environmental stewardship and estate-to-plate dining, blending adventure, relaxation, and sustainability in one exclusive destination.
The estate is located near Rotorua in New Zealand’s central North Island, it sits within 2,500 acres of protected native forest, lakes, and wilderness landscapes. Guests typically arrive by private car, airport transfer, or helicopter from nearby regional airports, including Rotorua Airport which is approximately 27kms away which is 28minutes drive. There are regular flights from Auckland international airport to Rotorua Airport or you can fly by helicopter straight to Treetops in a little over 1 hour as it is only 207 kms.
The estate covers approximately 2,500 acres of privately managed native forest and wilderness environment, including multiple streams, lakes, 70km of private walking trails, and designated hunting areas. The large size allows for a combination of privacy, wildlife management, and a variety of guided activities across the estate.
Guests can stay in luxury lodge rooms, the lodge suite, and private villas positioned throughout the estate to maximize privacy and immersion in nature. Accommodations feature spacious layouts, private terraces, fireplaces, and bespoke interior design. Each option is designed to provide a combination of comfort, exclusivity, and direct access to the estate’s outdoor experiences.
At Treetops Lodge & Estate, guests can explore 2,500 acres of private native forest, streams, lakes, and rolling hills. On the estate, visitors enjoy guided wilderness safaris, forest and waterfall walks, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, wildlife spotting, hunting, and estate-to-plate dining. Scenic picnics on plateaus or by lakes are also popular.
Nearby, Rotorua attracts international visitors with geothermal wonders, bubbling mud pools, hot springs, geysers, Māori cultural experiences, adventure activities, and scenic trails. The Hobbiton Movie Set is just over an hour away, offering hobbit holes, lush gardens, and guided tours.
Guests at Treetops also have access to Kinloch Manor & Villas, where they can enjoy Jack Nicklaus-designed golf, a tennis court, lakeside walks, and e-bikes and mountain bikes. We offer you a complete North Island experience, combining private wilderness, luxury activities, and easy access to top regional attractions.
The estate operates as an exclusive destination retreat with controlled access for registered guests only. This ensures privacy, security, and an uninterrupted wilderness experience for all guests. Non-registered guests are welcome, conditional on prior arrangement.
Yes. The estate is actively managed to protect native ecosystems through habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land management practices. Conservation programmes include reforestation, wildlife population management, invasive species control, and collaboration with local environmental organisations. Guests are encouraged to learn about and participate in aspects of these programmes during their stay.
Treetops Lodge & Estate welcomes families and children. While the estate offers guided wilderness experiences, some activities such as hunting will require adult supervision, and children with their families can enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities like hiking, nature trails, trout fishing in supervised areas, horse trekking, and exploring the estate’s lakes and forests. Families are encouraged to contact the lodge to plan the most enjoyable and safe experiences for younger guests.
To fully experience Treetops Lodge & Estate, we recommend a stay of three to four nights. The estate spans 2,500 acres of native forest, wilderness trails, streams, and lakes, offering a wide range of activities and experiences that are best enjoyed over several days rather than in a rushed visit. During a three- to four-night stay, guests can explore guided wilderness safaris, native forest walks, waterfall discoveries, fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing across the private estate. There is also time to enjoy estate-to-plate dining, seasonal tasting menus, and relaxing lodge experiences.
Many guests also choose to spend a day exploring the geothermal landscapes, Māori cultural experiences, and adventure activities in nearby Rotorua, including hiking, boating, and visiting scenic natural attractions. While two nights provides a brief introduction, staying three to four nights allows guests to experience the full range of nature, luxury accommodation, outdoor adventure, and regional exploration that defines a stay at Treetops.
Guests are encouraged to combine Kinloch Manor & Villas with Treetops Lodge & Estate to create a seamless multi-lodge experience. It is possible to check in at one property and depart from the other, with logistics coordinated by the lodge teams. This pairing allows travellers to experience two distinct landscapes within one journey: the alpine-lake elegance of Kinloch Manor overlooking Lake Taupō and the secluded forest wilderness of Treetops Lodge & Estate near Rotorua. The result is a balanced itinerary blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Yes. Guests staying at Treetops Lodge & Estate and Kinloch Manor & Villas enjoy reciprocal access to the amenities and experiences at both luxury lodges. This means guests can enjoy the wilderness estate, nature trails, guided activities, and estate experiences at Treetops, while also visiting Kinloch Manor to experience its lakeside setting, fine dining, and championship golf facilities overlooking Lake Taupō.
Guests staying at either property also receive priority access to tee times at the world-class golf course at Kinloch, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Transfers between the two properties can be arranged, allowing guests to enjoy the distinct experiences of both locations during their stay.
