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Situated in the central North Island, Treetops Lodge & Estate is perched across 2,500 acres of protected native forest, rolling hills, and private farmland. The Treetops resort 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 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 area is well served by rental cars and scenic drives.
Within the estate, 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 Treetops retreat also offers world-class trophy hunting in carefully managed wilderness areas, alongside wildlife viewing opportunities that highlight the region’s diverse ecosystems.
If relaxation is your goal, our spa and wellness treatments offer a peaceful escape, with private jacuzzis and massage therapy nestled underneath towering native trees and surrounded by the sweet trill of birds. You’ll also find Treetops’ restaurant experience on-site, rooted in an estate-to-table philosophy that encourages exploration and celebration of local food.
Guests wishing to explore more of the central North Island can combine their stay at Treetops Lodge & Estate with time at our sister accommodation, Kinloch Manor & Villas, located just outside Taupō and overlooking Lake Taupō.
Together, these two exceptional properties allow visitors to experience the very 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 city of Rotorua is globally 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.
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, he 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 and Estate. Hidden treasures like Bridal Veil Falls were discovered along the way, cascading from the escarpment into pristine rainforest.
By 2001, Treetops had opened as a boutique hotel in Rotorua and was one of the few New Zealand-conceived, designed, and owned luxury eco-lodges that combined intimate luxury with 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 a 5-star accommodation in Rotorua and as one of the top luxury lodges in New Zealand — all 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.
Treetops’ accommodation includes lodges, a suite, and 13 private villas that immerse guests in nature using native timber felled and milled on-site. Architectural highlights include high insulation, double-glazing, energy-efficient heat recovery, site-sensitive placement that preserves ecological and archaeological features, and the integration of timber, stone, and natural materials that reflect the landscape. Each villa offers private terraces, fireplaces, and direct access to trails, lakes, and streams, providing secluded wilderness immersion.
Treetops in Rotorua is set amongst abundant native trees offering luxury accommodation, spa facilities, and outdoor adventure activities, including nature walks, hunting and foraging. The approach to eco-conscious luxury, combined with unmatched immersion in nature, sets it apart from other luxury hotels in Rotorua. Every element is shaped by a deep respect for the surrounding environment, inviting guests to experience the landscape as part of their private stay rather than just as a backdrop.
Treetops Lodge & Estate is located 20 minutes from Rotorua, in a piece of secluded countryside in New Zealand’s central North Island. Guests can drive from Rotorua Airport in around 25 minutes, arrive by private car, or arrange transfers by helicopter.
The estate spans approximately 2,500 acres of privately owned wilderness featuring beautiful native forest, streams, lakes, walking trails, designated hunting areas, and abundant wildlife.
Treetops Lodge & Estate offers elegant lodge rooms, a suite, and private villas designed to reflect the warmth and character of a refined, private New Zealand country retreat, featuring large layouts, private terraces, fireplaces, and bespoke interior design. Treetops accommodation is spacious, serene, and positioned to make the most of the estate’s natural surroundings.
On the estate, guests can enjoy wilderness safaris, waterfall walks, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, wildlife encounters, fly fishing, spa experiences, picnics, dining and curated outdoor adventures.
Nearby, Rotorua offers geothermal landscapes, indigenous cultural experiences, lakes, forests, and world-renowned attractions and activities. 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.
Treetops offers a premium stay in Rotorua and is reserved exclusively for guests. This privacy allows guests to experience the landscape at their own pace, away from crowds and day visitors. Non-guests may be permitted, subject to prior approval.
Yes, Treetops Lodge & Estate places strong emphasis on conservation and environmental care. The estate’s approach is grounded in protecting native forest, supporting wildlife, and offering guests an eco-conscious luxury experience deeply connected to the beloved land. Conservation programmes include reforestation, wildlife population management, invasive species control, and collaboration with local environmental organisations, which guests can learn all about during their stay.
Yes, children are warmly welcome at Treetops Lodge & Estate. The estate offers extensive space, nature, and outdoor experiences for families, while preserving the calm, refined atmosphere of a luxury lodge retreat. However, some activities, such as hunting, require adult supervision.
A stay of three to four nights is ideal for enjoying the estate’s accommodation, fine dining, spa, and signature outdoor experiences at a relaxed pace. Longer stays also allow more time to explore Rotorua and fully unwind in the privacy of the estate.
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.
Yes. Another special feature of Treetops is that guests also enjoy reciprocal access to the amenities and experiences at Kinloch Manor & Villas. 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, offering distinct, enjoyable experiences in both locations.
