Treetops Lodge & Estate Taupo

Treetops is the lifelong dream of owner and naturalist John Sax: an award-winning lodge in 2,500 acres of 800-year-old native forest, about 20 minutes from Rotorua and an hour from Taupō. Built from timber and stone in a style drawn from New Zealand’s pioneering past, it sits quietly in the landscape rather than on top of it.

The estate is a private wilderness of seven streams, four lakes, on-site trout fishing and more than 35 miles of trails. Families can take a helicopter flight to a live volcano, go geocaching, or send younger guests to the 5 Star Kids Club. Three Signature Experiences are complimentary: the Estate to Plate Safari, the Wild Food Cooking School and the Indigenous Food and Heritage Trail. The spa offers traditional Māori treatments, and golfers are invited to play The Kinloch Club, the sister lodge near Taupō, home to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

Dining
Estate to Plate means most dishes start on the property: game, trout, fruit, vegetables and native forest herbs, all near 100% pesticide-free. The cellar covers New Zealand and international wines, and the team will help you pair them.

Where to stay
Villas are private retreats set among the gardens and forest, away from the main lodge. Two adjoining villas can be combined for friends or small families.
Lodge Rooms are in the heart of the main lodge, each with a king bed, an ensuite and private external access. They share the lodge’s living, kitchen and dining spaces.

Rates
Lodge Rooms start from NZ$1,350 per night for two guests and Villas from NZ$2,050 (low season, April to October). Rates include pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a four-course dinner (wine not included) and a full breakfast. Spa treatments are extra.