The Treetops experience

By MEGAN SINGLETON

I had heard about it, read about it and even seen pictures, but nothing prepares you for the Treetops Lodge and Estate experience.

This rustic super lodge is set in 1000ha of forest and has been designed with nature in mind.

It is in the "super lodge" category for a reason, ranked in the top five of New Zealand's best lodges by discerning travellers.

The 20-minute drive from Rotorua eventually leads to wrought iron gates swinging from rough stone pillars, and the 3km gravel driveway keeps secret the grandeur about to unfold.

If money was no object and you wanted a piece of paradise for people to enjoy - this is the lodge you would build.

Created as the dream of Auckland property developer John Sax, the eco-lodge harmonises with its rugged surroundings. A stream that ran through the property now runs under the Great Room over giant rocks at the front entrance and around stepping stones at the back.

If you're patient, you will even spot trout swimming under the bridge leading to the carved doors.

We were greeted by managers Scott Brown and Jackie Grant, who knew we were desperate for a coffee.

Scott whipped up the flat whites while Jackie brought out a tray of ginger crunch and we sank into the plush furniture in front of the 9m quarry-rock fireplace, taking in the beauty.

No detail has been overlooked in creating this idyllic retreat. Much of the timber was felled and milled on site and is now back where it used to stand, as enormous beams, table tops and elegant carvings.

The heated floor is New Zealand fossil stone and wool carpet. The library, day room and board room have different decors and stud heights and the games and trophy room makes a full-sized billiard table look positively tiny.

John has planted 70,000 trees around the property in his quest to nurture the wildlife back into the area.

More than 100km of walkways meander through the estate, past several streams and lakes, including a magnificent waterfall. Trout has been introduced and guests can try their skill at fly fishing (or join a guide for a sure thing) then bring it back to be prepared by the chef.

Even water buffalo have made Treetops their home after being brought to New Zealand by Massey University on an unsuccessful breeding programme.

They now wander about with the deer and wild sheep. Pheasants whiz around the paddocks and peacocks caw in the hills. The only things not welcome are possums.

We were shown to our villa, just far enough from the main building for privacy, but close enough to walk along the floodlit paths or take an electric golf cart if we weren't in the mood.

The fire was set and the spa bath and luscious white robes beckoned before meeting our hosts for pre-dinner cocktails and canapes.

Warwick Brown, of Cin Cin and Mikano fame, is the new consulting chef currently designing a new menu. In the meantime Scott cooked a fabulous fillet steak with hollandaise sauce and fresh summer veges, matched with a mellow glass of red, followed by creme brulee in front of the fire.

A deer wandered on to the front lawn and ignored us as we moved in for a better look. Later we walked to the glow-worm caves in the moonlight.

For this price you expect extra touches and we were not disappointed. A freshly baked apple and cinnamon loaf was delivered to our rooms in the afternoon, handmade chocolates and a decanter of spring water from their streams were beside the bed at night.

The next morning, just the sound of the waterfall cascading at the front door and the call of native birds broke the stillness. We drank orange juice, squeezed as we chatted with Scott and Jackie, before opting for the continental breakfast with fresh pastries - and a few lattes.

* Megan Singleton was a guest of Treetops Lodge.

* Special offer for New Zealand Herald readers: pay for two nights and enjoy a third night at Treetops Lodge free. Book before December 30 this year. The holiday must be taken by October 1 next year - offer subject to availability.

Case notes:

Accommodation:

Tariff from October to April next year includes breakfast (continental or Treetops Big Breakfast), pre-dinner cocktails and a four-course meal as well as selected activities.

Four luxury suites in the main lodge can be configured for one party with own living room and fireplace. From $815 a person.

Eight double or twin-share villas with fireplace, kitchenette, outdoor furniture, TV, stereo. From $965 a person. Additional adults in villas, $400 each. Children under 12, $300 each. Prices exclude GST.

Tariff is lower between March and September.

Getting there:

By car: From Rotorua take main Rotorua/Taupo road (Highway 5). Turn right at first main intersection (Highway 30) to Te Kuiti/Tokoroa. Proceed 10km and turn right into Apirana Rd. The road forks slightly after 1km. Take the gravel Kearoa Rd 3.3km to the end. Drive down tree-lined driveway and press intercom buzzer at second set of gates.

By air: Approx 20km from Rotorua Airport, transfers can be arranged. Treetops has a helipad for those with a thousand dollars or so to spend for the ultimate arrival statement. Contact NZ Paradise Holidays for helicopter flight prices, ph 0800 104 304.

What to do:

Hiking, jogging, nature walks, specially prepared picnics, guided or unguided trout fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, kayaking, archery, clay bird shooting, horse trekking, four-wheel driving.

Some charges may apply.

Access:

Wheelchairs have easy access to the luxury suites which are in the same building as the lodge. Special bathroom facilities are not available.

Smoking:

Not permitted in the villas. Allowed in the Great Room beside the fire or outside.

Treetops Estate and Lodge is at 351 Kearoa Rd, RD1, Horohoro, Rotorua. Ph 07 333 2066, fax 07 333 2065, Email info@treetops.co.nz. Book direct or through your travel agent.

Case notes:

Treetops Estate and Lodge is at 351 Kearoa Rd, RD1, Horohoro, Rotorua. Ph 07 333 2066, fax 07 333 2065, Email info@treetops.co.nz
Book direct or through your travel agent.

Accommodation:

Tariff from October to April next year includes breakfast (continental or Treetops Big Breakfast), pre-dinner cocktails and a four-course meal as well as selected activities.

Four luxury suites in the main lodge can be configured for one party with own living room and fireplace. From $815 a person.

Eight double or twin-share villas with fireplace, kitchenette, outdoor furniture, TV, stereo. From $965 a person. Additional adults in villas, $400 each. Children under 12, $300 each. Prices exclude GST.

Tariff is lower between March and September.

Getting there:

By car: From Rotorua take main Rotorua/Taupo road (Highway 5). Turn right at first main intersection (Highway 30) to Te Kuiti/Tokoroa. Proceed 10km and turn right into Apirana Rd. The road forks slightly after 1km. Take the gravel Kearoa Rd 3.3km to the end. Drive down tree-lined driveway and press intercom buzzer at second set of gates.

By air: Approx 20km from Rotorua Airport, transfers can be arranged. Treetops has a helipad for those with a thousand dollars or so to spend for the ultimate arrival statement. Contact NZ Paradise Holidays for helicopter flight prices, ph 0800 104 304.

What to do:

Hiking, jogging, nature walks, specially prepared picnics, guided or unguided trout fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, kayaking, archery, clay bird shooting, horse trekking, four-wheel driving.

Some charges may apply.

Access:

Wheelchairs have easy access to the luxury suites which are in the same building as the lodge. Special bathroom facilities are not available.

Smoking

Not permitted in the villas. Allowed in the Great Room beside the fire or outside.

www.treetops.co.nz