Te Aka Treehouse Native Forest Retreat

Owned and operated by West Coasters Lisa and Dave North, Te Aka Treehouse is located on the West Coast, 30 minutes north towards Reefton on State Highway 7, turning off towards Nelson Creek. This unique 23-hectare property blends virgin podocarp forest and regenerated beech woodland. Tucked away in the privacy of the north-facing temperate rainforest, our treehouses are surrounded by spectacular mataī miro, towering Southern rātā, and rimu trees. With elevated views of these majestic species, you literally feel like you are a part of the forest for a moment in time.

At Te Aka Treehouse, we take pride in our eco-friendly practices. We collect fresh rainwater, use a vermiculture-based septic system with tiger worms (still a full flush toilet), and power everything through solar energy or a generator.

The main treehouse (71m2) features a well-equipped kitchen, bathroom, and a king-sized bed. The sleep treehouse (27m2) offers 1 queen bed and 1 single loft bed. We also have Starlink internet and a smart TV, though guests prefer to enjoy the views from the big folding-out corner door, which, when fully open, places you at the foot of some of the best West Coast forest. Te Aka is an immersive experience complemented by the constant calls of native birdsong and the promise of a dawn chorus for those tuned in early. Our haven extends seamlessly into conservation land. Your privacy is our priority. The property layout allows for ultimate guest privacy while keeping hosts within reach.

Currently in development, Native Forest Retreat will offer exclusive access to private walking tracks. These pathways unveil hidden remnants of the region’s mining history, showcasing the grit and determination of an era marked by pickaxes, manual labor, and remarkable engineering feats from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Te Aka is not just a destination; it’s an immersion into the rich tapestry of nature and New Zealand history.

‘Te Aka,’ Te reo Māori for vine, embodies the native rātā vines scaling the tree trunks, symbolizing our commitment to being stewards of the land alongside our family. Dave and Lisa, the caretakers of ‘Te Aka Native Forest Retreat,’ have, alongside their eco-friendly practices, also run a very successful predator control program. Embracing the principles of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and conservation), they are committed to nurturing the land, transforming it into an intergenerational home with a fresh, unfolding story.