TREETOPS LODGE AND ESTATE
A luxurious escape in New Zealand
By Barbara Kingstone
 Among the gifts in the goodie
bags of 2005 Academy Award Oscar winners were complimentary accommodations at
the elite, Treetops Lodge & Estate. This luxurious resort may have been
a bit out of the way for some since it’s located in a rain forest and
a world famous therapeutic thermal region, about a 20 minute drive from Rotorua,
New Zealand. And although the staffs’ lips are sealed, it’s a sure
guess that actor, Australian born actor, Nicole Kidman, took advantage of this
sublime opportunity.
“Haere mai taua te hikoi i te ngahere” - come walk with me in
the forest - is the perfect motto for Treetops with its indigenous flora and
fauna on and around the property.
Owner John Sax’s dream was that one day he would have a stream filled
with trout. And decades later, he has several plus a truly elegant very private,
small hotel which opened in 2001.
THE LOCATION
The Eco-friendly lodge (even their brochure is 100% recycled paper), is located
on 1000 hectares (2,500 acres) of secluded wilderness with 7 crystal clear spring-fed
streams which cascade through the forest to the valley below.
(If you do want to leave this well managed game and wildlife habitat, the hotel
supplies a driver who will take you to Rotorua.)
The only sounds are birds’ tweeting, nature’s alarm clock at about
6AM, some provided by the nectar eating Tui. Occasionally, the hotel’s
pet and very over indulged pig can be seen on one of the 8 villa’s terraces,
his playground, waiting for a guest to feed him one of the always present apples
from the complimentary bowl.
THE SCENE
Okay, so there’s no disco or night clubbing. It’s during the daytime
when all the activity takes place. Famous Maori herbalist and chef, Charles
Royal, has an Indigenous Food Tour where you can learn about herbs and plants,
such as Horopito (a seasoning with a chili bite to it) Piko Piko, (one of the
many edible ferns) and those known for their medicinal and nutritional properties.
Trout fishing (browns, rainbows, and brooks), upland game bird and water fowl
shooting and stag hunting are right up there for the adventurous sportive guest
as is walking through the various trails among the native 800 year old forest.
For those wanting less challenging activities, they can opt for the newest
inclusion- a photo safari.
But it’s the food that really is the sport of choice. The cuisine has
a menu designed by Charles Royal and Chef Craig Martin, using locally grown
produce.
Evening meals for the maximum 24 guests are served in the formal dark wood
paneled dining room. Sitting on the hand tooled leather chairs around the long
perfect-for the chalet wood table under a very informal chandelier made of antlers,
(a gift from a returning American guest), the ambience is for the discerning
traveler.
 The
atrium for breakfast and daytime snacks is the complete antithesis. Here, the
large airy room is decorated with white wicker chairs covered in bright floral
prints. The ceiling- high windows are a frame for the cleverly laid out garden
that features a small waterfalls, a pond surrounded by locally crafted stones
and large beds of herbs.
THE ROOMS
The Games Room, complete with a full size antique billiard table, also uses
memorabilia for its decor. The Library, paneled with wood timber milled on the
estate, is an art dealer’s dream as works by some of New Zealand’s
famed artists hangs from the dark walls. On a chilly day or night, the leather
sofa in front of fireplace is a great place to read a book and have a drink.
However, if you’re yearning for privacy, the suites, 4 Lake or 4 Forest
Villas, all have fireplaces, seating areas and a small kitchen. Large floor
to ceiling windows overlook the splendid scenery of valleys and lake vistas
and the smart interior decoration doesn’t bash you with vibrant, overwhelming
color schemes. It’s mellow. A bedside panel allows you to adjust the lights
and linger in bed as long as you like. However, it did take two days before
discovering the mystery of which button was for what area.
THE BATHROOMS
Ecru heated limestone floors are great on those cool mornings as are the two
heated towel racks with an abundance of towels of every size. Two sinks, a lot
of counter space, gratefully good lighting and magnifying mirror for make-up,
allows space for two. Then there’s a huge tub and Jacuzzi, a spacious
separate shower with a large shower head. Jars of locally processed lotions,
potions and bubble foam sit on the sink’s shelve, in the shower area and
on the ledge of the tub.
AMENITIES
Above the open kitchen on the second floor is a sports person’s paradise.
Small but filled with quality hats, rain gear, jackets, vests, Merino wool sweaters
plus an assortment of accessories, it’s a great gift shop.
Rooms have up- to- the- minute flat screen TVs and DVDs are available. Books
and magazines are neatly stacked on the coffee table and mantle place. Matches
and logs are at the ready if you want to start a warming, atmospheric fire.
There’s a computer available in the Library sits on an antique desk -
no charge.
ROOM SERVICE/BREAKFAST
Although there didn’t seem to be any need for room service, it is available.
One of the guests had sprained his ankle. There was a flurry of staff coming
and going to his suite, catering to his every need and food preference. No complaints
from his very mobile room mate. My preference was to get a kick -start the day
with the handy coffee maker, the provided good coffee and with mug in hand,
from the seating area, watch sun spray the leafy trees with the early morning
rays. Afterwards, I’d walk downhill to the Lodge for my morning meal.
Breakfast is a luscious help-yourself spread on the counter and side table.
Cereals, fresh and dried fruit, yogurt, a variety of home baked rolls are available
each morning and the chef urges guests to order a variety of egg dishes. Bacon,
ham and any other morning grub fulfilled the desires of guest’s whim.
TREETOPS LODGE AND ESTATE
351 Kearoa Road, RD 1, Horohoro, Rotorua, New Zealand
Tel. 64 7 333 2066
Email. Info@treetops.co.nz
RATES
 Lodge
Wing double per person at peak season from September to May is NZ$815, single
occupancy is NZ$1,380
Off peak from June to August NZ$490 for double per person and NZ$ 730 single
occupancy.
Villas at peak for double twin per person NZ$965 and single is NZ$1,680
Off season Double per person NZ$590 and single NZ$930
Peak for double per person NZ$965 and single NZ$1,680
All exclude government Good & Service Tax of 12.5%
Include breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails, dinner and selected lodge activities
Complimentary loge onsite activities include hiking, jogging trails, nature
walks, unguided trout fishing and mountain bike tracks.
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