Experience the perfect combination of a modern treehouse in native forest.

Te Aka is a 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, offering 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 1800’s to the early 1900’s. Te Aka is not just a destination; it’s an immersion into the rich tapestry of nature and New Zealand history.

Welcome to our fully-equipped kitchen, from the convenience of a modern oven, to the delight of picking fresh produce from our bountiful vegetable garden. Forget the hassle of packing every spice and condiment, our kitchen comes stocked with basic pantry items, ensuring you have the essentials at your fingertips. Customise your meals by selecting your preferred protein, from wild game from the nearby wilderness ranging from locally sourced salmon, venison, lamb, duck, halloumi or tofu. Elevate your stay with the freedom to create and cook, what you like, when you like.

Bask in the symphony of bird songs and marvel at the breathtaking expanse of native forest that stretches as far as the eye can see. The added delight comes from encountering and listening to a diverse array of native birds, including the melodious tūī, bellbird, kererū, fantail, grey warbler, bush robin, tomtit, and our local kākā. During certain times of the year you may find kākā, our native parrots, engage in what our hosts playfully describe as a ‘gaggle’, while the night unfolds with the distinctive calls of the ruru, our native owl, communicating in the darkness.

Don’t feel like cooking, Nelson Creek has a local kiwi pub serving good food and drinks and it’s only a 2 minute drive or a 35 min walk down the road, turn into Colls Dam walkway across the swing bridge to our local pub (open for meals 7 days in the summer, kitchen closes at 8pm).

As quoted by Gruff Seeds – ‘What a fantastic little pub just across the road from a brilliant little camp site. The welcome from the Land Lord and locals alike was the epitome of South Island hospitality – warm, friendly and unassuming. If you want a break from the world and just want quality time with the family this is the perfect place’.

If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs and discover the area, numerous walking tracks await exploration, locally like Callaghans Track, Tailrace Walk and Colls Dam Walk. Detailed information and maps for these trails can be found at reception. Plus the Paparoa Track and the Wilderness trail are just 40mins drive from us. Lake Brunner is 30mins away and has an easy bike or walk around the lake and a good mini mart for supplies. There’s something for every adventurer.

Choose your preferred seating position and settle in for some quality ‘down time with nature’ and past the time with your head in some of our books on nature, to bring out the 'David Attenborough' in you. Experience a wave of nostalgia with a puzzle to make. A small selection of our favourite books are available to browse too.

Embark on a plunge in the local Nelson Creek swimming hole, in the nearby park and camping area opposite Nelson Creek Hotel. Or stay closer to home – there is something magical about a hot bath especially when surrounded by nature. Take a moment to unwind with a cuppa, a glass of wine, or a good book as you soak away the hours in our deep bath.

We are Bortle scale rating of close to 1-out-of-nine for night sky brightness, perfect for star gazing above your bed through the skylights or outside on the decks. Glow worms coming soon.