Person sitting on a chair on a black wooden balcony surrounded by dense green forest.

Secluded luxury accommodation in the heart of
New Zealand’s West Coast rainforest.

Te Aka is your homebase for exploring the magic of slow travel — with Punakaiki, Reefton and Hokitika just a scenic drive away. Spend your days soaking in wild beauty, local charm, and a slower pace of life.

Luxury treehouse accommodation in your own private rainforest — designed for slow, soulful living.

Your treehouse stay Book now

Nestled deep in the native forest on New Zealand’s West Coast, Te Aka is a boutique off-grid retreat set across 23 hectares of regenerating rainforest.

Created with intention and care, this eco-conscious sanctuary sits within land shaped by time — including gold mining activity from the 1860s through to the early 1900s. Remnants of that era remain embedded in the landscape, quietly woven into the forest that has reclaimed it.

Today, the property offers privacy, immersion and space to breathe.

Step into something extraordinary — a secluded rainforest retreat designed to restore your spirit, reconnect you to nature, and awaken your sense of wonder.

Clear shallow stream flowing through a dense forest with green ferns and leafy vegetation.

Our Guests say it best...

Write a review

Heaven.

Words are inadequate, but heaven must be like Te Aka!

John, Linda, & Annette

Healing Stay

When life gets too much, too fast, too stressful, our body and mind need help to rejuvenate, settle and recall what is important in life. My stay here has started my healing and re-growth process. What nature provides here is very difficult to put into words. Using the sauna, swimming in the freezing pool, walking the caves/tunnels cannot be packaged up and marketed on social media or in a glossy magazine, because the amazing, indescribable feeling you get can’t be fully explained!! The amazing work you have done creating the houses, the boardwalks, the paths, the gardens — the sauna is also mind-blowing!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. ♥

Absolutely enchanting!

Absolutely enchanting! Our stay at the Te Aka Treehouse was nothing short of magical. It was a perfect mother and daughter stay. The attention to detail in the eco-friendly design was remarkable. The treehouse itself is an absolute masterpiece, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings. Waking up to the birds chirping and the sun streaming in through the sky light. My only complaint is I should have booked an extra night!

A West Coast Treasure

Te Aka Treehouse is a West Coast treasure. Tucked away in the mighty majestic lush bush. A calmness sweeps over you like the soft breeze rustling against the native matai. You instantly feel at peace here. The weight of work and daily stressors is lifted as you hear the call of the local bird life, your private treehouse nestled amongst the matai, rimu, totara, beech, and rata. You become a part of the forest. The treehouse gives you the comfort of modern luxury. This place is special, Dave & Lisa have crafted a beautiful space through a labour of love. It gives you the space to disconnect and reconnect with oneself and the nature that surrounds you. This will be a treasure for many years to come.

An oasis for the soul.

Te Aka Treehouse is an oasis for the soul. Immediately upon entering you feel a sense of bliss and tranquilty amongst nature. The stillness and quiet of the surrounding jungle is invaluable in our modern, busy world. A reminder of the connection all of us humans have with each other and Mother Earth. Lisa, Dave, Tom & Amelia were wonderful hosts and made us feel like family with a property tour of the old mining tunnels, surrounding forest and their garden. Truly one of the highlights of our adventure in NZ and we hope to be back soon!

Definitely a 6 star experience.

If there is a place in this world where natural beauty and peace can be found, we experienced it here. Thank you for the awesome tour of the caves! Totally memorable! Thank you Lisa & Amelia for the superb baking and we've been wondering how to obtain your banana loaf recipe. Definitely a 6 star experience.

Wow! What a stunning spot!

Wow! What a stunning spot! Neither of us have been to Nelson Creek before. We've had such a lovely weekend exploring. We can't wait to come back and check out more of the area and more around the treehouse itself. But the masterpiece itself: Te Aka Treehouse. An inspiring, tranquil, cosy, retreat. We have enjoyed our weekend here so much. You guys have thought of everything! It was so peaceful from stargazing in bed, cooking dinner surrounded by the trees. And the bath: delightful.

5 out of 5 STARS!

Thank you so much for your golden hospitality! This is quite some slice of paradise. More like a storied kingdom bursting with heritage and the secrets of the forest. You have crafted a truly blow-your-mind boutique experience amongst the majesty of nature. The on-site amenities, comforts, and trimmings are truly magnificent. What a superstar addition to the West Coast tourism crown. 5 out of 5 STARS!

Loved the birdsong!

What a wonderful relaxing atmosphere that comes with staying at the Te Aka Treehouse. A great place to unwind relax and recharge your mind and body with birdsong and scenery to help. Or there’s heaps of activities should you choose to be a little or a lot on the property and sites and activities not far drive away, if you are able to take yourself out of serenity. Definitely be back.

David Johansen

Amazing family stay at the Te Aka Treehouse

We had a fantastic time exploring caves and old goldmines, while the kids loved the big cave. I enjoyed a relaxing bath with a cuppa tea and a good book. Cooking our freshly picked vegetables with wild venison, then dining on the deck surrounded by native bush was a highlight. Lisa and Dave, along with their children, are incredibly accommodating, making our stay easy and memorable.

The Gordon Family

Beautiful little hideaway

A delicious retreat to catch my breath is this busy world.

Scarlett

Up in the trees

Staying ‘up in the trees’ at the Te Aka Treehouse was a surreal experience. A combination of peace and serenity was complemented by beautiful light, including moonlight, along with melodious bird song. Staying at Te Aka was blissful. The comfort of the space with its crackling good fire and skylight views along with a deck that literally places you as close as you can get to the mature tree trunks as they rise to the canopy is unforgettable. If you want to feel like you are at one in your own forest world this is the place.

Rebecca Reid

Wow is an understatement

Our stay here was really one of a kind. The accommodation was not only cozy and comfortable but the design and feel was unmatched. The hosts took us on a tour of the property and it was absolutely incredible. Their daughter was so impressive with her knowledge of all the trees, plants and wildlife in the area. The fresh baked goods were fantastic and the option to order dinner ingredients was amazing. We cooked all our meals here and couldn’t have asked for more. Please stay here, you will not want to leave!

Jennifer Schlesier

Off-grid comfort, wild adventures — and an invitation to slow down.

^{Te Aka is a boutique, eco-luxury retreat on the South Island of New Zealand. Nestled in mature native forest and designed with conscious simplicity and a touch of indulgence, it’s a place to reconnect, and breathe deeply. It is truly a stay like no other.}

Book Your Stay

This is more than just secluded accommodation in Aotearoa — it’s a space for reconnection, restoration, and a new way of being. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a wellness retreat, an adventure with loved ones or a journey into stillness, Te Aka offers an experience that is both grounding and truly unforgettable.

Sunlit forest scene with a small wooden cabin emitting smoke beside a narrow creek and fern-covered ground.

Find answers to all your burning questions, here.

Can I get my coffee fix while staying at Te Aka?

Yes. The treehouse is equipped with quality coffee-making facilities. If you’d like to explore locally, Reefton is home to excellent cafés, and we recommend trying beans from West Roastery — a local favourite. (See our dedicated blog on coffee and local recommendations for more detail.)

Is there phone reception or Wifi?

Mobile coverage can be limited depending on your provider and is often patchy within the treehouse. WiFi is high speed Starlink, but many guests choose to disconnect and enjoy the environment. WhatsApp is recommended to communicate with your hosts when you are on the property.

What heating options are available?

The treehouse is equipped for year-round comfort. There is a wood fire inside & underfloor heating in the bathroom. Winter stays are cosy and well-suited to the setting.

Is the treehouse suitable for children?

Yes. The main treehouse is designed for adults, with a separate bunkhouse available for children over 12 years old and non-mobile infants/babies. The bunkhouse / sleep treehouse is also suitable for another couple or friends. The property is in native bush with elevated structures, so supervision is required at all times.

Is the treehouse fully self-contained?

Yes. The treehouse includes a full kitchen, bathroom, heating, quality bedding and all essentials for a comfortable stay. You can cook for yourself or pre-order meal options.

Do I need special footwear or gear?

We recommend sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain, particularly if you plan to explore the walking tracks, tunnels, wetlands or Golden Gully. The West Coast weather can change quickly, so a rain jacket and warm layers are advised year-round. For glow worm and tunnel experiences, covered shoes are essential.

Do the owners live on site?

Yes, Lisa and Dave live on the wider property. However, the treehouse is positioned privately within the forest, separate from the main residence. Your stay is fully private, and you won’t see other guests. The owners are available if needed but respect your space.

Are the activities suitable in wet weather?

Yes — with appropriate footwear. The West Coast climate is part of the experience. The sauna is especially good on cooler or wetter days.

Is the boardwalk accessible year-round?

Yes. The raised structure allows safe access across the wetlands in most conditions.

Is the glow worm experience guided?

You can explore independently, or guided experiences are available by arrangement. Low-light conditions are required for the best viewing the more easily accessible glow worm dell. There is a glow worm tunnel on site which is a guided experience only.

How do we access the sauna and natural pool?

Let us take care of it. We’ll light the sauna, drive you there in the Te Aka Jimny (aka Jimmy), and have refreshments and fresh towels ready. Just ask about adding this to your stay.

Where can we eat nearby? Is there a supermarket close by?

The Nelson Creek Pub is a few minutes away for meals. Reefton township is about 40 minutes from Te Aka and offers cafés, a bakery, takeaway options and 2 small supermarkets for essentials. For a wider range of groceries, Greymouth is around 45 minutes away. We recommend arriving with supplies if you plan to self-cater — or pre-order a meal kit for convenience.

Is the West Coast suitable for year-round travel?

Yes. Each season offers something different — long summer evenings, crisp winter skies, moody spring rivers and rich autumn colours.

Are there local cafes or restaurants?

There are dining options in Reefton and Greymouth. We’re happy to recommend favourites.

Can we visit Reefton Distillery during our stay?

Yes. Reefton Distilling Co. is around 40 minutes away and offers tastings and cellar door experiences.

Are there walking tracks nearby?

Yes. The Paparoa region offers multiple walking options, including sections of the Paparoa Great Walk, short forest walks and river tracks.

How far is Te Aka from Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks?

Te Aka is approximately 45 minutes from Punakaiki and the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

Is the driveway suitable for all vehicles?

Yes. The upgraded driveway provides safe access for standard vehicles year-round.

Is there a minimum stay requirement?

Yes, there is a 2 night minimum stay requirement.

What time is check-in & check-out?

Check in from 3 p.m. & check out by 11 a.m. - late checkouts can be arranged, please inquire.

What is your cancellation policy?

CANCELLATION: Within 30 days of arrival: 50% charged. Within 7 days: 100% charged.