Modern black treehouse with wide open glass doors revealing a cozy interior with wooden floors, kitchen, dining table, and a sitting area surrounded by tall trees.
Book your stay with us

We’ve built Te Aka to be experienced — come stay, explore and become part of its unfolding story.

TE AKA TREEHOUSE

A Stay Like No Other

Your private rainforest escape — the ultimate off-grid luxury getaway.
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 slow down, reconnect, and breathe deeply.

Total privacy, shared with no one.
Every booking includes exclusive access to both architecturally designed treehouses, allowing couples, families, or small groups to spread out across the property. Your hosts, Lisa and Dave, are close by if needed — but you'll feel like you have the forest entirely to yourself.

A couple standing and holding hands on the deck of a treehouse surrounded by tall trees in a dense forest.Aerial view of a dark-roofed house surrounded by dense green and yellow trees.

Your Private Rainforest Retreat

Perched high in the native canopy, your accomodation includes two thoughtfully designed treehouses — both included in every stay. Together, they create a private forest haven for couples, close friends, or families seeking space, stillness, and comfort.

The main treehouse (71m²) features a king bed, forest-view deck, full kitchen, and open-plan living. The second treehouse (27m²) offers a queen bed, single loft, and a quiet corner to retreat, read, or rest.

Whether you’re sharing the space or spreading out, you’ll experience a boutique getaway with total seclusion and your own private rainforest — an exclusive offering on New Zealand’s West Coast.

Sleep Among the Trees

Whether you're here for a romantic off-grid escape or sharing the experience with another couple, friends, or family, Te Aka offers space, comfort, and rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild while also indulging in the warmth, privacy, and refined comfort of boutique off-grid living.

The main treehouse features a king bed and forest-facing deck, perfect for slow mornings and unhurried evenings. The second treehouse offers a queen bed and single loft, giving you room to retreat or reconnect.

Together, the treehouses sleep up to five guests — always exclusively yours. This is boutique accommodation on New Zealand’s South Island, designed for rest, reconnection, and the freedom to move at your own pace — whether you're two or five.

Cozy bedroom with a checkered bedspread and pillows, dark blue headboard, wooden walls, two pendant lights, framed artwork, and a window showing green trees outside.White bathtub filled with water beneath an open window with candles and a black mug on the windowsill.

Forest Bathing, Redefined

The private bathroom features a deep soaking tub framed by native bush — an invitation to slow down and take it all in. Watch the light shift through the canopy as you soak, surrounded by birdsong. A full flush toilet and vermiculture-based septic system reflect our commitment to gentle impact on the land, while locally made, eco-conscious toiletries offer a nourishing, natural & luxurious touch.

This is more than a bathroom — it’s a retreat within your retreat. A place for ritual, rest, and reconnection with the elements.

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 35 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.