New Zealand Punga Frond
The Tree Hut - Lake Tarawera, Rotorua, New Zealand
GUEST COMMENTS

We loved our stay at the Tree Hut. It is an amazing and unique location with stunning views over the lagoon and lake. Less than 5 minutes walk to the lake and boat launching ramp. The house is well appointed and modern. It has three levels and the lower is fully self contained, so great for two families. I would thoroughly recommend a stay.
Dave, Kohimarama, Auckland – 29/12/08

We had such a wonderful time at The Tree Hut – the drive from Rotorua was lovely, the house was so secluded from everything and was so comfortable. The interior is beautiful and very well kept, with lots of information on things to do in the area. Thanks Tracey!
Jorden & Family, Takapuna, Auckland & Canada – 5/1/09

Beautiful spot to watch native birds. House was clean, tidy and spacious.
Bas & Eveline, Titirangi, Auckland – 2/1/09

The Tree Hut is very well set up, clean and tidy. It is well appointed and has a spacious kitchen and living space. The views are fabulous and it is very close to the Boat Ramp.
Merran, Grey Lynn, Auckland - 11/1/09

We had a great time. Fantastic views and location. Very comfortable and uplifting for a good break.
The birdlife and night skies were beautiful. Many thanks.
Mike, Irene, Fred, Pat, Brian & Robin, Haumoana - 1/2/09

The Tree Hut is the perfect place for an escape from the rat race and for being close to the bush. The house is literally in the trees and amongst the birds. This means there are a few steps to climb to get to the house, but the view is worthwhile, and the exercise is a bonus. Despite its rustic sounding name, the Tree Hut is luxurious inside with large spacious living area and all mod cons. We booked the Tree Hut for 8 people doing a writing retreat and the place suited our needs very well.
Ottilie, Waikato - 4/2/09

Great place to stay fantastic views. Very quiet and peaceful with excellent lake access. Will be sure to visit the area again soon.
Shane and Kim, New Plymouth - 15/2/09

We had a great time! Breathtaking view of the lake, very quiet _ _ _ Awesome! The huge house was clean and very comfortable. Thank you very much for this great time! Cheers The Frenchies!
Wyllhem, Gaelle, Alain, Evelyne, Edith, Gerald & Francoise, France 17/2/09

This was one of the those very special finds. Tracey has gone out to make sure the stay in the Tree Hut was the best possible experience - and that it was. It exceeded our expectations and is a fantastic location with a special "something" that is not experienced every day. The views from "The Hut" are spectacular and the property itself is magnificent and beyond normal standards - thank you Tracey & Steve. With Regards.
Teresa, Derek & Janet, England 5/3/09

Awesome - stunningly beautiful and so peaceful. Thanks heaps Tracey & Steve.
Neil & Glenda, Tauranga - 19/3/09

Stunning place, awesome views. Really enjoyed our stay. Relaxed. Thanks soooo much! Will always remember.
Garth, Ester & Family from South Africa - 10/4/09

What a fantastic place, the house worked perfectly for our group of 3 generations and everyone loved it. The house is beautiful and the views are out of this world. We had a fantastic time, enjoying early morning walks. Tracey was a fantastic host and very swift and helpful with all correspondence. Thanks Tracey.
Diane, Paul, Cait, Neve, Levan, Susan & Tony - Auckland,NZ & Dorset, UK 13/4/09

We had a fantastic stay at the Tree Hut - an architectural building set beautifully into the environment. Went over to Hot Water Beach and soaked in the pools and also walked the Tarawera outlet, both worthwhile. Tracey made us feel very welcome. Paradise! Thanks for letting us stay.
Cutter-Dephoff Family - Pahiatua 16/4/09

A great place to stay and relax after "Xterra". A great place above the trees, great place for the kids to explore. We'll be back for Xterra next year. Thank you.
Kay & Rex, Stephen & Tracey, Ryan & Kate - Auckland - 19/4/09

A fantastic place to relax with everything you need here! We look forward to coming back again! Cheers.
Jenny & Gareth - Wharehine, Jac & Sin - Auckland - 26/4/09

Our stay was very enjoyable, great views and very tranquil. Worthwhile returning to spend more time watching the lake and the mountain from the balcony, counting the stars and sitting by the fire. Highly recommended and really good value. Family loved it!
Aidan & Family - Hillsborough, Auckland - 4/5/09

What a great house with even better views. The stairs were a killer but worth every inch of pain! Great lake access for the boat. Perfect layout to go away with friends, but still have your own privacy. Thank you so
much Tracey for providing us with such a beautifully clean and tidy house. This holiday is just what everyone needed. Thankyou again for a great escape.
Nikki, Sam, Toni, Paul, Teesh, Antz, Nat, Leon & Troy, Auckland - 17/5/09

Our family would like to express our sincere thank you for allowing us to stay in this beautiful home. It has been a very warm and comfortable visit in which we enjoyed immensely. With the outlook of the lake and mountains what else could you ask for. On this last day, we were woken to snow on the mountains - just wonderful ! Thanks again Tracey. Best wishes.
The Rasmussens - Haze, Braven, David, Deidre, Amanda & Joey, Australia - 21/5/09

What a stunning house in such an amazing situation! Thank you for presenting it in such a super state and we hope its condition as we leave it, is near your standard. All best wishes and many thanks again.
Wigram Family from near Te Awamutu & including Grandpa visiting from England - 25/5/09

Lovely place, great view, we enjoyed our short stay here. Thank you.
Ahmed & Family, Hamilton - 1/6/09

This has been our second stay at "The Tree Hut" in as many months. Love the views, love the set up, and plan to come back for more soon. Thanks Tracey.
Jon, Tanya, Darren & Tracey, Auckland - 8/6/09

I like this house because it looks like a Tree Hut. I liked seeing things from up high. I like the smoke comeing out of the ground in Rotorua.
Penny (6yrs) Nicholas (5yrs) Bucklands Beach, Auckland - 14/6/09

What a way to spend our anniversary! The log fire was so cosy. We loved the views, the layout and even enjoyed the exercise of the stairs. It was a wonderfully romantic weekend and we are looking forward to coming again and telling our friends about "The Tree Hut". Thanks Tracey & Steve, it was awesome!
Jules & Mark, Papamoa - 22/6/09

Awesome house, awesome view, awesome location. Thank you for everything, and thanks again for a magic stay, this place is awesome!! Perfect place for our parents 60th. The driveway is great, bit of fun coming home.
John, Gill & Tuck Family, Whangarei - 28/6/09

This is our last will and testament as we may perish on our mission to load up our belongings, carry our wives' bags down to our Kiwi Combi and venture down the Mt Tree Hut access. If we don't survive the climb and subsequent luge down the hill, please know that we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday! This place is a jewel with a beautiful view and surprises on every corner. Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous view and your wonderful creation up here in the trees! Now if you find our efforts to leave fruitless, please excuse the mess and tell our loved ones we miss them!
Philip Bledsoe from Nashville, Tennessee, US & Jon Scarlet from Masterton, NZ. (Shanell Bledsoe, Sarah Scarlet & Allix Scarlet) - 3/7/09

We have had a fabulous time here at The Tree Hut. The views are amazing and the native trees and plants surrounding are beautiful. Backing up the driveway with a boat was quite an experience!! Great place to stay and even our 84 & 82 year old parents/grandparents managed to make it up the stairs!! Thanks for everything, it was an awesome stay.
The Steevens Family, Hawkes Bay - 14/7/09

Magnificent view, lovely bush, three levels...WOW! My family loved the house and the garden. We had fun looking at the stars at night, and I love the lollys you gave us. Thank you.
Akari (7yrs), Nathan & Hiroe, Wellington - 16/7/09

Gorgeous place with amazing views! Had a lovely relaxing weekend. Would highly recommend.
Clare, Royal Oak, Auckland - 19/7/09

What a wonderful spot at Lake Tarawera. We enjoyed a lovely break away with family. "The Tree Hut" was the perfect retreat, lots of room, lovely fireplace, and gorgeous view of the Lake. Many thanks for a lovely place to stay. We will be back!!
Derek & Sharon, Taupo - 27/7/09

The climb is treacherous and long, but its worth it for the view. We had a lovely relaxing long weekend away at The Tree Hut, with our 6 & 7 month old babies, that's saying something. Beautiful views and a roaring fire made for a wonderful winter retreat. The bach is really well set up in a beautiful location, just a stone's throw from all the attractions of Rotorua. Thank you for providing a very organised holiday home.
Nicola & Cyrus Facciano, Three Kings, Auckland - 3/8/09

Had a thoroughly great time in the Tree Hut. Very relaxing. Love the views, the peace and tranquility and space. Excellent facilities but would have loved a teapot! Played monopoly for 3 nights loving the heat from the
log fire, keeping us warm and cosy.
The Bellis Family, Middlesbrough, UK - 15/8/09

We enjoyed our second stay, at the Tree Hut was perfect for three separate groups, with the three floors. We cooked some lovely meals and had everything we needed to do so. And a lovely warm fire. Thank you for sending me details for the people who hired out the boat at The Landing. They also were very accommodating and took us to the Hot Pool over by Hot Water Beach. A fantastic experience for the adults and the kids. We will be back again.
Kay, Family & Friends, Ellerslie, Auckland - 16/8/09

Sister 1
"First Thoughts" WOW! What a steep driveway, but that was fast forgotton when we saw the steep stairs, but nothing prepared us for what was inside! What a truly beautiful house with the greatest views! WOW! "Departing Thoughts" Mauri Ora Maunga Tarawera!!! A relaxing and revitalising stay at the Tree Hut. Loved being set amongst the 100yr old native trees. Was privileged to see a Ruru!!! & the fireplace is the best I've seen in years!! Thank you!!!
Sister 2
Overall this is an awesome holiday home! My favourite place being the spacious living area on Level 2. The fireplace kept us warm and cosy. Loved the wooden furniture. Great Kitchen, was a pleasure to cook in. The driveway is the steepest I have ever driven up and walked up! It's fun to drive down! The stairs are numerous, but worth the climb, to a fabulous retreat, not to mention great exercise. Spectacular views, and it felt like a privilege to be nestled in amongst the flora and fauna. On our last night we were lucky enough to see a ruru. It would sit on the verandah and swoop down on its prey. Will recommend the Tree Hut to friends and family.
The Wynyards, Putaruru & Hamilton - 19/8/09

Thanks for letting us share this tranquil special place. (Even had a visitor oppossum at night sitting over us on the skylight!) The Tree Hut is a credit to your passion and skill in creating homely, relaxing environments. Best Wishes.
Jason & Stacey, Tauranga - 23/8/09

We had a great stay, top bedroom was beautiful and worth the effort getting up there. Thank you for all your help, in arranging the wonderful accommodation and making our stay very nice. Thanks again.
Carly & Ben Browne, Gold Coast, Australia - 1/9/09

We've had a very relaxing weekend. Extremely peaceful and we've been very lucky with the weather. The fire worked beautifully and the house was more luxurious than expected. P.S. The extra supplies in the cupboard were much appreciated. Thank you.
Stephanie, Junan & Sarah, Auckland, Suhair, Wanganui - 6/9/09

The place was amazing, outstanding views and the weather was sunny the whole time we were here. We could not have found a more perfect place to stay, relax and recharge the batteries. Family came to visit last night and they agree returning to the Tree Hut is a must. Thank you for everything.
Adam, Jennifer Jenkins & Family, Virginia, USA - 11/9/09

We enjoyed a good possum scrap last night. Fire works very well. Wonderful views. Stairs are good training for ski slopes. Thanks for a great stay.
Sandra, Jenny & Stuart Young, Auckland - 13/9/09

Thanks guys for an awesome weekend away in your fabulous Tree Hut, it sure is a spectacular place. Wow, what a view, well worth the mighty climb! The log fire just cranks, we had to strip off the first night it was so hot!!! We all slept fantastically, must be the crisp fresh bush air. Very relaxing. We'll be back for sure. We had a lovely breakfast down at the Landing Cafe, great coffee and a lovely view to enjoy whilst eating. The Buried Village was a great experience, was a flashback from the past when we went as kids. Worth the walk around. Thanks again!!!
Matt, Michelle, Robbie, Carly and babies Austin & Anika, Mount Maunganui - 20/9/09

Beautiful location with lovely views. Quite a few stairs but "no pain no gain"! It was worth the climb to sit amongst the tuis in the tree tops. The house was amazing - well laid out kitchen and large living-dining space on the main floor. Awesome "master suite" at the top. Warm comfortable beds. Plenty of wood for the wood burning stove. We loved our stay and would recommend the Tree Hut to anyone wishing to get away from it all. Thank you!!!
Lisa & Family & Friends, Kohimarama, Auckland - 26/10/09

Had a fantastic stay. Such a beautiful place. We enjoyed the whole experience. Thanks for your easy and helpful negotiations in allowing us to use your place. An amazing time. Thanks.
Cynthia & David, Hamilton - 8/11/09

We really enjoyed our stay, perfect escape for the weekend. Marvellous views, really set a nice relaxed mood. All the guys really enjoyed the atmosphere and available activities. The chattels were excellent, made a for a stress free weekend all round. Thanks very much. The guys.
Peter & Friends, Te Puke - 15/11/09

"Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler" (Let the good time roll). Great House - good thing we are all in shape. Million Dollar Views - with the steps and driveway. Tracey, thanks for the consideration and cooperation and helpful conversations. All four couples were comfortable and impressed with the Tree Hut.
Bob & Kim Broadus, Lois & Pete Serone, Nick & Karen Viviano, David & Kathleen Stuart, from Madisonville & Mandeville, Louisiana, & Los Angeles, USA - 17/11/09

Awesome Accommodation we will definitely be back. Thanks to Tracey & Steve.
Kerry & Mark, Bethlehem, Tauranga - 21/11/09

Beautiful location. Wonderful outlook, unique home design, and meticulously clean and tidy, we really enjoyed the novelty of being so high. The birds in the evening were particularly soothing to fall asleep to their sounds. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you.
The Ramages, Auckland & Canada - 6/12/09

What a fantastic view!! Can't wait to see the sunrise over the water. The view from all the windows are stunning!! And the house is well equipped. This really makes our trip to NZ a fantastic experience. Ton & Key family were here. Big sunshine. Very nice. Thank you very much.
Akaria P, Peranee, Fon, Kevin & Grady, Bangkok, Thailand & Auckland - 10/12/09

Amazing Stay, loved the view, not so much the stairs!! Great experience!!
David, Kerry, Elyce & Sarah Newton, Australia - 13/12/09

A special Xmas, being the first spent at the Tree Hut with the Bibby McLeod families and friends. To quote Dawn Bibby "The beauty of the surrounds filled me with awe, just such nature on earth unblemished. Enjoyed every moment with all". Glad we could share the Tree Hut with family and friends this year.
Steve & Tracey - 28/12/09

Very spacious, clean accommodation with all the utilities one could need. Privacy is great. Outstanding views of our favourite lake. Good exercise for all of us too. What a lovely break away at the Tree Hut, nestled in the bush. Thank you!!
Nikki, Geoff, Connor & Wade, Upper Hutt - 4/1/09

Yasmin here - Great Spot - Possums interesting on the dome! Birdlife fantastic! No need to exercise here. Brilliant weather - love the pungas, & bush - not the driveway so much though! Thanks heaps, we'll be back.
Yasmin, Kevin & Tyler, Upper Hutt - 4/1/09

Very reminiscent of the early Tarzan films! Expected the monkeys to swing in and the elephants to trumpet! Seriously tho! - I always coveted a house in the tree when a child and here was the dream come true. The steps and the driveway were indeed daunting - but then no pain, no gain! The mountain ferns were an instant favourite when we arrived in New Zealand and to be surrounded by such big beauties was truly wonderful. The views from the balconies are spell-binding and are well and truly imprinted on the memory, to savour upon a frosty return to the UK! Thank you for such a wonderful place to stay, with everything we needed to make us comfortable and completely at home.
The Best Family - Mike, Debs, Tom, Harry & Barbara, England - 8/1/10

Amazing house in a great location. Many thanks.
Anna, John, Amelia & Nick - Melbourne Australia 13/1/10

Great house & great views. Thanks for staying here.
Marten, Mirjam & kids - Auckland, Joke, Henriette & Trega - Netherlands, 18/1/10

Beautiful house with magnificent view. The beds are very comfy too! Driveway and stairs were quite "fun".
Georgie & The Ediker Family + 1 guest - Tauranga, 23/1/2010

Because it was dark when we arrived we really had no clue
About what greeted us through the windows
The most amazing view!

Our last night we were lucky
When we heard a thunderous din
And we all stood out on the deck
To watch a storm rolling in

We had a great stay at the Tree Hut
And all our needs were met
It definitely gets rated up there
As one of our best holidays yet!

The Adam Family (Kirsten, Trent, Xavier, & Millah) - New Plymouth
The Sheridan Family (Bianca, Halim, Jordis & Luca) - Wanganui 28/1/2010

What a view!! Thanks for trusting us with your treasure. We appreciated the birdlife. The boys discovered the addiction of scrabble and the beds were comfy!!
Karen, Ian, Alexandra, Reid & Michael - Hamilton, 31/1/2010

Two days stay is certainly not enough. We will come back next time, that's for sure. Enjoying the view very much and love the room setting. Very cosy and comfort. Love it !
Kathy Xie - Sydney, Australia 2/2/2010

Huge bach ! Awesome View ! Loved It !
Sebastien & Family - Manukau, Auckland 7/2/10

Superb location for that "get away from it all" feeling. Loads of space on all three levels. Great views and sounds
of nature. Spot on instructions for getting to and into the place, and good communications generally. Helpful little extras in the kitchen.Very good value & excellent service. I'd definitely stay there again.
Tony - Waiuku, Auckland 14/2/10

We had such a great time here, it was a real treat, we were lucky to find this place. Views were spectacular. We couldn't have asked for anything better, house is comfortable. The size of the house is great, we had 8 adults and everyone had enough space. Thank you for the opportunity to stay in your house.
Chris, Andrea, Steph, Obed, Cathy, Josh, James, Ethan - Bethel, Missouri & McAllen, Texas, USA 26/2/10

This is the perfect place to relax. The house has a peaceful setting in the bush with great views of the lake. There is also plenty to do, swimming, boat ride to hot water beach & Rotorua town is only a short drive away. We went with a group of 7 and loved it, would fully recommend this place.
Carly & Family - Switzerland 1/3/10

We had a fabulous time at the Tree Hut, loved the peace and quiet, and the stunning views. Hope to make it back one day. Thanks for all your information and assistance.
Sandra & Family - Oman, Arab Country & Manukau City 7/3/10

Our recent stay at the Tree Hut was fantastic, starting from our first communication on the phone to the details that you provided us to reach the place was handled so cordially and professionally. We enjoyed the stay. The accommodation and other facilities were perfect - neat, clean and trendy. We were a group of eight with two kids. There was plenty of room for all of us. The views are perfect from the high perch that the Tree Hut provides. The occasional chirping of the local birds and the gentle sound of the breeze was very relaxing. Such a secluded place and yet only twenty minutes to the rustle and bustle of Rotorua town made our stay a memorable one. We would love to visit again in winter and see the snow clad mountain in the comfort of the log heated room. Thanks for your help and care.
Deen, Friends and Family - Dannemora, Auckland 14/3/10

Great spot, great views, well equipped kitchen, enjoyed the stay.
Jason & Jacinda Papps - Perth, Australia 28/3/10

Awesome place to stay whilst celebrating the union of the new Mr & Dr Patten. Made some new friends, and plenty new memories.Wonderful hideaway once you recover from the climb.
Kelly - Auckland 28/3/10

Fantastic holiday retreat, great place to spend with friends. Beautiful area with awesome views.
Carol & Dwayne - Auckland 28/3/10

Although now living in Auckland, we had family from South Africa here and decided to visit Rotorua with them. Although the house seemingly has more steps than the average block of flats, it was well worth it ! The only way it could be improved as if it was # 12. Spectacular views, great house, very comfortable - fantastic hosts (Tracey/Steve). Thanks so much - so glad I found it on BookaBach.
Kim, Gordon & Family - Point Chevalier, Auckland & South Africa 25/4/10

Thank you for your hospitality. The Tree Hut is amazing! We had a wonderful time! The driveway is definitely something to get used to!! Well worth it to get up into the house. Everything was left very clean, it definitely more than met my expectations. Thank you very much. Hope to be back again with family. Take Care.
Courtney & James - Dannemora, Auckland 16/5/10

What a spectacular holiday home! That driveway was nearly our undoing, but once we reached the top it was all worth it! We have absolutely no suggestions. Everything was PERFECT ! And those views are worth every dollar - you could probably charge more! Only sad point, the Tree Hut is closing. Thanks for a wonderful stay!
Crystal, Justina, Jenny, Anna & Sol - Mission Bay, Auckland 23/5/10

What an amazing place! The views are fantastic and the house cosy and comfortable. We wish we could have stayed longer. This was the perfect weekend escape. Thank you so much! PS. This is the ultimate Tree House!
Rachel & Friends - Howick, Auckland 30/5/10

Awesome views, great relaxing place to catch up with friends. Only downside to weekend - no one caught any fish! Thanks for a great place to stay.
Jackie, Duncan & Friends - Birkenhead, Auckland 14/6/10

Extremely helpful from 1st contact through to our stay at the Tree Hut to the point where our host called one of the neighbours to arrange for us to borrow some tennis balls and their court ( ! ) for us to have a game during our stay. Thanks so much ! This place is the absolutely perfect getaway whether you're up to sampling the outdoor activities the area has to offer (kayaking on the lake highly recommended) or relaxing in front of the fire and enjoying the views. Great for families or groups of friends.
Joanne & Friends - Grey Lynn, Auckland 21/6/10

Great house, we had a great time. Thank you so much for a very special holiday. My friends and I had an amazing time in your incredible house. The bush and lake environment, natural earthy structure and design of your home and extraordinary outlook made for an experience we will never forget. We also appreciated your reasonable rates and how well appointed the house was. Our only sadness is that you are closing. Thank goodness we got to spend a weekend there before that happened! All the very best for the future, & thank you again.
Aroha, Richard, Pascal, Virginie, Emma, Mark, Jane & Lucy - Auckland 28/6/10

We have had a wonderful 3 days stay here - we loved the Hot Water Beach (very hot sand!!) and 'secret' stream - thanks to the Water Taxi - had a great walk round the Blue Lake & enjoyed the geysers in Rotorua. And then coming back to The Tree Hut in the evening to play monolopy in front of a roaring fire drinking NZ wine. Perfection! Thanks Tracey! (By the way - come and live in Hong Kong if you find the Tree Hut steps a challenge !! )
Richard, Rachel, Tom, Megan, Roxee & Mary Bradford - Hong Kong & Brighton, UK 5/7/10

Luge, Mini Golf, Go Karts, Blue Lake Playground, Lake Tarawera Hot Pool, Duck Tour, Polynesian Spa. This year Rotorua came up for our mid winter Xmas. The Tree Hut was great! We are all 5 kgs lighter and the kids were semi-anaethetised being downstairs overnight * Joke * apart, we loved it and hope we can come back !!!
Ayers Family & Team Taspa - 13/7/10

Wonderful house, loved the views, plenty of room for us all. Had a super mid-winter Xmas. Grandad didn't like the steps but then he's older than me!
Grandma 13/7/10

Very interesting house, glad we do not have to maintain it. Wonderful family holiday home.
Grandad 13/7/10

Big spacious house which was awesome for our mid winter Xmas!
Alice 13/7/10

Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your wonderful house. It will be a Xmas we won't forget. Lovely house, magnificent views.
Ali 13/7/10

Was fabulous - thank you.
Dom, Sam, Tom & Paul - Waitakere 13/7/10

We had a really nice stay! Beautiful weather. Visited the Polynesian Spa, Luge, Waimangu Valley & Hell's Gate Spa. The view of course, is fantastic. The driveway is something to get used to, but the first time is very scary. Thanks for everything, we really enjoyed it! We'll surely recommend The Tree Hut to our friends... assuming you'll continue to rent it out. It's such a beautiful place. We're lucky to have been able to stay there. With kind regards.
Peter, Mariele, Marloes, Rianne, Jan, Sue & Hannah - Holland & Waiheke Island 22/7/10