A Treetop Wonderland in the Coromandel

One winter weekend, Tyson took me away for a night with no indication of where we were going. We hopped in the car from our Auckland apartment on a Saturday morning and hit the road, and it was only when we turned off on the highway for the Coromandel that I had the slightest inkling of where we were headed—it’s a drive we’ve done many times, so I at least knew the general direction we were going. Other than that, I had no clue what was in store.

We made it to Hahei, where we usually stay, and kept going—where on earth was he taking me?! 

As it turns out, he’d booked a night at the most magical little cabin just out of Whitianga—called the “Treehouse,” it’s a place I’d been wanting to stay at for quite some time. And it did not disappoint.

Situated above the treetops, overlooking acres of native bush and the ocean beyond that, the Treehouse is the most perfect place for a peaceful getaway in nature, but with all of the creature comforts you might want. 

Inside the studio cabin, you’ll find a cosy bed and a couple of cushioned benches, with plenty of books to peruse and comfortable nooks to curl up and read in. There’s a bathroom, a little kitchenette, and a woodburner inside the unit—and a beautiful deck with a barbecue, outdoor seating, and views for days. We spent our evening hanging out on the deck (and made a foil packet salmon dinner for the grill), and when the weather turned we cosied up inside with a fire. 

That night there was the most epic thunderstorm with lightning that could be seen right from our windows—it truly felt like we were on the edge of the world, and it’s an experience we’ll never forget.

The owners of the Treehouse live on the same piece of land, in a house just up the road, and they leave you to your privacy but are available if you need anything. They were wonderful hosts and put so much love and care into the cabin—they designed and built the place themselves and it’s just stunning, and there are so many nice little touches—like freshly ground coffee and stacks of interesting books and magazines to pore over. 

If you can pry yourself away from your stay at the Treehouse, there are plenty of things to do nearby, including the following:

• New Chums Beach: a hike-in secluded beach (about an hour round trip) that’s considered one of the most beautiful in NZ
• The Lost Spring: geothermal pools in a lush, luxurious outdoor setting; $60 for a half day or $80 for a full day of soaking in the springs
• Luke’s Kitchen: a wonderful cafe with awesome wood fired pizzas and local mussels, right next to the beach

It’s special spots like this one that make us pinch ourselves for getting to live in New Zealand. We hope you visit the Treehouse one day and enjoy a magical stay like we did—and if you’re looking to surprise someone with a secret getaway, there couldn’t be a better place.