Story by Charlotte
Rekindle - Where the forest holds you
Adventure in Opua, Northland & Bay of Islands, NZ
Hidden among four acres of native bush in the Bay of Islands, this secluded treehouse feels like a gentle exhale from everyday life. Tucked high within the trees and just moments from the beach, it’s a place where mornings begin with birdsong and forest light filtering through the leaves. Whether you arrive solo to reset or with someone special to reconnect, the stillness here invites you to slow down and simply be.
Despite its peaceful, “middle-of-nowhere” feel, the treehouse sits close to Paihia beach and the best of Northland, offering the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Wander the private bush track, open the doors to fresh forest air, or curl up and listen to nature do the talking. This is a stay designed for quiet moments, meaningful pauses, and rekindling what matters, wrapped in the beauty of the trees.
Despite its peaceful, “middle-of-nowhere” feel, the treehouse sits close to Paihia beach and the best of Northland, offering the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Wander the private bush track, open the doors to fresh forest air, or curl up and listen to nature do the talking. This is a stay designed for quiet moments, meaningful pauses, and rekindling what matters, wrapped in the beauty of the trees.
Things We Did
- Swim
- Experience
- Pub
- Kayak
- Walk
On warm days, Paihia Beach is the perfect place to swim, float, and cool off in the clear waters of the bay. Wander along the shoreline, lay out a towel on the sand, or swim straight from the beach as the sun sparkles across the water. For a touch of local fun, make your way to the little island jetty, where jumping in has become a simple, joy-filled ritual, a moment of laughter, salt water, and summer freedom. It’s an easy, unhurried way to experience the playful side of the Bay of Islands, just a short drive from the calm of the treehouse.
For a deeper sense of relaxation, guests can take a scenic 25-minute drive to Ngāwhā Springs for a massage with Mist Healing Hands. Set within this naturally healing environment, the experience invites you to fully unwind as warm mineral waters and skilled touch work together to restore balance. Treatments feature handmade, organic products inspired by Ngāwhā Springs, adding a beautifully grounding element to the experience. It’s a thoughtful addition to your stay, ideal for a slow day of wellness, self-care, and gentle exploration beyond the trees, enjoy the culture of Ngawha Springs
For a memorable meal with a view, Tipsy Oyster in Paihia is a must-visit. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and beautifully crafted cocktails, it’s the kind of place where long lunches turn into sunset drinks. Set right on the waterfront, you can sip something refreshing while watching the boats drift by and the light change across the bay. It’s an easy, feel-good outing — ideal for a casual date night, a celebratory dinner, or simply soaking up the Bay of Islands vibe
Ngāwhā Springs offers a deeply grounding cultural and wellness experience unlike anywhere else in Aotearoa. Treasured by local Māori for generations, the springs are rich in naturally occurring minerals and are known for their restorative qualities. A series of pools sit at varying temperatures, allowing you to move intuitively between warmth levels, soaking, resting, and rebalancing at your own pace. Steam rises gently from the earth, birds call overhead, and the surrounding landscape adds to the sense of connection to the land. It’s a powerful place to slow down, reflect, and experience the healing relationship between nature, culture, and wellbeing.
For a dose of adventure, head into Paihia to explore the Bay of Islands from the water with Moana Kayaks or take to the skies with parasailing. Glide across calm, turquoise waters by kayak, discovering secluded coves and hidden corners of the bay at your own pace, or rise above it all for sweeping views of the islands scattered below. Just a short drive from the treehouse, these experiences offer an unforgettable contrast to the quiet of the forest
Step out of Rekindle Treehouses onto the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and into the peaceful beauty of the Bay of Islands. Follow the gentle, mostly flat path along the waterfront toward Opua Wharf, with sparkling water, mangroves, and boats along the way. Perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, this scenic 4 km loop is an easy escape right from your doorstep
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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