There’s something magical about waking up in the heart of nature—birds singing, the scent of fresh greenery in the air, and the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. This is exactly what I experienced during my recent stay in Tairua, a hidden gem on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. While many travelers flock to the famous Hot Water Beach or Cathedral Cove, Tairua offers a more intimate, eco-friendly escape.
If you love nature, sustainability, and unique accommodations, then staying in an eco-lodge in Tairua is an absolute must. These lodges are not just places to sleep—they are experiences that immerse you in the lush landscapes of New Zealand while maintaining a deep respect for the environment. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experiences at some of the best eco-lodges in Tairua, including their unique features, pricing, booking tips, and where to find the best deals.
1. Treetops Eco Retreat – Sleep Among the Canopy
Location: 210 Main Road, Tairua, New Zealand
Why Stay Here? A secluded treehouse retreat with ocean views
Price Range: NZD 250 – 350 per night
Rating: 4.8/5 on Airbnb
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a luxurious treehouse surrounded by native New Zealand forest, Treetops Eco Retreat is the place to go. Perched high on a hill, this beautiful eco-lodge offers panoramic views of Tairua Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
My Experience at Treetops Eco Retreat
I arrived at Treetops in the late afternoon, just in time to see the golden hues of sunset filtering through the canopy. The wooden lodge was beautifully designed, blending seamlessly into the surrounding trees. The air smelled fresh and earthy, and within minutes of settling in, I spotted a tui bird singing from a nearby branch.
The cabin itself was cozy but luxurious, featuring an outdoor shower, a private deck, and a small kitchen stocked with organic goodies. At night, the only sounds were the distant waves crashing on the shore and the occasional call of a morepork owl. It was pure serenity.
What Guests Love
- Breathtaking treetop views
- Off-grid but still luxurious (solar power, rainwater collection)
- Private and peaceful—perfect for couples
Booking & Best Deals
Treetops Eco Retreat is available on Airbnb and Bookabach, but I found the best rates directly through their website. Booking at least two months in advance is recommended, especially in peak summer months (December–February).
Bush & Bay Eco Lodge – The Ultimate Seaside Escape
Location: 15 Ocean Road, Tairua, New Zealand Why Stay Here? A beachfront retreat powered by renewable energy Price Range: NZD 180 – 280 per night Rating: 4.7/5 on Booking.com
A Hidden Gem by the Ocean
Nestled along the scenic coastline of Tairua, Bush & Bay Eco Lodge is a true sanctuary for nature lovers and sustainability-conscious travelers. This beautifully designed lodge offers a perfect blend of coastal serenity and eco-friendly luxury, making it one of the best places to stay for those seeking peace, adventure, and a deep connection with nature.
Unlike conventional beach resorts, Bush & Bay Eco Lodge takes a minimalist yet luxurious approach, ensuring that every detail— from solar-powered energy sources to biodegradable toiletries— aligns with sustainable living. If you’ve ever wanted to wake up to the sound of waves crashing and fall asleep under a blanket of stars, this is the place for you.
My Stay at Bush & Bay Eco Lodge
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the natural beauty surrounding the lodge. The property is perched just steps away from the golden sands of Tairua Beach, allowing guests to easily transition from their cozy eco-lodge to the refreshing embrace of the Pacific Ocean.
The lodge’s architecture is a masterpiece of sustainability and aesthetics. Constructed from reclaimed timber, it blends seamlessly with the lush coastal landscape. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow ample natural light to flood the space, creating an airy, open feel while offering panoramic views of the ocean. The open-plan design, featuring a fully equipped kitchen, a stylish lounge area, and handcrafted wooden furniture, gives the lodge a warm and inviting ambiance.
One of my favorite features of the lodge was the outdoor deck area, which served as the perfect spot for morning coffee, sunset drinks, or quiet meditation while gazing at the ocean. The deck was also equipped with comfortable loungers, making it a dreamy place to unwind.
Another standout feature was the sustainable energy system. The lodge runs almost entirely on solar power, and the water supply comes from a rainwater collection system, which is purified using advanced filtration technology. The owners have taken every measure to reduce their environmental footprint, from providing organic, locally sourced bath products to implementing a zero-waste recycling program.
During my stay, I made full use of the complimentary kayaks to explore the calm waters of Tairua Bay. The lodge also provides bicycles for guests, which made it incredibly easy to take a scenic ride along the coastline.
What Guests Love
- Prime Beachfront Location – Direct access to Tairua Beach for morning strolls and ocean swims
- Eco-Conscious Living – Powered by solar energy, featuring sustainable materials and eco-friendly toiletries
- Tranquil Atmosphere – A peaceful retreat away from the crowds, ideal for relaxation
- Thoughtful Amenities – Complimentary kayaks, bicycles, and a well-stocked kitchen for self-catering
Booking & Best Deals
Bush & Bay Eco Lodge is available on Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda. I booked my stay through Booking.com, as it offered a flexible cancellation policy and a small discount for early reservations.
For the best rates, I recommend booking at least two months in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the peak summer season (December to February).
Rainforest Retreat Tairua – A Jungle Paradise
Location: 5 Forest Lane, Tairua, New Zealand Why Stay Here? A true rainforest escape with an outdoor bath Price Range: NZD 220 – 320 per night Rating: 4.9/5 on Expedia
Immersed in Pure Nature
For travelers looking to disconnect from the modern world and fully embrace the wilderness of New Zealand, Rainforest Retreat Tairua is the perfect choice. Tucked away in the heart of the rainforest, this eco-lodge offers a secluded getaway where guests can experience nature at its purest.
Surrounded by towering native trees and exotic ferns, the retreat is designed to blend harmoniously with its environment. From the moment you step onto the property, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world—one where birdsong replaces city noise, and the scent of damp earth and flowers fills the air.
My Stay at Rainforest Retreat Tairua
Arriving at the retreat was like stepping into a dreamlike jungle escape. A wooden boardwalk led me through dense greenery to my private cabin, which was elegantly designed to offer both comfort and immersion in nature.
The highlight of the stay was undoubtedly the outdoor bathtub, which was set on a secluded deck surrounded by lush vegetation. Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich water under a sky full of stars, with nothing but the sounds of the rainforest around you—it was pure bliss.
Inside the cabin, the decor was earthy and natural, with handcrafted wooden furniture, soft linen bedding, and large windows that framed breathtaking views of the rainforest. The cabin was equipped with a small kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare simple meals using organic, locally sourced ingredients provided by the hosts.
One of the most memorable experiences was the guided night walk organized by the lodge owners, Mike and Lisa. With flashlights in hand, we wandered through the forest, spotting glowworms in hidden grottos and listening to the haunting calls of New Zealand’s native morepork owls. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
What Guests Love
- Secluded Rainforest Location – A peaceful escape surrounded by untouched wilderness
- Outdoor Bathtub Under the Stars – A unique and unforgettable experience
- Eco-Friendly Practices – Composting toilets, rainwater collection, and biodegradable products
- Personalized Touches – Thoughtful hosts, guided nature walks, and organic breakfast options
Booking & Best Deals
Rainforest Retreat Tairua is available on Expedia, Hotels.com, and their official website. I found the best rate through Expedia, which offered a 10% discount for early bookings.
For the best experience, I recommend booking at least three nights to fully enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest.
Why Tairua’s Eco-Lodges are Worth It
Staying in an eco-lodge in Tairua isn’t just about having a place to sleep—it’s about fully immersing yourself in nature, supporting sustainable tourism, and experiencing New Zealand’s landscapes in an intimate and authentic way.
Whether you’re waking up to the sound of waves, soaking in an outdoor bath under the stars, or exploring the lush rainforest, these eco-lodges offer an experience unlike any traditional hotel.
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, make sure to spend a few nights in one of these incredible retreats. I promise, you won’t regret it! 
How to Book the Best Eco-Lodges in Tairua
Finding and booking unique eco-lodges can be tricky, but these platforms offer great deals:
- Airbnb – Best for treehouses and private rentals
- Booking.com – Great for flexible cancellation policies
- Expedia & Hotels.com – Often offer package deals with flights
- Agoda – Good for last-minute discounts
Pro Booking Tips
- Book early! Tairua’s best eco-lodges fill up fast, especially in summer.
- Look for direct booking discounts. Many lodges offer better rates on their own websites.
- Check for eco-certifications. This ensures your stay truly supports sustainability.
Why Tairua’s Eco-Lodges are Worth It
Staying in an eco-lodge in Tairua isn’t just about having a place to sleep—it’s about fully immersing yourself in nature, supporting sustainable tourism, and experiencing New Zealand’s landscapes in an intimate and authentic way. Whether you’re gazing at the stars from an outdoor bath, waking up to the sound of native birds, or watching the waves crash on a secluded beach, these eco-lodges offer an experience unlike any traditional hotel.
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, make sure to spend a few nights in one of these incredible retreats. I promise, you won’t regret it!
