Imagine laughter echoing through the trees as your family embarks on an adventure at the Piwakawaka Family Hut. Hike together, cook meals under the stars, and tell stories by the crackling log fire – in the heart of the Pukeiti Rainforest.
Managed by the Taranaki Regional Council, this off-grid treehouse offers an affordable escape from the ordinary. Ditch the screens, grab your hiking boots, and prepare for a fun forest experience.
Type of Accommodation: Treehouse
Location: Taranaki | North Island | New Zealand
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Best for: Treehouse with 12 beds, Swing Bridge, Hikes, Gardens, Log Fireplace, $150 per night
The Cheapest Treehouse in New Zealand!
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Treetop Location
Pukeiti Rainforest is a 360-hectare rainforest park at the northern base of Taranaki Maunga (mountain). For the Tree Hut follow directions to Piper’s Valley Road.
The hut itself is perched amongst the trees, offering a thrilling treehouse-like vibe and unique views of the forest canopy. Kids love the sense of adventure and being close to nature.
Easy Hike
Reaching the hut involves a short 1.5 hour easy hike, suitable for kids and families, adding to the sense of exploration and accomplishment.
Tip: Wear sturdy footwear for the walk to and from the treehouse, and bring warm clothes at any time of year.
Surroundings
The location within Pukeiti Rainforest provides access to walking trails, native bush, and beautiful gardens, perfect for exploration and outdoor activities.
Watch the Video
Family-Friendly Amenities
The treehouse sleeps up to 12 people in bunk beds, with ample space for families to spread out and have fun. Don’t forget to bring flashlights.
Top Tips
- Bring your own bedding, e.g. sleeping bags, pillows
- Bring your own portable cooker for cooking and pots. Some pots are supplied.
- Bring all your own food and cups, plates, bowls and cutlery, tea towels, and dishwashing liquid.
- If you’re only staying one night you could bring cold picnic food, like bread, cheese, hummus, salad, and fruit, etc.
Shared Activities
The hut encourages family bonding and shared experiences like playing card games, cooking meals together, and enjoying storytelling around the fireplace.
Tip: Logs are supplied for the log burner but you’ll need newspaper and matches to light it.
Relax on the covered porch, and walk to the swing bridge near the hut.
A Unique and Affordable Getaway
Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional hotel stays, the Piwakawaka Family Tree Hut offers a more affordable option, especially considering its capacity and unique experience.
Self-Catering: Cooking your own meals allows for flexibility and budget-friendliness.
Good to Know at Piwakawaka Family Hut
- The cold water is from a rainwater tank
- Log burner fire, logs supplied
- Toilet, bring your own toilet paper
- Solar-powered lights
- Take ALL your rubbish back out with you
- Maximum 2-night stay
Forget wifi, connect with nature: The Piwakawaka Family Hut offers a magical rainforest escape for adventurous families.
Book your stay online at the Taranaki Regional Council Website
Travel Resources
- Need a rental car for your Taranaki travels? Snap Rentals is a 100% Kiwi-owned company with electric cars, hybrids, and 7-seaters for the whole whanau (family).
- Keep your cherished photos safe and organised with the PhotoStick Omni.
See More Unique Places to Stay in the North Island
- 6 Reasons to Indulge at Huka Lodge Taupo New Zealand
- Piwakawaka Family Hut – Taranaki’s Rainforest Treehouse
- Eco-Friendly Places to Stay in the North Island of New Zealand
- The Flying Fox Whanganui: Eco-Friendly Adventure on the River
- Ohakune Train Carriage Accommodation for a Retro Stay!
- Kapiti Island Nature Tour and Glamping
Pic thanks to Denisbin at Flickr Creative Commons