We were booked a night in the Treehouse through New Zealand Fine Tours and we wanted to spend more time! The treehouse is set on a quite family farm overlooking an incredible gorge! The kids ran and played and tired themselves out. Steven and Trudy were fabulous hosts, we didn't have time for the rafting trip but they set the boys up with a rod and reel for some morning fishing on the river. The two bedroom apartment was adjusted to suit our family with extra beds moved in. We had plenty of space to relax, cook come burgers on the barbeque, and enjoy dinner and wine on the deck looking out at the fantastic canyon.

If we ever travel back to New Zealand we'll definitely book a couple of nights at the Tarata Fishaway!

The place is just beautiful, roaring fire, lambs to feed, the goregous river and bush and the cliffs, a sensational part of the country I had never seen before after driving up and down SH1 a million times. And Stephen and Trudi are perfect hosts, very NZ and down to earth and welcoming. We had driven from Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua and stayed one night here on our way back. Our kids rated our few hours and night here as the highlight of the trip, this after having been to all the big attractions in Rotorua and Auckland.

My wife, 2 young daughters and I stumbled across Tarata in January of this year - I returned in April for a dedicated week of fishing. This place is just sensational; there's no other way to put it. There's the extraordinay scenery, the wide selection of kid/family friendly activities (scenic rafting, feeding the animals, "magic carpet rides" to name a few) and the best fly fishing I have ever experienced. The accomodation is comfortable, the food is outrageously wonderful; but best of all Trudi, Steve and their girls will make you feel like you are one of the family with hospitality and a sense of fun that is so rare these days.
You need to experience this for yourself. Tarata is truly special. I am almost reluctant to share this with anyone, it's the best kept secret!