The Treehouse

Robinson Crusoe did it, so why not us. We are living in a treehouse today. The Treehouse Hostel near Kohukohu. This sleepy village, once the third largest in New Zealand, thrived on Kauri logging and dairy production. Old wharf piles still stand where large sailing ships berthed before taking their cargo overseas. Today it is home to only 200 people, mostly retirees, and it offers backpackers a beautiful place to relax.

The treehouse I am in sits on seventeen acres of pasture and bush. Fruit and nut trees, birds and sheep grace the land. The water is provided by a large rain water catch which sits on the hill. Behind the catch is the start of a nature trail that winds through a forest to Harbor Lookout and Sunset Point.

The Lonely Planet describes this as the most unique hostel on the island, and so far, I would have to agree. I am perched in the kitchen loft right now, next to the living room loft, across from the open deck which faces some of the 3000 trees the owners have planted. Below is the chalk board where travelers have written their personal philosophies.

"This is my life. Some of it was given to me. The rest I made myself."

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet."

"Look not too far behind nor too far ahead that you miss the happiness where now you tread."

And my favorite: Whatever else happens, don't let it spoil your dinner."

Traveling in New Zealand has been easy. A lot easier than I first thought when we deplaned at the Auckland airport into a crowded, confusing terminal. Once we set out for Northland (the Northern tip of the North Island), we began to relax. The hostels everywhere are clean and comfortable and the scenery has been terrific. We've been able to pitch our tent and have access to all the hostel facilities - kitchen, showers, laundry and sitting rooms. New Zealanders have been generous and extremely nice. Comparing this to Fiji, where traveling was truly work, this is a wonderful change of pace.