The Beauty of Slow Travel

Imagine stepping into a world where time slows down and nature whispers secrets only you can hear. This enchanting place exists and is called Te Aka Treehouse, a hidden paradise nestled on the wild west coast of Te Waipounamu / New Zealand’s South Island. As my partner & I wandered through ancient trees and over moss-covered stones, & traversing spring fed creeks, we were enveloped by a profound sense of wonder feeling as if we were a part of the mighty canopy and beginning to understand the language of this land. An inkling of overwhelming joy and child-like awe took over and we became tomb raiders for a moment in time. What would be around the next corner we wondered?

Slow Travel: The New Trend

In our fast-paced society and amid a current worldwide recession, the concept of slow travel and slow tourism is a radical movement that supports local communities and businesses, helping us all thrive. Rather than rushing from one destination to another, slow travel encourages spending more time truly connecting with a place, its people, and its stories. In New Zealand, I have noticed that many tourists/visitors attempt to cover vast sections of our country in just one week or a few days even, missing the depth and richness that come from lingering a little longer. In my humble opinion, Te Tai Poutini / The West Coast deserves a week at the very least to be fully appreciated on its own. The same can be said about many of the beautiful locations across Aotearoa.

Slow travel allows us to unwind, giving our nervous systems a chance to settle. By immersing ourselves in a single location, we can appreciate the nuances of its culture, the rhythm of its natural environment, and the stories that make it unique. Te Aka Treehouse is the perfect embodiment of this philosophy, offering a sanctuary where you can slow down and reconnect to the history of this place and experience the stillness to discover your relationship to self & the ones you love.

From the moment you arrive at Te Aka Treehouse, a sense of peace and tranquility envelops you. Here, in this serene haven, the rush of everyday life fades away, replaced by the gentle vibration of nature. Slow travel is not just a trend but a movement that invites us to savour each moment and deeply appreciate our surroundings, beginning to develop a more meaningful relationship to the places we find ourselves in.

As a photographer creating content for such an epic place, I was mesmerised by the intricate textures and vibrant hues of the moss-covered walls, and the dappled light filtering through the canopy. Each photo I took felt like a glimpse into a dream, capturing the essence of what it feels like to live among the trees if only for a moment in time. Being in the treehouse itself, you are surrounded by birdsong & beautiful hues of green and golden light. Treating yourself to the photosynthesis of life and bathing in this process on a cellular level.

This place, it’s about immersion—connecting profoundly with the land and its stories. Being amidst towering trees, serenaded by birdsong and intoxicated by the earthen scent of the forest, and becoming your own adventurous explorer into caverns unknown. Glow worms at every junction, the writing on the wall of past visitors and the history these walls embody within their dirt and stone. Old days of mining in the harsh winters, the excitement and adrenaline of the gold rush and the remembrance of mighty forests that are ready to reclaim this place. How might we exist together in unity? As you spend time here, you begin to carve out your own answers to these questions and curiously create new ones.

Te Aka Treehouse is not merely a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary for the soul, a complete reset for the mind, body & spirit. An invitation to cultivate questions & inspire curiosity in a world that often demands speed and productivity. I truly believe it’s essential to find spaces where we can slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover our true self, redefining who we are and exploring a more meaningful connection to life itself. This retreat offers that respite, a place where dreams come alive and the inner child is set free.

So, when was the last time you truly connected with nature? When did you last allow yourself to explore your dreams and be present in the moment? When did you last indulge in an experience that nourished your body, mind, and spirit? When was the last time you adventured onto paths unknown & squeezed into caverns that held excitement at every turn? Have you had a cold dip in a spring fed pool surrounded by a living wall that is no doubt the home of the forest faie themselves?

Well, I think it’s time to rekindle that sense of wonder and adventure my friends. Book your stay at Te Aka Treehouse and embrace the magic of slow travel, where being present and connected with nature is the ultimate luxury. Let your imagination roam free and your spirit soar in this paradise where time stands still and the beauty of the natural world embraces you.

I promise that your soul will thank you. I know mine sure did! I'm already looking forward to returning to this magical place. Maybe I'll see you there x

Better living, folks!

Love,

Kass

To Book Your Adventure:

Contact Lisa & Dave at Te Aka Treehouse

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