Liz Hayes and her husband Andy have created something so desperately needed in this ever-demanding day and age; a sustainable retreat that encourages guests to reignite their childhood sense of curiosity.

Set amidst the trees of Million Springs Farm, overlooking the glorious Hakataramea Valley, smack-bang in the middle of New Zealand's South Island, Nest Tree Houses is the realisation of a long-held dream for Liz, a qualified journalist and writer and self-confessed childhood treehouse lover.

Starting out with one treehouse, Liz and Andy opened their doors to guests just as Covid hit, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise given the vastly increased appetite for unique and remote local escapes that ensued.

Such was the level of success of their first treehouse, they sometime later decided to construct a second one, enabling them to develop a thriving accommodation business which is today fuelled entirely by direct bookings.

And if the treehouses themselves weren't enough of a treat, guests are able to explore the incredibly historic, six-generation old family farm and surrounds during their stay, including the option of heading to a neighbouring whisky bar by helicopter or milking one of the property's many resident cows.

Liz and Andy have cultivated such a rewarding life for themselves and their three kids and it was an absolute pleasure to hear about their journey when Liz and I caught up a short time ago. Please enjoy our chat today.