Huka Lodge, North Island

rooms

Guests can choose from 18 Junior Lodge Suites, one Lodge Suite, a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage, and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage. All have been designed to fully embrace the surrounding natural beauty and light, providing comfort as well as luxury, and include great welcoming details like freshly baked biscuits and monogrammed bed linens.

The Junior Lodge Suites boast magnificent views of the river, which contrast beautifully with the simple and spacious accommodation and create a superior secluded hideaway. The deluxe bedrooms are expansive, and have separate dressing rooms as well as luxurious bathrooms.

Both of the exclusive Huka Cottages are simply stunning. The largest is the Owner’s cottage which comes with views of Huka Falls and is decorated with muted cream and caramel tones which contribute to the calm and restful ambience found in this exclusive retreat, whilst the walls are adorned with beautiful artwork from New Zealand artists. Four fabulously decorated en suite guest rooms are anchored by a central living room, dining area, kitchen and den. Outside a deck leads to a private infinity pool. Spa pool and outdoor furniture.

The Alan Pye cottage, named after the hotel’s founder, was designed and decorated in the style of the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1920s and 30s. With its superb location above lush gardens on the banks of the Waikato River, country antique furniture and Maori antiquities, this splendid cottage boasts a cosy and intimate atmosphere. There is an open plan living room, two stylish en suite bedrooms with dressing rooms, well-equipped kitchen and a great study with its own separate bathroom, perfect for accommodating an extra guest. The outside space is very special, again with its own infinity pool, spa pool and there is also a fantastic stone outdoor pavilion within a courtyard garden featuring a great fireplace.

Single rooms are also available and can be interconnected with Junior Lodge Suites – ideal for children or any staff that may be joining you.

facilities & activities

If you are a fan of the outdoors, then this is the destination for you. Stroll or ride a mountain bike around the landscaped gardens of this luxurious retreat which also hosts a tennis court, pètanque and croquet. Just a short walk away are the stunning banks of the Waikato River, where the river flows down to the cascading Huka Falls; a spectacular sight that is not to be missed.

Those who enjoy fishing will also not be disappointed as the Lodge gives access to a wide choice of streams and rivers nearby; the area is world-famous for trout fly fishing. There are a number of fishing experiences that can be booked through the Lodge that are suitable for novices as well as the more-experienced angler. The Huka Experience is a six-hour tour that encompasses a helicopter ride over the Kaimanawa ranges, a scenic boat ride and trout fishing on Lake Taupo. If you fancy something more energetic, then the lodge can arrange a variety of activities for you including hunting, hiking, riding, golf, bungee jumping, water skiing, white-water rafting, para sailing and quad biking.

If you want to unwind and read a book from the Lodge library, there are lots of cosy places in the luxurious main Lodge, where you can curl up on a chair in front of one of the fireplaces. Or you could treat yourself to a pampering massage, or beauty treatment in the privacy of your own room; hair stylists are also available. The outdoor swimming pool and two spa pools also offer the chance to unwind with a relaxing soak.

dining

Huka Lodge is renowned for its outstanding cuisine and combined with the extraordinary hospitality and stunning setting, this makes for a very special dining experience.

The main Lodge is used for breakfast and evening drinks where guests are encouraged to meet and share stories of their day and enjoy sublime cuisine prepared with local produce of the finest quality, complemented by exceptional wine.

Meals are served in the candelabra-lit dining room, but if you would prefer to dine in privacy there are over 20 indoor and outdoor locations across the hotel including the main Lodge, the Library, the Trophy Room, outdoor spaces with fireplaces, the river terrace and the orchard; each spot being distinctly atmospheric.

Drinks can be enjoyed in the lounge of the main Lodge, which is luxuriously comfortable and cosy with its Scottish and angling themes. The sights and sounds of the river complete the melodious atmosphere of this delightful space.

Room service is also available and picnic hampers can be arranged too.

family

Families with children are made to feel very welcome at Huka Lodge. Children will love the wide open spaces and enjoy the swimming pool, mountain bikes, tennis and pètanque that are available on site, and there are plenty of activities nearby for little ones to enjoy including a great petting farm.

Children are very welcome in the Lodge’s restaurant for breakfast and lunch (high chairs are provided), and there are a variety of private dining venues for families. Children’s menus and packed lunches are also available.

The Lodge Suites interconnect and the private cottages offer self-catering, so are particularly well suited to families. Cots, extra beds and car seats can be provided. Babysitting can be arranged, so parents are able to dine separately. If your children are under 16, this will give you an opportunity to enjoy the pre-dinner drinks at the main Lodge, followed by a romantic meal for two.

location

Located in Taupo, in the central North Island of New Zealand, Huka Lodge is superbly situated within the privacy of 17-acres of manicured grounds, within a Garden of National Significance.

There are scheduled domestic flights that travel daily from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to Taupo Airport, which is about a 20 minute drive away. There are also helicopter transfers from Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua. Auckland is just over three hours away by car and valet parking is also available.