Hidden amongst the trees on the banks of the Waikato River is the renowned Huka Lodge
This historic lodge started out in the 1920’s as little more than a small fishing camp, built to accommodate young Irishman Alan Pye’s love of fly-fishing. Its seclusion and astounding location just upriver from impressive Huka Falls has continued to draw worldwide fame and illustrious visitors. In the 1980’s a Dutch entrepreneur re-developed the property into a 17-acre luxury estate, which attracted a long guest list of royalty and movie stars alike – including H.M Queen Elizabeth II and H. R. H. The Duke of Edinburgh, John Cleese, Robin Williams and Sir Peter Jackson
The lodge’s interior was designed by internationally-recognised designer Virginia Fisher who has created an elegant and sophisticated space. Accommodation consists of just 20 superb lodge suites as well as a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage.
The 20 lodge suites boast French doors that open up to a private terrace overlooking the grounds and the river beyond. These beautifully designed rooms feature light and spacious ensuite bathrooms with a decadent bathtub, heated floors and his and hers basins. For guests requiring an even more exclusive stay, or travelling with friends or family, the four-bedroom Owners Cottage and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage offer every comfort and luxury one could think of. Both these cottages feature large open-plan spaces with ample sitting areas, indoor and outdoor dining areas and their own swimming pools overlooking the river.
Though it may seem an intimate couples retreat, Huka Lodge does welcome families – the extensive grounds house a swimming pool, spa pools as well as tennis, croquet and pétanque courts. Amenities within the main lodge also include a beautiful library, study and comprehensive wine cellar.
Dining at Huka Lodge is an experience in itself. Executive Chef Paul Froggatt and his team create mouth-watering dishes that use only the finest, freshest seasonal produce. The lodge makes the most of its 17-acres by offering up to 20 indoor and outdoor private dining venues. Popular spots include beside the river and under the stars on warm summer evening, the wine cellar, jetty pavilion or beside a roaring outdoor fireplace.
Huka Lodge is situated in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island and the surrounding region is home to a wealth of activities. As the lodge is on the banks of the Waikato River there are plenty of walking trails to discover, including a short walk to the renowned Huka Falls and nearby Lake Taupo. Kayaking, jet boating, white-water rafting, bungy-jumping and cycling are just a few of the activities that can be organised. There are also a number of superb golf courses within 20 minutes’ drive of the lodge.
- 20 beautiful lodge suites with lovely river views
- Ensuite bathrooms with decadent bathtubs and his and hers basins
- 2 exclusive cottages featuring delightful lounge interiors and private pools
- 17-acres of manicured gardens on the banks of Waikato River
- A range of romantic indoor and outdoor private dining venues
- Swimming pool and spa pools nestled within the extensive grounds
- Tennis, croquet and pétanque courts
- Lodge facilities including a library, study and extensive wine cellar
- Surrounding walking and hiking trails
- Complimentary mountain bikes
- Tennis, croquet and pétanque courts
- Swimming pool and spa pools
- Kayaking*
- Jet-boating*
- White-water rafting*
- Bungy-jumping*
- Superb nearby golf courses*
- Massages, manicures and beauty treatments*
- Cultural tours*
*At extra cost
- One of New Zealand’s most renowned and exclusive lodges
- Incredible volcanic landscapes, geysers and steaming mud pools
- Nearby Huka Falls and beautiful Lake Taupo
- 17-acres of manicured gardens on the banks of Waikato River
- A plethora of inside and outside private dining venues
- Swimming pool and spa pools nestled within the extensive grounds
- Facilities including a tennis court, library, study and extensive wine cellar
- Countless activities including kayaking, jet-boating and white-water rafting
Huka Lodge is located in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island near Lake Taupo. The closest airport is Taupo Airport, approximately 11.8 kilometres (15 minutes’ drive) from the lodge. If self-driving it is approximately 270 kilometres (3h 20 minutes) from Auckland or 150 kilometres (1h 50 minutes) from Napier. Helicopter transfers are also available from Auckland – a scenic 1 hour and 10 minute flight (contact us for details).
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