Book the Huka Lodge with VIP Benefits

Huka Lodge nestles on the mighty Waikato River banks, upstream from Huka Falls, in a location of immense natural beauty. Huka Lodge is located in Taupo, on the central North Island of New Zealand. The central plateau enjoys a gentle climate, a leisurely pace, and a spectacular landscape. Snow-capped volcanic mountain peaks, wild tussock, green and lush wilderness, the clear blue waters of lakes and streams. So many features reminiscent of other landscapes and other lands are all contained within this one area. The Lodge's central location ensures guests are never far from areas of interest. A ten-minute drive takes them to the township of Taupo or a one-hour drive to nearby geothermal Rotorua. A journey through New Zealand from either north or south will pass through Taupo, offering the opportunity to experience superb hospitality at Huka Lodge.

Inviting you to enter a world where elegant and generous hospitality meets sophistication and style – creating a welcoming haven whose reputation and numerous awards are richly deserved. Taking pride in being one of the top luxury lodges in New Zealand. Within 17-acres of magnificently manicured grounds, luxury accommodation is available within just 26 suites. All nestling along the banks of the magnificent Waikato River, upstream from the mighty Huka Falls.

Enter through the gates of Huka Lodge and immediately begin to leave the real world behind. As guests journey the length of the drive and encounter the park-like grounds, a feeling of peace and tranquility begins to envelop them gently. That very first glimpse of the Waikato River's deep turquoise green waters brings further affirmation of the potential that awaits. Offering elegance and refinement, Taupo's luxury boutique accommodation endears its self to discerning luxury travelers in New Zealand. Choose from 20 Junior Lodge Suite, the four-bedroom Owner's Cottage, and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage – guests luxuriate in an exclusive hospitality experience.

The Two Exclusive Cottages – the four-suite Owner's Cottage and the two-suite Alan Pye Cottage have unique garden features unique to each site. The Owner's Cottage has an exquisite rock garden filled with all sorts of treasures near the outdoor fireplace. The Alan Pye Cottage has a Gertrude Jekyl-inspired garden in keeping with the Arts and Crafts influence prevalent in this cottage's design. Guests can self-tour the gardens using an illustrated plant catalog, prepared by the Head Gardener, Elaine Tocker, to identify the unfamiliar. The gardening staff is only too happy to answer any questions. Guided tours to other special interest gardens within the area can also be organized for guests on request.

Dining & Recipes - Experience Dining in Taupo with Huka Lodge as, for us, cuisine continues to define the hospitality experience's iconic nature. Over the years, Huka Lodge has been fortunate to have had many outstanding chefs cooking superb food for its guests. The tradition of generous and fine hospitality is deeply embedded within the Huka Lodge philosophy, and the quality of this bears testament to this commitment. Cuisine - the Main Lodge building draws guests like bees to honey. From here, having breakfasted well, guests either set off for adventure or settle in a comfortable chair with a book beside a cozy fire. Come evening, candles are lit, lights dimmed, and the drinks set out. Guests gather to make each other's acquaintance, share stories of their day, enjoy the superb cuisine prepared using the finest ingredients, and complement exceptional wines. Service is both solicitous and seamless, designed to anticipate.

The Executive Chef - Paul Froggatt - British-born chef Paul Froggatt initially trained in the UK and in France where his career highlights included working at Gidleigh Park Hotel* (Two Michelin-Star), Bernard Loiseau en Bourgogne*(Three Michelin-Star) and Château de Courcelles (One Michelin-Star). Paul followed this by stints at two of Singapore's most popular leading European restaurants, San Marco and Saint Pierre*. Paul has recently been the Chef de Cuisine at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel's Amber Restaurant (Two Michelin Star) in Hong Kong. During his time at Amber, the restaurant was voted one of the Top 10 restaurants within the annual San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants awards. In 2016, Huka Lodge, with Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, were admitted as members of France's exclusive 'Les Grandes Tables du Monde.'

The Huka Lodge Gardens - Nestled on the Waikato River banks, Huka Lodge lies within a location of great natural beauty. This has been further enhanced by 17-acres of park-like grounds and extensive, manicured gardens. These superb grounds feature native New Zealand trees and shrubs found within the greater landscape beyond planting that would typically be encountered in an English garden. Huka Lodge has many fine specimen trees of some age and considerable size – particularly the Californian Redwood trees that date back to the original plantings in the 1920s. Due to the location being well above sea level with crisp, cold winters, Japanese maples, rhododendrons, hostas, hellebores, dogwoods, magnolias, and azaleas thrive. The New Zealand climate is generous in terms of sunshine hours and rainfall, at just the right time of the season to generously endow both lush and strong growth.

The Huka Lodge gardens have always been a source of pride. However, since 1984, they have undergone a massive development program. Interior Designer Virginia Fisher and Landscape Designer Suzanne Turley have worked closely to transform the gardens into their present much-admired form. One of their biggest projects has been the creation of a magnificent water garden near the main Lodge. Here the river courses through massive river boulders in the form of miniature waterfalls, while drifts of moisture-loving plants such as gunnera, bog primulas, and hostas thrive. Spring is always a glorious time in the gardens at Huka Lodge, with so many flowering trees and shrubs. So many perfumed plantings, such as Daphne, contribute to the magical effect. In addition, the garden is a haven for many bird species, and their song and presence are readily enjoyed within the property.

The Lodge Experiences - Whisky Tasting - These tutored tastings are led by passionate whisky aficionados and are designed to entertain and inform. The Huka Lodge whisky tasting is presented on certain days. Tennis - Astroturf tennis court on site. A tennis instructor is available. Pètanque & Croquet - Can be played in a private, secluded area near the tennis court. The Yoga Lawn - A beautiful space where guests can reflect in quiet contemplation during a morning yoga session, meditation, or a stroll through the gardens to take in the grounds' serenity. It is a tribute to the gardening team's passion and dedication, making Huka Lodge a unique haven. Yoga Lawn At Huka Lodge 2 1 - Pool Complex - Comprising one swimming pool and two spa pools, with towels provided at the poolside. Mountain Bikes - Mountain bikes and helmets are available for your use.

Wellness - ''Massage'' - In the peaceful surroundings and privacy of your own suite. The massage therapists can give Deep Tissue, Remedial or Soft Tissue Massages to relax your tired muscles and rejuvenate your body. ''Beauty Treatments'' - Lie back and enjoy a wonderful facial, with qualified beauty therapists, in the comfort and privacy of your suite. There is a range of facial treatments available. ''Manicures'' - Indulge in a deluxe shape and polish manicure. Designed to nourish and protect your hands and nails, it includes exfoliation and a warming hand and arm massage. ''Hair Dressing & Treatments'' - Hairstyling, blow waves, and treatments are provided by top professionals in the privacy of your suite.

In the 1920s, Irishman Alan Pye discovered the incredible fly fishing on the Waikato River's reaches just above Huka Falls and realized his dream to establish a fishing lodge. Before long, the fame of Huka Lodge had spread to every corner of the world. As its reputation for outstanding trout fishing and fine hospitality spread, Huka Lodge attracted such famous anglers as HM Queen Elizabeth; The Queen Mother, Charles Lindbergh; James A. Mitchener (who wrote part of Return to Paradise there) as well as many famous film stars and public figures of the time. Conditions that definedHukaa Lodge's history was spartan: the main Lodge building contained Pye's bedroom, the kitchen, and a large dining room. Guests slept in heavy canvas tents pitched over wooden slatted floors. However, its fame and reputation grew, and the visitor's book read like an angler's version of 'Debrett.' In 1984, the founder of The Huka Retreats, Alex van Heeren, fell under the same spell and fell in love with the property. He immediately recognized the potential to create a world-class property, and his passion and drive have added luxury to a magnificent location. Today, the clientele and the aura of Huka Lodge are much the same. Though the original accommodation standards have changed dramatically, the true spirit of its famed hospitality remains unchanged since 1924.