Huka Lodge

There is simply no denying the brilliance of Huka Lodge, as in addition to countless international awards – including the Top 20 Hideaways in the World, the Best Hotel in New Zealand and Top Honeymoon Destination in Australasia – the lodge has also attracted the likes of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother over its illustrious 100+ year history. Indeed, Huka Lodge’s humble beginnings as a fishing lodge in the 1920s seem a very long way off now!

Starting with the setting, however, it really speaks for itself, with Huka Lodge being secretly studded within nearly 20 acres of preened gardens, lawns, flower beds, forests and hedgerows that overlook the Waikato River, which gushes right by. These magical vistas of native trees and plants hugging the river’s verdant shores, up to nearby Huka Falls, can be fully admired whether spending time around the grounds, out on the lodge’s al fresco dining terrace or from your own room, given that most of the 25 suites here open out towards Waikato and beyond.

That is only the beginning of the story though, as the Huka Lodge experience certainly doesn’t stop at the unbeatable setting alone. While here, you can expect a lodge that prides itself on effortless service and the kind of interior design that strikes a perfect balance between luxury New Zealand lodge and rustic-chic boutique; think antique-style cabinets, grand candlestick holders and high wooden beams, meets private infinity pool, and designer daybeds galore. Then there is the Michelin-standard fine dining at Huka Lodge, all included, which can be savoured either in their main (and very regal) dining hall or one of 20 secluded spots, set up just for two and found everywhere from a gazebo by the river to the building’s original wine cellar, or tucked up next to an outdoor firepit pit on a romantic private patio.

There is simply so much to love about staying in a suite at Huka Lodge – the rooms themselves are beautifully adorned and perfectly placed, there is history and authenticity here, and the highlights of Taupo are also on your doorstep. Then, to round it all off, time between day trips, hiking and biking tours can be spent on one of the lodge’s tennis courts, in the spa, gym, by the pool or around those fairytale gardens, the choice is yours.