Huka Lodge — Local services in North Island

Seriously, there are just not enough stars here to reflect this exceptional Lodge.

Beautifully situated alongside the crystal clear fast flowing Waikato River just upstream from Huka Falls, this is just so picturesque.

From the moment you are checked in by the welcoming staff, you cannot help but feel that this place is special, royalty has stayed here, and the quality and comfort in every detail denotes luxury accommodation and service.

The staff are good-humoured, respectful, generous and naturally friendly, and seem dedicated to ensuring that you are enjoying all that is on offer here. And, it seems so effortless on their part which makes for a relaxing and absolutely stress free stay.

The meals here are a real highlight. Choose your table at breakfast, perhaps outside on the terrace with a river view. The terrace is under glass and heated if it’s a bit chilly but a nice way to start the day with your gourmet breakfast.

Dinner starts with cocktails (remember this is all-inclusive) and canapés, followed by chef Ryan’s menu that changes every night, and each course coupled with paired wines. There are several places to dine; choose from the cellar or the library or outside on one of the terraces. Dining here is a joy and an occasion to spoil yourself.

The rooms are a private sanctuary, so comfortable with a cloud soft king bed with your choice of pillows. Really nice sharing a quiet drink on the sofa in front of the fireplace or looking out to the river. Spacious accommodation, with a quality fit-out thoughtfully designed and decorated as you would expect. Huge bathroom, big tub, twin sinks etc etc. Fully stocked fridge and goodies (all-inclusive); and, all that is left is to enjoy.

There are experiences to choose from or you can make your own fun. The walk from Spa Park alongside the river to Huka Falls is easy and the Falls a spectacular and dramatic end to your walk.

Our thanks to chef Ryan and Manager Bridie, and special mentions to all those who make the whole experience special: Kim, Winnie, Andrew, Tai, Amber, Daniel and Charles and the others whose names I have forgotten -sorry.

This is a luxury stay-you will not be...

We recently completed a two-week luxury tour of North and South New Zealand. It was wondrous in every aspect. We stayed at the best lodges including Huka, Cape Kidnappers, Otahuna, Matakauri, and Eichardt’s private hotel and reviewed them all. For the ultimate experience, book your trip through Marchay. Now for the review!||Huka was our overall favorite lodge. Located in Taupo, it is the North islands recreation zone and features NZ’s biggest lake, Lake Taupo. The lodge is located minutes away and resides in a prime location off the Waikato River that leads to Huka Falls, only a ten-minute walk. Awesome white-water falls (Huka means the foam of the white water).||The lodge is sweet and compact with 20 junior suites, all steps from the river. Amenities include swimming pool and 100f spa. No gym but will take you to the local gym 10 minutes away which is very nice. ||Dining experience is what sets Huka above all others. We were there three nights and each night they give you a designated dining spot, all outdoors in season. Each was more amazing than the other. And the food!||Like all fine lodges in NZ, they start happy hour with canopies (apps to Americans). Each night featured three different canopies, yum! Alcohol is included during happy hour. The menu is changed daily, four course offerings. But hey, no need for menus here because they will make most anything you want. All food preparation was five star and not pretentious like a Michelin restaurant. ||I have to also say that throughout our stay in NZ, the staff at every lodge and hotel was incredibly nice, efficient and spot on. We only had two minor incidents and everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. ||The only downside: Four-hour drive from Auckland. However, it’s well worth it and we stopped at the Glowworm caves on the way up. I highly recommend a boat tour on Lake Taupo and hiking to Taranaki Falls. ||Overall: Best lodge in NZ for location, food, activities...

We recently completed a two-week luxury tour of North and South New Zealand. It was wondrous in every aspect. We stayed at the best lodges including Huka, Cape Kidnappers, Otahuna, Matakauri, and Eichardt’s private hotel and reviewed them all. For the ultimate experience, book your trip through Marchay. Now for the review!||Huka was our overall favorite lodge. Located in Taupo, it is the North islands recreation zone and features NZ’s biggest lake, Lake Taupo. The lodge is located minutes away and resides in a prime location off the Waikato River that leads to Huka Falls, only a ten-minute walk. Awesome white-water falls (Huka means the foam of the white water).||The lodge is sweet and compact with 20 junior suites, all steps from the river. Amenities include swimming pool and 100f spa. No gym but will take you to the local gym 10 minutes away which is very nice. ||Dining experience is what sets Huka above all others. We were there three nights and each night they give you a designated dining spot, all outdoors in season. Each was more amazing than the other. And the food!||Like all fine lodges in NZ, they start happy hour with canopies (apps to Americans). Each night featured three different canopies, yum! Alcohol is included during happy hour. The menu is changed daily, four course offerings. But hey, no need for menus here because they will make most anything you want. All food preparation was five star and not pretentious like a Michelin restaurant. ||I have to also say that throughout our stay in NZ, the staff at every lodge and hotel was incredibly nice, efficient and spot on. We only had two minor incidents and everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. ||The only downside: Four-hour drive from Auckland. However, it’s well worth it and we stopped at the Glowworm caves on the way up. I highly recommend a boat tour on Lake Taupo and hiking to Taranaki Falls. ||Overall: Best lodge in NZ for location, food, activities...