Details
In the 1920s, Irishman Alan Pye, discovered the incredible fly fishing on the reaches of the Waikato River just above Huka Falls, and realised his dream to establish a fishing lodge. Before long, the fame of Huka Lodge had spread to every corner of the world.
As one the world’s most respected luxury travel media authorities, Travel + Leisure’s reader-voted award is the latest to recognize the place in history Huka Lodge holds as a truly iconic hotel. Since it was founded in 1924, Huka Lodge has been consistently rated as a favourite destination for discerning travellers from every corner of the globe.
Originally established by Irishman, Alan Pye, as a modest fishing camp on the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge welcomes statesmen, movie stars and royalty from around the world, who have come to love its sense of space, privacy and elegance. Since 1984, when luxury was added to location, guests have had an opportunity to relax in sublime surroundings, with outstanding service, while leaving the demands of the modern world behind during their time at Huka Lodge.
Accommodation
Within 17-acres of magnificent manicured grounds, accommodation is available within just 25 suites. All nestling along the banks of the magnificent Waikato River, upstream from the mighty Huka Falls.
Offering accommodation within 18 Junior Lodge Suites, one Lodge Suite, the four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage – guests luxuriate in an exclusive hospitality experience.
Junior Lodge Suites
Every last detail required for guest comfort has been carefully considered, from the finest monogrammed bed linen, and feather pillows, to the freshly baked biscuits.
French doors open onto the wooden terrace beyond and all 18 Junior Lodge Suites face the hypnotic deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River. Its long journey from Lake Taupo takes it flowing past Huka Lodge to the full force of the famous Huka Falls beyond and then on to the sea.
The bathrooms offer every indulgence as well as being spacious and light, with the most decadent deep bath, thirsty towels, heated floors, and twin basins. Dressing rooms are both large and generous in proportion, with room to truly make yourself at home during your stay.
Owner’s Cottage
Huka Lodge’s famed attention to detail ethos is applied to families spending time together with this great new travel package. Four superbly decorated spacious en suite guest rooms are anchored by a central living room, dining area, kitchen and den. The colour palette is deliberately muted with elegant use of soft cream and caramel hues for the walls and bleached oak wooden parquet floors throughout. This all contributes to an ambience of calm restful relaxation within the Cottage.
The Cottage displays work by some of New Zealand’s foremost artists – Max Gimblet, Mervyn Taylor, Don Binney, Paul Dibble and Dick Frizell to name a few. The entire retreat is furbished generously with unique pieces chosen for their comfort, beauty and history – like the wonderful 1920s French oak chairs in the living room.
The en suite rooms all have super-king size beds, comfortable chairs for lounging and the romance of a fireplace in your bedroom.
Two of the guest suites face the river while the other two enjoy a beautiful private courtyard garden aspect. These gardens also feature one of the magnificent outdoor fireplaces that can be found tucked away within the environs of Huka Lodge.
Alan Pye Cottage
For a truly romantic and memorable time together, Huka Lodge is utter perfection. Offering absolute privacy and an elegant luxury, bathed in an unforgettable atmosphere and created especially for those celebrating their love for each other. Alan Pye Cottage takes every advantage of a superb location and sits above lush rolling green lawns and manicured gardens on the banks of the Waikato River, where the powerful and hypnotic turquoise green waters surge downstream on their way to the Huka Falls.
A magnificent open plan living room, with an open fireplace features a very high ceiling, and dining to take place as well as relaxing. This room offers decadently comfortable furniture and everything guests will need to feel this is a true ‘home away from home’.
Floor-to-ceiling opening doors feature on both sides of the room – facing the river and the infinity style swimming pool on one side and the enclosed courtyard garden and outdoor pavilion, on the other.
The Cottage boasts two large and stylishly appointed suites, with individual fireplaces, en suite bathrooms and generous walk-through dressing rooms. Both suites are superbly decorated and offer a highly considered level of comfort.
The bathrooms are beautifully appointed with twin basins, deep baths, separate showers and heated towel rails. The floors are made from limestone and all enjoy under floor heating. Large and generous walk-through dressing rooms are adjacent to all of the bathrooms.
A well-equipped kitchen is set up for a personal chef – guests may choose to stay in or to stroll over to the main Lodge and dine there. Guests at The Alan Pye Cottage have use of all Huka Lodge facilities and services as a matter of course.
A study is tucked away with desk, plasma flat-screen television and sound system. This room also has its own separate bathroom and can be readily converted into a single room, should it be required to accommodate an accompanying party.
A heated infinity-style swimming pool and a separate private spa pool have been integrated into the outdoor landscape. There is also a fabulous stone outdoor pavilion within a private courtyard garden, featuring a magnificent fireplace.
Dining
Cuisine continues to define the iconic nature of the hospitality experience at Huka Lodge. 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.
The Main Lodge building draws guests like bees to honey. It is from here that having breakfasted well, guests either set off for adventure, or settle in a comfortable chair with a book beside a log 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 and enjoy the superb cuisine, prepared using the finest of ingredients and complemented by exceptional wines. Service is both solicitous and seamless, designed to anticipate.
Wellness & Beauty
Massage
In the peaceful surroundings and privacy of your own suite. Our 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 our qualified beauty therapists, in the comfort and privacy of your suite. There are a range of facial treatments available. These are provided by either a Thalgo therapist or Phoebe who works with Pola and Chanel products.
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
Hair styling, blow waves and treatments are provided by top professionals in the privacy of your suite.
Activities
Tennis Petanque Golf Fishing Bungee Jumping Whitewater Rafting Hot pool Hiking Biking Skydiving Kayaking Hunting Fly Fishing White Water Rafting
Accessibility
Auckland Airport – Huka Lodge With an approximate 1 hour and 10 minute flight you will have enough time to enjoy the countryside on your way to Huka Lodge or back to Auckland International Airport. Follow New Zealand’s largest river with great views of the hydro-electric dams, forestry and lush farmland along the route.
Taupo Airport – Huka Lodge 15 minutes away flying over the town, lake and river including Huka Falls to land on the Huka Lodge lawn.