Consistently rated as one of the world’s best small hotels by publications such as Conde Neste, Forbes and Travel and Leisure Huka Lodge has just got even better with the opening of another self-contained exclusive cottage.
Huka Lodge has seen the likes of guests such as both British and American royalty (Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton) and more popular stars (Billy Connolley, Kate Winslet, Michael Palin). Despite the esteemed company guests often comment on the casual, relaxed, comfortable atmosphere which is the heart of true Kiwi hospitality.
The main lodge building has 18 rooms, but for the more exclusive party you may want to hire out either the Owner’s Cottage or the newly opened Alex Pye Cottage. They offer four and two guest suites respectively and come complete with self-catering facilities(chef supplied) and butler. The Owner’s Cottage has a cantilevered infinity pool with sublime views over the Huka River.
Huka Lodge is surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. The crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo are fed by mountain streams and are home to some of the most sought-after Rainbow trout in the world. The spectacular and mighty cascades of water forming the Huka Falls are a short walk from Huka Lodge, on the banks of the Waikato River.
Nearby there is world-famous Rotorua surely the grand-daddy of all modern spa treatments with its boiling hot pools and smelly mud. Huka Lodge has its own naturally heated pool, so pack your swim suit (togs as the locals call them), robes provided for guests.
If you intend to do any walking in this beautiful but rugged and isothermally active area bring good sturdy walking shoes too. In true New Zealand style you don’t need to bring a suit and tie or dinner dress for evenings – smart casual will be just fine. In winter you are less than an hour away from excellent skiing on Mt Ruapehu, in summer the same mountain has some wonderful energetic walking trails.
Huka Lodge has its own helicopter offers transfers from Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua. Enjoy the scenic wonders of the central North Island and be delivered to the front lawn of Huka Lodge. Auckland to Huka Lodge – 1 hr 15 min, Wellington to Huka Lodge – 1 hr 35 min, and Rotorua to Huka Lodge 25 mins. The small holiday town of Taupo is the nearest public airport to Huka Lodge, but you will get more frequent connections on larger planes via Rotorua. Driving, or being driven will take around 3-4 hours from Auckland, 4.5 hours from Wellington and 1 hour from Rotorua.
