Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge is a celebrated luxury retreat located in Taupo, New Zealand, set on 17 acres of parklike gardens along the banks of the Waikato River near Lake Taupō. Established in 1924, the lodge has evolved from its origins as a fisherman’s camp into one of the region’s most distinguished accommodations. With just 22 rooms and suites—including two exclusive owners’ residences—Huka Lodge offers an intimate and refined experience. The property is renowned for its fine dining, extensive wine cellar, and tranquil wellness facilities, all complemented by attentive, personalised service. Its accolades include Two MICHELIN Keys, a place on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list, and recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s, and Tatler, underscoring its status among the world’s finest hotels.

Huka Lodge holds a 4-star grade — one of 70 four-star houses on Earth, among just 777 starred hotels; seat 47 of 70. The verdict rests on an EMPTYJET Consensus of 92/100 and a string of recognitions: Best in Country — N°1 house in New Zealand, inclusion on The World’s 50 Best Hotels (rank 88) and the award of Two MICHELIN Keys.

The interiors of Huka Lodge have been crafted by renowned designer Virginia Fisher, whose vision brings together understated elegance and a sense of place. The main lodge and guest suites feature her signature style, blending comfort with refined New Zealand character. The gardens, designed by Suzanne Turley, envelop the property in lush, parklike landscapes that enhance the sense of seclusion and tranquillity. Together, these design elements create an environment that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.

Dining at Huka Lodge is a highlight of the guest experience, with a focus on fine cuisine that showcases New Zealand’s premium local produce. The main Dining Room offers a daily-changing menu, reflecting the seasons and the surrounding environment. Signature dishes feature beef and lamb from North Island fields, Tora Crayfish, Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, and native ingredients such as kawakawa and pāua amuse bouche.

Breakfast is a country-style affair, featuring fresh eggs, free-range bacon, local tomatoes, mushrooms, greens, fresh juices, tea, and espresso coffee. Lunch is served à la carte, with options including local organic and free-range chicken and beef, fresh greens, lodge-baked bread, and fine wines. Dinner is a multi-course experience, complemented by a vast wine cellar that houses revered vintages and local labels. The cool underground cellar also serves as a unique venue for private dining.

The bar offers a selection of premium spirits, including locally distilled small-batch labels, cocktails, fresh gin and tonic, and fine scotch. After dinner, guests can enjoy a range of premium liqueurs, spirits, and hot beverages. The culinary programme is designed to celebrate the best of New Zealand’s produce, with menus that evolve to reflect the region’s bounty.

The Huka Spa is set among the cool, quiet reserves of the Wellness Grounds near the Waikato River, offering a tranquil environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Facilities include two spa treatment rooms, a sauna, an ice contrast shower, a steaming hot pool, and a gymnasium. The spa uses the New Zealand-made verité skincare range and offers a variety of signature treatments, such as facial therapies, the Huka Signature Massage, Awa Stone Therapy, pregnancy massage, and body rituals incorporating greenstone and thermal mud. The wellness offering is complemented by a swimming pool and access to the surrounding gardens, providing guests with a holistic approach to wellbeing.

The lodge’s commitment to personalised hospitality is evident in its inclusive tariff, which covers daily gourmet breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dinner, and use of facilities such as the swimming pool, tennis court, and lawn games. A personal concierge is available to create destination-led itineraries and arrange activities with local guides, ensuring that each guest’s stay is tailored to their interests.

Huka Lodge is set among 17 acres of established, parklike gardens along the banks of the emerald-blue Waikato River, just upstream from the dramatic Huka Falls and near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island. The property’s location offers both seclusion and access to some of the region’s most striking natural features, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding landscapes. The gardens, designed by Suzanne Turley, provide a tranquil backdrop for the lodge’s accommodations and amenities.

Huka Lodge is a destination for travellers seeking a blend of heritage, natural beauty, and refined hospitality. Its small number of suites and cottages ensures privacy and exclusivity, while its accolades—including Two MICHELIN Keys and a place on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list—affirm its standing among the world’s leading luxury lodges. The property’s riverside setting, fine dining, and comprehensive wellness facilities make it particularly suited to those who value tranquillity, culinary excellence, and attentive service. Huka Lodge is an exemplary choice for special occasions, romantic retreats, or any stay where the highest standards of comfort and experience are paramount.

The inclusive tariff at Huka Lodge covers daily gourmet breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dinner, and use of the swimming pool, tennis court, and lawn games. Event facilities include private dining spaces, meeting rooms, a wine cellar, The Loft, Piper Room, Library, and Orchard outdoor space. The lodge’s personal concierge can arrange bespoke itineraries and activities with local guides, enhancing the guest experience.