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Huka Lodge Taupo is one of the world's finest and offers the discerning traveller an unrivalled combination of luxury, service and amenities.
When you talk about New Zealand luxury lodges, Huka Lodge Taupo is synonymous with all that defines this exceptional classification of accommodation. The lodge has been in operation since 1924. It is located on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, near
Taupo
on the North Island. The lodge is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and is consistently rated one of the world's best. Sought by the most discerning travellers, Huka Lodge offers superb accommodation and hospitality.
In 2010 Huka Lodge Taupo was again acknowledged as one of the world's finest, when it was voted as the "Top Lodge / Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific" by Travel and Leisure magazine, in their 15th annual "World's Best Awards Readers Survey".
The Lodge - Huka Lodge Taupo
Experience crisp clear air,
birdsong, dew on the forest floor, 17-acres of perfect peace and quiet and attentiveness to your needs as palpable as the force of the mighty river itself.
The Lodge grounds are extensively planted and blend seamlessly into the bordering Wairakei Park Reserve beyond. Lovingly nurtured and manicured, they enclose a tennis court, a heated swimming pool, spa pools, petanque and croquet courts as well as many a quiet secluded corner to contemplate nature at its most bountiful and generous.
Guest Accommodation at Huka Lodge Taupo
Within 17-acres of magnificent manicured grounds, nestled along the banks
of the Waikato River, accommodation is available within just 25 rooms.
These comprise 18 Lodge Rooms, one suite and the two exclusive Huka Lodge Cottages. The Owner’s Cottage provides secluded accommodation for a maximum of eight guests within four bedrooms and the superb new Alan Pye Cottage has two bedrooms for four guests.
Dining and Cuisine at Huka Lodge Taupo
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 our commitment.
Recreation
As one of the most recognisable of all New Zealand luxury lodges, we work hard to ensure that your stay with us meets your needs. Working with carefully chosen operators we have selected
a range of activities that we hope will enhance your stay and add to your enjoyment of Huka Lodge and its beautiful surroundings.
You may like to have a relaxing massage or beauty treatment in the comfort of your room. Or perhaps a game of golf at either the Wairakei International Golf Course, or the Jack Nicklaus designed Kinloch Signature Golf Course. Both are close by.
There are many other activities available such as hunting trips, helicopter flights, horse riding, fishing, jet boating, skydiving, kayaking, white water rafting, and hiking, to name a few.
We will do our best to make sure that your stay is complemented by a select range of activities to suit your individual preferences.
Awards
Huka Lodge has consistently been ranked amongst the best for the Australasian region and for the world since 1984. The property has received recognition for
design & ambience, service, cuisine, value for money and location amongst other categories. Twenty five years of excellence sees this iconic property continuing to find more ways to re-define its hospitality and enhance the quality of experience for its guests.
If you want to experience the best of what New Zealand luxury lodges have to offer, Huka Lodge provides the perfect venue.
Famous Guests at Huka Lodge Taupo-a Selection
H.M. Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands,
H.R.H. Prince Willem-Alexander Crown
Prince of The Netherlands &
H.R.H. Princess Maxima,
H.M. Queen Elizabeth II,
H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh,
H.R.H. The Prince Edward,
H.R.H. Katherine The Duchess of Kent,
Prince Guillaume de Luxembourg,
Princess Sibilla de Luxembourg,
H.R.H. King Albert of Belgium,
Prince & Duke Pierre d’Arenberg,
Princess Silvia d’Arenberg,
H.R.H Queen Margrethe of Denmark,
H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark,
Lord Lichfield,
Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill,
H.R.H. Sultan Mahmud Ismail Terengganu,
Mary Robinson,
Don McKinnon,
Bill Gates,
Rupert Murdoch,
Tony O’Reilly,
General Westmoreland,
Dick Cheney,
Sir Edmund Hillary,
Sir Peter Blake,
Dean Barker,
Dennis Connor,
Russell Coutts,
Lee Hart,
Billy Connolly,
Barry Humphries,
John Cleese,
Joan Collins,
Michael Douglas,
Billy Crystal,
Donald Sutherland,
Michael Palin,
Larry Hagman,
Lee Majors,
John Johnson,
Kate Ford,
Zoe Naylor,
Kate Winslet,
Robin Williams,
Barbra Streisand,
Diana Ross,
James Brolin,
Michael Crawford,
Pink Floyd,
Rod Stewart,
Sarah Brightman,
Nigel Mansel,
Sir Bob Charles,
Robert Trent Jones,
Rachel Hunter,
Karen Walker,
Introducing Michel Louws - Executive Chef At Huka Lodge
Michel Louws has joined Huka Lodge, bringing with him a wealth of experience in some of the Netherland's finest restaurants.
Michel honed his skills during his holidays when he could be found working at de Librije (3 Michelin stars), Inter Scaldis (2 Michelin stars) and 1 Michelin star restaurants Le Cirque and Zusje.
Michel was offered the position as Head Chef at ‘t-Veerhuis, located in Wolphaartsdijk, Zeeland in 2002. Under his watch, by 2007 the restaurant had risen to 1 Michelin star, ranking as the highest runner up in the Dutch Top 100 Restaurants. And Michel was honoured by his peers as one of the most promising Top 10 Head Chefs of that year.
Michel comes to Huka Lodge with great experience at top international level, and a deserved reputation for providing fine cuisine.
Huka Lodge wins Top Lodge/Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
Time to celebrate another award at Huka Lodge.
Huka Lodge has been awarded one of the most prestigious awards in the region by the readers of American magazine Travel + Leisure. Huka Lodge was voted the "Top Lodge / Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific" in their 15th annual "World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey".
The very proud owner of Huka Lodge, Alex van Heeren said “this award is gratifying as it is a reflection of what our guests themselves have experienced. It belongs to the entire staff because their constant striving for excellence is recognised.”