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Huka Lodge

Taupō, New Zealand

An iconic riverside sanctuary on New Zealand's North Island.

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Property Overview

Long celebrated as one of the world’s most revered luxury lodges, Huka Lodge is set among seventeen acres of manicured parkland along the banks of the turquoise Waikato River near Lake Taupō. Following a centenary redesign, the lodge reopened in 2025 with twenty suites and two exclusive cottages, each with river views, a fireplace, and a private terrace. Daily inclusions cover a full country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and a four-course dinner with matched New Zealand wines. A team of expert concierges can arrange everything beyond the lodge, from fly fishing and heli adventures to lake cruising and golf. A minimum two-night stay applies, and the lodge welcomes children aged ten and older.

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SmartFlyer Exclusives

  • $100 lodge credit on property
  • Breakfast included for two per room (if applicable) - included in the rate
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
  • Personalized welcome note and local gift on arrival or departure
  • Upgrade to next category (subject to availability)

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Agent Tips

  • Book a private heli adventure over Tongariro National Park or Lake Taupō, an unforgettable way to experience New Zealand’s dramatic volcanic heartland.
  • Try your hand at Taupō’s legendary fly fishing – the team at the lodge can arrange a private guide for casting lessons or a full-day backcountry expedition.
  • For the ultimate stay, reserve the ultra-exclusive Alex van Heeren Cottage with private pool, spa, and panoramic river views, ideal for families or VIPs.
Accommodations

Three distinctive ways to experience the river.

Set within seventeen acres of manicured gardens beside the Waikato River, Huka Lodge offers three accommodation styles designed for privacy, space, and serenity. Twenty Lodge Suites provide an elegant riverside retreat with beautiful river views, while the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage offers a more intimate, homely feel with its own pool and garden pavilion. At the top of the range, the Alex van Heeren Cottage is a four-bedroom private estate perched above the river with sweeping views toward Huka Falls.
Pool + Gym

Swim with the Waikato River as your backdrop.

A heated pool and a steaming plunge pool sit at the heart of the lodge's riverside gardens, the perfect place to unwind after a day out on the water or in the hills. The fully equipped gym sits within the Huka Spa Wellness Grounds and features Technogym equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, a stationary bike, Kinesis wall, free weights, and yoga mats. Private yoga sessions can be arranged on request in the dedicated yoga pavilion overlooking the Waikato River.
Spa

Wellness, the New Zealand way.

Inspired by the traditional Kiwi bach, a series of rustically cool, contemporary huts make up the Huka Spa Wellness Grounds. Inside, you'll find spa treatment rooms, a sauna, an ice contrast shower, and a steaming hot pool nestled in the lush riverside greenery.
Restaurant + Bar

A celebration of the finest seasonal produce.

Dining at Huka Lodge is a celebration of New Zealand’s finest seasonal produce, served in settings as captivating as the cuisine. Following its 2025 centenary redesign, the lodge’s culinary spaces, including the reimagined Dining Room and river-view terrace, reflect a refreshed elegance and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape. Included in your stay are full country breakfasts, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and a four-course gourmet dinner paired with premium New Zealand wines. Menus evolve daily, showcasing ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and artisans, offering a true taste of Aotearoa’s contemporary fine dining in an intimate riverside setting.

The River Room is the natural heart of the lodge's evenings, an elegant, firelit space with views over the Waikato River. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés are included daily, featuring fine New Zealand wines and local craft beverages. Throughout the day, the lodge's at-home bar invites you to help yourself to wine and beer, with cocktails, premium spirits, and cellar master selections available at an additional cost.
  • Vibe
    Timeless riverside elegance meets contemporary New Zealand luxury.
  • Who's it for?
    Huka Lodge is a natural fit for couples and multigenerational families seeking seclusion, nature, and refined comfort in equal measure. Adventure-seekers will find plenty to keep them busy, while food lovers and wellness enthusiasts will be equally well looked after. For anyone wanting to experience New Zealand at its finest, this is a hard property to top.
  • Location
    Just five minutes from Taupō township, Huka Lodge sits on the banks of the Waikato River with Huka Falls on the doorstep. Lake Taupō's adventure offerings, including fly fishing, golf, cruising, and heli-exploration, are all within easy reach. Rotorua is an hour's drive away, and Auckland is a scenic three-and-a-half-hour drive or a forty-five-minute flight.

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