More than half a century ago a young Irishman, Alan Pye, heard word of an angler's paradise and made his way to Taupo. He was captivated by the bounty of both lake and river and immediately procured land on the banks of the Waikato River. Here he built four simply canvas-clad huts on a bend of the river, above the mighty Huka Falls. Huka Lodge soon established a reputation for fine food and hospitality amidst great natural beauty and tranquillity.
In 1984 Alex van Heeren fell under this same spell and purchased Huka Lodge. His resources and passion have added luxury to location, creating from Alan Pye's dream one of the world's most famous retreats.

Huka Lodge now takes its place as a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotel Collection , sharing a dedication to creating a place apart from the world but with the highest standards of comfort and hospitality.

The main Lodge has an understated elegance and is a welcoming haven where, in the evening, guests gather in front of the blazing log fires with a drink or two and share stories of the day. The rich warm floors and antique country furniture are complemented by woven wool fabrics and carpets designed to reflect the richness of Huka Lodge's surroundings. The intense deep greens and blues echo the river and forest and touches of red mirror southern sunsets.

Gather with fellow guests in the candlelit dining room for a truly memorable experience. The standard of Huka Lodge's cuisine is outstanding and showcases the very best of New Zealand's food and wine. Each individual dish flavour, colour, texture and taste.
The dining options at Huka Lodge are unlimited. Wherever the mood takes you - to the terrace or library, the trophy room, the wine cellar, the riverbank or garden - an elegant setting will be arranged either for large groups or for more intimate meals. The wine cellar has an ambience all its own. Surrounded by some of New Zealand's and the world's finest wines, guests are entrained in an atmosphere rich with tradition and warmed by flickering candlelight on vaulted ceilings.

Huka Lodge is set in seven hectares of park-like grounds and has just twenty guest suites. These are all tucked along the riverbank for privacy and enclosed by towering trees. The suites offer every comfort, from fully stocked mini-bar to walk-in dressing room, and are light, spacious and very peaceful. It is difficult to imagine a better start to the day that a Huka Lodge breakfast - croissants, pastries and muffins baked while you were still sleeping, fresh fruit, preserves and the most tempting selection of cooked breakfast combinations.

Within the Lodge grounds you can take a leisurely stroll in the gardens or soak in our hot pool, enjoy a game of tennis on our all-weather court or try a relaxing game of petanque.
Should you be drawn further afield we have an extensive variety of recreational pursuits and experiences available.
If fishing is your choice, the Lodge can arrange a wide variety of fishing excursions. Heli-fishing offers a complete wilderness experience in some of the best trout-fishing territory in the world. The solitude and sheer beauty of these locations is outstanding.
Lake Taupo offers wonderful trout fishing and swimming, and a boat will take you to the many isolated coves and bays fringing the edges of the great lake. Some may choose a quiet game of golf at Wairakei or enjoy horse trekking, sailing, river rafting or skiing.
Our staff will only be too happy to advise and facilitate, and our guides are committed to making your activities enjoyable experiences.

However long you stay at Huka Lodge, you will take away memories of a very special time spent in a very special place. As guests before you have found, the return to the real world is difficult, but once you have made the promise to yourself to come back some time it will seem easier. It is a promise many of our guests keep.

The rates include accommodation, full country breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails, five course dinner, Taupo airport transfers if required and full use of Huka Lodge facilities.