Nau Mai Welcome
At Huka Lodge, we strive to create a truly memorable guest experience. If there is anything we can do to make your time at the lodge even more special, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist.
Our story
Lodge history
Long regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations, Huka Lodge is set among established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island.
In 1924, Irishman Alan Pye founded Huka Lodge as a fishermen’s camp with a gathering of white canvas tents lining the banks of the trout-rich river. In 1984, Huka Retreats founder Alex van Heeren saw the potential for a world-class property and his vision is regarded as the genesis of luxury lodging. Most recently in 2021, Huka Lodge joined the Baillie Lodges collection alongside sister properties in Australia, Canada and Chile.
Twenty Lodge Suites along with two exclusive owners’ residences, the Alan Pye Cottage and Alex van Heeren Cottage, dot the 17-acre Huka Lodge parkland, each privately set and opening onto verdant views of the gardens and the hypnotic, ever-changing waterway beyond.
Aotearoa
Aotearoa is the name given to ‘New Zealand’ by Maori and translates to the long white cloud that envelopes both islands. Maori are Tangata Whenua or people of the land and make up over 50 different ‘iwi’ or tribes across Aotearoa.
Huka is the name given to Huka Falls by the local iwi or tribe which translates to ‘snow’ and is attributed to the white water tumbling over the falls resembling the falling snow.
Huka Lodge is embraced by 'Ngāti Tūwharetoa' the local iwi and their traditional tribal lands encompass Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage-listed site. Insight into ‘Te Ao Maori’ or the Maori world, is as broad as the interest of guests that visit Huka Lodge.
Lake Taupō is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. It is roughly the size of Singapore and is the crater of one of the largest volcanic eruptions earth has seen in the last 5,000 years.
Born on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand and drains from Lake Taupō through the Taupō township. Downstream from Huka Lodge, it blasts through a narrow rock chasm to create Huka Falls, then winds more peacefully northwards towards Port Waikato where it enters the Tasman Sea.
Travel for good
Sustainable luxury at Huka Lodge
Baillie Lodges works to enrich our guests, our local communities and team members with a genuine and re-energising connection to unique landscapes, peoples and cultures. Here are a few examples of how we practice sustainable tourism.
• Essential to the vision are initiatives designed to conserve energy via smart measures and technologies including the latest energy-efficient fittings including LED lights and timers, double-glazed insulated glass and roof and wall insulation reducing overall energy use. Low VOC paints and natural timbers limit the use of harmful chemicals and ensure the lowest environmental impact at end of life.
• Huka Lodge takes a holistic approach to managing its impact on the natural environment. A campaign to reduce the use of single-use plastics complements the recycling of batteries, printer cartridges and coffee pods. Organic and free-range produce is used in the kitchen, while producers who embrace sustainable practices are actively sought as partners. Chemical-free pest control is used throughout the garden, which is also planned to provide food and shelter for bees, birds and animals.
• In 2019, Huka Lodge embarked on a project to secure fresh Waikato water for the future and ensure sustainability of its use. The lodge invested in a monitoring system and purification process combining UV, activated carbon and osmosis – which ensured the restaurant’s own water was the spring water quality – and installed a state-of-the-art, wastewater plant. Its high-quality output is used to irrigate the gardens.
• Huka Lodge actively engages with the community offering ongoing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses and producers, providing a veritable boost to the local economy as well as a homegrown identity.
• In 2024, Baillie Lodges launched an ongoing community fundraising program called the Spirit of Mateship. The bi-annual fundraiser sees three-night stays auctioned at each of the portfolio’s seven properties with proceeds donated to a local community organisation. Huka Lodge supports Greening Taupō and their mission to improve the Taupō environment by undertaking restoration planting and pest control to create ecological corridors to allow the number of native birds to flourish.
Lodge
Dining
Dining at Huka Lodge is at the heart of the tradition of generous hospitality for which the lodge is world-renowned. The Dining Room provides an elegant backdrop for savouring the culinary team's innovative, daily changing menus showcasing New Zealand’s finest, often sustainably produced ingredients.
For an intimate dinner or special occasion, enjoy one of the many signature dining locations dotted around the grounds from the Wine Cellar to the Orchard or the River Deck. Subject to availability.
Experiences
The ever-changing Waikato River and broader Lake Taupō region provide a magnificent natural setting for Huka Lodge. A stay at the lodge places guests at the doorstep to a host of wonderful experiences of the destination, from the traditional sport of fly-fishing on the banks of the Waikato River or further afield, to wilderness hiking, luxury cruising, golfing, jet boating, scenic helicopter flights and more. Huka Lodge works with premium local guides and operators to offer a selection of activities to enhance guests’ stay.
A visit to the dramatic Huka Falls located just downstream from Huka Lodge is a Taupō must-do. The famed natural attraction is easily accessible from the lodge via a short walk.
The magnificent park-like surrounds of Huka Lodge invite leisurely pursuits onsite, including tennis, pétanque and croquet, while the option to cast a fishing line into the river, read a book on the riverbank, wander the garden paths or enjoy a drink on the terrace are equally appealing.
Breakfast 7am – 10.30am
Lunch
12pm – 2.30pm
Pre-dinner drinks and canapés
From 6pm
Dinner
From 6.30pm
How to book
Any of the region’s tours can be booked with the assistance of the friendly Guest Services team, subject to availability.
Our recommendation Combine a visit to the falls with a walk in the nearby Spa Thermal Park which offers a three-kilometre trail meandering alongside the Waikato River.
Services & facilities
Boutique
Open daily, the lodge boutique features a selection of apparel and unique gifts.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11am. Details of your departure arrangements will be delivered to your suite the evening prior.
Dietary Requirements
Dietary requirements should be advised at time of reservation, however, if advance notice isn’t provided our chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available.
Drinking Water
Tap water at the lodge is safe for consumption.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping refreshes guest suites daily, generally during breakfast service or whilst guests are out and about.
Ice
Please contact Guest Services for ice delivery to your suite.
Internet
Complimentary WIFI is available throughout the lodge. To connect to the network, select ‘Huka Lodge’ in WIFI settings.
Laundry
The lodge offers an in-house wash and fold service. A laundry bag and form can be found in your top dresser drawer; dry cleaning is also available Monday–Thursday on request and charges apply. Please contact Guest Services to arrange collection.
Local Transfers
Complimentary transfers are available from Huka Lodge to the Taupō township (approximately 10 minutes’ drive). Please contact Guest Services to make arrangements.
Lodge Activities
The lodge offers a range of lawn activities including tennis, pétanque and croquet. There’s a dedicated yoga lawn and fishing rods are at hand for those keen to cast a line into the river.
Private tennis and yoga tuition may be arranged (additional charges apply). Please enquire with Guest Services for information.
Mini Bar
The in-suite bar is stocked with a selection of local beverages and snacks for your enjoyment. All items are complimentary. The in-suite bar is restocked daily.
Mountain Bikes
Complimentary adult mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for guest use. Please visit Guest Services for a map, water and helmet.
Picnic Lunch
Picnic lunch or activity snack packs are available on request; additional charges apply.
Pillow Selection
The pillows on your in-suite bed are a luxurious feather fill and a non-allergenic microfibre pillow. Additional pillows including latex and memory foam options are available on request.
Power
Domestic power supply is 230 - 240 volts. International adapters can be found in the top drawer of the dresser.
Reception
Our Guest Services team are available between 6am and 9.30pm daily. For quick attention to individual requests and for after hours assistance, please dial 0. For emergency medical assistance dial 111.
Privacy
Should you require privacy, display the privacy sign found in your suite's wardrobe, outside your door.
Smoking
To ensure the comfort of all guests, all suites, cottages and public are smoke and vape free environments. To smoke or vape, please step outside onto your terrace. An ashtray is located in your wardrobe.
Spa & Gym
Housed in the Wellness Grounds, the Huka Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. Explore the range of treatments available in the spa menu. Bookings in advance are essential, please contact Guest Services. A fully equipped gymnasium is available for guest use, along with a sauna and invigorating hot and cold pools.
Suite Amenities
In your wardrobe, you'll find the following items to make your stay more comfortable: bathrobes, backpack, an iron and ironing board, insect spray, slippers, torch, umbrella and a personal safe.
Swimming Pool
An outdoor swimming pool and two spa pools are available for guest use. Towels are provided at the poolside.
Telephone calls
• To contact Guest Services – Dial 0
• External telephone call – Dial 1 for an outside line – Wait for the dial tone – Dial the number required
• Calling suite to suite
Prefix your call with the digit 8. For example suite 5 becomes telephone number 805 or suite 11 becomes telephone number 811.
Turndown
When returning to your suite after dinner, housekeeping will have performed turndown service. If you would prefer not to be disturbed, please display the privacy sign, or notify Guest Services.
Safety
Emergencies, First Aid and Medical Assistance
In the event of an emergency, or at any time you require first aid or medical assistance, dial 0. Should you require treatment from a medical practitioner or hospital, emergency transfers can be facilitated to reach medical services in Taupō. To contact Emergency Services directly, dial 111. For non-critical medical issues, first aid supplies are available from Guest Services.
If fire alarms sound, please make your way to the evacuation area in the guest carpark.
Earthquake
Small tremors are common in Taupō, however, if there is a longer earthquake stay indoors and take cover where possible away from windows i.e., near a doorway or under a table.
Fire
Every room is fitted with a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher is located in the entryway to your suite. In the event of a fire, please dial 0 to contact Guest Services. As Huka Lodge is situated in a natural setting, please assist in avoiding fires by disposing of cigarettes and matches in the receptacles provided.
WAIKATO RIVER
TENNIS