Mobility Guide
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. Styled in the manner of a grand estate, the main lodge is a hub for guests, with lounge, bar and dining space opening to an expansive indoor-outdoor terrace overlooking the ever-changing waterway. Luxury guest suites, along with two exclusive owners' residences, are dotted along the banks of the Waikato River and among 17-acres of park-like grounds.
A stay at Huka Lodge ideally places guests to explore the region’s magnificent natural attractions including Taupō’s namesake lake and just downstream, Huka Falls. For elderly guests or those who experience temporary or ongoing mobility issues, some considered planning ensures a rewarding and comfortable experience.
Accommodation
Twenty Lodge Suites and two multi-bedroom owners’ residences, the Alan Pye and Alex van Heeren Cottages are privately set among the lodge grounds, each opening onto verdant views of the gardens and beyond to the flowing, deep turquoise Waikato River.
Lodge Suite No.4 is located close to the main lodge and features a separate wheelchair/mobilityaccessible level bathroom with aids including a barrier-free shower, a shower seat, handrails and a wider entrance way to the connecting ensuite. The suite is accessed via an ascending pathway and a portable ramp may be fitted to the porch on request for further ease of access.
Access to guest recreation areas
Garden Pathways
Quiet, shaded paths offer the chance to explore the award-winning gardens, framed by ancient willows, towering Californian Redwoods and high hedges. Guest suites and owners’ cottages are linked via winding, paved pathways to the main lodge and communal guest areas. The paths leading to individual suites feature either a small downhill or uphill incline to reach the front door.
Main Lodge
Styled in the manner of a grand estate, the central complex makes the most of its riverside setting with floor-to-ceiling windows welcoming the outside in. The ground floor is home to the restaurant, main lounge and bar areas, along with reception and boutique. A wheelchair accessible cloakroom (WC) is available.
The restaurant is tiered over two levels joined by two long depth stairs; guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair are seated in the upper dining room as the lower dining room is not accessible. Similarly, the outdoor terrace is tiered over two levels; only the top deck is wheelchair accessible as the lower deck has a few stairs down to it.
Upstairs, secondary lounge areas are reached via a staircase; access is not possible in a wheelchair and would be challenging for those with limited mobility. Located outside adjacent to the main lodge entry doors, the subterranean wine cellar features several steps down to enter and is not accessible by wheelchair.
Signature Dining
Ideal for a special occasion or simply to share an unforgettable meal with a loved one, myriad private spaces are offered throughout the lodge grounds including the accessible Library and River Deck in the main lodge. Please advise any mobility issues to the reservations team at the time of booking so a suitable venue may be reserved.
Leisure Facilities
Set off the main path and accessed via several steps, the communal pool area is tiered over multiple levels joined by short rises of steps, leading to the tennis and lawn games courts beyond. The wellness grounds housing the spa treatment rooms and a gymnasium are reached via uneven, gravel-based pathways. Access to these areas is not recommended for those with limited mobility.
The Riverbank
Huka Lodge overlooks the Waikato River and the waterway is positioned down along the slope of lawn with access points from the main lodge, guest suites and cottages. Due to the grassy, uneven terrain along the riverbank, access is not recommended for those with mobility concerns.
Vehicle transfers
So as the Huka Lodge team can best plan the most appropriate vehicle for guest transfers, it is important that guests travelling with mobility aids provide advance notice of the aid’s dimensions including its measurements, weight and purpose. Some larger aids may require a private transfer and/or additional charges. Please advise the reservations team at the time of booking.
The lodge fleet of vehicles offers generous seating space but does not include vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts. Guests will need to be able to step up into the lodge touring vehicles or to be assisted by their travel companion/s. Wheelchairs and aids need to be folded and stored in the boot. Guests and their travel companion need to be willing and able to assist with lifting themselves and any equipment in and out of vehicles.
Local adventures
Huka Lodge works with preferred local tour operators who provide specialised adventures exploring Taupō and its namesake lake. Mobility access varies between experiences and we recommend contacting the lodge to discuss the activities of interest prior to booking.
For many, a visit to Huka Falls is a must-do when visiting the region and mobility spaces in the car park and a short 167 metre walk to the lookout are provided. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Hukafalls Jet gets you up close to the famous waterfall. The jetboat is accessible via a riverside ramp with the help of the crew and needs hand and arm function to hold on or a friend to assist, and weight restrictions apply.
Winding along the shores of Lake Taupō, the Great Lake Pathway begins at the Taupō Boat Harbour and is wheelchair accessible to Wharewaka Point. To explore the region’s geothermal wonders, the Craters of the Moon geothermal walk is readily accessible; the path is mostly boardwalk but it is recommended that you have a friend to assist in areas where there is a gravel path.