Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge began in 1924 as a modest fishing camp on the Waikato River and has grown into one of New Zealand’s most influential luxury lodges. The setting remains the central attraction: 17 acres of lawns and established gardens run along the emerald water just upstream from Huka Falls.

A recent centenary redesign has refreshed the interiors while preserving the lodge’s country-estate character. Guest suites and private residences open toward lawns, gardens or the river, with fireplaces, generous bathrooms and a sense of privacy that comes from spreading a small number of accommodations across the grounds.

Dining is intentionally intimate. Rather than relying on a single formal room, Huka Lodge uses numerous secluded locations around the property for private meals, supported by menus built around premium New Zealand produce and a substantial wine cellar.

Outdoor experiences range from the activity that started it all — fly fishing — to hiking, golf, jet boating and helicopter excursions across the volcanic landscapes of the North Island. Huka Falls itself is close enough to make an easy excursion from the property.

The lodge is ideal for travelers who want nature delivered with unusually high levels of service and comfort. It is luxurious without feeling urban or showy, and its strongest moments often come from simple combinations of river, garden, food and quiet.