The fine dining and exceptional cuisine on offer at Huka Lodge continues to define the world-class hospitality experience. A vast wine cellar of premium vintages complements a daily-changing menu, showcasing New Zealand’s finest produce. The restaurant, bar, lounges and terrace offer a traditional lodging ambiance, while signature dining venues are dotted around the estate.
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Founded as a fisherman’s camp in 1924 with white canvas tents pegged by the Waikato River, Huka Lodge was recognised first as a best-kept secret among anglers and grew in popularity with guests from around the world drawn to the property’s signature checked lawns leading to the river’s swirling eddies and rushing rapids. A century on, Huka Lodge has a grand heritage, rich in stories and history to be discovered.
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With a reputation for peerless fly fishing and generous hospitality, Huka Lodge combines class, discretion and impeccable service in one of the most serene locations on the planet.John Barker Escape
Huka Lodge has legendary status in New Zealand, it is spoken about in revered tones. On arrival, I realised there may be more to this place than a fancy room and breath-taking views.Kelli Brett Cuisine
I cannot readily articulate just how the property held me in its grasp at first sight. However, it did, and still does to this day. Was it the sheer force and power of the turquoise green waters of the Waikato River on the one hand and all that tranquility and softness on the other? Perhaps it was simply the contradiction of the two.Alex van Heeren Founder, Huka Lodge
There are so many things to like: the riverfront setting; the lavish duplex accommodations; and the superb cuisine. It is one of the finest hideaways of its type in the world.Andrew Harper Andrew Harper Travel
Delicious. editor Krysia Bonkowski travelled to Taupō for a first look at the newly reimagined Huka Lodge, where rich heritage meets contemporary elegance in expanded suites, bold interiors, and a new wellness offering set against the lodge’s iconic riverside backdrop.
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Travel + Leisure checked in to the newly refreshed Huka Lodge, where a thoughtful redesign by longtime collaborator Virginia Fisher brings a bold new energy to the riverside retreat, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary flair.
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Forbes travel writer Laurie Werner journeyed to New Zealand’s North Island to experience the newly reopened Huka Lodge, where a US$13.5 million renovation has elevated the century-old riverside retreat with expanded suites, floor-to-ceiling views, and a refreshed design by Virginia Fisher.
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AFR’s Fiona Carruthers crossed the ditch to see how a $23 million revamp has taken New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge to new levels of luxury, with refreshed interiors, fine dining flair, and signature riverside charm.
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Huka Lodge has been named in Town & Country's 12 Best New Rural Country Retreats list - a prestigious collection of top-tier rural getaways, from New Zealand to Norway and Bavaria to Britain, serenity is guaranteed.
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Gourmet Traveller’s Michael Harry offers a personal take on the newly reopened Huka Lodge, highlighting its $22.6 million refurbishment by Baillie Lodges. With refreshed interiors, a serene wellness retreat and elevated dining, the iconic hideaway balances heritage charm with a new era of quiet, contemporary luxury.
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Traveller’s Trudi Jenkins offers a personal review of the newly reopened Huka Lodge, commenting: ‘At first glance, the remote setting and quiet luxury conjure an episode of Succession - Tom and Shiv strolling over the manicured lawns... But there is a more layered history to Huka that speaks to a genuine desire to protect its unique charm’.
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Condé Nast Traveller UK has cast the net wide in considering the ‘Best Places to Go in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in 2025’, naming Huka Lodge’s hometown of Taupō in the celebrated list.
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Luxury Travel magazine’s Belinda Craigie travelled to Huka Lodge and reports back that, 'A stay at Huka Lodge is just the remedy for leaving stresses behind and enjoying the finer features of Aotearoa - nature, exceptional food and wine, and genuine hospitality.' We agree!
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Huka Lodge has been named in Fodor’s prestigious World’s Best Hotels list for the Asia Pacific region. As writer Michelle Tchea says, 'Known as the 'Grande Dame of New Zealand', Huka Lodge started as a simple fishing lodge in the 1920s and has grown into the premier location for luxury experiences.'
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Writer Sue Hoffart takes a long weekend in Taupō, with Huka Lodge as her luxury base. 'Run, don’t walk from end-of-week commitments to reach Huka Lodge before the sun’s last rays bounce off this riverside beauty spot,' she says. Read Sue’s top 12 things to in the region as seen in Air New Zealand’s inflight magazine Kia Ora.
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Celebrating her 30th birthday at Huka Lodge, travel writer and global wanderer Brooke Saward of World of Wanderlust writes ‘I was starting to devise a plan to stay for good’, so taken was she with her experience. Read the full feature here.
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Kiwis' are known for being house proud, and with great reason. With two years of lockdowns and border closures seeing a rise in domestic travel, Amy Louise Bailey for Travel + Leisure writes about the home-grown destinations locals can't get enough of.
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Big 7 Travel has named Huka Lodge as the sixth most romantic hotel in the world and number one in New Zealand. With suites layered in luxury, secluded dining nooks and mesmerising river views, it's easy for hearts to be sent aflutter here.
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New Zealand Herald’s travel section has wrapped up the bucket list for 2022 – for travel to wherever we can – including Aotearoa’s world renowned Huka Lodge. We think it’s a top to-do too! Read all about it here.
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Born and raised in New Zealand, Huka Lodge General Manager Kerry Molloy continues to lead the award-winning lodge in 2021 and beyond. Take a moment to read about his connection to New Zealand’s oldest luxury lodge.
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Huka Lodge founder Alex van Heeren is celebrated for his vision to create a superlative hospitality experience - the first of its kind in New Zealand. At Baillie Lodges we have honoured his legacy by renaming the Owner’s Cottage as the Alex van Heeren Cottage.
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