Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand and translates to the long white cloud that envelopes both islands. It was originally used by the Māori people only in reference to North Island, where Taupō is at its heart. For the region’s Māori population, tangata whenua, the people of the land, Aotearoa is their place. They know its mountains, rivers, landscape and sea; its culture, whakapapa, heritage and soul, its wairua.
Experience the beauty of Lake Taupō through a range of experiences available for guests at Huka Lodge. Lodge-based activities including tennis, pétanque and croquet are available for the modest adventurer while myriad bespoke experiences – from fly fishing to white water rafting – await those seeking a thrill.
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Huka Lodge has its very foundations in the sport of fly fishing, as the trout-rich Waikato River which flows alongside the property was the original motivation for Alan Pye to set up his well-positioned fishermen’s camp.
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Taupō is heaven on earth for those looking for a high adrenaline rush! It doesn't get much more exhilarating than riding the rapids in a jet boat, racing through stunning scenery at dizzying speeds while bracing yourself for 360° spins.
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Experience Taupō from dual perspectives of water and sky. A three-hour luxury cruise is followed by a heli flight around Tongariro National Park, before touching down at the lodge.
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Lift off for a truly rare and remarkable experience at Craggy Range, New Zealand's iconic winery in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, exclusively designed for guests of Huka Lodge.
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Golfers bring your 'A' game: A Top 100 golf course, The Kinloch Club is a championship inland links style Jack Nicklaus signature design, just 20 minutes' drive from Huka Lodge.
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White water rafting is famed as New Zealand’s most popular outdoor adventure, offering the chance to feel the powerful force of pristine rivers and float past serene green wilderness. For die-hard rafters, tackling the Tongariro River is a must-do.
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Toes over the edge, you're about to leap from New Zealand's only cliff-top bungy. And at 47 metres, its also the highest watertouch bungy. Three, two, one!
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Rotorua is a hot spot for more than volcanic landscapes and bubbling hot springs - it's also one of Aotearoa’s best places to explore Māori culture and a mecca for adventure-seekers.
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Like your action with a little R&R? Combine a challenging bike ride with a luxury cruise taking in the spectacular scenery of Kinloch, Kawakawa Bay and Lake Taupō along the way.
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Just downstream from Huka Lodge, the calmly flowing Waikato River gains momentum as it heads towards a natural channel before plunging eleven metres in an icy blue churn along a graduated waterfall, Huka Falls. Guests at Huka Lodge can embark on the Spa Park circuit walk which runs along the riverbanks to a bridge that crosses the river or platforms that offer views of the falls mid-stream, allowing a real sense of the water’s power and thunderous roar.
A visit to Taupō offers a wonderful chance to engage with local Māori culture and discover its stories and heritage. Lake Taupō is rich in Māori history, and there are several cultural experiences available for travellers who want to learn more about the region’s indigenous culture. You can visit the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori rock carvings, attend a cultural performance or discover the vibrant arts scene, from traditional carving and weaving to contemporary painting, to connect you to te ao Māori (the Māori world).
New Zealand is famous for its extraordinary produce, its excellent wines, small batch brews and artisan spirits. Centrally located Huka Lodge has first-hand access to the veritable food bowl of premium, sustainable ingredients including locally produced beef and lamb from the rolling North Island fields. There are Mahurangi Oysters from Auckland and freshly picked fruit and vegetables from the surrounding farmlands, all on the menu at Huka Lodge. View our dining philosophy.
New Zealand’s North Island seasons are distinct, offering a new set of experiences in each season. Crisp, blue-skied spring days lead into long summer days with mild evenings. In autumn, golden landscapes welcome and in winter, world class skiing followed by cosy winter nights warmed by local red wine and an open fire await. New Zealand’s North Island seasons are distinct, offering a new set of experiences in each season. Crisp, blue-skied spring days lead into long summer days with mild evenings. In autumn, golden landscapes welcome and in winter, world class skiing followed by cosy winter nights warmed by local red wine and an open fire await.
(DECEMBER – FEBRUARY)
Summer spans December, January and February. The days are long and warm, ideal for outdoor adventures both land-based and aquatic. Known as New Zealand’s ‘Christmas Tree’, the Pohutukawa flowers over summer, with its vibrant crimson blooms symbolic of relaxing summer days.
Daytime temperatures range from 14-32°C (55-90 F) in summer.
(MARCH – MAY)
Autumn in New Zealand runs March through to May, generally offering settled weather. The long warm days of summer linger, while the nights cool off. These are ideal conditions for outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, fishing and boating, and it’s a slightly quieter visitor season.
Daytime temperatures range from 7-21°C (45-70 F) in autumn.
(JUNE – AUGUST)
Winter in New Zealand extends from June to August. The higher mountain peaks are snow covered, making for picturesque landscapes and offering opportunities for skiing and snow sports. At Huka Lodge this is perfect lodging weather, with brisk daytime walks and fine wines enjoyed fireside.
Daytime temperatures range from 1.5-15.5°C (35-60 F) in winter.
(SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER)
Springtime from September through November is postcard New Zealand, when newborn lambs are dotted along lush green fields, flowers bloom and waterfalls burst with rains. There’s a fresh, happy atmosphere and skip to the step that makes spring a wonderful time of year to visit.
Daytime temperatures range from 4.5-18°C (40-65 F) in spring.
Taupō is located roughly in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, around three and a half hours’ drive from Auckland. The nearest airport for domestic and international air transfers is Auckland Airport, while the regional Rotorua and Taupō Airports offer optional connections for shorter onwards drives. A variety of transfers are available for guests arriving at Huka Lodge, from helicopters to limousines from a range of departure ports.
Bordered by rolling green lawns along the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge is styled in the manner of a grand estate, comprising a central lodge, restaurant and terraces surrounded by verdant established gardens studded with exclusive dining nooks.
STEP INSIDE
Dining at Huka Lodge is an occasion, beginning with premium, country style breakfast and progressing to light lunch, evening drinks and finishing with a decadent five course dinner complete with world class wines.
Whet your appetite
Set among the cool, quiet reserves of the Wellness Grounds, the Huka Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. Luxurious and restorative treatments for body, mind and soul invite guests to embark on a personal hikoi (journey).
Heaven awaits