Experience

A stay in the spectacular park-like surrounds of Huka Lodge at Taupō, places guests at the doorstep to a host of wonderful experiences of the destination, from the traditional fly fishing on the banks of the Waikato River to hiking, luxury cruising, golfing and more. Of course, the luxurious setting at Huka Lodge invites leisurely pursuits onsite, including tennis, pétanque and croquet, while the option to read a book on the riverbank, wander the garden paths or enjoy a drink on the terrace are equally appealing.

Choose your own adventure

Taupō is distinguished by its vast lake and spectacular landscapes. Snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling golden pastures, lush green wilderness and crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams offer a calming and rewarding vista from every turn.

Taupō is distinguished by its vast lake and endowed with a gentle climate, a leisurely pace and spectacular landscape. Formed from an ancient volcanic caldera, Lake Taupō’s vast waters spill into the thundering Huka Falls. Snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling pastures of golden grasses, lush green wilderness and crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams offer a calming and rewarding vista from every turn.

Catch &<br />
Release

Catch &
Release

Fly fishing for trout in Taupō’s rivers is steeped in local tradition, and was the original calling for travellers who came to stay at Huka Lodge almost a century ago. Today, the banks around Taupō remain rich in Brown and Rainbow trout. View experiences

Cruise<br />
Control

Cruise
Control

A scenic tour of Lake Taupō on a luxury cruiser is a wonderful way to spend a relaxed afternoon, taking in views of the spectacular mountain-lined backdrop, Māori rock carvings and secluded bays with optional trout fishing and lunch. View experiences

Heli<br />
Highs

Heli
Highs

An aerial tour of the North Island’s spectacular heartland makes a stay at Huka Lodge truly unforgettable. The lodge offers half or full-day heli adventures taking in Taupō’s natural attractions from on high. View experiences

Tee <br />
Off

Tee
Off

Huka Lodge is centrally located to some of the world’s most challenging and picturesque championship golf courses. Two world-class courses allow Huka Lodge guests to experience 18 holes of Aotearoa beauty. View experiences

Hiking<br />
Heaven

Hiking
Heaven

The geography of Taupō’s central tableland surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks and combined with pristine wilderness, complex waterways and a strong Māori culture make it a fascinating region for walking and hiking. View experiences

MTB<br />
Mecca

MTB
Mecca

A mountain biker’s paradise, Taupō offers a wide range of trails over varying terrain, traversing jaw-dropping landscapes and with options suited to both the novice and experienced riders up for a challenge. View experiences

Jet<br />
Powered

Jet
Powered

Championed as one of New Zealand’s premiere thrill-seeking adventures, a jet boating tour takes guests skimming and spinning along the Waikato River and to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. Feel the foam and spray of the whitewater! View experiences

White<br />
Water

White
Water

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 and alongside dramatic volcanic cliffs. View experiences

Free<br />
Fall

Free
Fall

Taupō is heaven on earth for guests looking for a high adrenaline rush! Take a death-defying leap into the turquoise depths on a bungy or swing, or take to the skies on a tandem sky dive or gliding experience. View experiences

Sample itinerary

Loved as the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō offers a variety of experiences and adventures. Huka Lodge offers guests a stylish base from which to explore the region’s spectacular natural attractions including Huka Falls and the region’s picturesque namesake lake as well as Rotarua and the Tongariro National Park

Loved as the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō offers a variety of experiences and adventures. Huka Lodge offers guests a stylish base from which to explore the region’s spectacular natural attractions including Huka Falls and the region’s picturesque namesake lake as well as Rotorua and the Tongariro National Park

  • Three Night Manaakitanga

    The following represents an indicative experience at Huka Lodge over three nights. Many factors influence a guest stay, including flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, touring availability, weather conditions and seasonality. Download the itinerary here.

    Day 1 Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive at Huka Lodge to a warm welcome. Explore the 17-acre parkland surrounds at leisure and meander along the riverbanks to take in views of the deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River.

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    This afternoon, try a game of pétanque or a leisurely hit of tennis before retiring to the shade of the willows that line the riverbanks, easing into the relaxed vibe and pleasing surrounds of Huka Lodge.

    Day 1 Evening

    Day 1 Evening

    Enjoy drinks and canapes overlooking the river before the evening segues to a sumptuous dinner. World class wines complement premium local produce, presented in a clever and daily changing menu.

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    Embrace a gentle start to the morning as the mists rise and roll from the surface of the Waikato River. Enjoy a country style breakfast in the lodge while planning the day ahead.

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    After lunch, set off to discover the Spa Thermal Park and walk upstream along the Waikato River to the powerful Huka Falls. Take a moment to feel the falls thundering along the natural channel to the river below.

    Day 2 Evening

    Day 2 Evening

    Dine in the elegant surrounds of the Dining Room or in myriad private spaces, from the River Deck or the Wine Cellar, to the heritage Piper Room, each ideal for a special occasion.

    Day 3 Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Enjoy an early breakfast before departing the lodge with a personal fly-fishing guide. Gain access to the best wilderness fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout in Taupō’s network of pristine waterways.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    After lunch, a scenic tour on a luxury cruiser on Lake Taupō is a wonderful way to spend a relaxed afternoon or take a kayak and paddle to the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.

    Day 3 Evening

    Day 3 Evening

    After the day’s adventures, relax with drinks by the open fire before a four-course dinner served in the Dining Room. Aftewards, finding a cosy spot for a digestif in the lounge.

    Day 4 Morning

    Day 4 Morning

    Make the most of a last morning at Huka Lodge with a private yoga session on the grass lawn complete with a Japanese torii gate. Follow with a satisfying breakfast in the Dining Room.

    Day 4 Farewell

    Day 4 Farewell

    Conclude an unforgettable stay at Huka Lodge with a farewell to the familiar lodge team. For an exhilarating exit depart in style with a scenic helicopter ride from Huka Lodge over Taupō’s picturesque landscape.

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Destination

Taupo seasons

Taupō's seasons offer reason to visit year-round. Summer brings long warm days and mild nights – perfect for outdoor adventures – while the cooler seasons offer snow sports and time for red wines and crackling open fires.

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Lodge

Our committment to the environment

Huka Lodge is committed to a dedicated path of initiatives to ensure the very best environmental practice. Essential to the vision are programs designed to preserve pristine waters, conserve energy via recycling and support the community of Taupō .

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Destination

Getting here

Taupō is located on New Zealand’s North Island, around three 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 drives.

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