New Zealand’s most legendary luxury lodge — an iconic riverside retreat near Taupō known for extraordinary service, refined cuisine, and serene woodland seclusion beside the Waikato River.
Why We Chose It
Hidden among manicured gardens along the emerald Waikato River near Huka Falls, Huka Lodge has long been considered the benchmark for luxury hospitality in New Zealand. Since opening in the 1920s, the property has hosted royalty, celebrities, and world leaders drawn by its combination of understated elegance, exceptional privacy, and spectacular natural setting. The lodge’s suites and private cottages are tucked into lush grounds filled with walking paths, tennis courts, and quiet riverfront corners, while the dining experience — often enjoyed beside fireplaces or beneath candlelit trees — remains one of the finest in the country. Huka Lodge also serves as a gateway to many of the North Island’s great outdoor experiences, including fly fishing, geothermal landscapes, helicopter excursions, and Lake Taupō adventures.
What Stands Out
- World 50 Best Hotels
- Since 1924 on the Waikato River
- Legendary fly-fishing
- Private river access
- Exceptional dining program