Discover Huka Lodge in New Zealand’s North Island, where luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, Huka Falls, Lake Taupō, and unforgettable adventures await.

There are luxury resorts, and then there are places that become part of the destination and landscape itself. Huka Lodge, tucked into the forests along New Zealand’s crystal-clear Waikato River, is one of those rare properties that has earned its legendary reputation. (I met a fellow travel writer from Australia at the IPW conference, and he told me Huka Lodge was his most favorite place he’s ever visited!)

We flew from Australia into Auckland before making the scenic drive a little more than three hours south into the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. While many travelers arrive from Australia, there are also convenient flights from Auckland that connect with Texas, making this an easier luxury getaway than you might imagine. This is a bucket list destination for Texans, for sure!

As we left the city behind, the landscape transformed into rolling farmland before giving way to towering forests. The peaceful drive perfectly prepares you for what awaits.

Huka Lodge is part of an exclusive collection of luxury lodges around the world (called Beckons), alongside remarkable properties in Australia and Chile among others (see my article about British Columbia’s Clayoquot here). Huka Lodge feels distinctly New Zealand.

The name “Huka” comes from the Māori word for “foam.” Early explorers noticed the foaming white waters of the Waikato River that flows directly behind the property. That same river continues to define the entire guest experience today.

Originally established in 1924 as a trout fishing lodge, Huka Lodge is New Zealand’s oldest luxury lodge. It was transformed into the elegant retreat it is today in 1984 and has undergone thoughtful renovations over the years while preserving its rich history and timeless charm.

The property sits on 16 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds filled with towering trees and lush gardens. With only 20 guest suites and two private cottages—one accommodating four guests and the other eight—the atmosphere remains wonderfully intimate.

Our suite overlooked the river, whose steady current created the most relaxing soundtrack. The water is so incredibly clear that General Manager Kerrie proudly told us you can actually drink directly from the river. 

The guest rooms were recently refreshed and beautifully balance classic elegance with modern comfort. My favorite feature was the king canopy bed layered with luxurious linens that made sleeping easy after days of exploring. The bathroom looked like it had been lifted straight from the pages of a luxury home magazine, with every detail carefully curated (including the silver handrails on the soaking tub).

Get Busy

One of the things I appreciated most about Huka Lodge is that you can make your stay as active—or as restful—as you like.

For those looking to explore, complimentary mountain bikes are available for nearby trails, along with tennis and pickleball courts, self guided hikes, vintage lawn games, and an inviting heated outdoor swimming pool.

The dedicated wellness area was my favorite part. The gym features handsome vintage weighted balls imported from Germany, giving the space both character and sophistication.

Adjacent to the gym is the lodge’s tranquil mini spa, where guests can choose from an extensive menu of massages, facials, body rituals, and signature wellness experiences. After several weeks of traveling throughout Australia and New Zealand, I treated myself to the Huka Signature Massage, and it was exactly what my body needed. Every knot and ache seemed to melt away, thanks to my skilled therapist Alecia.

Behind the spa, we enjoyed a cedar sauna overlooking the forest, refreshing cold-plunge buckets, and a beautifully designed hot tub nestled naturally among the trees. It was my favorite daily ritual.

Kiwi Adventure

For many avid fly fishermen, New Zealand sits near the top of the bucket list—and for good reason. A quick search online reveals countless videos of anglers sight fishing for massive rainbow and brown trout in the country’s famously gin-clear waters. I had long imagined what it would be like to cast a fly here, so I wasn’t about to let a winter visit keep me off the water.

Because we were visiting during New Zealand’s winter, many rivers were closed to fishing, giving the trout—and the waterways—a chance to recover before the busy season. Fortunately, the Waitahanui River, which flows into Lake Taupō, offered an opportunity to experience New Zealand fly fishing firsthand. Even in the heart of winter, simply stepping into the water with a fly rod in hand and fishing a river I had heard so much about was one of those experiences that made the trip especially memorable.

We walked to nearby Huka Falls, which is less than ten minutes from the lodge. Watching the powerful turquoise water thunder through the narrow gorge is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural sights.

The Lake Taupō Cruise is one of their most popular excursions, just a ten-minute drive from the lodge. Lake Taupō, roughly the size of Singapore, stretches about 32 miles long and 22 miles across. Formed by an ancient volcanic caldera, it is the second-largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere.

During our cruise, we admired the impressive Māori rock carvings, completed in 1980, which can only be viewed from the water. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about the region’s culture while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

For guests visiting during winter, skiing is only about an hour and a half away, while golfers will also find several courses nearby.

Fancy Feasting

Each morning begins with an elegant breakfast served between 7:00 and 10:30 a.m. The buffet features beautifully presented fresh fruits, pastries, cereals, yogurts, and other favorites, while the à la carte menu offers classics like Eggs Benedict (you can also simply ask for an omelet prepared to your liking).

Beginning around 6 p.m., everyone enjoys a pre-dinner cocktail accompanied by an ever-changing selection of beautifully crafted canapés created by the chef. This tradition is a nod to the lodge’s lux hospitality.

Dinner itself feels like a special occasion every evening. Most guests choose the chef’s thoughtfully designed four-course prix fixe menu, paired with exceptional NZ wines. Guests dine in the elegant main dining room or can enjoy a more intimate experience inside the lodge’s remarkable wine cellar (we even got to pair our music to the speaker, listening to Aussies, the BeeGees).

For guests seeking something more casual, the menu also offers the best caesar salad I’ve ever had, handcrafted pasta dishes, gourmet burgers, french fries and other comforting favorites.

Inclusive Features

One aspect that truly elevates the Huka Lodge experience are the many inclusive features. Guests enjoy a complimentary minibar (including local alcoholic drinks, sodas, sparkling waters, and snacks), specialty coffee and espresso drinks throughout the day, a gourmet breakfast, and exceptional nightly dinners with wine pairings.

During the lodge’s high season, which runs from December through March, the property books out early so plan ahead.

A Wonderful Wander

Whether you’re sipping coffee while watching the Waikato River drift by, soaking in the forest hot tub, or ending your evening with an unforgettable dinner, every experience feels intentional and unhurried.

Huka Lodge quietly captured my heart with timeless elegance, remarkable hospitality, and one of the most peaceful settings I’ve experienced. I felt completely at home at the most far-flung location I’ve ever visited. A world away; I could have stayed much longer!

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Cover photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.