Huka Lodge, New Zealand, Hotel Review

The hedge-lined drive at Huka Lodge The path meanders along what at first appears to be a perfect English parkland, complete with flowerbeds and an ornamental duck pond. But as we round a bend to the main lodge, I catch my first sight of the Waikato River, a quicksilver streak of glacial green-blue rushing along the edge of the 17-acre property, and the scene is suddenly transformed into something wild and untamed—and unmistakably New Zealand.

Over a hundred years ago, this country’s longest river attracted thrill-seekers. In 1924, Irishman Alan Pye established a canvas-tented camp for keen anglers to test their skills against Waikato’s fierce rainbow trout. It was not long before the camp became famous, drawing A-listers such as British royalty, Charles Lindbergh and James Michener.

Nowadays, the setting has lost none of its allure—nor its celebrity clientele—but Huka is a more elaborate affair of 20 riverside suites and two cottages anchored by a two-story lodge above the emerald torrent. New owners have just completed a 10-month, $14-million renovation. Baillie LodgesHuka has added even more views of the Waikato. The River Room, with its walls of white-paned glass windows and expanded decking area, is a stunning new addition to Huka.

New Zealand’s so-called ‘lodge queen’ Virginia Fisher, who designed the interiors when Huka became a bricks-and-mortar lodge in 1984, oversaw its latest makeover and has stayed true to what she calls its “retro, camping-by-the-river” feel while modernizing it for the next century.

There are no longer any tartans, but you can still find echoes in the form of stylish plaids and checked blankets. Original furnishings have been reupholstered, and tables resurfaced, and Fisher has added emphatic bursts of color—a jewel-green velvet sofa in the cocktail lounge and raspberry-hued linen drapes in the dining room. She also enhanced the lodge’s art collection, mostly gilt-framed oils of landscapes and animals, with specially commissioned works showcasing New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture.

Her style can be described as sumptuous and eclectic. Everywhere I look, something catches my eye—the filigreed eel traps on the lodge’s exterior, an antique leather pommel repurposed as a coffee table, hall chairs with backs twisted into Celtic crosses, and, the crowd favorite, an old Spanish cabinet she reconfigured as the cocktail bar. The four paneled doorways are almost ceremoniously opened each evening to serve drinks.

The mornings at Huka can be magical, as the mists rise from the river to cover the trees ferns and pines of rimu, totara and flax. The scene was beautiful, whether I was in my bed under a canopy or on the deck enjoying an espresso and shortbread from the hotel minibar. Ideally, I’d spend my days admiring this river from every angle—breakfasting on the restaurant’s terrace, walking down to the nearby falls where narrow gorges turn the Waikato into raging cascades and hiking along the opposite bank to bathe in riverside hot springs. But there are many modern distractions at the new Huka—from spa treatments and a forest-view sauna to a tennis court and workouts in the sleek gym. And there is neighboring Lake Taupō, a geothermal hotspot popular for watersports and outdoor activities in one of New Zealand’s most striking natural landscapes.

No matter how the guests spent their day, in the evening everyone gathers to enjoy cocktails and canapes. I prefer the River Room where I sit on the leather fender near the fireplace, and watch the river flow by in the dimming light.

Staying at Huka Lodge is a great experience.

The Rooms

After the renovations, the number of rooms remains the same, but they have all been given such a thorough facelift that it is impossible to tell which ones are older. The 20 suites spread out from the fern-lined walkway. Some have shared foyers, while others feature private entrances. The Alan Pye Cottage has two king rooms, an infinity-pool, and a spa that opens to riverside grasses. While the Van Heeren Cottage, with four bedrooms, features a sundeck and plunge pool on a bluff over the Waikato.

The lodge suites, measuring 645 square feet, are beautifully textured with linen, wool and leather. They create cozy retreats for New Zealand’s cool climate. Walls of glass can be opened in warmer weather to allow access to the gardens and river. The furnished timber decks lead down to lawns with sun loungers.

New suite features include custom AH Beard king bed draped with fine linen, chaise lounges, personal bars stocked up with New Zealand wine and beer, local craft sodas as well regional products like chocolate and triple cream Brie. Huka kitchen’s shortbread discs are my favourite. They are buttery and full of sugar crystals.

Just beyond the dressing rooms are the bathrooms. The bathroom is timber-floored with skylights and features a bath with chrome railing set in front of mullioned window looking out at fern gardens.

Food and Drink

Lodge dining relies heavily on New Zealand’s pristine produce, and the effortless sophistication of Pacific food.

The breakfast buffet includes baked breads and pastries such as flaky croissants, pains au chocolat and fresh fruits. It also contains cereals, charcuterie and cheeses. Order from the menu. Classics like eggs benedict, pancakes, and lodge marmalade are available.

Split-level restaurant with riverside terrace. Elegantly relaxed. The heated gazebos and fireplaces allow you to enjoy riverfront dining no matter what the weather.

The menus for lunch and dinner are tailored to your tastes and dietary requirements. My dining highlights included a heirloom tomato pie with Rotorua sturgeons caviar and local Cranky goat cheese, as well as Mount Cook salmon paired with yuzu tapioca and nori. The wines were excellently chosen for each course. But for something extra, the cellar list has 4,500 bottles of 90 percent New Zealand wine plus benchmark vintages in Australia and France.

Guests staying three nights or more are treated to dinner in one of the lodge’s specialty dining spaces, which include an al fresco ‘green room’ walled by hedges and warmed by heaters and blankets; the sunken wine cellar; and The Library, where the late British Queen Elizabeth II dined during her four visits here.

Activities and Experiences

The lodge’s activities are concentrated within an elaborately hedged enclosure that contains a tennis court and a croquet or petanque lawn. A compact pool and two hot tubs are located in a terraced setting. There is also a yoga field for private lessons or personal practice.

Huka Falls is a two-tiered cascade that I can see kayakers bravely attempting to survive the drop. The staff can arrange jet-boating excursions to the base.

Guests are able to borrow mountain bikes or ebikes and explore more than 60 mile of trails along Waikato River. The lodge supplies rods for catch-and-release fly fishing, but if you’re serious about snaring a rainbow trout, then book an excursion to Lake Taupō. Huka works with the local tour company Chris Jolly Outdoors to offer fishing, biking, and hiking adventures that are centered around the lake. I spent a half-day with them on a refurbished 1970s timber boat, cruising the lake, visiting contemporary Māori rock carvings, and dining on barbequed steaks and salads. One member of our group caught trout that was large enough to take back to the lodge. The fish was then finely fileted and served with sundowner drinks on blinis.

Charter a helicopter and explore the volcanic landscapes in Tongariro National Park, Rotorua and the prized vineyards at Craggy Range, Hawke’s Bay. The tour includes a private visit to the estate, cellars and a gourmet lunch. You can also choose six premium wines to be packaged and delivered to your home.

The Spa

The 2025 renovation has added a two-room spa housed in cottages inspired by typical New Zealand ‘bach’ holiday homes. A woodland path leads to the spa, which also features twin ice buckets baths, an soaking hot-tub set among ferns and a sauna that offers a view of the rainforest.

The menu of spa treatments incorporates indigenous elements, such as manuka (a type jade) and thermal muds derived from the volcanic landscape. Small-batch Verité Spa skincare products are made locally from organic plant extracts such as blue tansy and kiwifruit seed.

The treatments range from the hour-long Kanohi radiance facials, which combine thermal mud face masks with collagen-boosting serums, to the signature Aroha goddess ritual, which includes aromatherapy massage, back scrub, and an anti-aging facial using rosehip and sandalwood. There are more than a dozen indulgence options to choose from, most incorporating some elements of Māori beliefs or rituals; therapists recommend choosing one that “resonates with your mood or desired focus.”

The new gym is a glass-walled, pavilion with medicine balls and ropes by the German fitness brand Artzt. It overlooks a tranquil garden.

Offerings Family-Friendly

Children 10 years and older are welcome to stay at the lodge. However, there are no special menus or activities for children younger than 10. The lodge treats them as small adults, and expects them to behave accordingly.

Accessibility and sustainability

One adapted suite is available for guests with limited mobility (number 4). The main building of the lodge is partly wheelchair accessible with the exception of the lower dining area and upper lounges.

Huka is part of the national grid that generates over 80 per cent renewable power, mostly from hydroelectricity. The Waikato River also contributes to this. Mercedes Benz vans are used for transfers and local transportation. Water is purified from the Waikato River and is used in the lodge.

Location

Huka Lodge is on the edge of Taupō, a geothermal region in the center of the North Island known for its therapeutic hot springs and a vast lake the size of Singapore popular for watersports, sailing, trout fishing, and forest hikes. Nearby are renowned golf courses and Tongariro National Park, which offers epic hikes and skiing and snowboarding at Mount Ruapehu in winter.

Taupō is a three-hour drive from New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. The lodge will arrange transfers for guests, or they can rent cars and drive them selves. Major agencies, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz, operate from Taupō airport.

After leaving Auckland, the roads become uncongested. They are easy to drive on for those who are used to driving the “opposite” way. Air New Zealand also offers a 30 minute scheduled flight or a 70 minute helicopter hop. Five helicopters can be parked on Huka’s adjacent 18-acre site.

The Best Value for Your Stay

Huka Lodges and Baillie Lodges currently do not participate in any loyalty program. Lodge rates include a hearty country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and a four-course dinner with paired wines.

Huka Lodge offers nightly rates starting at around $1700 per suite with a two-night minimum stay.

Every T+L review is written either by an editor, reporter or photographer who has actually stayed in the hotel. Each hotel chosen aligns with what we believe. core values.