March 2026
It's said that Queen Elizabeth and Mick Jagger slept in the same bed, but obviously not at the same time.
StayGrandIt’s the original luxury lodge and still the blueprint for all others that follow.
Conde Nast Traveler, January 2026Back in the 1920s, this leafy stretch of the Waikoto River, downwind of the thundering sky-blue waters of Huka Falls, was a simple fishing camp. Over the following century, however, it would become the blueprint for every luxury lodge in New Zealand.
Wanderlust, April 2025This grande dame of the country’s luxury lodges and longtime magnet for royalty and rockstars needed, at 101 years of age, a serious refresh. One year later, it is done: The 20 suites now have floor-to ceiling windows to make the most of their gorgeous setting on the Waikato River, and there’s a proper spa, but we applaud the “don’t mess with perfection” motto.
Town & Country, April 2025Known as the “Grande Dame of New Zealand,” Huka Lodge started as a simple fishing lodge in the 1920s and has grown into the premier location for luxury experiences.
Fodor's Travel, January 2024Fodor’s Finest 2026
The experts at Fodor's pick the 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World. Hotels that they love and would recommend visiting in 2026.
Fodor's Travel
The Gold List 2026
The Conde Nast editors across the globe share their all time favorite places to stay. This year 73 properties make the cut.
Conde Nast Traveller (UK & US)
Reader’s Choice Awards 2025
Readers of Conde Nast Traveller (UK & US editions) vote for their top hotels and resorts worldwide.
Conde Nast Traveller (UK/US)
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
600 travel journalists, hoteliers and travel experts vote for their 50 favourite hotels worldwide. For the first time the list is extended to also include places 51-100.
88th place.
50 Best
WanderSleeps 2025
50 exceptional stays, the world’s most authentic, distinctive and responsible stays from the team of Wanderlust.
Wanderlust
The T&C Hotel Awards 2025
47 winners, the best new hotels in the world (which also includes old classics recently reborn).
Town & Country
Fodor’s Finest 2024
The travel experts at Fodor's nominate their 60 Most Incredible Hotels in the World.
Fodor's Travel
World’s Best Awards 2016
Travel + Leisure (US)
Hotel Collection/Reward Program
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Hotels Own Introduction
An Icon of Luxury and Inspiration
Huka Lodge has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most revered luxury accommodations. Nestled within lush gardens along the banks of the Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island, it offers a timeless retreat that blends natural beauty with unmatched hospitality.
From Humble Beginnings to Renowned Elegance
Nearly a century ago, Huka Lodge began as a simple fishermen’s camp, drawing visitors with its trout-rich waters and white canvas tents by the river’s edge. Today, it stands as one of New Zealand’s oldest and most celebrated luxury lodges, recognized globally for its refined charm and exceptional service.
Accommodations Fit for Royalty
The lodge features twenty guest suites and two exclusive residences—the Alan Pye Cottage and Alex van Heeren Cottage. Each accommodation is thoughtfully placed along the Waikato River or within verdant gardens, offering serene views, rolling green lawns, and the soothing sounds of birdsong and the river’s gentle flow.
Gardens of Tranquility and Refined Leisure
Huka Lodge’s award-winning gardens are a sanctuary of beauty, with high-hedged pathways, shaded groves, and private nooks for lounging or dining. The Waikato River, alternating between serene depths and vibrant icy-blue currents, provides a mesmerizing backdrop. Outdoor pursuits, including tennis and croquet, invite guests to unwind in the fresh air.
World-Class Dining and Hospitality
Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, Huka Lodge’s dining experience is a hallmark of its hospitality. A daily-changing menu highlights New Zealand’s finest produce, complemented by a vast wine cellar of premium vintages. Guests can enjoy meals in the restaurant, bar, lounges, or terrace, as well as in over twenty unique dining venues scattered throughout the gardens, each offering a distinctive and intimate atmosphere.