Huka Lodge has enjoyed a location of great natural beauty, on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, since it was founded as a very simple trout fishing camp, in 1924. This legendary retreat continues to define absolute style, while offering privacy and relaxation, with authentic outdoor adventure, for those who appreciate exquisite cuisine, personal service and unique experiences.
With just 26 guest suites, including two superb private cottages, within 17-acres of magnificent grounds, this is truly an exclusive experience. Huka Lodge proudly takes its place amongst the world’s best retreats – with its reputation and awards all richly deserved.
Great for children aged 10 and over
Huka Lodge welcomes children ten years and over in the main lodge and our Junior Lodge Suites. Designed as a more exclusive retreat for families and friends travelling together, the premium multi-bedroom Alan Pye and Alex Van Heeren Cottages welcome families with children of all ages. Guests in these cottages, travelling with children under ten years enjoy all drinks and dining from the lodge and children’s menus, in a private dining area at the main lodge.
Activities
hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, supervised swimming
Baby Sitting
From age 10 to 16. Hourly cost $TBA.
Environment
A strong focus on reducing the use of plastic throughout the property with the implementation of the following:
Linen bags have been introduced to replace the plastic bags previously used for individual guest laundry requirements.
When sheets and towels are transported to and from the rooms by Housekeeping, they are done so in fabric bags, not plastic ones.
We filter and carbonate drinking water at source, and bottle in recyclable glass.
We have collaborated with the innovative company ‘For the Better Good’ and now use their recyclable water bottles made from plants.
We have had our own branded stainless steel hydro flasks made.
Plastic drinking straws have been replaced with paper versions.
We now use eco-ware wooden recycled cutlery for picnics and for food guests take away from the Lodge, in the place of plastic utensils.
Cling-film usage in the kitchen is now considerably reduced and this can only be used when there is no other possible alternative.
Bulk purchasing has proved to markedly reduce the amount of plastic packaging coming into the property.
A programme of active pest management has been in place for quite some time, with traps and baiting throughout the 17-acre grounds contributing to the elimination of introduced pests and serving to support the regeneration of native flora and fauna.
Huka Lodge sponsors an ongoing programme of opossum, stoat and rat control currently being undertaken in the redwood forest adjacent to the property.
A programme is in place within the gardens, to identify and protect against the spread of any invasive plant species that could pose a threat to the environment.
Huka Lodge supports local initiatives like Greening Taupo in their re-planting of native species of trees and shrubs to create a stronger natural environment for threatened species, via donation and labour.
Much of the planting in the extensive gardens at Huka Lodge have been chosen to provide food sources for native birds and pollen for bees.
All sprays, fertilisers and chemicals used in the gardens need to be proven to be environmentally sound before they can be used.
A secluded part of Huka Lodge’s property is home to a very successful Queen bee breeding programme, which contributes to helping ensure a brighter future for honey bees.
Our chef and kitchen team embrace the use of organic produce and natural ingredients.
Free-range produce, ethical animal husbandry and sustainable practices are sought from our suppliers, these are the first choice when purchasing produce.
All fresh fish served to our guests is purchased on the basis it is guaranteed to be sustainably harvested and by long-line method.
Community
Huka Lodge operates on the basis of recruiting staff from within the local community as its first priority, while providing a supportive and safe work environment.
We like to support local business and enterprise where ever possible in terms of the goods and services we purchase.
Huka Lodge regularly engages with and supports, the local Taupo community via donations to fund-raising efforts for local schools and a wide range of charitable initiatives.
For over 30 years Huka Lodge has hosted an annual Christmas party at the Lodge for residents of local retirement villages and rest homes. This event is always a most enjoyable occasion for all the elderly guests and for our staff.
A charming Irishman, Alan Pye, founded Huka Lodge, on the banks of the Waikato River, in the 1920s. The fame of this simple fishing camp soon spread all over the world and before long it became one of the best-kept secrets of the A-list.
Internationally celebrated guests found their way to Huka Lodge and enjoyed the stunningly beautiful location and the outstanding hospitality. Now, over 90 years later, Huka Lodge proudly celebrates this heritage and stays true to the values that have defined its iconic reputation.
When Alex van Heeren founded The Huka Retreats, he recognised the unique style of experience Alan Pye had created at Huka Lodge. He was intuitively drawn to preserve and honour this, while finding new ways to enhance this even further.