Relais & Châteaux Property Spotlight: Huka Lodge, New Zealand

If nothing else, the spectacular location of Huka Lodge justifies an iconic reputation, but it’s the entire lodge experience and superb hospitality that makes this a world-class destination.

Perched on the edge of New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River, Huka Lodge offers some of the best fly fishing in the world. In fact, that’s how the whole story started: as a simple fishing camp back in the 1920s. Once celebrated as a well-kept secret, famous visitors frequented the camp to catch trout and bask in the stupendous beauty of the area’s natural surroundings.

While it retains the charm and personality of its heritage, Huka Lodge is now a modern and sophisticated haven. Though, with many international award-winning accomplishments, maybe not quite so secret.

The Lodge is set in a landscape just asking to be explored. An exhilarating list of outdoors activities and tours are on offer: guests can float down the river by kayak, stopping for a soak at the natural hot springs; hike to Lake Rotopounamu, a greenstone lake on the side of Mt. Pihanga; jump on the self-explanatory “Three Volcanoes Before Breakfast” helicopter journey; take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Taupo; ski in the powder at Tongariro National Park; or, yes, go fishing. If you love being in nature, there’s something here for you.

However, you don’t really have to leave home base to “get amongst it,” as the Lodge itself is nestled in 17 acres of lush forest and gardens. The park-like grounds have been meticulously curated with a considerable amount of diverse flora, creating a tranquil atmosphere and attracting birds and their song aplenty.

A superlative food experience is a component of all Relais & Châteaux properties, and Huka Lodge has crafted theirs in detail. From hearty country breakfasts to private candlelit dinners, guests are served phenomenal cuisine using the finest ingredients.

With a variety of lodge accommodations and private cottages, as well as packages for families or intimate occasions, Huka Lodge welcomes any kind of getaway. And bringing excellence to everything they do is simply part of the experience.