Huka Lodge New Zealand
Huka Lodge
271 Huka Falls Road, Taupo 3377
New Zealand
www.hukalodge.co.nz
www.beckons.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Beckons – a collection of experiential luxury lodges spanning Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Chilie
Shareholders
Owned by KSL Capital Partners.
Date of Creation
1 March 2025 (post renovation)
Hotel General Manager
Kerry Molloy
Hotel Positioning
Huka Lodge is one of the world’s most storied luxury lodges, set on the emerald-green banks of the Waikato River near Lake Taupō in New Zealand’s North Island.
Affectionately known as “the grande dame of luxury lodges”, Huka Lodge blends more than a century of heritage with contemporary luxury, exceptional dining and a tranquil riverside setting.
Development Strategy
Recently re-opened following a NZ$25 million refurbishment in March 2025.
HUKA LODGE
History & Story
Huka Lodge began life nearly a century ago as a fishermen’s camp set beside the trout-rich waters of the Waikato River.
Over the decades it evolved into one of the world’s most celebrated luxury lodges, welcoming royalty, heads of state and international celebrities while maintaining its intimate country retreat character.
Following a NZ$25 million refurbishment completed in 2025, the lodge has been thoughtfully reimagined for its next century of hospitality.
The renovation introduced new guest spaces including:
• the River Room, framing spectacular views of the Waikato River
• expanded dining and bar areas overlooking the gardens
• new private lounge spaces including The Loft and Piper Room
• new wellness grounds inspired by traditional Kiwi holiday houses (“bach”).
The design preserves Huka Lodge’s elegant heritage while enhancing its connection to the surrounding landscape and gardens.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• 20 riverside Lodge Suites plus 2 ultra-private cottages ensure an intimate atmosphere.
• Front-row seat to the Waikato River: Huka Lodge is nestled right on the banks of the Waikato River, just upstream from the thundering Huka Falls offering uninterrupted views of the river from the suites and Main Lodge.
• One of New Zealand’s most prestigious luxury lodges, established in the 1920s and a long history of hosting royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities
• Offers a range of tailored experiences including helicopter tours, fly fishing, golf, hiking, Maori cultural encounters, world class hiking and mountain biking, and spa services.
Location
Huka Lodge sits on the banks of the Waikato River, just upstream from the spectacular Huka Falls, near the lakeside town of Taupō in the central North Island of New Zealand.
The region is defined by:
• the vast waters of Lake Taupō, formed from an ancient volcanic caldera
• geothermal landscapes
• alpine peaks of Tongariro National Park
• pristine rivers and forests.
Taupō offers a remarkable variety of outdoor experiences year-round, from fly fishing and hiking to heli adventures and lake cruising.
Getting There
Huka Lodge is located:
• 10 minutes from Taupō Airport (shared returned transfers are included with commercial flights)
• 3.5 hours’ drive from Auckland
• 4.5 hours’ drive from Wellington
Private transfers and helicopter arrivals can be arranged.
Key sites/activities in the area
• One of the world’s most historic luxury lodges
• Set on the banks of the Waikato River near Huka Falls
• Located in New Zealand’s spectacular Taupō region
• Renovated in 2025 following a NZ$25M refurbishment
• Exceptional fine dining showcasing New Zealand produce
• Elegant garden and riverside setting
• Renowned trout fishing destination
• Gateway to Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupō adventures.
Fun Facts
• The lodge cellar houses 4,500 bottles of premium wine, most being from New Zealand
• Huka Lodge has welcomed a long line of illustrious guests over its 100-year history including HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
Children’s Corner
Huka Lodge welcomes children 10 years +
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Huka Lodge offers 20 suites and two private cottages set within manicured gardens along the banks of the Waikato River.
Lodge Suites
Elegant residential-style suites offering generous space and views of the Waikato River.
Features
• King or twin king-single beds
• Intimate lounge area
• Ensuite bathroom with deep bath
• Dressing room
• Outdoor veranda with daybed
• Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
• Magnificent river views
Alan Pye Cottage – 2 Bedrooms
Named after Huka Lodge’s founder, the Alan Pye Cottage offers the privacy of a luxury residence set within landscaped gardens.
Features
• Two bedrooms, each with dressing room and fireplace
• Two ensuite bathrooms
• Generous open-plan living areas
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Outdoor terrace with plunge pool
• Courtyard garden with outdoor pavilion
• Private heated spa pool
• Dramatic Waikato River views
Alex van Heeren Cottage – 4 Bedrooms
The Alex van Heeren Cottage is Huka Lodge’s most exclusive accommodation, designed as a luxurious private estate ideal for families or small groups.
Features
• Four bedrooms, each with fireplace and dressing room
• Four ensuite bathrooms
• Expansive open-plan living areas
• Den with fireplace and entertainment area
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Outdoor terrace with plunge pool and spa
• Courtyard garden with outdoor fireplace
• Private location with dramatic river views
Restaurants & Bars
Dining at Huka Lodge is a celebrated highlight of the guest experience. Menus showcase New Zealand’s finest seasonal produce, with an emphasis on regional ingredients, fresh seafood and premium meats.
Guests enjoy:
• daily changing menus
• fine New Zealand wines
• multiple private dining locations across the property.
• Included in the rate is a full country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, gourmet dinner daily all with matched wines.
Wellness
The newly created Wellness Grounds are set within tranquil gardens inspired by traditional Kiwi “bach” holiday houses.
Facilities include:
• two spa treatment rooms
• gym
• sauna
• contrast ice shower
• hot plunge pool.
The peaceful garden setting offers a restorative space designed for relaxation and wellbeing.
Experiences
Taupō is renowned as one of New Zealand’s most diverse outdoor adventure destinations. All experiences at Huka Lodge are optional and offered at an additional cost through specialist local operators.
Experiences available in the region include:
Outdoor adventures
• fly fishing on Taupō’s world-famous rivers
• hiking in Tongariro National Park
• mountain biking through native forests
• kayaking on Lake Taupō.
Lake experiences
• luxury lake cruises
• floatplane adventures
• fishing charters.
Helicopter experiences
• scenic flights over Tongariro National Park
• heli landings on remote alpine peaks
• vineyard visits and gourmet excursions.
Thrill-seeking adventures
• jet boating at Huka Falls
• white-water rafting
• skydiving and airborne adventures.
The lodge also offers several bespoke heli-experiences including:
• Craggy Range Culinary Escape
• Epic Rotorua cultural and adventure experience
• Ultimate Huka Experience heli exploration.
Regenerative – Travel for Good
Environmental stewardship is central to the Beckons philosophy and the operation of Huka Lodge.
Key initiatives include:
• energy-efficient infrastructure including LED lighting and advanced insulation
• reduction of single-use plastics
• sustainable sourcing of local produce
• water purification and wastewater treatment systems protecting the Waikato River ecosystem.
The lodge works closely with local organisations to support conservation initiatives and community projects in the Taupō region.
Through the Spirit of Mateship initiative, Beckons supports local environmental organisations including Greening Taupō, which undertakes restoration planting and pest control to protect native ecosystems.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Serendipians amenities do not apply to group bookings of 5 rooms + per night
The Loft – 16 pax | Located upstairs in the main lodge, The Loft is a flexible space ideal for a formal meeting or private dinner. Dining is accommodated on 2 tables of 8
The Piper Room– 6 pax | Cosy space with a private lounge area and adjoining balcony overlooking the Waikato River
The Library – 10 pax | Featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the Library is ideal as a breakout room or private meeting or dining space
Wine Cellar – 10 pax | Featuring some of the worlds most revered vintages, the Wine Cellar is ideal for special occasions
The Orchard 10 pax | Versatile space set amongst a small orchard of heirloom fruit trees and warmed by an outdoor fireplace.
Extra Notable Features
• Mountain Bikes
• Fishing Rods available to fish off the bank ( catch and release only). If fishing anywhere outside HUK grounds, guests will need to buy a Taupo fishing license for the day.
• Spa Park Walk (circuit from the Lodge to Huka Falls and back)
• Yoga Mats available as well as an outdoor yoga lawn. Yoga Instructor can be arranged at an additional price subject to availability
Hotel & Restaurants Awards
2024-2025
• Forbes Travel Guide 2024 – 4 Star Hotel
• Travel + Leisure Asia – Luxury Awards Asia Pacific – #1 Best Country Hotels + Lodges in New Zealand
• Conde Nast Traveller – Best Places to Go Australia / New Zealand 2024
• 2025 Travel Guide Star Awards
• Town & Country Hotel Awards, Best New Rural Country Retreats 2025
• Wandersleep 2025 List (Wanderlust Magazine)
2022-2021
• Travel + Leisure | 2021 – T+L 500 List
Number of employees
50 – 60