Huka Lodge (mini report)

[amaroo]

After recently posting a trip report on Wharekauhau Lodge Wharekauhau a couple of members mentioned they were keen to visit some NZ lodges. We've been to a few, so I thought I would post some mini reports .... the kiwis do luxury lodges very well.

We've been lucky enough to visit Huka Lodge a few times Huka Lodge | Taupo Luxury Retreat | New Zealand - Huka Lodge Since I didn't start taking food shots until I joined AFF .... this TR will focus on the property and some of the activities one can do.

 

[amaroo]

Huka Lodge is built on the banks of the Waikato River, just above Huka Falls. The location is stunning!

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

A couple of artistic shots there Amaroo !!!

 

[drron]

I'm waiting for the one of your trophy trout!

 

[amaroo]

I'm waiting for the one of your trophy trout!

Hmmm, I did hire a guide for a day - he did everything imaginable to get me hooked, but it was not to be However, I did improve my fly casting skills...

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Hmmm, I did hire a guide for a day - he did everything imaginable to get me hooked, but it was not to be However, I did improve my fly casting skills...

HaHa - Ron didn't catch any trout in NZ either !

 

[amaroo]

Owner's Cottage

 

[LadyC]

Looks like a lovely part of the world

 

[amaroo]

There are many activities at Huka Lodge - on previous trips we did whitewater rafting and fly fishing. This trip we did their “Must Do” package - combo of helicopter and boat cruise on Lake Taupo.

The helicopter ride is spectacular - the flight takes you over Lake Taupo, Kaimanawa & Tongariro NPs, capped off with a Hula Falls flyover.

A “must do” when staying here!

 

[amaroo]

You can see the ski lifts .... we also saw a few hikers doing the Tongariro Crossing.

 

[amaroo]

 

[Milboo]

Enjoying this report - I have spent a lot of time in Taupo (including the first 8 weeks of my life!) but never managed Huka Lodge.

 

[amaroo]

Enjoying this report - I have spent a lot of time in Taupo (including the first 8 weeks of my life!) but never managed Huka Lodge.

Beautiful location. Great place to spoil yourself....

 

[amaroo]

On final approach to the lodge you get to do a flyover of the falls.

You can see Huka Lodge on the left river bank



The falls



You can see the main lodge and the green landing strip right in front



Owners Cottage



IIRC flying time was around 2hrs - awesome experience!

 

[amaroo]

The wine cellar - spent sometime in here

 

[mmchow]

Some great photos you have there

 

[amaroo]

If you stay here ... I recommend an early morning walk around the property.

Just stunning!

 

[amaroo]

Lake Taupo - picturesque, large, and deep at around 186m



Lots of nice digs line the Lake





Milne Bay Maori rock carvings

 

[amaroo]

As soon as we dropped a line - some locals came to visit.






After some refreshments we headed back to the lodge.



Close up view of Huka Falls. The river narrows from 100m into a canyon 15m wide ... the final stage is a 11m drop. The voume of water can approach 220,000 litres per second



Huka Lodge is a spectacular destintion. The food is delicious and of a very high standard.

If you come here - you won’t regret it.

Next up - Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and NYC

 

[Boca68]

The falls are incredible.

Whilst I've never had the privilege of staying at the lodge, when we first visited in '92 or '93, I think, our friends got us to the main lodge for a quick visit (one of friends brother was a manager there at the time) . And later, we went to play a round at a golf course which was attached to lodge somehow? It was quite spectacular, I remember. Remember the golf pro saying Jimmy Carter (and entourage) played there the week before, whilst staying at the lodge.

Is there a golf course as part of the lodge? or is my memory playing tricks?