Huka Lodge

Taupo, New Zealand

Celebrating more than a century of hospitality, Huka Lodge is arguably New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodge experience. It is where spectacular scenery, refined luxury, exceptional cuisine and impeccably warm service meet to deliver a true sense of place.

For more than a century, avid anglers have been drawn to the banks of the mesmerising Waikato River where New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge now welcomes discerning guests from around the globe.

Just moments from Lake Taupo and surrounded by 17 private acres of established riverside gardens, Huka Lodge’s twenty indulgent guest suites and two private villa-style ultraluxe owner’s residences all look out on to the emerald waters of the Waikato River as it flows its way towards the spectacular Huka Falls, just a short stroll away.

Exceptional dining – guided by the season’s local produce and complemented by an impressive cellar of premium wines, can be enjoyed in Huka Lodge’s main Dining Room which flows seamlessly onto outdoor riverside terraces – or in a collection of stunning dining locations dotted throughout the property.

A pebbled pathway meanders through Jurassic tree ferns and leads to the Huka Spa Wellness Grounds which house the gym, spa treatment rooms, sauna, ice shower and hot pool.

Huka Lodge guests can also enjoy a hit of tennis or pickleball, a game of petanque or croquet, make use of the property’s mountain bikes and riverside hikes.

Those who venture just a little further afield can enjoy back-country fishing with in-the-know experts or a round of golf at one of New Zealand’s top courses, cruise Lake Taupo to learn the Maori legends etched in these landscapes or hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to explore some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Notes

Breakfast, evening drinks with canapes and dinner is included with a stay at Huka Lodge. Huka Lodge welcomes families with children 10 years and older.

We have traveled all over the world and we highly recommend Southern Crossing as your travel advisor for New Zealand. Their personal knowledge, attention to detail, and execution of our travel plans were exceptional…from selecting exceptional properties, even down to the specific suites. All drivers were very professional, as well as tour guides and heli pilots. Sarah and Gabrielle will ensure that every aspect of your trip will create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime

As a travel advisor dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for my clients, I rely on trusted partners who can meet the highest standards of luxury and service. I am pleased to say that Southern Crossings has consistently exceeded my expectations in providing ultraluxe travel experiences for even my most discerning clients. I know that I can count on them to deliver professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to creating bespoke travel experiences. They have succeeded in crafting one-of-a-kind journeys that are tailored to each client’s unique preferences.

We spent a glorious month in Australia to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, thanks to the impeccable planning and care of Stuart and Jacki’s team. They were able to incorporate all of our wish list destinations, no small feat in a country that size! ..From premier rooms, to chefs table seatings at restaurants, to champagne greetings and surprise turn-in treats, we felt like we were VIPs the entire trip…It was truly a unique and unparalleled trip for us.

My husband and I just returned from an amazing 3-week trip to New Zealand, thanks in large part to the tireless help of Sara and Sarah. They listened closely to the way we like to travel, our interests, and what we were hoping for on this special trip to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, and curated an itinerary that ended up exceeding all of our expectations. It is clear to us, as we reflect back on our trip, what a benefit it was to use a travel agency that was actually located in New Zealand. Sara and Sarah were very easy to work with, and always responsive to emails, questions, and changes. And it turns out they also keep track of how everything is going while you are on your trip, checking with drivers and accommodations to make sure everything is perfect.

Thank you for arranging a truly memorable holiday … we had the most incredible time in Australia, and we know we will be back for more again in the not so distant future, so lovely was our visit. So many memorable moments: Saffire Freycinet, start to finish, was perfection. The food in Tasmania knocked our socks off. Our spa services at qualia were some of the best we’ve had anywhere in the world. Capella Sydney was top class, .. and our charter in the Whitsundays was magnificent .. Thanks again – we were just so thrilled.

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I just wanted to let you know what an amazing time (my clients) had on their trip to Australia and New Zealand, and I wanted to thank you SO much for all of your incredible efforts to make it happen. You went above and beyond to arrange the adventure of a lifetime, and most importantly you gave Spencer the opportunity to do everything and anything that he could imagine. That is truly a gift!!

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I just wanted to tell you that our Australia trip was probably The best trip we have Ever taken!!!!!! Not only has it been in our Bucket List forever, but because of all the planning and selected vendors you and Southern Crossing chose to make it all happen, it was incredible!!!!!! Based on all the moving parts of this trip that was almost a full month of events, there was not ONE mess up… A huge thank you for doing an Outstanding job in making everything work out, and making this trip, truly amazing and magical ..
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Thank you ALL for the most wonderful Australia/New Zealand adventure.
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.

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We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!

I cannot recommend Southern Crossings more highly! Fiona worked closely with us to design an itinerary that was perfectly catered to our needs, price-point and preferences. Everything they booked felt extremely authentic and unique. The itinerary was well-balanced in terms of activity, travel and accommodation. They were available and communicative in the months leading up to the trip as well as in real time during the trip. If anything went wrong I took comfort in knowing they were only a phone call away but luckily everything went extremely smoothly. The behind-the-scenes coordination made everything feel seamless and resulted in the trip of a lifetime for us

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