In the 1920s, Irishman Alan Pye, discovered the incredible fly fishing on the reaches of the Waikato River just above Huka Falls, and realised his dream to establish a fishing lodge. Before long, the fame of Huka Lodge had spread to every corner of the world.

As its reputation for outstanding trout fishing and fine hospitality spread, Huka Lodge attracted such famous anglers as HM Queen Elizabeth; The Queen Mother, Charles Lindbergh; James A. Mitchener (who wrote part of Return to Paradise there) as well as many famous film stars and public figures of the time.

Huka Lodge history was defined by conditions were spartan: the main Lodge building contained Pye’s bedroom, the kitchen and a large dining room. Guests slept in heavy canvas tents pitched over wooden slatted floors, however its fame and reputation grew and the visitors book read like an angler’s version of ‘Debrett’.

In 1984, the founder of The Huka Retreats, Alex van Heeren, fell under the same spell and fell in love with the property. He immediately recognised the potential to create a world-class property and his passion and drive have added luxury to a magnificent location.

Today, the clientele and the aura of Huka Lodge are much the same. Though the standards of the original accommodation have changed dramatically, the true spirit of its famed hospitality remains unchanged since 1924.

JUNIOR LODGE SUITE:

True retreats in every sense, harmonious and deliberately simple in approach. Designed to allow the beauty of the landscape to dominate, while providing layers of well appointed luxury.

Every last detail required for guest comfort has been carefully considered, from the finest monogrammed bed linen, and feather pillows, to the freshly baked biscuits. 

French doors open onto the wooden terrace beyond and all 20 Junior Lodge Suites face the hypnotic deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River. Its long journey from Lake Taupo takes it flowing past Huka Lodge to the full force of the famous Huka Falls beyond, then on to the sea. 

The bathrooms offer every indulgence as well as being spacious and light, with the most decadent deep bath, thirsty towels, heated floors, and twin basins. Dressing rooms are both large and generous in proportion, with room to truly make yourself at home during your stay. 

Families travelling together with children are most welcome at Huka Lodge and you will find your needs are well provided for. 

Within the extensive and beautiful grounds guests have use of a swimming pool, spa pools, tennis, croquet and pétanque courts, a library, a study and all the amenities available at the Main Lodge. 

OWNER’S COTTAGE:

Four superbly decorated spacious en suite guest rooms are anchored by a central living room, dining area, kitchen and den. The colour palette is deliberately muted with elegant use of soft cream and caramel hues for the walls and bleached oak wooden parquet floors throughout. This all contributes to an ambience of calm restful relaxation within the Cottage.

The Cottage displays work by some of New Zealand’s foremost artists – Max Gimblet, Mervyn Taylor, Don Binney, Paul Dibble and Dick Frizell to name a few. The entire retreat is furbished generously with unique pieces chosen for their comfort, beauty and history – like the wonderful 1920s French oak chairs in the living room.

Guest suites

The en suite rooms all have super-king size beds, comfortable chairs for lounging and the romance of a fireplace in your bedroom.

Two of the guest suites face the river while the other two enjoy a beautiful private courtyard garden aspect. These gardens also feature one of the magnificent outdoor fireplaces that can be found tucked away within the environs of Huka Lodge.

Bathrooms/Dressing Rooms

The bathrooms are beautifully appointed with twin basins, deep baths, separate showers and heated towel rails. The cathedral-style ceilings bathe the rooms in a high level of natural light. The floors are made from wood and all enjoy under-floor heating. Large and generous walk-through dressing rooms are adjacent to all of the bathrooms. A laundry service is also available with the Cottage.

The Den

The Den has a workstation, computer, plasma screen television and DVD player, extremely comfortable leather chairs and a cosy fireplace complete the picture. 

The Kitchen

A well-equipped kitchen is set up for use by guests during their stay. Guests may choose to stay in or to wander over to the main Lodge and dine there. Guests at the Owner’s Cottage have use of all Huka Lodge facilities and services as a matter of course.

Outdoor living

A large outdoor deck extends in a continuous line from the living room until it meets the amazing cantilevered infinity pool. The grounds within the Owner’s Cottage also feature a heated spa pool, outdoor furniture suitable for dining, sunbathing, reading or a quiet nap.

ALAN PYE COTTAGE:

Alan Pye Cottage takes every advantage of a superb location and sits above lush rolling green lawns and manicured gardens on the banks of the Waikato River, where the powerful and hypnotic turquoise green waters surge downstream to the Huka Falls.

Built to exacting standards and utilising the finest quality heritage materials – cedar, heart timbers, stone and brick, the cottage draws on architectural elements from the 1920s and 1930s with strong reference to the sophisticated elegance of the English Arts & Crafts movement. This influence, in a contemporary re-interpretation, clearly pervades both the exterior and interior design of the Alan Pye Cottage.

Style

Whilst spacious and faultlessly generous in execution, the Alan Pye Cottage boasts a cosy and intimate atmosphere due largely to an extraordinary level of attention to detail, combined with a deliberately eclectic style of furnishing and interior decoration. Rustic antiques overlay with museum-quality Maori antiquities, wonderful paintings and textiles rich in texture, with the colour palette drawing together stunning combinations of deep teal, lime and turquoise for moments of bold punctuation.

Living/Dining Room

A magnificent open plan living room, with an open fireplace features a very high ceiling, and dining to take place as well as relaxing. This room offers decadently comfortable furniture and everything guests will need to feel this is a true ‘home away from home’.

Floor-to-ceiling opening doors feature on both sides of the room – facing the river and the infinity style swimming pool on one side and the enclosed courtyard garden and outdoor pavilion, on the other.

Guest Suites

The Cottage boasts two large and stylishly appointed suites, with individual fireplaces, en suite bathrooms and generous walk-through dressing rooms. Both suites are superbly decorated and offer a highly considered level of comfort.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are beautifully appointed with twin basins, deep baths, separate showers and heated towel rails. The floors are made from limestone and all enjoy under floor heating. Large and generous walk-through dressing rooms are adjacent to all of the bathrooms.

The Kitchen

A well-equipped kitchen is set up for use by guests during their stay. Guests may choose to stay in or to stroll over to the main Lodge and dine there. Guests at The Alan Pye Cottage have use of all Huka Lodge facilities and services as a matter of course.

The Study

A study is tucked away with desk, plasma flat-screen television and sound system. This room also has its own separate bathroom and can be readily converted into a single room, should it be required to accommodate an accompanying party.

Outdoor living

A heated infinity-style swimming pool and a separate private spa pool have been integrated into the outdoor landscape. There is also a fabulous stone outdoor pavilion within a private courtyard garden, featuring a magnificent fireplace.

EXPERIENCES

Working with carefully chosen operators we have selected a range of luxury experiences that we hope will enhance your stay and add to your enjoyment of Huka Lodge and its beautiful surroundings. These are some of the top things to do in Taupo and there is something here for everyone. You can choose from the snow, lake or one of the many tours or acitivites that are available. The whole family will have things to do in Taupo! 

• Golf
• Trout Fishing
• Hiking
• Cultural Experiences
• Bespoke Tours
• Kayaking
• Jet Boating
• White Water Rafting
• Gliding
• Bungy Jumping
• Sky Diving
• Biking
• Quad Adventures
• Formula Challenge
• Lodge Experiences