Luxury lodge on Waikato River, fine dining, gardens, activities






























271 Huka Falls Road, Wairakei, Taupō 3377, New Zealand Get directions

"Allegedly, Queen Elizabeth and Mick Jagger once slept in the same bed, just not at the same time. That bed would be at Huka Lodge, New Zealand. Opened in 1924 as a humble fishing camp, it’s since become a tartan-and-teak retreat with roaring fireplaces and martinis on silver trays. Oversized suites open onto manicured lawns and the Waikato River, with Ralph Lauren-ish decor: lots of tartan, gilt-framed oil paintings, and velvet sofas. You’ll fall asleep to the rush of water and wake to birdsong and woodsmoke. Aperitifs are served at golden hour before long dinners. It’s the original luxury lodge and still the blueprint for all others that follow. From $1,898. —Chloe Sachdev" - CNT Editors

"Allegedly, Queen Elizabeth and Mick Jagger once slept in the same bed, just not at the same time. That bed would be at Huka Lodge, New Zealand. Opened in 1924 as a humble fishing camp, it’s since become a tartan-and-teak retreat with roaring fireplaces and martinis on silver trays. Oversized suites open onto manicured lawns and the Waikato River, with Ralph Lauren-ish decor: lots of tartan, gilt-framed oil paintings, and velvet sofas. You’ll fall asleep to the rush of water and wake to birdsong and woodsmoke. Aperitifs are served at golden hour before long dinners. It’s the original luxury lodge and still the blueprint for all others that follow. From $1,898." - CNT Editors

"Located a short Air New Zealand flight away on the Waikato River, just outside Taupō. This luxury lodge has an interesting history as a fisher’s camp, but today provides beautiful riverside views and a serene escape that’s restorative to my creativity." - Elise Taylor

"A luxury lodge in Taupō, New Zealand, with refurbished accommodations and expanded wellness area."

"Natural wonders, a luxury lodge reborn, and a culinary scene on the rise."