Style: August 03, 2017
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STYLE | report 25<br />
Huka Lodge Owner’s Cottage<br />
Huka Lodge Owner’s Cottage<br />
A world where elegant and generous hospitality meets<br />
sophistication and style – Huka Lodge<br />
Not far from the wilderness escape of<br />
Poronui is the famous Huka Lodge. What was<br />
a tented fishing stay in the 1920s has become a<br />
retreat with a worldwide reputation.<br />
Huka Lodge offers just 25 rooms including<br />
18 Junior Lodge Suites, one double Lodge<br />
Suite, the four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage<br />
and the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage. The<br />
suites all enjoy uninterrupted views of the deep<br />
Waikato River, the sound of its rushing water<br />
inducing relaxation in an instant. The grounds<br />
boast a tennis court, swimming and spa pools,<br />
petanque and croquet, and spa treatments are<br />
also on offer.<br />
One of the most endearing parts of Huka<br />
Lodge is its private dining venues. More than 20<br />
are hidden away in and around the property;<br />
some amongst the garden, others in private<br />
rooms within the lodge. Some of my personal<br />
favourites are:<br />
The Library: A cosy book-lined room which<br />
is the only room The Queen has chosen to<br />
dine in on her past three stays. The modest<br />
room has tartan flooring and an open fire as the<br />
centrepiece. It’s suitable for two to 10 guests.<br />
The Wine Cellar: This is a spectacular<br />
underground chamber across from the main<br />
lodge that is lined with fine vintages, most which<br />
are New Zealand wines. Can seat two to 10<br />
guests, with the lodge often holding degustation<br />
dinners here with famous chefs.<br />
Jetty Pavilion: By far the most stunning dining<br />
location. Here you can enjoy your meal or predinner<br />
drinks right on the river bank. A mirror<br />
situated behind the table, reflecting the river,<br />
adds to the ambience of the setting. Can seat<br />
two to six guests.<br />
Green Room: One of the many outdoor<br />
styled locations that offers complete seclusion<br />
and privacy. Suitable for two to six diners.<br />
Huka Lodge<br />
Best Time To Go: September. Take advantage<br />
of one of Huka Lodges retreats – the Wellness<br />
Weekend (September 15-16). Running<br />
over two-nights, experience a total body<br />
rejuvenation with classes run by experts in yoga,<br />
nutrition and wellbeing. A perfect girls weekend<br />
or an ideal couples retreat.<br />
Recommendations: A late night swim under<br />
the stars in the heated pool and hot tub while<br />
listening to the roaring river that is metres away.<br />
Tariff: Autumn-winter rates see the Junior Suite<br />
at $1255 per person, per night, up to the high<br />
season rates for the Owner’s Cottage at $7188<br />
per person, per night, for one suite.<br />
Details: Huka Lodge, 271 Huka Falls Road,<br />
Taupo, hukalodge.co.nz