Huka Lodge Waikato Taupo Relais and Chateaux
Huka Lodge Waikato Taupo Relais & Chateaux
Charming Irishman Alan Pye founded Huka Lodge on the banks of the Waikato River in the 1920s. The fame of this simple fishing camp soon spread throughout the world and it soon became one of the most popular. To this day, more than 90 years later, the hotel remains true to the values that defined its iconic reputation.
- Lakeside
- Michelin 2* Chef Restaurant
- Wairakei International Golf Course
The cottage is secluded in 17 manicured acres on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, just upstream from where the water speeds through a gorge before plunging into the famous waterfall Huka. The Wairakei International Golf Course, which doubles as a wildlife sanctuary, is a five-minute drive away.
Huka Lodge looks like the country retreat of a fairytale, slightly rakish uncle. The common areas are decorated with antique furniture and art collected from around the world. On the walls are historical portraits of Maori subjects by Gottfried Lindauer and Charles Goldie, as well as a selection of oil paintings depicting Edwardian rural activities.
The color scheme is rich and vibrant in dark greens and blues: a Barclay hunting Scottish rug, referencing to New Zealand s close relationship with Scotland, as well as the original sporting purpose of the lodge.
Within the hotel s extensive and beautiful grounds, guests have access to a swimming pool, spa areas, tennis, croquet and boules courts, a library, a work office and all other available amenities.
True retreats in every sense, harmonious and deliberately simple. Designed to allow the beauty of the landscape to dominate, while providing luxurious amenities and comfort.
Rooms are simply and elegantly decorated, with furnishings in muted tones and whitewashed wood paneling. French doors open up the entire coastal landscape to a timber deck overlooking the hypnotic deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River or the beautiful private courtyard garden, while mosquito netting adds a safari feel.
Private cottages built with using the finest quality heritage materials - cedar, heartwood, stone and brick - drawing on architectural elements of the 1920s and 1930s with a nod to the sophisticated elegance of the English Arts and Crafts movement. This influence, with a modern interpretation, clearly permeates both the exterior and interior design. The color palette is deliberately muted with soft cream and caramel tones on the walls and bleached oak parquet floors to create an atmosphere of tranquil relaxation.
British-born chef Paul Froggatt s two-Michelin-starred tasting menu presents an impressive series of dishes using the finest...low-quality and environmentally friendly ingredients. True gourmets will appreciate the Southland lamb loin seared in mustard pesto and the neck glazed with organic romanesco lemon puree and wild garlic.
The main lodge building attracts guests like bees to honey. It is from here that, after having a good breakfast, you can go in search of adventure or sit comfortably with a book in a comfortable chair by the cozy fireplace. As evening falls, enjoy excellent cuisine and exceptional wines in a romantic candlelit setting.
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