We took a 5 hours transfer from Auckland to Taupo via Rotorua and stopped by Mamaku Blueberry Vineyard arranged by Huka Lodge.

When we reached Huka Lodge, my 2 children, husband and I were so shocked that where in this world we still can find such a nice view? Green trees and grass, beautiful flowers, clear river water and a small waterfall in front of the main entrance, just swiped away the tiring, body aching, boring resulted from our 5 hours car ride with 2 young children making noise at the back seats (who has children will definitely understand what I said).

Jessica was there welcome us at the entrance of the main lodge. We were brought to a dining area with juices served. Then Jessica showed us around the main lodge and led us to our suites. On the way to our suites, Jessica showed us where the heated pool, jacuzzi, petanque court and tennis court were.

When we stepped into our suites (suite 13 & 14), everyone with our jaws dropping and WOW was our reaction. There was a small foyer after the main entrance, to the left, there was the escort room with single bed, shower and toilet. Located in the middle there was a door leading to a spacious suite with a fireplace in front of the lounge area, a daybed, a writing table on the left, the super warm and comfortable bed. Towards the left end of the suite there was the walk through wardrobe for his and hers on both sides, a wet mini bar with nespresso coffee making machine and Antipodes still water placed in the fridge. Walked through the wardrobe, on the left there was the W.C., on the right there was the small and black colour shower cubicle (the only complaint I have for this luxury hotel, the shower was too small and too dark), on both side of the walls there were towel heating rails. Next to the rails, there was his and hers basins and right at the middle end of the bathroom it was the oversized bath tub and its fauna and floral view windows which you can enjoy the trees and flowers in your bath tub.
On the right side of the foyer, there was a twin suite with 2 single beds, a spacious lounge (no fireplace), a similar walk through wardrobe and bathroom.
The whole 2 suites had underfloor heating system.
I like the way Huka Lodge placed their welcome letter personalised to my 2 children with their name stated on the letter.
Oh I missed out the most important thing, the fantastic beautful Waikato River view from the room. The suites had french doors open up to the beautiful ground in front of the Waikato River and my 4 year old son was chasing after the ducklings and ducks at the river bank before we walked to the main lodge for breakfast served on the next morning.

Our private gourmet dinner was served in the library on the first night (also where we had our private breakfast here). On our arrival, Jessica showed us the dinner menu make sure we were alright with the menu and enquired what we would like to have for our children. The food served was so beautiful and taste good. The chef and the team were so concerned and aware of my son was allergy to egg or egg content food. They make sure there was no egg in his diet. I really appreciate that.
Sorry I did not mention about their wine list as my husband and I do not drink alcoholic drink.

Next 2 morning the cooked breakfast was so good! Eggs of your choice with bacon, sausage, mushroom and tomato or pancakes melted my heart!
Expresso and hot chocolate were one of the best I can get during our 17 days trip in New Zealand.

Ali and Jessica helped rented a car for us to scroll around Taupo. Jessica suggested to us many places of interest and make booking for Huka Fall cruise.
We visited the Huka Prawn Farm (we did prawn fishing and the children loved it so much! We had our prawn lunch here) just few minutes drive down the main road. And on the same road, there was the Honey Hive, Volcanic Centre.
The Huka Fall cruise was a good activity not to miss. The Huka Fall was so wonderful!

On the 2nd evening, upon our request, Huka Lodge served us seafood dinner in the computer room on 1st floor of the main lodge. We had our own time and enjoyed our dinner so much and walked out to the balcony, there was the beautiful Waikato River view.

On the last day, we bought some souvenirs from the lodge gift shop. The beautiful marino vest and jacket, pounamu (green stone or jade) and some New Zealand native honey.
I loved this gift shop so much!
We then was transferred to Taupo airport (transfer included in the room rate) and we flew off to Wellington.

This was the perfect hotel I ever stayed in. Only regret was that we only stayed 2 nights here.
Now we are back home and I am planning another trip to New Zealand and I will definitely come back to you, Huka Lodge!

wow just read previous review, how could you rate this property so low I imagine you are one of those people who blame everything and everyone else for not having a good time. Try sitting peacefully in your warm cosy chair with your fire blazing behind you with a Huka lodge wrap around your shoulders watching the ducks with their little ducklings exploring the world with the incredibly clear waters of the Waikato meandering down to the Huka falls. We recently stayed at the lodge with our 16 year old daughter two suites one with the gas fire. We have stayed at many exclusive retreats around the world including the Huka lodges Dolphin Island. We had a wonderful stay here everything was top notch with a few lovely surprises such as complimentary snacks and free non alcoholic components of the mini bar and a hot water bottle placed in the bed at turn down. We also had the cocktail hour which was lovely the manager was there to meet the guests and the whole evening was very enjoyable from meeting the other guests to our great meal in the queens room (library). Breakfast was plentiful and lots of choices along with champagne for those who wanted it. The ride back to the airport was so much fun with our Scottish driver he was so friendly and carried all our bags to the check in counter. Please don't pay any attention to previous reviewer go with an open heart and relax and enjoy the magic of Huka create your own reality an this stunning retreat.

We took two hours out from a long drive from Wellington to Hamilton to visit the Lodge for lunch. The gardens were gorgeous with blossoms in full bloom, and the Waikato river magnificent. Sitting on the terrace enjoying a really splendid quality lunch overlooking the garden and river was pure heaven.

What a truly wonderful experience our weekend at Huka Lodge was. The staff were welcoming, professional and made us feel like nothing was any trouble at all. The excellent service is delivered with a really light touch, no overly solicitous feeling, they just seemed genuinely happy to be there and to deliver a great experience. We had beautiful, crisp spring weather so enjoyed as much time as possible drinking in the beautiful views and well maintained grounds (and walking off all the wonderful food and wine).
We were there for the special Bollinger night which featured Peter Doyle from Est in Sydney. The kitchen team were really tested by a local power cut during dinner but the food was still really good, and some courses were stunning. The food from the usual kitchen team was excellent too, I'm still revelling in how great it was.
If you can stretch to a night or more away somewhere special, make it Huka Lodge. I am looking forward to another visit whenever we can next justify it!