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Huka Lodge

Huka Falls Road PO Box 95, Taupo 3351 New Zealand
Traveler (425)
Room & Suite (88)
Dining (65)

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About

#2 of 7 small hotels in Taupo
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.8
Value
4.4
Huka Lodge is New Zealand’s oldest and most celebrated luxury lodge. Set on the lush green banks of Taupo’s Waikato River, just upstream from the dramatic Huka Falls it’s easy for guests to become mesmerised by the ever-changing waterway; one moment lazy and deep, the next swirling and icy blue. Unforgettable dining champions the best local produce whilst regal suites woo with king beds and palatial baths combine with serene riverside views to create an arresting sense of place. The Taupo countryside is perfect for wilderness walks, luxurious Lake Taupo cruising, trout and fly fishing and scenic helicopter jaunts. Back at the lodge, there’s time to unwind and read a book, sip on cool drinks and take dips in the heated pool. Private dining in charming outdoor alcoves framed with topiary hedges or in the subterranean wine cellar is an unforgettable experience - always with the rumbling of the rapids in the background.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Tennis court
Fishing
Babysitting
Airport transportation
Parking
Wifi
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Shuttle bus service
Banquet room
Spa
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Butler service
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Bottled water
Minibar
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
390Reviews5Q+A90Room tips
Traveler rating
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Most Recent
Waimate01 wrote a review Nov 2023
Sydney, Australia166 contributions243 helpful votes
This is a really class act. The staff make you feel very special, and the rooms and facilities are wonderful. They like to put thought into where everyone sits for dinner, and where possible dot people around so every table feels like they're the only one. Food was excellent. In hindsight, we would probably have had lunch elsewhere simply because we had a car and there were other places to explore. In fairness, they might even expect people to do that because, although lunch was great, it's not really their flagship meal. Not saying it was deficient, just that their dinners are awesome.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Xenia M wrote a review Sep 2023
9 contributions3 helpful votes
Outstanding! Thank you Huka Lodge. Bucket list stuff. Beautiful setting and superb staff & service . Loved the pre dinner drinks meeting other guests. Kerri & Bridie and their team are exceptional. Massages and fly fishing a must.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Huka Lodge
Responded Oct 15, 2023
Dear Xenia, We appreciate your lovely comments and kind review, and are humbled to be consider a bucket list experience. Your adoration for the resplendent setting, the staff, and their service shines through in your words. The conviviality of the pre-dinner gatherings, where you mingled with fellow guests, was evidently a cherished aspect of your stay. We appreciate that you enjoyed fly fishing, an ode to the lodges heritage, and likewise enjoyed relaxing and indulging with an in-suite spa treatment. It was a pleasure to welcome you to Taupo and we hope to meet again. Warm regards, Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard B wrote a review Sep 2023
East Fremantle, Australia33 contributions16 helpful votes
Trading off their cachet. No a la carte menu. Wine prices marked up by 2-300%. My wife cannot eat fresh coriander, we made this known on our first day, then along comes a dish with coriander on it. In a Lodge like this, this should not happen. Shows a lack of communication - not good enough. My overall feeling is 'underwhelmed' really. Staff were great, gardens immaculate, and the setting is wonderful, but for the cost, was just left, as I said 'underwhelmed'.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Huka Lodge
Responded Oct 15, 2023
Dear Richard, Thank you for sharing your experience at Huka Lodge, and we are sorry to hear your experience did not meet expectations. It is pleasing to hear that the staff, the pristine gardens, and the picturesque setting received positive mentions, however we apologise for the miscommunication surrounding coriander during the dining experience. Best wishes, Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Luxe Critic wrote a review Jul 2023
Australia140 contributions235 helpful votes
No question this is a BEAUTIFUL offering. No matter the time of year the sheer natural beauty is incredible and the birdlife beautiful. The greeting on arrival is really warm and the checkin seamless. Rooms are beautifully appointed and the bedding is exceptional. The bathrooms are extremely well done and everything you could need is at your fingertips. Housekeeping is spot on. Note there is no TV in the rooms nor anywhere in the main lodge. Staff are very accommodating and the drivers are FABULOUS! Each of the three we had were great company and ready and waiting to serve with a smile and a story or two on the journey. We did struggle to contact the lodge several times when in need of transport. There system had gone down which left us booking ubers instead. This is a premium property with top notch facilities such as tennis, croquet, great spa baths and pool. The massages we had were average at best so even though we'd planned several for our stay we chose not to repeat. The one down side is the dining. There is a set menu each night and its rigid. They don't like any variations and beyond that the food was just consistently disappointing. We struggled to eat at dinner each night and the portions are tiny. The men in our group left hungry each evening. The wines on offer are limited and largely local. Surprisingly lunch each day is the SAME and only a few options to choose from. Dreadful if you simply want to remain on property for your stay and rest, dine, enjoy the outdoors etc. This is Huka's main dilemma in our view. It's a serious one. Definitely recommend experiencing Huka Lodge. It is a very special place on the planet....just don't expect a fine dining experience.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: The food is not great. It is flavourless and boring.It's the biggest let down of this offering....
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Huka Lodge
Responded Jul 10, 2023
Dear Luxury Solo Traveller, Thank you for your review of your recent stay at Huka Lodge. We're delighted to hear that you found the natural beauty of our property to be incredible, regardless of the time of year, and that the warm greeting upon arrival and seamless check-in process contributed to a positive experience. We're glad that you appreciated the beautifully appointed rooms, exceptional bedding, and well-designed bathrooms, as well as the attentive housekeeping. Our staff takes great pride in providing excellent service, and we're thrilled that you found them accommodating. It's wonderful to hear that our drivers were fabulous company, ready to serve with a smile and share interesting stories during your journeys. We apologise for the difficulties you encountered when trying to contact the lodge for transportation. Your feedback will help us improve the quality of our spa services moving forward, and we appreciate your honest feedback regarding the dining experience. We are excited to have a new Executive Chef starting this week, who will bring a new take on the Huka Lodge dining experience. Thank you for recommending Huka Lodge as a special place to visit. We value your feedback, and it will help us in our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional experiences for our guests. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Huka Lodge in the future. Best regards, Team Huka Lodge
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravSSanDiego wrote a review Jun 2023
San Diego40 contributions58 helpful votes
Amazing Hotel with great food, and lovely, warm service! We had a superb stay at Huka Lodge. Fantastic property, extremely well managed, and unbelievably great food! Seriously amazing hotel. Every aspect of our stay was lovely and we will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Huka Lodge
Responded Jun 6, 2023
Hi there, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review! We appreciate your kind words about our luxury accomodation and that every aspect of your stay was lovely. It was a pleasure to welcome you to the birthplace of New Zealand luxury accommodation. We hope to welcome you back in the future! Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Expert_adviser wrote a review May 2023
Windsor, Australia139 contributions122 helpful votes
+1
This lodge is world class and one of best places I have stayed in my life. It is picture perfect in its beauty; totally immersed in nature and architecturally beautiful. The staff are all fantastic and after a few days, knew all of our names. The chefs in the kitchen were magnificent, serving up incredible dinners and breakfasts for us each day. The highlight was our final meal, which featured the wild venison we had caught a few days earlier on a hunting trip. The rooms were comfortable and had every luxury you would want after a day in the wilderness, hiking hunting or fishing.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Huka Lodge
Responded May 25, 2023
Dear Expert_adviser, Thank you for your wonderful feedback about our lodge. We are honoured to be considered one of the best places you have stayed. The lodge's natural beauty and architectural design create a picturesque setting immersed in nature. We are very proud of our team, and they will be humbled to hear you were flattered by their fantastic, first-name service. it’s also great to hear you enjoyed your culinary experience. Having your own catch cooked and prepared is a truly a liberating feeling. After a day of wilderness activities, a bit of lounging is certainly most welcome, and I’m glad our comfortable accommodation offered the perfect retreat with luxury amenities. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences. Best wishes, Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KevinOR wrote a review Apr 2023
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
We cannot recommend Huka Lodge highly enough. All of our experiences at Baillie properties have been very good (Southern Ocean Lodge, Longitude 131, Capella Lodge), so we were very keen to try the Lodge following its acquisition by the the Baillies. The good news is that this property is a step up even from those amazing properties. They seem to have incorporated the best of the Baillie properties with the best that Huka Lodge had to offer before its acquisition. The food is simply outstanding and certainly Michelin star quality (sadly there is no NZ Michelin Guide). We stayed for eight nights and were constantly delighted by the menus and dining locations. The suites are beautifully appointed and the location of the property is breath-takingly beautiful (the photos online do not do the property justice). Huka Falls is an easy 10-minute walk away and became part of our morning walk. Perhaps above all, the service was outstanding right across the whole team. There is a clear attention to detail with every guest's preferences seemingly known by all the staff. A premium experience comes with a premium price and the pricing here is comparable with other premium experiences. Put simply, if you are able to afford to stay here then you should not hesitate to do so.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Huka Lodge
Responded May 4, 2023
Dear Kevin, Thank you for sharing your positive review of Huka Lodge. It’s a pleasure to hear that you had an amazing experience and enjoyed the stunning location, exceptional food, and outstanding service and that Huka is setting the benchmark among Baillie properties. It's also nice to hear that the staff paid close attention to your preferences, making your stay even more enjoyable. It is always a pleasure to hear from our beloved guests, especially given you have stayed with multiple lodges in the collection. Thank you for sharing your recommendation for others who may be considering a stay. We hope to see you again in the future! Kind regards, Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann-Marie N wrote a review Apr 2023
Greytown, New Zealand114 contributions71 helpful votes
A fantastic place to celebrate a birthday - or any occasion. The food is fabulous, the suites very comfortable and the grounds are gorgeous. But it’s the staff who really make it. They are friendly and very good at what they do. A special shout-out to Andrew who looked after us during my birthday dinner. What’s not mentioned on the Lodge’s website is the fully stocked mini-bar included in the price and free shuttles into town. I highly recommend dining in the wine cellar.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Try dining in the wine cellar. Book dining locations when you make your initial booking to avoid...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Huka Lodge
Responded May 4, 2023
Dear Anne-Marie, Thank you for taking the time to share your review of our lodge. We are thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time celebrating your birthday with us. It's great to know that you found our food, suites, and grounds to be exceptional, and that our staff provided friendly and attentive service throughout your stay. Andrew is delighted to hear that he was able to make your birthday dinner a special occasion. Our team at the lodge hopes that you will visit us again soon, and we look forward to welcoming you back. Warm regards, Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Henry C wrote a review Feb 2023
Keswick, Virginia20 contributions4 helpful votes
Our three days at the fabulous Huka Lodge were one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand's North Island. From the initial greeting of the General Manager who welcomed us at the airport, to the beautiful, romantic, and uniquely different dining venues for each of our three dinners, every minute we spent at this spectacular property was a joy. The view of the Waikato River from the lawn of the Lodge is hypnotically beautiful. Every meal was a sumptuous, beautifully plated gourmet feast. The service was extraordinary. A special shout-out to Andrew and Winnie who truly made us feel like royalty (Queen Elizabeth was a frequent guest at the Lodge). The Lodge is an easy 5 minute walk to the famous Huka Falls, which are spectacular, and a 5-minute drive to the Huka Falls Jet Boat venue, which is a must for every guest at the Lodge. The Huka Lodge is the epitome of 5-star luxury.
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Huka Lodge
Responded May 4, 2023
Dear Henry, We were delighted to read your review. Thank you for choosing to stay with us at our gorgeous luxury lodge and for taking the time to share your experience. We are thrilled to hear that your three days at Huka Lodge were a highlight of your trip to New Zealand's North Island. It's wonderful to know that you appreciated our warm and attentive service from the moment you arrived, including the greeting from our General Manager at the airport. We are glad that you enjoyed the romantic and unique dining experiences we offer, with each of your three dinners taking place in a different venue. Our lawn with its hypnotically beautiful view of the Waikato River is a favorite spot for many guests. We agree that the Huka Falls and the Huka Falls Jet Boat venue are must-visit attractions in the area, and we are pleased to be located so close to them. Thank you for your kind words regarding our 5-star luxury amenities and service. It was our pleasure to host you at Huka Lodge, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable stay. Until next time, Team Huka
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ElsaMiro wrote a review Feb 2023
289 contributions53 helpful votes
For many years had planned to dine at Huka Lodge and eventually this came about. The most memorable experience from walking down to the Lodge, service superb, attention to detail, surroundings, wine list (18 pages) drinks and canapes through to fine dining of the VERY BEST! So appreciated the peace., unobtrusive yet attentive service with everything. The explanation of each course done so well. Food and presentation very tasteful - really felt we were the only ones there as were treated that way. Huka Lodge is a real gem with the most exquisite views to the Waikato river (which was a real sight with so much rain) and stunning gardens. The price totally reflects the memorable experience you will have.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Huka Lodge
Responded May 4, 2023
Dear Elsa, Thank you for taking the time to share your recent dining experience at our lodge. We are thrilled to hear that you had a memorable time with us and that we were able to exceed your expectations in terms of service, attention to detail, surroundings, and dining. We pride ourselves on providing unobtrusive yet attentive service, and we are delighted that you appreciated the peace and felt like you were the only ones there. Our views of the Waikato River and stunning gardens truly make our lodge a gem and we are so glad that you enjoyed them. Thank you for choosing our lodge for your special occasion. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon for another unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back! Team Huka.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$2,098 - $2,186 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
huka hotel taupo
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTaupo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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HUKA LODGE - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Taupo, New Zealand)

Frequently Asked Questions about Huka Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Huka Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Lake Taupo (2.7 miles), Aratiatia Rapids (3.7 miles), and Huka Falls (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Huka Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Huka Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Huka Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Huka Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Malabar Nepalese and Indian Kitchen, Incredible India Restaurant and Bar, and Master of India.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Huka Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Huka Lodge have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Huka Lodge offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Huka Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Huka Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Huka Lodge?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Huka Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.
Is Huka Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.