Our Story

In 1924 Irishman Alan Pye founded Huka Lodge as a fishermen’s camp with a gathering of white canvas tents lining the banks of the trout-rich Waikato River. His successor Alex van Heeren set about transforming the camp into a luxury lodge fit for a queen. Today, Huka Lodge remains one of the world’s most celebrated luxury retreats, synonymous with refined hospitality in an extraordinary natural setting.

By the River at Huka Lodge - View Special Offer Itinerary

Long regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations, Huka Lodge is set among 17-acres of established, parklike gardens along the banks of the emerald-blue Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island. With humble beginnings more than a century ago as a fisher’s camp with white canvas tents pegged along the trout-rich river, Huka Lodge has today secured its place as one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated luxury lodges.

Regal Luxury.

Fit for a King: twenty guest suites along with two exclusive owners' residences, the Alan Pye Cottage and Alex van Heeren Cottage, are dotted along the banks of the Waikato River and among verdant gardens, each opening onto rolling green lawns and with the sounds of birdsong and the burbling river as nature's orchestral score.

Natural Beauty.

Overlooking the ever-changing Waikato River – one moment lazy and deep, the next swirling and icy blue – Huka Lodge is located in Taupō, distinguished by its vast lake and endowed with a gentle climate, a leisurely pace and spectacular landscape.

Our Luxury.

A stay with Beckons is to experience the luxury of travel. Each Beckons property is located in an extraordinary natural destination, with a personal experience of its culture and history, its art and natural heritage and local food and wine sourced from regional producers. Together, the luxury lodges are timeless in design, with myriad thoughtful details combining to create a genuinely warm welcome, a generosity of spirit. Guest itineraries are designed to offer the most from each stay, creating a personal, lasting connection with the destination.

Dining Room.

The lodge restaurant is a hub for guests throughout each day. As day dawns with the mists drawing across the river, guests enjoy a country style breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures. In the evening, candles are lit as the sky softens and drinks are served. Guests gather to share stories of the day and enjoy superb cuisine complemented by exceptional wines.

Our Commitment to the Environment.

Huka Lodge is committed to a dedicated path of initiatives and procedures to ensure the very best practice for the environment, the local community and the planet. Essential to the vision are initiatives designed to preserve pristine waters and the broader environment, conserve energy via recycling and support the community of Taupō.