Wairakei Taupo, New Zealand
Renovated
2025
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
Pioneering riverbank lodge
A century-old trout camp is now a sporting estate where guests gather for fireside aperitifs beside the Waikato River.
“The most exclusive lodge in New Zealand… feels like a refined country getaway set on the banks of the Waikato River”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated hosts serve pre-dinner canapés and five-course estate dinners along the Waikato River.
Remarkable
A 1924 canvas trout-fishing camp evolved into New Zealand's benchmark riverfront sporting retreat.
Remarkable
A century of royal visits and fireside aperitifs sustains this riverside institution.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
With just 25 suites and two private cottages spread over 17 acres of grounds, you can spend your days doing many of the same activities…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The grounds border the Waikato River, just a short walk upstream from the roaring Huka Falls.
The rooms
Riverside suites open onto green lawns, with four-poster beds and deep soaking tubs facing the water.
The spa
Bring a swimsuit.
Stone paths lead to timber treatment huts in the gardens for therapies infused with native botanicals and Mānuka honey.
The sauna and plunge pool
A cedar sauna looks out into native bush, flanked by a steaming hot plunge pool and bucket shower.
At the table
Menus showcase local game and lodge honey across more than twenty candlelit settings, from river pavilions to garden nooks.
An antipodean version of a Scottish hunting lodge meets Ralph Lauren. Think cosy tartan blankets and pillows, regal, rich colours like striking red curtains and teal sofas...
How it began
Irish angler Alan Pye pitched canvas tents here in 1924, launching what became New Zealand's original luxury lodge.
“the reworked spaces, softer interiors and smarter flow give the lodge a confidence that will ensure it remains one of New Zealand’s most iconic stays”
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Good to know
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Huka Lodge
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.