Huka Lodge
Central North Island
From humble beginnings as a 1920s tented fishing stay Huka Lodge has risen to be one of the noted resorts of the world. But amid all the luxury and glamour that goes with being one of the best, the world-class trout fishing hasn’t changed.
After a fabulous breakfast you can still don a pair of waders, throw a rod over your shoulder and head off for some of the best trout fishing available – anywhere. This is because Huka Lodge is only a 25 minute drive from the famed Tongariro River and close to great dry-fly fishing in the mountainous rivers to the east of Lake Taupo.
Set beside the cobalt-blue waters of the Waikato River its location is superb. The accommodation, service and cuisine are unbeatable, and if privacy is an issue when you travel, then Huka Lodge will provide that too. This is a place that draws some of the most recognised people in the world, yet will provide you with an unforgettable luxury experience on the banks of an iconic New Zealand river.
The lodge is a 3.5 hour drive or 45 minute flight south of Auckland and is a 1 hour drive west of Rotorua.
Accommodation:
there are 20 Junior Lodge Suites and 2 private Owners’ Cottages, all with beautiful river views
the Junior Lodge Suites open out through wide bi-folding doors to a private deck overlooking the river
beds are super king and the bedding is luxurious; there’s also a sitting area and desk
ensuites are generous with a bath, shower and twin basins
the Alan Pye Cottage (at 324 sq m/3487 sq ft it’s hardly a cottage) has 2 beautifully appointed suites, a lounge and dining area, a private spa, river-front pool and garden pavilion
even bigger, the Alex Van Heeran Cottage (at 364 sq m/3918 sq ft), has 4 private suites, a large lounge and dining area, three decks and a riverfront pool
The Main Lodge:
a highlight of a Huka Lodge stay is the cuisine, starting with pre-dinner drinks and a chance to mingle
there are 20 places to enjoy dinner, including the main dining area, the Library, the Wine Cellar, the Trophy Room and outdoors
in addition to the Cottage private pools there are also a lodge pool and spa, an all-weather tennis court, and petanque and croquet
out and about there is golf, adventure tours, Maori cultural trips, mountain biking and winter skiing within a day trip
The Fishing:
the lodge is only a 25 minute drive from the famed Tongariro River. And there are many others in the area
rainbow and brown trout are fished, with an average size of 2.5 kg (5 lb)
guides are recommended and package prices include a fishing licence, all gear and transportation (ask us about these great packages)
the mountain rivers to the east of Lake Taupo also provide excellent fishing with dry fly, nymph or light spinning tackle
many of these rivers are accessible by 4WD
there is incredible wilderness fishing available in the remotest corners of the Kaweka, Kaimanawa and Urewera ranges. These require helicopter access and are unsurpassed in their natural beauty
you can also fish for trout by boat on Lake Taupo; cast your line at the river mouths where the trout come to feed
most fishing on the lake takes the form of trolling using either lures or flies, with the catch averaging 2 kg (4 lb)
Fishing Packages are available upon request
Tariff:
Rates in a Junior Lodge Suite start from NZD$2,800 per night for 2 people (twin share), low season rates. Includes country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapes and 3-course dinner daily; selected in-suite bar; and return Taupo Airport transfers
Minimum stay - 2 nights
Seasonal rates are available
Multi-day stay/fish packages available
Cancellation and covid policies apply
New Zealand Fishing Licenses for Non-residents start from NZD$35 per day or NZD$250 for a season pass
Season:
Huka Lodge is open all year; the fishing season is open all year on the lower reaches of some rivers but is restricted on others. We can supply details.