THE LUXURY TRAVEL
MAGAZINE FOR INDEPENDENT
TRAVELLERS

What Kauri Cliffs is to golf, Huka is to trout fishing. One enters this converted 1920's New Zealand fishing lodge and if you are not a fisherman by fact, you will be by heart. One has only to pass the huge timbered main Lodge Room, past the massive fireplace, aglow from morning to evening, to be taken in by the Waikato River, tree branches heavy with foliage dripping from the riverbank as if trying to drink from its waters. The sun’s rays burn through the morning mist, lifting the fog from the water's surface like slow motion steam from a kettle, the water swirling in odd currents as if trying to decide which way to go. Nearby Huka Falls beckons to be recognized in the distance a ten minute hike from the terrace.

Dutchman, Alex van Heeren bought the lodge in 1984 from Irishman, Alan Pye who had built four simple canvas-clad huts on a bend of the river he recognized as an angler's paradise. Americans, Commander and Mrs. Fitzhugh Green owned what is now the Owner's Cottage. Van Heeren raised the Lodge like a small child from its humble roots, to a five-star property. There's no need to discuss when the last refurbishment occurred as he, very wisely, closes the lodge every June and one could say that the property is in a constant state of upgrade. No loose ends here.

There are 20 cottage-like lodge rooms nestled on the banks with terraces abutting the lawn that slopes to the water’s edge. Chaise longues dot the grass and ducks come to visit you, wondering if the glass of wine you're sipping might be accompanied with some nibbles you're willing to share. You’ll need to keep your terrace doors shut, or you just might find new room companions when you return to your room. Prices of the lodge rooms run from $695 NZD low season to $1,150 NZD mid season, per person per night. To encourage total relaxation, televisions and phones are only available on request.

Rooms are spacious with translucent white drapes over the headboard - wispy and romantic when they sway in the breeze from the French doors leading to the terrace or from the ceiling fan above. Walls are local tawa wood, bleached to give a light feeling to the room. There is a spacious en suite, large dressing room and bathroom with an over-sized window overlooking the glade. All the rooms are used to display works by some of New Zealand’s foremost artists: Max Gimblet, Mervyn Taylor, Don Binney, Paul Dibble and Dick Frizell, to name a few.

The Owner's Cottage, designed by New Zealander Virginia Fisher, is opulent and furbished generously with unique pieces chosen for their comfort, beauty and history, like the wonderful Twenties French oak chairs in the living room. For those who love their privacy and don’t want eat at the main lodge, a fabulous dinner can be cooked at the Owner’s Cottage by a Huka Lodge chef. Its well-equipped kitchen also allows guests the option to self-cater. The kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, microwave and fridge/freezer with icemaker. The den has a work-station, featuring desk with computer and printer. Other diversions include plasma-screen television and a DVD player. A cozy fireplace and deep leather chairs complete the picture. A large outdoor deck extends in a continuous line from the living room until it meets the amazing cantilevered infinity pool. The water line blends seamlessly back into the Waikato River beyond and the effect is breathtaking. Yet another timbered deck at a lower level features a heated spa pool and guests will find plenty of outdoor furniture suitable for dining, sunbathing, reading or a quiet nap.

Should guests be traveling with staff, provision has been made for two escort rooms with en suite bathrooms, designed for single occupancy. Price for Owner's Cottage occupancy varies considerably according to number of guests occupying the cottage (up to eight guests are easily accommodated) but the rate ranges from $2,600 to $6,700 NZD per couple. All tariffs include accommodation, full country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner.