Latest Press Releases

It is with great pleasure Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand announces the appointment of Michel Louws to the role of Executive Chef.

Dutch-born Michel comes with a reputation for superb cuisine, originality and a proven passion for creating an exceptional dining experience for those fortunate enough to enjoy his dishes.

Following his formal training in The Netherlands Michel sought to combine new challenges and work experience with travel. This allowed Michel to experience first-hand the cuisines of many different cultures as well as providing opportunities to spend time in the kitchens of great restaurants back in The Netherlands. During holidays and leave Michel would be found hard at work at de Librije (3 Michelin stars), Inter Scaldis (2 Michelin stars) and 1 Michelin star restaurants Le Cirque and Zusje.

In 2002 Michel was offered the role as Head Chef of a charming lakeside restaurant ‘t-Veerhuis, located in Wolphaartsdijk, Zeeland in The Netherlands. By 2007 the establishment rose to 1 Michelin star and was ranked highest runner up in Dutch Top 100 Restaurants. In the same year Michel was honoured by his peers as one of the most promising Top 10 Head Chefs of that year.

Michel leaves restaurant ‘t-Veerhuis after seven very successful years and comes to Huka Lodge looking for new challenges. He brings with him great experience at top international level and a well-deserved reputation for exquisite dishes displaying balance as well as imagination and superb flavour combinations.

Huka Lodge was recently awarded 19th place worldwide in a new Food & Wine Resort category by the prestigious Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report – so Michel is aware he has a reputation to maintain as well as enhance.

Huka Lodge, Taupo, was the magnificent venue for a gala dinner held in the presence of His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward.

The event was hosted by Alex van Heeren for members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award World Fellowship, concluding a worldwide fundraising campaign held over two years: 21 events in 21 countries to celebrate two 21st anniversaries – the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the World Fellowship. The fundraising results of this “21-2-21” series of events far exceeded expectations.

The occasion at Huka Lodge also coincided with the completion of Alex van Heeren’s 12 year tenure as Honorary Chairman of the World Fellowship and as an International Trustee; this role has now been taken over by Dr Trevor Carmichael QC from Barbados.

The superb menu featured the finest New Zealand produce and showcased Huka Lodge’s legendary hospitality for the guests, who had travelled from all over the world to attend. Wines from Huka Lodge’s sister property, Grande Provence Estate in South Africa, were also featured.