Taupo seasons
Taupō's seasons offer reason to visit year-round. Summer brings long warm days and mild nights – perfect for outdoor adventures – while the cooler seasons offer snow sports and time for red wines and crackling open fires.
Discover MoreA stay in the spectacular park-like surrounds of Huka Lodge at Taupō, places guests at the doorstep to a host of wonderful experiences of the destination, from the traditional fly fishing on the banks of the Waikato River to hiking, luxury cruising, golfing and more. Of course, the luxurious setting at Huka Lodge invites leisurely pursuits onsite, including tennis, pétanque and croquet, while the option to read a book on the riverbank, wander the garden paths or enjoy a drink on the terrace are equally appealing.
Taupō is distinguished by its vast lake and spectacular landscapes. Snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling golden pastures, lush green wilderness and crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams offer a calming and rewarding vista from every turn.
Taupō is distinguished by its vast lake and endowed with a gentle climate, a leisurely pace and spectacular landscape. Formed from an ancient volcanic caldera, Lake Taupō’s vast waters spill into the thundering Huka Falls. Snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling pastures of golden grasses, lush green wilderness and crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams offer a calming and rewarding vista from every turn.
Fly fishing for trout in Taupō’s rivers is steeped in local tradition, and was the original calling for travellers who came to stay at Huka Lodge almost a century ago. Today, the banks around Taupō remain rich in Brown and Rainbow trout. View experiences
A scenic tour of Lake Taupō on a luxury cruiser is a wonderful way to spend a relaxed afternoon, taking in views of the spectacular mountain-lined backdrop, Māori rock carvings and secluded bays with optional trout fishing and lunch. View experiences
An aerial tour of the North Island’s spectacular heartland makes a stay at Huka Lodge truly unforgettable. The lodge offers half or full-day heli adventures taking in Taupō’s natural attractions from on high. View experiences
Huka Lodge is centrally located to some of the world’s most challenging and picturesque championship golf courses. Two world-class courses allow Huka Lodge guests to experience 18 holes of Aotearoa beauty. View experiences
The geography of Taupō’s central tableland surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks and combined with pristine wilderness, complex waterways and a strong Māori culture make it a fascinating region for walking and hiking. View experiences
A mountain biker’s paradise, Taupō offers a wide range of trails over varying terrain, traversing jaw-dropping landscapes and with options suited to both the novice and experienced riders up for a challenge. View experiences
Championed as one of New Zealand’s premiere thrill-seeking adventures, a jet boating tour takes guests skimming and spinning along the Waikato River and to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. Feel the foam and spray of the whitewater! View experiences
White water rafting is famed as New Zealand’s most popular outdoor adventure, offering the chance to feel the powerful force of pristine rivers and float past serene green wilderness and alongside dramatic volcanic cliffs. View experiences
Taupō is heaven on earth for guests looking for a high adrenaline rush! Take a death-defying leap into the turquoise depths on a bungy or swing, or take to the skies on a tandem sky dive or gliding experience. View experiences
These remarkable bespoke experiences are considered truly rare and exclusive, taking guests’ experience of Taupō to spectacular new heights. Additional charges apply.
Depart on an extraordinary heli adventure, flying north or south from the lodge to zoom over New Zealand's epic landscapes. In the afternoon, cruise Lake Taupō in luxury style aboard Levante.
More detailsLift off for a truly rare and remarkable experience at Craggy Range, New Zealand's iconic winery in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, exclusively designed for guests of Huka Lodge.
More detailsRotorua is a hot spot for more than volcanic landscapes and bubbling hot springs - it's also one of Aotearoa’s best places to explore Māori culture and a mecca for adventure-seekers.
More detailsFly fishing for trout in Taupō’s rivers is steeped in local tradition and was the original calling for travellers who came to stay at Huka Lodge a century ago. Additional charges apply.
Huka Lodge has its very foundations in the sport of fly fishing, as the trout-rich Waikato River which flows alongside the property was the original motivation for Alan Pye to set up his well-positioned fishermen’s camp.
More detailsThe skilled and meditative pastime of fly fishing from the banks or shallows of a deep turquoise river is one of New Zealand’s most enduring images.
More detailsCrystal waters, an expert guide and the sound of the reel screaming while the rod is bent double on a gleaming Rainbow trout is an unforgettable experience whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler.
More detailsBordered by forest and pumice sand beaches, Lake Taupō is a natural wonder rich with history and beauty and invites on-water recreation year-round. Additional charges apply.
A tour of Lake Taupō on a luxury cruiser is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, taking in views of the spectacular mountain-lined backdrop, Māori rock carvings and secluded bays with optional trout fishing.
More detailsSoar high over spectacular Lake Taupō in a seaplane before skimming in to land on its crystal-clear waters and stepping aboard a waiting luxury cruiser. It's glamour, Taupō-style!
More detailsAn aerial tour of the North Island’s spectacular heartland makes a stay at Huka Lodge truly unforgettable. The lodge offers half or full-day heli adventures taking in Taupō’s natural attractions from on high. Additional charges apply.
Experience Taupō from dual perspectives of water and sky. A three-hour luxury cruise is followed by a heli flight around Tongariro National Park, before touching down at the lodge.
More detailsDepart on an extraordinary heli adventure, flying north or south from the lodge to zoom over New Zealand's epic landscapes. In the afternoon, cruise Lake Taupō in luxury style aboard Levante.
More detailsLift off for a truly rare and remarkable experience at Craggy Range, New Zealand's iconic winery in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, exclusively designed for guests of Huka Lodge.
More detailsRotorua is a hot spot for more than volcanic landscapes and bubbling hot springs - it's also one of Aotearoa’s best places to explore Māori culture and a mecca for adventure-seekers.
More details
Explore the 18 acres of manicured grounds, laze away in your room and the library or, having come this far, do something unusual such as a heli-hike and forage for ingredients with local land custodians.Ralph Bestic Tatler
From the sub-tropical climes of the Far North to the ski fields of Ruapehu to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and Taupo, it’s a true land of contrasts, with something for every traveller.Siobhan Downes Stuff
Taupo is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. From relaxing in hot pools, to getting your adrenaline fix from one of the many outdoor adventures.Lauren Sanderson Urban List
The very heart of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the whole Taupo landscape was created by an ancient, but still active super-volcano. There will always been unseen things, and others to be discovered. There is always more beneath the surface.David Herkt Stuff
From a round of golf with a spectacular view, or an unforgettable hiking or mountain biking expedition to a peaceful paddle on the lake, there’s plenty of options to explore the natural beauty of Taupō. Additional charges apply.
As the crow flies, Wairakei International practically neighbours Huka Lodge. Golf-enthusiasts can tee off and experience 18 holes of Aotearoa beauty in five minutes flat.
More detailsGolfers bring your 'A' game: A Top 100 golf course, The Kinloch Club is a championship inland links style Jack Nicklaus signature design, just 20 minutes' drive from Huka Lodge.
More detailsNational park, check. Spectacular views, ancient forests, towering waterfall, check, check, check. the Taranaki Falls Hike has it all.
More detailsThe gentle Silica Rapids walk might just be the most underrated track in the whole of Tongariro National Park. The views of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu are simply sensational and you'll likely have them to yourself. Sssh, it's a local secret!
More detailsThe gentle, Ōpepe loop track meanders through a lush podocarp forest filled with mature native trees, creating a weather-beaten canopy laden with epiphytes and noisy native birds - bring binoculars!
More detailsFrom Kinloch, hike through lush wilderness to a lookout over the Western Bays, before the trail leads down towards the remote Kawakawa Bay, where a luxury cruiser awaits.
More detailsRegarded as one of New Zealand’s best day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, home to some of the most scenic and volcanically active places in the country.
More detailsA great option for experienced riders, the picturesque trail winds through wetlands and pristine native bush and offers beautiful vistas across Lake Taupō, finishing at Kawakawa Bay.
More detailsAn extraordinarily scenic ride, the 30-kilometre Waihora Trail rewards riders with expansive views of Lake Taupō and the striking volcanoes of Tongariro National Park, celebrated from the Waihora Lookout.
More detailsLike your action with a little R&R? Combine a challenging bike ride with a luxury cruise taking in the spectacular scenery of Kinloch, Kawakawa Bay and Lake Taupō along the way.
More detailsThe giant Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō is hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary artworks. An up-close viewing by kayak is a must-do.
More detailsExplore the mighty Waikato River while kayaking through pumice gorges, looking for trout in the crystal-clear waters and even soaking in natural hot springs en route.
More detailsTaupō is heaven on earth for guests looking for a high adrenaline rush! Experience exhilarating jet boating or white water rafting, leap into the turquoise depths on a bungy or swing, or take to the skies on a tandem sky dive or gliding experience. Additional charges apply.
Championed as one of New Zealand’s premiere thrill-seeking adventures, a jet boat tour takes guests skimming and spinning along the Waikato River and to the base of Huka Falls on one of the most action-packed experiences in the region.
More detailsTaupō is heaven on earth for those looking for a high adrenaline rush! It doesn't get much more exhilarating than riding the rapids in a jet boat, racing through stunning scenery at dizzying speeds while bracing yourself for 360° spins.
More detailsNew Zealand is renowned for its surging, powerful rivers banked by lush green wilderness, making them ideal for white water rafting adventures for thrill-seekers of all levels. This trip is all about splashing around and having fun, making it perfect for families.
More detailsWhite water rafting is famed as New Zealand’s most popular outdoor adventure, offering the chance to feel the powerful force of pristine rivers and float past serene green wilderness. For die-hard rafters, tackling the Tongariro River is a must-do.
More detailsSuited to experienced rafters, the Tutea Falls on the Kaituna (Okere) River near Rotorua is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, dropping an almighty seven metres.
More detailsToes over the edge, you're about to leap from New Zealand's only cliff-top bungy. And at 47 metres, its also the highest watertouch bungy. Three, two, one!
More detailsCalling all adventure-seekers: experience the fun and thrills of the Taupō Swing - an exhilarating, epic-sized rope swing over the mighty Waikato River.
More detailsFor thrill–seekers also keen for a view, skydiving in New Zealand is hard to beat. Lake Taupō has the largest commercial drop zone in the world and stunning views of volcanoes, forests, and lake itself.
More detailsGliding is an exhilarating sport that utilises ‘lift’ sources generously provided by nature and Taupō is blessed with excellent conditions offering high altitude, long distance and long duration flights.
More detailsThe magnificent park-like surrounds of Huka Lodge invite leisurely pursuits onsite, including tennis and classic lawn games, while the option to cast a fishing line into the river, read a book by the pool or explore on two wheels or are equally appealing. These experiences are included in the tariff.
In keeping with the traditions of established country estates, Huka Lodge has a private tennis court, perfect for enjoying some friendly competition with a partner or for a private lesson with the lodge pro.
More detailsThe immaculate rolling green lawns that are seen throughout the 17-acre parklands at Huka Lodge are a perfect setting for a game of pétanque and croquet. Or simply for lazing with a book!
More detailsSet among terraced, green-hedged gardens, the heated swimming pool invites a leisurely dip year-round, while the hot plunge spas are perfect for a soak post-hike.
More detailsTry your hand and cast a line from the lawn into the Waikato River to fish on a catch-and-release basis.
More detailsStretch out in a private yoga session on the lodge’s dedicated yoga lawn set to a soundtrack of birdsong and the soothing flow of the Waikato River.
More detailsThe quiet countryside of the Taupō District is just the relaxed vibe and picturesque landscape to get back in the saddle for a fun adventure on two wheels.
More detailsHuka Lodge offers complimentary transfers to and from Taupō township, just a short drive away. It’s an easy option to explore the town as well as the region's namesake lake.
More detailsLoved as the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō offers a variety of experiences and adventures. Huka Lodge offers guests a stylish base from which to explore the region’s spectacular natural attractions including Huka Falls and the region’s picturesque namesake lake as well as Rotarua and the Tongariro National Park.
Loved as the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō offers a variety of experiences and adventures. Huka Lodge offers guests a stylish base from which to explore the region’s spectacular natural attractions including Huka Falls and the region’s picturesque namesake lake as well as Rotorua and the Tongariro National Park.
The following represents an indicative experience at Huka Lodge over three nights. Many factors influence a guest stay, including flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, touring availability, weather conditions and seasonality. Download the itinerary here.
Arrive at Huka Lodge to a warm welcome. Explore the 17-acre parkland surrounds at leisure and meander along the riverbanks to take in views of the deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River.
This afternoon, try a game of pétanque or a leisurely hit of tennis before retiring to the shade of the willows that line the riverbanks, easing into the relaxed vibe and pleasing surrounds of Huka Lodge.
Enjoy drinks and canapes overlooking the river before the evening segues to a sumptuous dinner. World class wines complement premium local produce, presented in a clever and daily changing menu.
Embrace a gentle start to the morning as the mists rise and roll from the surface of the Waikato River. Enjoy a country style breakfast in the lodge while planning the day ahead.
After lunch, set off to discover the Spa Thermal Park and walk upstream along the Waikato River to the powerful Huka Falls. Take a moment to feel the falls thundering along the natural channel to the river below.
Dine in the elegant surrounds of the Dining Room or in myriad private spaces, from the River Deck or the Wine Cellar, to the heritage Piper Room, each ideal for a special occasion.
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing the lodge with a personal fly-fishing guide. Gain access to the best wilderness fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout in Taupō’s network of pristine waterways.
After lunch, a scenic tour on a luxury cruiser on Lake Taupō is a wonderful way to spend a relaxed afternoon or take a kayak and paddle to the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.
After the day’s adventures, relax with drinks by the open fire before a four-course dinner served in the Dining Room. Aftewards, finding a cosy spot for a digestif in the lounge.
Make the most of a last morning at Huka Lodge with a private yoga session on the grass lawn complete with a Japanese torii gate. Follow with a satisfying breakfast in the Dining Room.
Conclude an unforgettable stay at Huka Lodge with a farewell to the familiar lodge team. For an exhilarating exit depart in style with a scenic helicopter ride from Huka Lodge over Taupō’s picturesque landscape.
Taupō's seasons offer reason to visit year-round. Summer brings long warm days and mild nights – perfect for outdoor adventures – while the cooler seasons offer snow sports and time for red wines and crackling open fires.
Discover MoreHuka Lodge is committed to a dedicated path of initiatives to ensure the very best environmental practice. Essential to the vision are programs designed to preserve pristine waters, conserve energy via recycling and support the community of Taupō .
Discover MoreTaupō is located on New Zealand’s North Island, around three hours’ drive from Auckland. The nearest airport for domestic and international air transfers is Auckland Airport, while the regional Rotorua and Taupō Airports offer optional connections for shorter drives.
Discover MoreFOR RESERVATION ENQUIRIES
CALL +64 7 222 4555 OR ENQUIRE HERE
Want to be the first to know? Have the latest Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels offers and news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now!
Join our mailing list for exclusive offers and the latest news from Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels.
By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.