I visited Huka lodge with my husband on our honeymoon last November. We debated a lot whether going to a lodge was going to be worth the money and then also whether Huka was the one to choose. Ultimately we decided to go with Huka since we had heard so much about it and it was the oldest and most iconic lodge of NZ.
We couldn't have made a better decision because our stay at Huka lodge was the highlight of my honeymoon. We drove into the stunning landscaped gardens (they've won an award for their landscaping) and entered the main lodge through the reception. We were instantly recognized and made to sit by the fireplace with welcome drinks. They sensed we were tired from our journey and offered to serve lunch immediately at one of their tables in the verandah (by another fireplace). After a wonderful lunch of salad, tomato risotto and garlicbread we were taken to our accomodations. Mr. Rudy, the kind host, informed us that we had been upgraded to the Owners Cottage. My husband and I were happy with the news but didn't really know what to expect. As we walked with Mr Rudy he told us about the history of the lodge and also about the neighbouring area. We walked into the Owner's Cottage which is a MAGNIFICENT mansion on one edge of the property. It had 4 bedrooms, 4 walk in closets, 4 bathrooms, 4 outdoor verdandahs outside each bedroom along with a huge living room, fully stocked kitchen, den, infinity pool, heated Jacuzzi and own private section of the riverbed. Everything was done up beautifully and tastefully with large french windows allowing plenty of sunlight through. It was like a dream come true!
Over the next two days we thoroughly enjoyed the house, relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi, watching movies in the den, enjoying breakfast being brought to our room, picnic baskets packed for us to take out into the gardens, getting massages. All of this was part of the package that we had bought. Every evening we went to the main reception for cocktail hour and then our private dinner in a different location in the property. We stepped out of the lodge for precisely one hour to see the Huka falls and I immediately wanted to come back to it. The staff was courteous, sweet & so helpful, it was a pleasure interacting with them. They were so attentive that they noticed that my husband had a single malt on the first night with his dinner and offered him the same on the next night.
Another great thing at the lodge was the food. It was nothing short of spectacular. Amazing menu per day and they were SO accommodating to my husband who was vegetarian, they went out of their way and even brought him a vegetarian menu. In fact, we travelled to Fiji after Huka Lodge and being so pampered here completely ruined our food experience in Fiji.
It's truly a once in a lifetime experience and we wholeheartedly recommend to other couples. Thanks Huka Lodge for making our honeymoon such a great experience. Cheers!
Room Tip: Ask for a picnic basket to packed to enjoy it in the grounds on a sunny afternoon.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
