The 100-year-old grande dame of luxury lodges gets a $25m revamp

Huka Lodge, the grande dame of luxury lodges and the inspiration for many imitators around the world, has undergone a $25 million refurbishment by Baillie Lodges to coincide with its centenary.

Founded in 1924 as a simple fisherman’s camp on the banks of the Waikato River – New Zealand’s longest – by Irishman Alan Pye, Huka occupies a boy’s own adventure location in the volcanic heart of the North Island, close to Taupo and its Singapore-sized lake. Boat charters, back-country fly-fishing, river rafting or, for the true adrenaline-seekers, kayaking down nearby Huka Falls are all options, though many guests opt for more genteel pursuits – a game of croquet or a book by the fireside.

Huka Lodge, on the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest.Credit:

At first glance, the remote setting and quiet luxury conjure an episode of Succession – Tom and Shiv strolling over the manicured lawns after landing at one of the five helicopter pads.

But there is a more layered history to Huka that speaks to longstanding relationships and a genuine desire to protect its unique charm.

The main lodge building has been extended, with additional indoor and outdoor areas. Credit:

Dutch businessman Alex van Heeren, who acquired the property in 1984, is seen as the visionary who, with the help of now legendary interior designer Virginia Fisher, transformed it from its humble origins to a home-away-from-home for the rich and royal (Queen Elizabeth II stayed there four times during her reign).

Forty years later, Fisher was brought back to oversee the refurbishment by new owner Baillie Lodges, which took over in 2021. Another van Heeren favourite, landscape designer Suzanne Turley, is still looking after seven hectares of cool-climate gardens, and general manager and local Kerry Molloy has been in charge for 11 years.

The new River Room leads off the main lounge, separated by a double fireplace.Credit:

James Baillie, who first visited the place two decades ago while planning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, talks of “guarding a legacy of excellence”, understanding that both staff and guests feel a sense of ownership of Huka. Fisher admits she was initially nervous about the company’s pared-back Australian aesthetic, given the lodge’s country-house feel, with its bold colours and abundance of tartan, but “they let me run, and they have just backed me the whole way. So it’s been a very, very happy collaboration”.

The happy-family ethos continues with the appointment of Ryan Ward as executive chef, and his partner Bridie Bush as assistant lodge manager.

Chef Ryan Ward works with local and organic produce.Credit:

Ward was previously at Uluru’s Longitude 131 (another of Baillie Lodges’ Australian properties, along with Lord Howe Island’s Capella Lodge, the Daintree’s Silky Oaks Lodge, and The Louise in the Barossa), but is now making the most of Lake Ohau wagyu, Southland-reared lamb, Cambridge ducks and stone fruit from Hawke’s Bay.

The wine list is, of course, dominated by New Zealand labels, but you can select a Bordeaux red or Penfolds Grange should you wish.

The main Dining Room now has floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the outside in. Credit:

So what has changed? Auckland-based architect Christian Anderson has expanded the main building’s footprint, with an extended dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in – a Baillie signature. There’s more space for relaxing indoors and outside, with the new River Room and larger terraces taking you closer to that emerald water.

The Orchard is one of several settings for private dining.Credit:

Upstairs, The Loft and Piper Room (named for former resident bagpiper Don Ryder) offer private dining spaces, as do outdoor green rooms framed by leylandii hedges.

The 20 suites and two owner’s cottages (named after Pye and van Heeren) have all been refreshed, and much of the original furniture has been restored.

Best of all, the new bach-style wellness area adds two treatment rooms, a gym, sauna, ice-bucket shower and plunge pool – all ensuring Huka retains its rarified reputation as the OG luxury lodge well into the future.

hukalodge.com

The writer stayed as a guest of Baillie Lodges.