New Zealand’s magnificent collection of luxury lodges represent what castle hotels are to the United Kingdom and chateau hotels are to France -- a perfect reflection of the local experience. They are found hidden in rural natural splendor, beside the sea, adjacent to wine regions and in two very noteworthy cases (Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs) they directly compliment the golf. Ranging from 4 to 20 bedrooms, this is where New Zealand’s remote and pristine grandeur leaves the real world behind.

Among the two dozen or so luxury lodges in New Zealand none exemplify the experience like Huka Lodge in Taupo. Recently crowned the top hotel in Australasia by Travel + Leisure’s 2007 World’s Best 100 – and 58th best worldwide – Huka reaches its lofty perch drawing on an idyllic setting beside the Waikato River in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island. The mighty Huka Falls is but a stroll downstream where a short distance further the river reaches famous Lake Taupo, prized for some of the most sought-after Rainbow trout in the world.

Guest accommodation is offered in either the Main Lodge or the Owner’s Cottage. Each of the twenty Lodge rooms open to a lawn manicured down to the river’s edge. The rooms are secluded and spacious, light and peaceful with slatted wooden, outdoor terraces. The bathrooms all have under-floor heating. A sunken bath is complemented by a separate shower and double hand basins. Sleep comes easy with the terrace doors open to the Waikato.

For those preferring exclusive use comfort and privacy, Huka offers the incomparable Owner’s Cottage. Found at the end of a “secret path” leading from the lodge, on an elevated and sunny promontory above the river, is Dutch born owner, Alex van Herren’s stunning wooden refurbishment of the original structure built in 1937. One of the country’s leading interior designers, Virginia Fisher, recently completed a makeover which has created a wonderfully luxurious and well-appointed new property totally in keeping with the history and character of the original.

Four spacious guest suites are anchored by a central living room, dining area, kitchen and a den. The color palette is deliberately muted with elegant use of soft cream hues forthe walls and bleached Oak wooden parquet floors. Two of the guest suites face the river while the other two enjoy a beautiful private courtyard garden. These gardens also feature one of the magnificent outdoor fireplaces that are a trademark of the property.

The suites all have super-king size beds, crisp cotton bed linen, and soft feather and downpillows, and comfortable chairs for lounging. All the suites enjoy the romance of theirown fireplace. Each suite also has a magnificent ensuite bathroom – twin basins, bath as well as a shower and the comfort of under-floor heating.

The Living Room is the center of the cottage with magnificent stone fireplace for blazing log fires, high ceilings, cream suede couches, antique leather club chairs – everything guests need to absolutely relax.

Should guests choose to dine in the cottage, the dining table within the Living Room seats 8. A well-equipped kitchen allows for a Huka Lodge chef to cook for guests or they may also choose to self cater.

The den has a workstation featuring desk with computer and printer. Other diversions include plasma – screen television and a DVD player. A cozy fireplace and deep leatherchairs complete the comfort.

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 at Huka Lodge is furbished generously with characterful pieceschosen for their comfort, beauty and history like the wonderful 1920s French Oak chairs in the living room.

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 into the Waikato River beyond and the effect is breathtaking. Yet another timbered deck at a lower level features a heated spa pool along with a variety 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 ensuite bathrooms designed for single occupancy.

See more at Huka Lodge.

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