Can you tell us a few things we might not know about the lodge?
Founded in 1924, Huka Lodge is New Zealand’s oldest lodge. There has been plenty of time for many intriguing situations over the years but a surprise to most is that we are no longer a fishing-orientated lodge, as they have not stocked the Waikato River with Rainbow Trout since the 1950’s. Now fishing guides collect guests and drive them to special places on the rivers that flow into Lake Taupo. Speaking of Lake Taupo, it’s only three kilometres away from the lodge and is New Zealand’s largest lake; it’s also eleven times the size of Sydney Harbour and the source of the sparkling and clear water of the Waikato River flowing past the lodge. There are so many things to do in the immediate area that there is always something to do… sailing, golf, cruising, jet boating, mountain biking, gliding, bungy jumping, caving, car racing, kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, fishing, ATV riding, zip-line, thermal hot pools, float plane… How much time do you have?
New Zealand has a world class reputation for great food and wine, are there specialities that the lodge likes to showcase?
Absolutely, the Huka wine cellar hosts over 4,500 bottles and we see it as our responsibility to showcase the very best of New Zealand wine and produce that we can. Our dinner menu changes daily with Paul Froggatt our Executive Chef taking advantage of what is currently in season. Our Restaurant Manager Giacomo Fabozzi oversees the dining experience to all of our twenty-one unique dining locations. Having dining options as far away as seventy metres from the kitchen is probably not the easiest way to run a restaurant, but the guest feedback is amazing. Our restaurant team are the fittest in the country!
What experience do you think no guest should miss?
Huka Lodge is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and one of the must-see gems is the Spa Park riverside walking track. A complimentary 10-minute car ride arrives at a natural thermal stream that flows into the Waikato river, where guests can swim in the convergence zone and opt to take the scenic walking track towards the Lodge. You will see breathtaking views of the clear flowing river followed by glimpses of our beautiful lawns before arriving at the magnificent Huka Falls. After taking in the sight from the various viewing platforms, a short stroll across the bridge and meanders back to the lodge.
What do you enjoy most about your role ?
There is so much to like. Working at Huka Lodge is like being on a movie set, a lot of moving parts behind the scenes and blissful tranquillity out the front. I love the diverse nature of my role and the guarantee that no two days are ever the same. I get to meet so many wonderful people and best of all work with the finest hospitality professionals I have ever seen.
For more information about the Baillie Lodges portfolio of luxury lodges in extraordinary locations please download our brochure.
