The Experience

Named after the charming Irishman who established Huka Lodge, along with its reputation for matchless hospitality, the Alan Pye Cottage opened in late December 2008. This wonderful new cottage builds on and continues many of the themes established earlier in 2005, with the stunning Owner’s Cottage, also within the Huka Lodge grounds.

Privacy for guests staying in the Alan Pye Cottage is paramount and to this end the property has its own entrance and is gated. It is sited to take every advantage of the unrivaled Huka Lodge aspect of the deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River.

The Alan Pye Cottage has been built to exacting standards using the finest heritage materials − cedar and various heart timbers, stone and brick. It draws on design elements from the 1920s and 1930s and is a slightly eclectic yet very elegant retreat, with a definite English Arts and Crafts influence pervading the interior and exterior design.

The Cottage boasts two large and stylishly appointed bedrooms, with fireplaces, en suite bathrooms and generous dressing rooms. Both bedrooms are superbly decorated and offer a highly considered level of comfort.  A generous open plan living room features a large fireplace, decadently comfortable furniture and everything guests will need to feel this is a true ‘home away from home’.

A well-equipped kitchen is set up for a personal chef – guests may choose to stay in or to wander over to the main Lodge and dine there. Guests at The Alan Pye Cottage have use of all Huka Lodge facilities and services as a matter of course.  A study is tucked away with desk, plasma flat screen television and sound system. This room also has its own bathroom should it be required to accommodate an accompanying party.

A heated infinity-style swimming pool and a separate private spa pool have been integrated into the outdoor landscape. There is also a fabulous stone outdoor pavilion within a courtyard garden featuring a magnificent fireplace.

The Alan Pye Cottage is certain to carry on the fine tradition of generous hospitality and elegant living established by Alan Pye and his wife at Huka Lodge so long ago. A legacy that drives Huka Lodge to this day to continue to find more ways to define the experience for its guests and to make it truly extraordinary.

Huka Lodge, Taupo is located 300 metres upstream from the famous Huka Falls on the banks of the Waikato River. This iconic property has been consistently chosen as one of the top retreats in the world for many years. It offers a location of great natural beauty and luxurious hospitality, gourmet cuisine and 17-acres of perfect peace and quiet.

Just 18 Lodge Rooms, one suite, the Owner’s Cottage and the new Alan Pye Cottage both are tucked amongst mature, manicured gardens along the banks of the hypnotic turquoise blue waters of the river. The exclusive Owner’s Cottage and the new Alan Pye Cottage both offer superbly appointed guest suites, living room, dining, kitchen and a den plus provision for staff.

In the evening guests gather in the main Lodge Room to enjoy pre-dinner drinks before being presented daily with a superb five-course menu featuring the finest local seasonal produce and complemented by seamless service. Over 20 sublime private and romantic indoor/outdoor dining venues are also a unique feature of the property.

Terms & Conditions

Seasonal Closure Dates:

We close annually for approximately one to two weeks in the Winter Season for maintenance and refurbishment.

The closure dates are 8 June 2014 until 19 June 2014 inclusive, re opening on 20th June 2014

Christmas and New Year policy and surcharge:

Between 20 December and 05 January (Inclusive) guests booking the Junior Lodge Suites or Double Lodge Suite must stay a minimum of two nights.  

Between 20 December and 05 January (Inclusive) guests booking the Alan Pye Cottage or The Owner’s Cottage must stay a minimum of three nights.

Guests wishing to stay on Christmas Day must check in prior to, or on, 24 December.

We do not have arrivals or departures on Christmas Day.

A surcharge applies on 24 & 26 December and 31 December and 01 January as follows:  

NZ $ 460.00 per person (excluding children aged 5 years and under who stay free if sharing with adults)

 24, 25 December: Wines with Christmas Eve dinner, al fresco luncheon including wines, Boat cruise on beautiful Lake Taupo, an entertainment on Christmas Day.  

26 December: Al fresco lunch including wines, wine tasting with Huka Lodge Sommelier and fly fishing casting lessons on the lawn.

31 December: New Year’s Eve entertainment, a gala dinner, dinner wines, fireworks and champagne at midnight.  

01 January: Guided river walk from spa thermal park to Huka Falls, lunch on front terrace including house wines, wine tasting at Jetty pavillion with Huka Lodge Sommelier.

Surcharge prices are subject to change without notice

Children Policy

Children, under five years of age can stay on a complimentary basis – when sharing a room with their parents. This is however limited to one child and we are able to provide a cot, at no additional charge.

Families, travelling with children are most welcome at Huka Lodge.

Due to all families invariably having a variety of requirements during their stay, we like to create a tariff according to their individual needs.

We offer private dining for families and a child-minding service for younger children should parents wish to attend pre-dinner drinks and dine at the same time as other guests.

Children under 16 years of age are unable to attend pre-dinner drinks or dine with the other guests.

Please contact us in regard to your particular requirements and Huka Lodge will work closely with you to accommodate these and make sure your stay is enjoyable – for all members of your family.

As Seen in Travel Folio

Founded in the 1920s by Irishman Alan Pye, Huka Lodge has been a favored retreat for the most discerning travelers ever since. Consistently listed as one of the finest small properties in the world, this legendary lodge is located amidst great natural beauty — nestled within 17 acres of gardens on the banks of the Waikato River. The lodge offers absolute style, relaxed elegance and attentive service as guests enjoy gourmet cuisine and unrivaled attention to detail. With more than 20 unique and deliberately romantic indoor and outdoor venues, private dining becomes a sublime experience.
In the Know
Plan your visit between May and September when special events will include a musical evening, an author event, a champagne dinner, guest chefs and more.Distance from Auckland Airport (AKL): 233 mi/375 km

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
  • A complimentary lunch for up to two people
    • once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
  • Guests staying three nights or more will receive
    • a “World’s Apart” book
  • Early check-in/late check-out
    • subject to availability
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