To be 30 is scary, exciting, daunting, and worth celebrating. At once. At my 30th birthday, the turn of the new decade, I wanted to travel to a special place. I was in a place where I had already established connections and felt like I was experiencing something new while I was there. paradox? perhaps. But it turns out to be a catalyst for my 30th birthday being wrong. That means it’s until it gets very well in a year.
I booked a flight to New Zealand a few months before my 30th birthday. It was a year ago when the borders were closed shortly afterwards and my birthday trip plans turned into dust. But sadly! I’ve been over 30 times this year, and finally, the trip I’ve been so craving has returned to the card. I was heading for New Zealand.
Sugar Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand
I had a romantic relationship with New Zealand for a long time. Anyone who has been to this country will tell you how wonderful it is to as many adjectives as you hear. Shadow? yes. gentle? You bet. Is it completely surreal at times? You will soon see for yourself.
I wanted to stay somewhere special as this wasn’t my first trip to New Zealand.
I was first to hear about Huka Lodge from a friend who discovered it on the cover of a coffee table book showing off the world’s most peaceful lodge. There – front cover. I knew I had to go.
Huka Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most famous luxury lodges. For many who have visited, it is Cream de La Creme for New Zealand’s luxury travel. I couldn’t wait to find out for myself how magical it was. Of course, as a travel writer, I wanted to see if it led to hype.
setting
Huka Lodge is located in the heart of the Lake District, in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand. The nearest town is Taupo. This is of course on the shores of Lake Taupo, a volcanic caldera. And if it’s not a drawcard, the lake flows into Fuka Falls, a fascinating waterfall in the alpine turquoise sea. What do you guess? The waterfall is thrown with stones from the lodge itself, and the water flows directly from the front of the private patio.
If it sounds surreal, then that’s because.
Upon arriving at the lodge, me and my partner were shown around the lounge room with a cozy fireplace, the outdoor dining area on the terrace, the kitchen and dining area. Her late Ma below was a guest at the lodge and was said to have fallen in love with the private dining room from the main area, but she certainly chose the room considering that she hired the entire lodge during her stay.
By the time the tour ends we take our final swig of welcomed champagne and immediately accept an early check-in as we walk towards the room. Each room faces a flowing river and cascades into the Fuka and falls near the lodge.
Huka Lodge guest rooms
I don’t know about you, but I’m a neutral palette sucker. Huka Lodge rooms completely collide with the mark, reflecting the area in which the lodge resides. The rooms are very homey and cozy as you might get stuck inside avoiding the rain, considering the Taupau can be a bit moody weather. For me, this was the highlight of my trip. In fact, it was the only day of our entire trip that it rained. I left the perfect excuse to curl up with a fake fire in a bottle of Pinot Noir.
Apart from the fireplace, cozy seating area, and another office area for the case call, the other major rooms highlighted were the oversized bathroom with a view (of course) and a walk-in wardrobe. Trust me, this was a pinch of my moment! Can you imagine waking up to the views of the rainforest every day? I was beginning to devise a plan to stay forever.
Around the lodge
As mentioned earlier, Huka Lodge caught my attention when it was at the forefront of coffee table books. Since then I have imagined being here and have felt a very quiet moment that I had easily portrayed me a few years ago. And I can confirm – it’s really magical in real life! The site is kept to the point of dignified sensation, with sloped lawns spreading through flowing water that easily blends nature and fostered gardens. That’s something you really should see.
A dining experience at Huka Lodge
Next, the food. What would be without it? I was particularly excited to try out the menu that was served every night, but the breakfast outside the terrace really stole the show. Your rooms include a complete a la carte menu and breakfast staples at the interior buffet. Think of it as a meat cured for someone who eats fresh juices, croissants, homemade granola, and meat.
As you would expect from a lodge of this caliber, the dinner was incredible. The first night was my birthday. This meant the surprise dessert and the singing waiter were tidy (no joke!) It was a truly special evening.
Book your stay
Book your stay Lodge Sugar Direct for the best rates and room selection. Rooms cost $2,500 per night. This includes generous breakfast and a five-course dinner plus a cocky aperitif in the living room. If you are traveling with more people, there are larger suites available.
read more:
The ultimate New Zealand packing list
You must visit the 20 best places in New Zealand
Check in at Matakauri Lodge in New Zealand
