It's been consistently voted as one of the best lodges in Australasia and this is where the Queen of England likes to rest her head when she's in the country. Huka is one of the longest standing luxury lodges in New Zealand and it shows. Their level service and attention to detail is immaculate, and the lodge's position alongside the emerald green Waikato River is as peaceful as it is beautiful. The English looking grounds deserve long strolls in the evenings and if you're keen on fishing you can fly fish for Rainbow Trout from the lawn. Each of the spacious, airy villas have their own lawn that leads out to the river.

The food at Huka is legendary, dine on the balcony overlooking the river, in the orchard, the wine cellar or beside the outdoor fireplace.

The region offers trout fishing on Lake Taupo or fly-fishing up the many nearby rivers. There's snow skiing in winter on Mount Ruapehu, hiking and lolling in geothermal hot pools and for the adventure junkies there's bungy jumping and parachuting facilities nearby. Taupo is the North Island's answer to Queenstown and Huka is simply the best lodge in the region.