Huka Lodge is one of those places that hooks (or is that ‘hukes’) you in with its warmth and beauty. It deserves to retain its position as one of the world’s top retreats. Everything about the experience is artful yet unpretentious, from the food and décor to the excellent staff who we genuinely felt sad saying goodbye to. I have no hesitation in recommending Huka to you because I know you will write to me and say Jonathan, this was amazing! From a romantic, blissed out idyll to a weekend with friends, you’ll leave feeling far better than when you came. Book a three-day minimum so that you can balance the activities on offer with chill out day in the gardens.

If you are on a ‘lodge roll’ then combine two North Island jewels, and completely different types of typography, with Huka and Cape Kidnappers (see STORY) which are a skip and a hop apart by 30 minute flight or 3hr drive. If you have to choose only one place in New Zealand, start here with the classic…