HUKA LODGE MANAGER, MARK WOUTERS

Surrounded by a brace of Said family women - my mother, constant companion and wife Sheira and little Zoe – we took an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to the tiny airport of Taupo. The personal touch begins straight away at this high end level, as Huka’s resident manager, Mark Wouters came to pick us up, welcoming us and even isisting on carrying all our luggage to the car.
This really impressed me. This shows that Mark is approachable and hands on. Nine times out of ten, Sheira and I go to hotels around the world and never meet a manager, let alone see one! Mark was an integral part of our Huka experience who always went beyond the call of duty !

After a 30-minute drive, along the classic lakeside alpine scenery of snow capped mountains and pines, we passed through the gates of the lodge to be instantly transported into the incredibly lush, manicured gardens on a quiet and private road. The velvety emerald grass, birdsong and sound of a mountain stream is magical and staff waiting for us under the portico so friendly. I turned to my family and said, “This is like the garden of Eden!” Clementine and Karin, who were my first point of contact, greeted us like old friends and made Zoe and my Mother feel special.

We instantly fell in love with the large, airy lodge building too, with its perfect mix of English country house and African game lodge. The timbers, warm fabrics, collectibles and books lining the walls created the feel of a private estate, something that Sheira and I love and will choose any day over corporate hotel flatness. It was even better than we expected.

The big, open plan lounges and library all have a great flow. Downstairs the main hunting lodge is more traditionally rich and dark, with a big fireplace that is so cosy to curl up in front of with a book. Upstairs, the trophy room has a real Game Reserve feel, with raffia style flooring and African masks, softened by overstuffed striped chairs with studs and blankets (the TV is hidden behind a cabinet).

The public space is surprisingly airy and fresh, with white walls or beams balancing the rich detailing of candelabra and wild game heads and huge horns mounted on the wall. It is such a modern, feelgood, chic take on the heaviness of the hunting lodge aesthetic, where wide decks overlook rolling lawns.  As Sheira puts it, you could be anywhere from Provence to South Africa, but what anchors you back in New Zealand is the constant rush of water going through the rapids, which really adds an outdoor atmosphere to the indoors.

During our few days here the hands on staff were brilliantly efficient but never stiffly formal. Part of the owner’s philosophy is that everybody is part of the Huka family and if someone is down sick, then ‘all hands on deck.’ The general manager will clean a room if necessary. My mother Jackie really bonded with the chatty girls and Zoe loved being the littlest star of the lodge!

I feel that Huka really captures the laid-back luxe that I am putting out there and showcasing on jonathansaid.com. You could have a rock star and the Queen of England staying here at the same time and they would make both feel equally comfortable. In fact, surreally, Elizabeth II has been a guest - along with the Sultan of Selangor, Bill Gates, Kate Winslet, Billy Crystal and Barbara Streisand. And you know what? I bet they were impressed. Return visitors who come here to unwind, celeb or not, know they will be able to let go. Curtsies optional.

There are chairs scattered around the gorgeous landscaped gardens with blankets on top so that you can cover yourself if it’s a bit cool. The established trees, old giants, and the little brook reminded us of a stately Scottish country home 50 years ago. My mum, Jackie said she could stay out here with books to keep her company forever. What is it about grannies, rugs and gardens? All of a sudden, I got it!

THE OWNER’S COTTAGE

The lodge has always attracted a pretty amazing international clientele who enjoy the peaceful hush and quietly luxurious atmosphere here, but THE OWNER’S COTTAGE allows Huka to join that rarified global club of outrageously lavish, expensive lodging suitable for those swooping in on a private jet. When manager, Mark gave us the tour, casual mention was made of ‘servants’ quarters’ and ‘a place to put the bodyguards.’

Sheira and I love checking out these super-duper, wealthy options for research and then sharing them with you. What a buzz to get a peek at the best of the best that the planet has to offer! This hideaway has all the same high ceilings, timber beam character and cream on cream, soothing neutral décor of the lodge and cabins. But the sheer scale is impressive - it is like a dream private house in its own neck of the woods, with staggering views over the intensely blue Waikato River and gigantic trees.
 
You could house several families and never have a single feud, with 4 king size bedrooms, a stunning central lounge with art, sculpture and bleached oak floors, private courtyards, plunge pool, outdoor fireplaces…this is our kind of luxury  - not a gold tap in sight!

PRICE    4 Bdrms, 8 guests, Seasonally NZ$9,940 - $12,340  

On the whole NZ is affordable (with its weaker currency) and politically safe - it is a popular, really well-priced destination for Americans and Europeans. All room prices for the lodges on this trip were right up there with top European hotels and African safaris. But the reason is a good one… this is boutique, quality travel. The lodges keep their standards high and their room numbers low, at between 26 or 35 rooms.