Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand, was founded in 1924 by a charming Irishman by the name of Alan Pye. The current lodge sits on the same location where Pye erected a series of wooden framed, canvas roof tents for his fishing camp. Here, people came to fish the waters of the Waikato River, which had a peerless reputation for dry fly fishing, and enjoy the generous hospitality of Pye and his wife, at the main lodge building.

The fame of Huka Lodge soon spread and by the mid-1930s, Pye's fame was at its peak. Fishing flies were named after him and a New York angling club bore his name. Charles Lindbergh came to stay, James A, Mitchener wrote part of a novel there and Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of York dropped by for a spot of fishing. This was the beginning of visits by the many famous guests who were to follow.

Huka Lodge in its present incarnation as one of the world's most legendary and acclaimed retreats owes much to the vision of Alex van Heeren, and interior designer, Virginia Fisher, since 1984. For over 90 years Huka Lodge has welcomed those seeking a world apart from the real world, where they can relax amidst great natural beauty and enjoy an extraordinary hospitality experience.

During the weeks between October to mid-December 2017, this legendary hotel will welcome its half-millionth guest, a momentous milestone that few hotels of this boutique size can boast, and is cause for some serious celebration.

After all, this lucky guest follows in the footsteps of a veritable swathe of previous discerning guests, including H.M. Queen Elizabeth II & H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, members of virtually all the royal families of Europe, as well as, Errol Flynn, James A. Michener, Sir Edmund Hillary, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Tilda Swinton, Bill Gates and Barbra Streisand. 

While many more celebrated guests continue to join this illustrious list, these half a million guests have included those who have sought, and often returned to Huka Lodge's beautiful surrounds, stylish and elegant design, attentive service and sublime cuisine. As Huka Lodge prepares for this special event there is no doubt that this iconic property continues to define the luxury New Zealand hospitality experience.

Guests staying at Huka Lodge between now and mid-December 2017 will be eligible for recognition as its half-millionth guest, and will receive the gift of a definitive Huka Lodge experience created especially to mark the occasion.

This will include a complimentary two night stay for two guests at the Alan Pye Cottage, and in celebrating the Lodge's unique heritage, fly-casting lessons in its magnificent 17 acres of grounds and a fly-fishing boat cruise on Lake Taupo with lunch, provided by local operator Chris Jolly Outdoors. These special guests will also enjoy a complimentary bottle of French champagne on arrival, full country breakfast daily, pre-dinner drinks and canapés before adjourning to one of over 20 private dining venues, where they will be served a superb five-course dinner nightly.

THE ULTIMATE 2-HOUR HUKA LODGE ADVENTURE –

CHAMPAGNE, FOLLOWED BY THREE VOLCANOES

As the sun's first light spreads across the manicured lawns of Huka Lodge, a helicopter lands to pick guests up and fly them away for an adventure of a lifetime. They'll be surrounded by panoramic scenery as they traverse the vast landscape of unspoiled and astounding beauty that comprises New Zealand's Central Plateau, including Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro.

The helicopter will sweep guests across Lake Taupo and into the bush-clad alpine valleys of the Kaimanawa Forest Park, home to wild herds of horses and deer, to land on the banks of the Rangitikei River to see trout swimming in its crystal clear waters, providing yet another amazing encounter with nature.

Soaking up the solitude and peace of this stunning wilderness to reflect on the wonders of the journey just travelled, guests enjoy light pre-breakfast pastries with a glass of Champagne, before they set off once more.

A trio of volcanic cones, Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro stand sentinel over the great Lake Taupo. Their snow-clad peaks and violent geological past bear testament to their dual status within the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, created to preserve their great presence and cultural significance for generations to come. No better view can be had of these volcanoes than from a helicopter, as their skilled pilot shows guests the stunning Emerald Lakes and the geothermal activity of the Te Maari Crater, which erupted twice in 2012!

The homeward journey brings guests past the cliffs of the remote Western Bays, the Maori Rock Carvings and up and over the cascading waters of the Huka Falls before landing safely back at Huka Lodge for breakfast. This incredible journey like no other takes just 2 hours of their lives, however what guests will see during this time promises to change it forever.

This sensational seasonal package includes accommodation for two, for one night, in a Junior Lodge Suite (on a double occupancy basis), pre-dinner drinks with canapés, five-course gourmet dinner, helicopter trip (for two guests), with Champagne and pastries, and full country breakfast. This package is available only for the months of November 2017 and April 2018, from NZ$3,579.00 per person, per night.

Huka Lodge, New Zealand and sister properties Dolphin Island, Fiji and Grande Provence Estate, South Africa comprise The Huka Retreats, all sharing a passionate commitment to providing extraordinary hospitality experiences for their guests.

Contact: Australia

Jane Corbett-Jones

Public Relations & Media Manager 

M +61 (0) 417 772783   T +61 2 9816 5202

E janecorbettjones@gmail.com

www.hukaretreats.com