Huka Lodge , finally ! March , early autumn stay

Check in

It was a lovely approach to the property & long anticipated awaited stay .. could hardly keep my excitement at Bay after Larkin ‘ s review 

We were warmly welcomed by Kerry M , GM , after a somewhat delayed arrival from Papeete PPT / AKL via Hobbiton :)

Check in was smooth as expected from a property of this calibre 

Lovely drive in & out Huka Lodge ‘ s huge grounds .

 Huka

What a welcome at the front door at Huka Lodge 

Welcome skylights throughout to take in surrounding lush greenery 

Our suite was thankfully near near the main building though felt away from everyone & private - the further side of a pair .

Kerry probably had an inkling that we would be exhausted after our busy French Polynesia cruise plus missing a day from the 2 am PPT - AKL flight & coming more or less directly ( via Hobbiton ) to Huka Lodge !

We loved our spacious suite , walk in closet cum pantry . The bathroom , though , was smaller than ours in our stateroom on M . S . Marina . It was quite a squeeze in the shower cubicle & WC .

This situation will improve next year as renovations to these 2 negatives are being addressed soon . Should be more comfortable if one is staying in 2019 - even at the Owner ‘ s Cottage :)

Appreciated the attentive service . Not quite Aman but close .

The international staff were all very accommodating & eager to ensure that one ‘ s stay is really restful & stress free . All seemed happy to oblige / please whether it be modifying dishes , taking photos , requests for whatever information , etcetera 

The dinners were exquisite !

So much so that I forgot to take some photos .. here are some which I did remember 

Tender chicken breasts 

Then the breakfasts - as minute or enormous as you wish - semi buffet .

Just part part of my breakfast :)

Perfect !

Easy stroll to Huka Falls

View from suite 

Waikato Ruver

Lovely willow 

Ducks by the willow late at night

Morning mist

Can fly fish from here too !

Note changes in water levels between weekends & weekdays ..

If we were to return with family or friends , we likely will opt to stay at the Owner ‘ s Cottage with 4 ensuites plus 2 ‘ single ‘ ensuites for the butler / governess or security .

Really wonderful stay !

But we missed fly fishing , going out on Chris Jolly again & other activities .

Just enjoyed being at the Lodge , the views & having slow breakfasts / meals , “ slow foods “ will have worked very well , appreciating the brilliant meals . Custom off menu even , like we do at Amans :) . Suitably impressed .

Missing everyone at The Lodge & being there .. hmm , now when can we return ?? ..

Now working on our cruisemates to join us at the Owner ‘ s Cottage on the next visit !

Just would not be quite right if it were only 2 of us again if we stayed a longer stret.

A mini Do perhaps , just thinking

Jet lagging , & realised that I had not done this section . Will review & add now that my iPad is somewhat functioning again ..