What a wonderful day we had at the Huka Lodge! Don & I drove through the lush green countryside, enjoying the views all the way. It is so easy driving in New Zealand!!....making it especially fun to explore. We took the route via Rotorua & then returning via Highway 1 all the way back to Auckland. Ferns are so beautiful throughtout the floor of the pine forests. Sheep, cows, horses dot the landscape as the ranches span as far as the eye can see. We loved the drive to Huka Lodge near Taupo Lake. (Olivia, our drive from Auckland to Huka Lodge took about 3-l/2 hours & it was such a pretty drive!))
We had arranged, with the manager ahead of time, to spend a relaxing day at the lodge. He & his staff were so personable. We were met with open arms, a table set for us out on the terrace, ducks quacking, wine chilled, and the precious sound of the river (fast river) flowing into the rapids nearby. What an incredible setting!! (We have been trying to download our photos but it is a terribly slow Internet connection here at the hotel so have to wait until perhaps on the ship....not that it will be any better there.)
The common rooms have the color & feel of "the hunt" & of "having the best fishing in the world". What's added is the gourmet chef with all the trimmings & MANY exclusive opportunites to explore New Zealand. The food was wonderful in all respects. The wine was terrific. We enjoyed our simple bottle of Black Barn Chardonnay, New Zealand vintner. Anything & everything one could want plus spa services were personalized. There are approximately 20 guest rooms/suites all set along the river. Excursions are offered & transported by helicopter to do just about anything that is possible in New Zealand. I especially loved the fact that it is very VERY low key....very private & you only hear the river flowing by. Everyone dressed casually & meals are taken together as a "family" unless one really does want privacy. The wine cellar is set apart from the main lodge with a dining room & cozy fireplace in it. There are many outdoor fireplaces. We were able to visit the Owner's suite - completely set apart from the lodge. It reminded me a lot of Singita - plunge pool and all. We have photos of its "outdoor dining room" (chandeliers & all) along the river. So serene!
Today, we are back in Auckland & had the pleasure of running into dear Betty from Houston. We enjoyed meeting again - I had met her in Houston during the Katrina days. It was great seeing her & we'll all transfer to the Sky City Tower hotel to join the group tomorrow.
By the way, it's much cooler today in Auckland. Rainy, too. This evening the clouds have parted & the sailboats are out at cocktail hour. Such a great view!
