Skydiving and the Queen of England's Fave Hotel in New Zealand
The Huka Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand is a sublime retreat with just 25 "rooms"--cottages really, that open onto the Waikato River, have magnificent bathrooms and are thoughtfully placed throughout the 17 acres that make up the property. The rates include a full breakfast as well as before dinner drinks, and a gourmet 5 course dinner served in one of 20 indoor or outdoor devastatingly fabulous locations, allowing for guests to dine privately in the height of ambiance. You choose your location for dinner and the staff obliges. Our favorite spot for dinner was the Trophy Room before the roaring fire.
There is so much to do here! Our days consisted of kayaking on Lake Taupo where the staggeringly beautiful scenery looked familiar ("Lord of the Rings" was shot here), hiking along the banks of the Waikato River, in room massages, and the heart stopping thrill of jumping from a plane with Taupo Tandem Skydiving. Yes! We jumped out of a plane. We've been skydiving with our father. Cross that off the list!
It's not surprising that the Queen of England is a repeat guest at the Lodge. The Huka Lodge is fit for a Queen and has hosted numerous royals- literal as well as rock, movie and TV royalty. Truly one of the most special places we've ever been and hope to return to....