Mobility Guide Long regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations, Huka Lodge is set among established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island. Styled in the manner of a grand estate, the main lodge is a hub for guests, with lounge, bar and dining space opening to an expansive indoor-outdoor terrace overlooking the ever-changing waterway. Luxury guest suites, along with two exclusive owners' residences, are dotted along the banks of the Waikato River and among 17-acres of park-like grounds. A stay at Huka Lodge ideally places guests to explore the region’s magnificent natural attractions including Taupō’s namesake lake and just downstream, Huka Falls. For elderly guests or those who experience temporary or ongoing mobility issues, some considered planning ensures a rewarding and comfortable experience.
Accommodation Twenty Lodge Suites and two multi-bedroom owners’ residences, the Alan Pye and Alex van Heeren Cottages are privately set among the lodge grounds, each opening onto verdant views of the gardens and beyond to the flowing, deep turquoise Waikato River. Lodge Suite No.4 is located close to the main lodge and features a separate wheelchair/mobilityaccessible level bathroom with aids including a barrier-free shower, a shower seat, handrails and a wider entrance way to the connecting ensuite. The suite is accessed via an ascending pathway and a portable ramp may be fitted to the porch on request for further ease of access.
Access to Guest Recreation Areas Garden Pathways Quiet, shaded paths offer the chance to explore the award-winning gardens, framed by ancient willows, towering Californian Redwoods and high hedges. Guest suites and owners’ cottages are linked via winding, paved pathways to the main lodge and communal guest areas. The paths leading to individual suites feature either a small downhill or uphill incline to reach the front door. Main Lodge Styled in the manner of a grand estate, the central complex makes the most of its riverside setting with floor-to-ceiling windows welcoming the outside in. The ground floor is home to the restaurant, main lounge and bar areas, along with reception and boutique. A wheelchair accessible cloakroom (WC) is available. The restaurant is tiered over two levels joined by two long depth stairs; guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair are seated in the upper dining room as the lower dining room is not accessible. Similarly, the outdoor terrace is tiered over two levels; only the top deck is wheelchair accessible as the lower deck has a few stairs down to it. Upstairs, secondary lounge areas are reached via a staircase; access is not possible in a wheelchair and would be challenging for those with limited mobility. Located outside adjacent to the main lodge entry doors, the subterranean wine cellar features several steps down to enter and is not accessible by wheelchair.
HUKA LODGE / RESERVE@BECKONS.COM / +64 7 222 4555 / HUKALODGE.COM / BECKONS.COM
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