Huka Lodge - New Zealand

Welcome to Lines from the Lodge with updates and recent news from Huka Lodge as well as our sister properties Dolphin Island, Fiji and Grande Provence, South Africa.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions happened to be rewarding yourself and those closest to you by spending time in some of the world’s most special places, we can assist.

We present an exciting series of events throughout the autumn/winter period. The world of fine food is well represented by guest chefs Marc Soper, Michael Wibbeke and Guillaume Brahimi.

Wine is also well covered by Herzog Wines, Moët & Chandon and Penfolds who will be presenting some of their best vintages for your pleasure.

Take advantage of some of our most attractive tariffs, or our special ESCAPE and EXHILARATE packages, and treat yourself to a well deserved break.

Willem Pentermann
Lodge Manager

In a recent break from tradition internationally acclaimed retreat Huka Lodge sponsored the trophy for the top Pinot Gris at this year’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Louise Smythe, Sales and Marketing, Huka Lodge (right) with Astrolabe’s Managing Director, Sally Lewis.

It was a pleasure for Huka Lodge to announce this year’s winner, Astrolabe Malborough Pinot Gris, 2006. This was Astrolabe’s second consecutive win in a row, having also won Gold with their Pinot Gris in 2005.

Huka Lodge has for many years sponsored the Merlot category within the Air Zealand Wine Awards. The choice of sponsorship for Pinot Gris reflects support for a wine that is gaining new appreciation and increasing popularity both domestically and overseas and shows enormous promise for the future.

Guests at Huka Lodge will be offered this wonderful Astrolabe Pinot Gris in the months ahead. Lemon-gold in colour with a palate of delicate quince and nut flavours, served lightly chilled with poultry or light game.

Astrolabe’s vineyard is located in Waihopai Valley, heartland Malborough wine country. Their wines have won numerous awards and reflect the expertise and passion of Winemaker Simon Waghorn, complemented by a dedicated viticultural team.

Contact Louise Smythe, Sales and Marketing, should you require any additional information.
Telephone +64-9 308 9824, Facsimile +64-9 379 3223, Email louise@hukalodge.co.nz

Twan Wijers has been recently appointed to the position of Executive Chef at Huka Lodge.

Dutch-born, Twan trained in The Netherlands and following graduation from hospitality school went on to work at the 5-star deluxe hotel, 2 Michelin stars InterContinental Hotel, ‘Amstel’ in Amsterdam. Here he came under the tutelage of Robert Kranenborg whose love of great classical French cuisine has left a lasting influence on Twan.

Twan also has cooked at the equally famous ‘Prinses Juliana’ in Valkenburg, The Netherlands. This 1 Michelin star establishment has a long-established reputation for fine cuisine.

In 1999 Twan set off to explore the world, travelling for a 2 ½-year period in the Pacific, Australasia, South East Asia and Nepal.

Spending time in Sydney, Australia, Twan was one of the many chefs employed by hospitality clients during the Olympic Games in 2000, and then went on to Joondalup Golf Resort in Perth in 2001.

Twan returned to The Netherlands in 2002, to ‘Goyer Golf and Country Club’ as sous chef, prior to coming to New Zealand to work at Huka Lodge. He swiftly rose through the ranks and was made Head Chef in February 2003, prior to his appointment as Executive Chef.