Continents

Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge, the country's first luxury accommodation, is set in 16 acres of park-like lawns and flowering gardens near Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Queen Elizabeth has been a guest on three of her visits to the country, staying in the 2,700 sq.ft. Owner's Cottage, which has unobstructed views of spectacular Huka Falls.

You, too, can sleep where the Queen slept, although there is now a new cottage that's even more luxurious. It's called the Alan Pye Cottage (named for the creator of Huka Lodge) and is set in two acres of private manicured lawn overlooking the Waikato River.

Designed to a fare-thee-well by Virginia Fischer, New Zealand's leading interior decorator, it's all pastel blues and greens. Its facilities include two master bedrooms, three fireplaces, an “escort” suite (for children, a nanny or a bodyguard), a teahouse, large kitchen, dining and living rooms and an infinity pool.

The cottage is served by a private chef and waiter. All this luxury goes for about $8,000 per night for two people in New Zealand's summer months. Otherwise, you can stay in a lodge room for about $1,400 per person.

Dining, either in the lodge or your cottage, is, needless to say, outstanding, and there is no shortage of excellent wines in the 10,000- bottle cellar. 271 Huka Falls Road. Tel: 64-7-378-5791. Fax: 64-7-378-0427. www.hukalodge.co.nz.