Venue Scout: Huka Lodge

Extraordinary is the only word to sufficiently describe a place like Huka Lodge. Located in the heart of Taupo on the banks of the Waikato River, it is the grande dame of luxury lodges, positioned on 17-acres of peace and quiet that astounds every guest, no matter their pedigree.

It comes as no surprise that a wedding held here would be an event of utter perfection. There's the promise of absolute privacy, whether you choose to book the entire lodgings for your special day, or prefer a more intimate ceremony at either of the lavishly appointed cottages. Accommodating any number between 10 and 70 guests, a wedding here will feel as if you and your fiance are the star guests at your very own house party. Your dearest will venture riverside to witness vows, there will be a post-wedding feast in one of the many outdoor 'rooms', and the next day you can take a few hours out to go fly fishing up river, or play croquet on the lawn, flower girls and ring boys in tow.

If the idea of planning an out of town wedding seems daunting, the staff here make for dream wedding planners too, helping to design those luxurious details that you couldn't quite manage if the day had to be built from the ground up. Whether you consider Huka Lodge for your wedding or honeymoon, time here is always well spent. Just remember to sign the guest book; Muiccia Prada, Tilda Swinton and Barbara Streisand all did when they stayed too.

www.hukalodge.co.nz