A property that makes a great play of former 'famous' guests can more often than not be given short shrift, but when the guest list includes reigning monarchs from the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands alongside those of us where money is no issue (Bill Gates, Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross......) you start to take notice.

Standing aside the Waikato River just a short walk to Huka Falls the Huka Lodge has been a firm favourite of our clients for many years.

A stay here does not come cheaply but for luxurious seclusion, sensational cuisine and a mix of available activities (tennis, fishing, golf, water sports, sky diving!) this really is the place to experience old style New Zealand.

3 nights, half board starts at around £930pp.