News from the world of travel

Huka Lodge’s multi-million dollar refurbishment

NEW ZEALAND’S famous Huka Lodge on the banks of the Waikato River in Taupo reopened in March following a $NZ 25 million ($A 23 million) refurbishment that preserved the iconic resort’s century-old heritage.

Guests arriving at Huka Lodge feel a sense of occasion from the moment they reach the hedge-lined drive leading to the grand front door.

On entering, they will catch a first glimpse of the emerald-blue Waikato River as it flows towards Huka Falls via the floor-to-ceiling windows in the new River Room.

New to the main lodge are an expanded dining room and bar, while upstairs are private areas for intimate dinners and special celebrations.

Set in the peaceful garden is the wellness area with a gym, two spa treatment rooms, sauna, ice shower and plunge pool.

Huka Lodge general manager Kerry Molloy is thrilled to see the new designs come to life after being closed for 10 months.

“What strikes me the most, having had the privilege to lead Huka Lodge for some 11 years, is that the new designs offer more reasons for guests to spend time enjoying these beautiful spaces – dining, drinking or relaxing with a book and the view,” he said.

Huka Lodge recently became part of Baillie Lodges’ portfolio of luxury lodges – founded in 2003 by James and Hayley Baillie – that includes Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Longitude 131° at Uluru and Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island.

Enquiries: baillielodges.com.au

From Australia to Austria, A by Adina opens its doors

POPULAR Australian A by Adina apartment hotel brand has opened its first European property earlier this month in Austria when the 108-room A by Adina Vienna welcomed guests.

The hotel has a prime location in the 48-storey Danubeflats, Austria’s tallest residential tower on the banks of the Danube River.

Offering luxury short-term apartment style accommodation in studio, executive, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, guests will have access to a business lounge with meeting rooms, a heated swimming pool overlooking Vienna’s old town, and a wellness area that includes a gym, Pilates/yoga room, two saunas and wellness bar.

A restaurant and supermarket are planned for the ground floor and parking will be available in the underground garage.

TFE Hotels’ CEO Antony Ritch said: “From our initial launch in Australia in 2021, we have always envisioned and planned to introduce this premium hotel living brand into new markets, so a move into Europe was the natural next step for us.”

Enquiries: abyadina.com

Tauck’s centenary bonus for solo travellers

THIS year Tauck is celebrating 100 years of tours and cruises to more than 70 countries and among the special offers are savings for solo travellers on its European river cruises and on selected land tours around the world.

Tauck has announced that it will waive the single supplement for its Category 1 riverboat cabins on all Tauck river cruise itineraries this year as well as reducing the single supplement on some cabin categories on select river itineraries.

On its land journeys, Tauck has reduced the single supplement on almost 40 tours visiting five continents, while the discount is also offered on tours in Europe, Britain, Asia, Africa and South America.

Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh said the savings were just one reason why unaccompanied travellers choose to see the world with Tauck.

“They also embrace the wonderful sense of assurance and support they feel when travelling with Tauck,” she said.

“Everything they would normally have to arrange by themselves – hotel and restaurant reservations, sightseeing, on-site navigation and transportation – all are expertly handled by Tauck.”

Enquiries: tauck.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb becomes more accessible

PEOPLE with accessibility requirements including wheelchair users will soon be able to experience the thrill of scaling Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge in a specially-designed wheelchair.

In a milestone for accessible tourism in Australia, the motorised stair climber wheelchair has been customised to ensure a smooth and safe Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

It has been designed by tourism operator John Sharpe and Mike Box, of Box Wheelchairs, along with Timothy Lachlan, a professional wheelchair moto-cross rider who has played a key role in testing the system and refining its performance on the Story Bridge.

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the accessible bridge climb was a welcome addition to Brisbane’s tourism offerings.

“We know that once visitors experience something like this, they’ll be the best ambassadors for our state.”

Enquiries: storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au