Huka Lodge in Taupō, New Zealand, part of the Beckons portfolio of luxury lodges for curious travelers seeking genuine connection to place, culture and the natural world, has been named No.82 in the extended 51-100 list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026, revealed today.
Following its introduction in 2025, the second edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels extended 51-100 list features fifty more industry-defining hotels from across six continents. New for 2026, the voting window for the list’s Academy of more than 800 independent members – a global panel selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel landscape – has been extended to three years, enabling consideration of more hotels; those that voters may not visit so frequently but which remain memorable as being exceptional.
Set amongst 17 acres of established, parklike gardens on the banks of the emerald-blue Waikato River near Lake Taupō, New Zealand, Huka Lodge is regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury retreats. With humble beginnings as a fishers’ camp in 1924, the ‘century young’ lodge has evolved into an enduring icon of refined hospitality, welcoming generations of discerning guests with its warm sense of place, exceptional dining and extraordinary natural setting.
Beckons Chief Executive Officer Michael Crawford said the team at Huka Lodge was delighted to receive recognition in The World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list for a second consecutive year.
“We are thrilled and honored to see Huka Lodge recognized in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 extended list for the second year running. For more than a century, Huka Lodge has offered guests a remarkable connection to the natural beauty of Taupō, delivered with the warmth, generosity and personal hospitality for which it is known. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the passion and commitment of the Huka Lodge team, who create such memorable experiences for guests from around the world,” Mr Crawford said.
Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “The 51-100 list recognizes fifty more exceptional hotels that represent the very best of global hospitality. This extended list broadens the spotlight to a remarkable community of properties and the passionate people who bring them to life, each one defining the meaning of great hospitality today. Every hotel here has earned its place through our expert Academy’s votes and we hope their achievements will go on to inspire future travels.”
The awarded establishments will be recognized at the fourth edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony in Paris on September 15, 2026, at Les Salles du Carrousel. It is a pivotal date in the global travel and hospitality calendar that will inspire consumers, travelers and hoteliers around the globe.
