Talisman Hotel, Katikati

Katikati was an area settled by Protestant Irish immigrants from Ulster in 1875.  They arrived by ship and disembarked at the landing, on the Uretara River. Originally the hotel (built in 1888) was named after the river, then moved to higher ground after a huge flood. The present hotel was rebuilt and renamed The Talisman, after a fire in 1929.

Although nearly 100 years old, today it has been remodelled inside into a comfortable restaurant, with a lovely outdoor seating area.
Visit date: 10 October 2014

Puhoi Hotel, Puhoi

 Puhoi is a fascinating backwater (literally on an undeveloped estuary), only 40 minutes north of central Auckland. The hotel is rural and rustic, we had a real feeling of stepping back to pioneering days.
The meals were generous, tasty portions of typical pub food.
Visit date: 20 June 2014

Admirals Arms Hotel, Coromandel

Coromandel is full of interesting historic buildings. The Admirals Arms dates back to the gold rush days, and we did feel as if it was still in the past.
Visit date: 2 February 2014