The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell

Russell is one of the most beautiful spots in Northland, and the Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a wonderful place to stay. It shows off our old colonial architecture to best advantage. The rooms are of a high standard and the restaurant food superb.  A great end to our Northland trip.
Visit date: 26 November 2015

Pagoda Lodge, Kerikeri

Although not a historic hotel, we had to include Pagoda Lodge because of it's historic interest. It was built by a Scotsman in the 1930's to display his collection of chinese treasures. The Lodge has now been converted into three self contained holiday apartments set in a lovely garden on a riverbank. A very beautiful spot to stay.
Visit date: 25 November 2015

Marlin Hotel, Whangaroa

Situated on the Whangaroa Harbour, this old hotel is in another great scenic spot.  After climbing St Paul's Rock and admiring the amazing view from the top, we stopped at the hotel for lunch.
Visit date: 24 November 2015

Mangonui Hotel, Mangonui

Built in 1905, this hotel is one two remaining hotels in the bay. Once a busy harbour for whaling ships, it is now a quiet picturesque town. Many old buildings remain in the bay and can be explored by following the Mangonui Heritage Trail.
Visit date: 24 November 2015

Central Hotel, Dargaville

As the Commercial is a B&B, we ate at another historic hotel, also opposite the Wairoa River. The Central Hotel was built in 1876, and also has new owners who have started the exciting task of restoring this wonderful reminder of a bygone era. We enjoyed the best burgers we have had in years.
Visit date: 22 November 2015

Commercial Hotel, Dargaville

Having started our trip at the southern end of the Kaipara Harbour, our accommodation that night was at the northern end. The Commercial Hotel was built by John Logan Campbell in the 1880's, when Dargaville was a busy port during the kauri timber days.
It is now a very pleasant B&B, where the new owners are busy restoring this grand building. Our room had the beautiful kauri floor looking like new.
Visit date: 22 November 2015

The Grand Hotel, Helensville

We started our Northland tour at the southern end of the Kaipara Harbour, so lunch had to be at the remaining hotel of the era when this was a busy port. The original wooden building from 1876 burnt down twice (deliberately according to our friendly bar staff) and today's concrete building dates from the 1930's.

Visit date 22 November 2015