The Pier Hotel, Kaikora

The Pier Hotel was built in 1885 opposite the original wharf. It is the typical wooden, two story hotel, so popular in that era. Today, the old wharf is only usable at high tide, due to the 2016 earthquake. Reminders of the earthquake are the stunning white rocks lifted from the seabed.
The restaurant is justifiably popular and we only just managed to get a table. Our en-suite room was comfortable, but obviously from a different era.
Visit date: 9 December 2018

Brydone Hotel, Oamaru

Set in the historic heart of Oamaru, the Brydone Hotel is quintessential Oamaru. Built of Oamaru limestone in 1881 and set among the wonderful stone buildings that have survived to make Oamaru a unique town centre.

Our room was in a newer wing, but eating in the historic hotel was a pleasure. We could imagine this town in it's heyday, with the bustling port.
Visit date: 8 December 2018

The Royal Hotel Featherston

The Royal Hotel Featherston, one of only two hotels in New Zealand allowed to display the Royal coat of arms, was built in the late 1890's after the original hotel burnt down in 1893.
In the last two years it has undergone another transformation and been totally restored and furnished in Steam Punk style. The result is amazing and it's fantastic to see the old hotel come to life again.
We stayed a night in a very comfortable room and enjoyed a delicious dinner on an extremely cold evening.
Visit date: 10 October 2018

The Mission Estate Winery, Napier

The Mission Estate Winery was originally founded by a group of Marist Brothers who sailed for New Zealand in 1838. Their stunning seminary was built in 1880 and today is a fine dining restaurant as well as a wine cellar.
We biked there on one of the many cycle trails around Napier and after a delicious lunch, enjoyed their wine tasting.
Visit date: 10 September 2018

Maungaturoto Hotel, Kaipara, Northland

Maungaturoto Hotel is old enough to imagine it has had an interesting history, but this hotel has had more drama than most. The expiry date on a liquor licence in 1902, meant the hotel had to transported from Auckland in less than favorable conditions. It was nearly lost at sea twice as it was brought across both the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours and the liquor licence was nailed to the door on the final day before the licence expired.
We arrived at lunch time, to find an artisan bakery operated out of the hotel and were able to buy fresh from the oven Hot Cross Buns - delicious.
Visit date: 7 April 2018

Horeke Hotel, Hokianga Harbour

Horeke Hotel was the first hotel built in New Zealand. Built on the Hokianga Harbour, it operated to serve the labour force in New Zealand's first shipbuilding yard.
Today it is a very quiet remote spot, but very conveniently located on the Coast to Coast cycleway. It's a great spot to relax over lunch and admire the harbour view or the lovely timber interior.
Visit date: 6 April 2018

Rangiriri Hotel, Rangiriri

Rangiriri Hotel gives the feel of stepping into an English country pub. The decor and seating booths give it a wonderful atmosphere. But as well as this, the food is excellent, definitely worth stopping at. Originally built in 1866, only 3 years after the nearby land wars site in Rangiriri and rebuilt in 1905, This hotel has seen a lot of history.
Visit date: 18 February 2018

Esplanade Hotel, Devonport

The Esplanade Hotel, right opposite the Devonport wharf must be one of the best locations we have stayed in. Built in 1903, and set among period shops and houses, it has a gracious old world air.
We spent a very comfortable night, after enjoying a meal in their restaurant. The township with waterfront, navy base, ferry ride to Auckland and the historic gun batteries at nearby North Head is a very pleasant place to spend a day or two.
Visit date: 21 January 2018

Mansion House, Kawau Island

Mansion House is the ultimate in Historic Houses in New Zealand. Originally the mine manager's house on Kawau Island, Governor Grey purchased it in 1862. It later became a hotel and became quite run-down. Today it has been restored by DOC, and is a stunning place to visit. We had a great lunch at the cafe, and although this is not actually in the house, I had to include this magnificent historic house, especially as it had once been a hotel.
Visit date: 20 January 2018

The Sterling Hotel, Waihi

The Sterling Hotel in Waihi, is one of the remaining reminders into Waihi's prosperous past. It was moved to Waihi from  Hikutaia in 1895, as at that time there was only one hotel in Waihi. Today it serves pub food, totally in keeping with it's past life.  
11 January 2018