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