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