Matawai Hotel, Matawai

After a previous failed attempt to visit the Matawai Hotel, we managed to dine and stay the night there this time. The hotel was obviously beautifully finished, with lovely wood panelling and a grand staircase. Now at the stage of 'faded glory', but still worth a visit. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, then had the whole top floor with it's six bedrooms and lounge to ourselves overnight.
Visit date: 6 March 2015

Cheltenham Hotel, Cheltenham

Cheltenham Hotel is a real old time country pub. Originally built in 1876, it had to be rebuilt twice after fires. Not quite in the league of Cheltenham hotels in the UK, we nonetheless had a comfortable bed in a renovated room - what more can you ask for when discovering another piece of New Zealand's past.
Visit date: 2 March 2015

Thyme Out Estate, Fielding

Our accommodation near Fielding was a historic 19th century homestead, rather than a historic hotel. This modernised homestead, was a very comfortable alternative, complimented by an attractive two acre garden.
Visit date: 1 March 2015

Waitomo Hotel, Waitomo

Our trip to Waitomo Hotel was a repeat of a visit there 41 years ago. In those days it was owned by the THC government hotel chain and was a busy vibrant place. The government sold the chain in 1990, and although the hotel is a wonderful old building in a brilliant position above the village, it is a far cry from it's hey-day. But fortunately we were unaware that it has a reputation as the most haunted hotel in New Zealand. The only ghosts for us, were memories of our younger selves forty-one years ago. For us, that was equivalent to the paranormal time travel experience  reported in the Waikato Times by an investigator in 2011!
Visit date: 9 February 2015

Oxford Royal Hotel, Tirau

It's hard to imagine that Tirau was originally called 'Oxford'. It was intended to be built in the style of an English town, complete with a Cathedral. A remnant from this optimistic beginning still exists in the Oxford Royal Hotel. Built around 1877, it was the staging post for travellers between Rotorua and Cambridge.

Today however, the hotel serves an excellent steak, and still makes a good stopping point.
Visit date: 22 January 2015

Harbourside, Tauranga

Although, not strictly a historic hotel, the Harbourside Resturant is located in a stunning location in an old harbourside building, built out over the water.

Eating on the old veranda is delightful, and the food excellent. A real summer's day treat.
Visit 20 January 2015

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