Monday, March 25, 2019

Ranfurly Hotel, Ranfurly

Ranfurly suffered a a series of fires in the 1930's, which resulted in a new art deco style of building in the town. The hotel is a beautiful example and a great place to stop over while doing the Otago Rail Trail. The restaurant served us with excellent meals, perfect after a long day riding.
Visit date: 25 March 2019

Wedderburn Tavern, Wedderburn

The Wedderburn Tavern is very conveniently located close to the Cycle Trail near the summit which is about halfway through the Otago Rail Trail. We had a simple, but tasty lunch to encourage us on our way.
Visit Date: 25 March 2019

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Blacks Hotel, Ophir

Blacks Hotel is a reminder of the beautiful Art Deco era. Set in a very historic village, this maybe one of the newest buildings! The village is a showpiece from the gold mining days, with a historic gem of an original Post Office.
Visit date: 24 March 2019

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Chatto Creek Tavern

The Otago Cycle Trail is dotted with beautiful old pubs from the gold rush era. We found one on our first day's riding and enjoyed relaxing in their garden. The Chatto Creek Tavern was built in 1886, and is a welcome sight with it's historic building and warm welcome.
Visit date: 23 March 2019

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Grand Windsor Hotel, Auckland

Windsor House, as the Grand Windsor Hotel was originally named, was built in 1928 and
the ten story building was Auckland's first skyscraper. It started life with a tearoom on the ground floor, and restaurant on the floor above.
It now operates as a hotel with restaurant on the ground floor. In 2017 it was restored to it's former Art Deco glory.
Visit date: 2 February 2019

Sunday, December 9, 2018

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

Saturday, December 8, 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