Puhoi Hotel, Puhoi

 Puhoi is a fascinating backwater (literally on an undeveloped estuary), only 40 minutes north of central Auckland. The hotel is rural and rustic, we had a real feeling of stepping back to pioneering days.
The meals were generous, tasty portions of typical pub food.
Visit date: 20 June 2014

Admirals Arms Hotel, Coromandel

Coromandel is full of interesting historic buildings. The Admirals Arms dates back to the gold rush days, and we did feel as if it was still in the past.
Visit date: 2 February 2014

Tolaga Bay and Matawai Hotels

Our other choice for a night at a historic hotel, would have been Tolaga Bay Inn, so we compromised with morning coffee there. It's a real surprise to find a Victorian looking hotel in such a remote part of New Zealand. The Gothic script inscription of "In what far country does tomorrow lie" over the massive fireplace, was most appealing.

Matawai Hotel is fascinating, in that it appears to be in the middle nowhere. It started life in Motu, which is even more remote, and one third of it was moved here in the 1930's. We planned to stop for lunch on the way home, but sadly found it closed at that time of day. Fortunately the dairy was open and the hotel outdoor seating was a great place to escape the hot sun and eat our ice-creams.
Visit date: 11 December 2013

 

Te Puia Hot Springs Hotel

The pre-Christmas pohutukawa flowering season is the perfect time for a trip around the East Cape. Beaches are empty, the sun is shining and the only traffic on the roads apart from us, was the steady stream of logging trucks. We spent the night half way round in the small town of Te Puia Hot Springs at the old-time hotel. The owner has a big task ahead bringing it back to life, but meantime, we enjoyed a comfortable room and hearty home cooked roast dinner. Visit date: 10 December 2013

Whangamomona Hotel, Whangamomona

The Forgotten World Highway is a stunning trip from Stratford to Taumaranui, with an excellent stopping place at Whangamomona. The hotel was built in 1911 and along with the small township, has a remote and other-world feel.
Visit date: 11 November 2013

The Grand Hotel, Wanganui

The Grand Hotel in Wanganui is a little newer (opened in 1927) than our previous hotels, but Art Deco is a style we couldn't resist.
Visit date: 9 November 2013

Princes Gate Hotel, Rotorua

This hotel is a real historic gem. Opened in 1897 in Waihi, it was moved to Rotorua after WWI, no mean feat in those days. After enjoying several walks around the city, we relaxed over an excellent lunch in the restaurant, which oozed the charm of bygone years. The hotel has been kept in a style which is true to it's age, and well worth a visit.
Visit date: 20 Oct 2013