Thursday, 9 July 2020

The Kauri Ohaeawai Hotel



2 days ago I drove through to Kaikohe and stopped in at Ohaeawai, about 20 minutes away from us. Luckily I was able to dodge the rain and hail to take a few photos around the area.

Built in 1895 the Ohaeawai (also known as Taiamai) Hotel was originally made of Kauri and is situated on the corner of the main state highway 12 and state highway 1. It has 2 bars, one currently being run as a cafe, a gaming room, large dining room, commercial kitchen, cool store, cellar and office.  It is on the Heritage NZ list as a category 2 building and the land plus building is up for sale at the moment.

I would imagine a hotel like this in a small town, like many others would find it hard to do a regular trade and if it were me I would run it as a hotel and backpackers for tourists. What would you do with it?

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

16 comments:

Tom said...

...this is similar to many small businesses here, it needs to reinvent itself.

Rhonda Albom said...

I think a roadhouse and backpackers would be a good idea.

At Home In New Zealand said...

I hope the new owners find a way to keep this lovely building operational. I remember driving past here last year :)

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Looks a typical colonial building, back packers hotel sound about right

Tigger's Mum said...

There are buildings like it all over the country - from Stewart Island to the north of the north. As rural populations continue to decline they all struggle to reinvent themselves. Relying on mass cheap tourism is not the whole answer either. Maybe redevelopment into affordable homes (with workshops, offices, studios, work-from-home space) will encourage/enable 'local' people to re-establish some community there and build or generate some new local economy.

local alien said...

I just want to visit it, drink up the atmosphere, take some pics too and have a beer in the bar!!

Tink said...

Looks like a great backpackers!

Bill said...

I like your idea plus maybe add an internet cafe.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I can tell it was a rainy day

Graham Edwards said...

Sadly it's a problem in so many countries. We have similar problems in Rural Scotland.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

May be divide up the rooms and turn it into an AirBnB. Especially if it's in an area that gets a lot of tourists. And keep the cafe/bar so the guests have a place to relax and eat.

Jim said...

It's fantastic.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

It's perfect for a roadhhouse, serve steaks, chicken, beer. A little convenience store, and some small apartments.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

If it is the only pub in the town Amy I would have thought the people of the town would hold it dear. I think your idea as hotel and backpacker hostel is perfect ✨

Karen said...

What a lovely old building.

Sharon said...

I like your idea. It would be a great stop for backpackers.

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