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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Built in 1895 the Ohaeawai (also known as Taiamai) Hotel was originally made of Kauri and is situated on the corner of the main state highway 12 and state highway 1.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.
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Comments

Tom said…
...this is similar to many small businesses here, it needs to reinvent itself.
9 July 2020 at 09:14
Rhonda Albom said…
I think a roadhouse and backpackers would be a good idea.
9 July 2020 at 17:47
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 :)
9 July 2020 at 20:09
Billy Blue Eyes said…
Looks a typical colonial building, back packers hotel sound about right
9 July 2020 at 21:07
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.
9 July 2020 at 21:51
local alien said…
I just want to visit it, drink up the atmosphere, take some pics too and have a beer in the bar!!
10 July 2020 at 00:37
Tink said…
Looks like a great backpackers!
10 July 2020 at 01:05
Bill said…
I like your idea plus maybe add an internet cafe.
10 July 2020 at 06:36
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
I can tell it was a rainy day
10 July 2020 at 08:39
Graham Edwards said…
Sadly it's a problem in so many countries. We have similar problems in Rural Scotland.
10 July 2020 at 08:48
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.
10 July 2020 at 10:05
Jim said…
It's fantastic.
10 July 2020 at 12:37
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
It's perfect for a roadhhouse, serve steaks, chicken, beer. A little convenience store, and some small apartments.
10 July 2020 at 13:47
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 ✨
10 July 2020 at 23:06
Karen said…
What a lovely old building.
11 July 2020 at 03:09
Sharon said…
I like your idea. It would be a great stop for backpackers.
11 July 2020 at 05:25
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