History of the Houhoura Tavern

Within the far north of New Zealand is this beauty - the Houhoura Tavern. The original hotel was built around 1892 and was the only pub in the area with rooms to rent at the time. It started life as a trading store set up by the Evans family in 1888 to supply the kauri gum seekers who came to range across the northern peninsula with rods and spades and big thirsts. The store was licensed in 1892 and, sometime later, it was given status when the old, two-storey building was dragged here by bullock cart from Ninety Mile Beach where it had been the Hukatere pub.

The Hotel in the 1950s - photo by Ron Clark

The hotel and land is situated on the northern side of the Houhora Harbour and while the actual business has been moved into the building next door, the owners have been busy renovating the old hotel. 

The harbour was first used as a home to early whalers then dalmatian gum diggers in the early 1900s.  Since then many of the families remain and live throughout the many communities in the area. 

Finally Liz and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas - please stay safe, kia kaha.

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