Category: History

In the late 1800s, hotels were establishments that provided accommodation and food for weary travellers to break up their long journeys. In 1894, there were 1,719 hotels, or one for every 420 people in the country.

Aotearoa’s hotels have ranged from tiny little shacks to grand buildings, but one thing has always been common – the liquor or publican’s licence. No licence meant no liquor! Until the 1960s, places with a licence to sell alcohol on the premises were also required to provide accommodation for travellers. However, over time they were less about the accommodation and more about the drinking!

From their arrival here, c1350, Māori developed a communications network using waterways and foot tracks along the shore and through forests. Ocean-going waka plied the coast and fished in Tīkapa Moana, while smaller dugout waka tiwai navigated rivers. 

It all started in 1928, when it was proposed that the local council change the official town name of ‘Whitianga’ to ‘Mercury Bay’.