What it’s like staying at one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand
Monday, 19 May 2025
After a four-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Auckland, pulling up at this cottage hotel in Northland, surrounded by bush, the tranquillity ramps up and the relaxation sets in.
The place
The Old Oak Boutique Hotel is 600 metres off State Highway 10 on the main road of Mangōnui, nearer the southern end. It looks out to the boats on Mangōnui Harbour and the boardwalk opposite.
The space
First known as the Mangōnui Hotel when it was built in 1861, and once a boarding house, the cottage, made of solid kauri timber, has some of its original sash windows. The Category Two-listed heritage building is one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand still operating in its original structure.
The hotel’s reception has a charming stained glass window with fantails and floral designs that make the light dance around in a kaleidoscope. The flowers continue outside in the grounds’ cottage garden with raised flower beds and vegetable patches for guests to stroll through and enjoy. There is also an area to play pétanque.
The room
We are in the spacious, open-plan Kōtare - harbour view suite. It is the largest suite at the hotel and in a separate building to the main hotel with its own private entrance and brick-paved courtyard. An outdoor table allows you to enjoy the view of the ocean and the surrounding flowers.
Inside, the floors are polished kauri and original to its 1861 construction. They complement the duck egg blue panelled walls and vaulted ceiling. The living space is attractively styled with two sofas, a coffee table and a four-seat dining room table.
The desk comes in handy for a spot of pre-breakfast work, or when I’m working past bedtime. A super king bed has been made into two twin beds for Mum and I and we can watch the 50-inch TV propped up on our pillows.
A kitchenette in the corner has a mini fridge, toaster and microwave, while the bathroom is modern with a step up into the shower. I’m careful not to slip on the wooden step as I hop in.
The amenities
The kitchen has tea, coffee and biscuits for us to enjoy during our stay.
The lowlight
There are no cooking facilities except for a microwave.
The highlight
The uniqueness of the room and staying in an historic building.
Worth staying in for
Enjoying the view on the courtyard, sitting at the table under the old oak tree, with a cheese platter picked up from the local Four Square.
Worth stepping out for
The Mangōnui Heritage Trail is a three-kilometre walking trail that provides a glimpse into the history of the village. Eat out at Jesse’s on the Waterfront while looking out at the harbour views. Otherwise, walk a bit further to Remarkable Cafe and Seafood Restaurant any time of day.
Coopers Beach is a four-minute drive away for swimming. Cable Bay is a minute further. The hotel is also a great place to base yourself for a trip to Cape Reinga - a 90-minute drive away.
The verdict
A top-notch quiet stay on the road north.
The essentials
The Old Oak Boutique Hotel is at 66 Waterfront Drive, Mangōnui. The Kōtare suite requires a two-night minimum stay and is priced from $395 per night. Other rooms start at $250 per night. See: theoldoak.co.nz
The writer was hosted by Northland Inc.