Proudly Local, Right by the Harbour

John Webster sold his Opononi property, including a gum store that was later transformed into a two-storey hotel by Alfred Sprye Andrewes.

Perched on the edge of the Hokianga Harbour, the hotel quickly became a local gathering place for whalers, traders, and settlers moving through the Far North.

The hotel was managed by Lieutenant Colonel David Barnett, who brought a sense of order and refinement to the remote coastal retreat.

Under his management, the hotel continued to serve as an important waypoint for travellers, while retaining its rugged charm and deep local connections.

A wild dolphin affectionately named Opo began swimming near the Opononi shore, famously playing with locals and visitors.

Opononi Hotel was at the centre of this unexpected tourism boom, accommodating curious visitors, journalists, and families drawn to the spectacle.

Opo became a national treasure, and the hotel became part of that story.

Disaster struck when a fire tore through the hotel and nearby store, destroying the original building.

Though devastating, the fire sparked a new chapter in the hotel’s history, with plans to rebuild and restore its place as a centrepiece of the Opononi community.

After more than 70 years of continuous ownership, the Andrewes family sold the hotel to Mr A.E. Harris of Russell. The change brought new energy and direction, while preserving the legacy and reputation that had made the hotel a Hokianga icon.

Opononi Hotel continues to welcome guests with the same relaxed hospitality it’s known for.

With sea-view rooms, a lively bar and restaurant, and a deep connection to the land and people of the Hokianga, it remains a place to unwind, connect, and experience a piece of Aotearoa’s coastal history.