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18 Somerville Rd, Tirau
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Hotel History

Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel has the distinction of being one of New Zealand's most historic hotels still in existence. The Hotel was operational in 1889.

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Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, operational since 1889, is one of New Zealand’s most historic hotels.

Once a stopover for travelers en route to Rotorua and Taupo, it now represents New Zealand’s traditional “Kiwiana” style, which is fading due to globalization. The name Okoroire is derived from the extinct duck species Koroire, once abundant in the area.

The medicinal hot springs have long been used by the Ngati Raukawa people, with European interest beginning in the 1880s. The hotel, completed in 1889, was initially overseen by Mrs. Isaacs, who also helped develop the hotel’s grounds. The site is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and healing properties, attracting visitors seeking therapeutic benefits.

The hotel became a popular resort for officials and tourists, praised by the Governor and high-ranking figures of the time. The grounds include a hot spring-fed bath and a scenic view of surrounding landscapes, making it a desirable health retreat. Plans for expanding the area with roads and additional tourist infrastructure were underway, with contributions from local businesses and the Piako County Council. The hotel’s central location promises increased future tourist traffic, with the potential to become a popular stopover for visitors traveling between Auckland, Rotorua, and Taupo.

History

Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, operational since 1889, is one of New Zealand’s most historic hotels.

Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel has the distinction of being one of New Zealands most historic hotels still in existence. The Hotel was operational in 1889. Tourists and travelers would arrive by train and coach from Auckland, relax for a few days and then continue onwards to Rotorua and Taupo. Today, the hotel is renowned as one of the prime examples of ‘Kiwiana’, symbolising a New Zealand tradition and style that is rapidly being swallowed and washed away by the onslaught of globalisation.
We embrace, celebrate and cherish the history of our hotel, so that you can enjoy a unique experience when you stay with us. Okoroire as a meaning refers to the place of Koroire – an extinct duck which was once plentiful in the region according to Reeds dictionary of Maori place names. The Tirau post office was opened in 1881 and named Okoroiri. In 1884 it became Okoroire until 1890 when it became Oxford North and finally in 1895…. Tirau, which it remains now. In 1909 a Post Office at Rangipai was opened. It became Okoroire in 1913 when the then post office at the Springs became Okoroire Springs. When the Post Office at the Springs changed back to Okoroire in 1915 the one at Rangipai became Okoroire Railway and was closed in 1932. An Okoroire school was established in 1896 near the Glade service station and in 1908 moved to its present site and renamed Tapapa. The present Rangipai school was previously Okoroire railway.
The Hot Springs at Okoroire were known for medicinal and healing properties and enjoyed by the Ngati Raukawa people and earlier inhabitants of the area. It is claimed by some that Mahini a Rangi gave birth to her son Raukawa here on her journey with her retinue from her home at Kahotea Pa Heretaunga to join her husband Turongo and his people at Kawhia. This is estimated to have been during the period between 1580-1600. An alternative name for the springs is Wai o Turongo.
The springs began to attract European attention about 1883 when the road from Tirau to Rotorua was completed. A Mr Geoffrey McLean erected a shelter over them and parties using the Tirau hotel as a base could cross the river by a swing bridge of the Waihou River on the Somerville and Allen properties. They were able to hire tents and camping equipment from the hotel. By the late 1800’s L.D Nathan and Co had acquired the hotel property of 76 acres.
The hotel was completed during the summer of 1888-1889 at a cost estimated of 2000 pounds. Mrs Isaacs became the first licencee in June 1889 and supervised the building of 4 baths while also said to have been responsible for planting the avenue of plane trees on the path to what is now the hotel. It is probable that they were also responsible for the planning and supervision of the planting and laying out of the hotels extensive grounds.
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