Cardrona Hotel

Built in 1863 during a gold rush, the Cardrona is among New Zealand’s oldest hotels. It has passed through about as many hands as elusive flecks of gold headed downstream, and yet the hotel still bears its original facade—even though the town it served has all but vanished.

Cardrona was established in the 1860s, when many flocked to the area based on rumors of gold in the hills. A prosperous settlement developed, necessitating accommodation for those passing through with dreams of striking it rich. The Cardrona provided beds and livery services into the 1890s, though its success faded when the gold boom crashed. By the end of the century, any sound buildings were transported to a nearby township. Only the Cardrona stayed put, along with two stores, another hotel, and a lone blacksmith.

In 1926, a man named Jimmy Patterson purchased the hotel and ran it for over thirty years until his death at ninety-one years young. Without Jimmy, the hotel closed, but a succession of local characters took a crack at reopening it. One was a recluse who wanted to ensure it wouldn’t be transformed by some outsider. Others included a farmer concerned about preserving its history and a couple who actually worked to restore the all but-derelict landmark. Four more owners followed—but who’s counting.

Today, the Cardrona is owned by two friends who dropped by on a road trip in 2012 and were so taken by the hotel’s rustic charm that they bought it the following year. They’ve improved the bar and restaurant, added a beer garden, and have lovingly maintained the grounds—keeping this shiny nugget of Kiwi history sparkling.

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