The Whangamomona Hotel was re-built in 1911, after fire destroyed the first hotel built in 1903. As with many iconic buildings, this has had its share of stories, none more so than when in 1982, Malcom Austin took over the hotel. The hotel had been fully neglected for over 70 years, and he gave the grand old building a serious upgrade with modern building products, including gib board and insulation.
It has changed from a hotel to tavern and back to a hotel. Smoking in the building has come and gone, and today we have a very clean hotel that is being modernised, whilst retaining its character and authenticity.