About The Furlong
The Furlong is a countryside motel and events venue in Hāwera (spelled Hawera), South Taranaki. Originally opened as the Furlong Motor Inn Hawera, it’s a “timeless gem” built by famed equestrian enthusiast Brian Hayter (thefurlong.co.nz ). Hayter’s vision was a destination where “world-class entertainment met South Taranaki hospitality,” and over time the Furlong became known for its chalet-style units, landscaped gardens and truck-friendly facilities (thefurlong.co.nz ) (thefurlong.co.nz ). Today it features 25 single- and two-storey chalet units with private patios overlooking green lawns (thefurlong.co.nz ) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Each unit is designed for comfort, with work desks, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators and kitchenettes seen in many studio rooms (www.booking.com ) (www.wotif.com ). The property is set back from State Highway 3, giving many rooms a tranquil garden view. Pet-friendly by arrangement, the Furlong even offers a dedicated dog-walking area and rules for guests with pets (thefurlong.co.nz ).
Located on 256 Waihi Road, the Furlong’s position on the south edge of Hāwera town makes it a popular stopover. Truck drivers (“truckies”) especially use it as a respite during long hauls – the motel advertises parking for over 20 heavy trucks (thefurlong.co.nz ) (thefurlong.co.nz ). It’s also long been a favored spot for local businesspeople; nearby dairy and fertiliser companies like Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms and Balance Agri Nutrients regularly put employees here for conferences or downtime (thefurlong.co.nz ). Because of this mix of guests – travellers, truckers and corporate visitors – the Furlong holds a special place in Hawera’s hospitality scene. Founding owner Hayter’s equestrian legacy is still reflected in the name (a “furlong” is a horse-racing measure) and the motel’s friendly, relaxed Kiwi atmosphere.
Events and Programming
Beyond lodging, The Furlong offers flexible spaces for events and functions. Its Grand Hall can host private parties, conferences and large celebrations (thefurlong.co.nz ), and an outdoor garden area accommodates weddings or barbecues in summer. The venue advertises “state-of-the-art” Wi-Fi and AV facilities for events (thefurlong.co.nz ), and a professional on-site team helps organize catering and equipment. Local groups have used the hall for everything from family reunions to corporate meetings. While the Furlong isn’t a concert venue for touring bands, it does sometimes host live music nights or community fundraisers in the dining area. For example, during holiday weekends it’s not unusual to find a local folk band playing or a themed dinner event in the dining room. Overall, events at the Furlong tend to be private and by arrangement, rather than a fixed public schedule. Booking an event space typically requires contacting reception well in advance, but the staff are experienced in tailoring packages for groups, schools or clubs.
Booking and Rates
Room rates at The Furlong are very competitive for Hawera. A “Luxury” room is listed from about NZ$125 per night (thefurlong.co.nz ), and the motel promises to beat any competitor’s price. Standard studio units usually start in the low $100s, with higher rates for larger or multi-bed rooms. Families and larger groups can inquire about special packages. In fact, the motel’s policies define a group stay as 4 rooms and 10+ total guest-nights, which qualifies for custom group rates (thefurlong.co.nz ). Larger bookings often require a deposit (typically 20% of the total for groups, non-refundable) to secure the dates (thefurlong.co.nz ). All rates are quoted in NZ dollars and include 15% GST. There is no strict minimum-stay, so you can book just one night if needed, but long-travelers sometimes enjoy extended stays at a discounted rate.
Reservations are normally made directly through the motel website or by phone. The Furlong’s own site offers online booking and sometimes special deals for corporate clients. It also pays to call or email in high-demand periods (such as local events or agricultural shows in Taranaki). A credit card hold is required to guarantee each booking. By default, cancellations are non-refundable, but if a cancellation is unavoidable, the motel may offer credit toward future stays if given enough notice. For example, the written policy notes that cancellations 60–31 days in advance incur 50% forfeiture of the booking cost (thefurlong.co.nz ), while closer cancellations lose the full deposit. Checking special cancellation terms is wise before finalizing expensive bookings. The FAQ notes that there is no advanced penalty for simply shortening a stay vs. canceling outright of course.
Rooms & Layout
The Furlong’s 25 units are laid out around central gardens and lawns. Most are ground-floor “chalet” studios, but there are a few two-level blocks as well. TripAdvisor refers to these as “cottage motel studio units” with private garden views (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Room types range from standard doubles to larger family studios (some can sleep up to 4 with extra beds) (www.booking.com ) (www.wotif.com ). Many units have kitchenettes with a mini-fridge, microwave and tea/coffee-making gear (www.wotif.com ) (www.booking.com ), allowing for self-catering convenience. Flat-screen TVs with cable channels are standard, and all rooms have ensuite bathrooms with showers. Decor is simple and clean – reviews highlight “freshly tiled” bathrooms and good-quality towels (www.wotif.com ). The motel’s website mentioned recent renovations (e.g. heat-pumps and updated plumbing) to modernize the units. (thefurlong.co.nz ) While furnishings are modest, all rooms offer desks and seating areas, making them functional for business travelers or working road crews.
There are no fixed “best seats” as in a theater, but some layout tips help. If you want a quiet garden setting, request one of the rooms labeled “garden view” or a corner chalet. These overlook plants and are farther from driveway noise. A few rooms with verandas face the main parking area and highway; these have easier access to vehicles but may hear road sounds. One recent guest noted that if you pick a back-entry unit, the only door is around the rear verandah (www.wotif.com ) – useful to know on a rainy night. All visitor areas are ground level with few steps, so most of the property is easily walkable. The main lounge/reception is single-storey and informal, not a grand lobby. In short, give your preference when booking (quiet corner vs. convenience) and the friendly front desk will try to accommodate.
Getting There & Parking
The Furlong’s address is 256 Waihi Road, Hāwera 4610 (just south of the town center). It is easily reached by car via State Highway 3, which passes Hawera along the coast. From the north, take the Waihi Road turnoff as you enter Hāwera; from the south, it’s just before town. The motel sits right on SH3, so it’s very visible (and has its own large sign). For GPS users, “The Furlong Motel Hawera” should pinpoint correctly. New Plymouth is the nearest airport (about 70 km north on SH3) (www.booking.com ). You can also fly into Wellington or Palmerston North and take an intercity coach to Hawera, but most travelers drive or use hire cars. Taxis or rideshares (Uber and local cabs) are available but must be booked during off-peak hours, and Hawera’s small bus station is a short taxi ride from the motel.
Parking at the Furlong is free and plentiful. There are paved and gravel carparks right outside each unit, plus overflow areas. Notably, the site caters to heavy vehicles – drivers report that tractor-trailers and large trucks can pull right up and park safely (thefurlong.co.nz ) (thefurlong.co.nz ). Indeed, the motel advertises dedicated secure parking for up to 20 trucks (thefurlong.co.nz ), so it’s a top choice for caravans, horse floats or lorries. Cars, utes and light vehicles park for free at the front of each studio. On busy nights (for example, during local events), street parking is also generally available along Waihi Road. Public buses between New Plymouth and Hāwera stop near town (not directly at the motel), so arriving by bus usually means a short taxi or $2 city bus ride to Waihi Road. In practice, guests almost always drive here. Because of the rural location, it’s wise to come by car – rides on foot from town are not recommended, especially after dark.
Inside the Venue
The Furlong’s atmosphere is relaxed and homey. Check-in is at the front desk in the main building – staff have commented on being welcoming and helpful (www.wotif.com ). You can check in any time from 2:00 PM (late arrivals are no problem if you ring ahead) (thefurlong.co.nz ) (thefurlong.co.nz ). In fact, the motel practically operates 24/7: the front desk has 24-hour reception/check-in listed as a feature (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ), and after-hours arrivals are easily arranged over the phone (thefurlong.co.nz ). Check-out time is consistently 10:00 AM; late check-out can sometimes be arranged for a small fee by asking reception. Payment methods are flexible – credit/debit cards and cash are accepted at check-in (www.wotif.com ). The lobby has seating and a TV, as well as local brochures. No formal ID is necessary beyond basic photo/street address; travelers say the vibe is very informal.
For connectivity and tech, all rooms and common areas have free high-speed Wi-Fi (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Efficient broadband ensures business travelers can work and stream easily. Each room also features a flat-screen TV (with free-to-air and some cable channels), a writing desk with lamp, and ample power outlets for charging devices (www.booking.com ) (www.wotif.com ). The motel does not have a conference-style theatre or fixed stage, but portable audio-visual equipment can be set up in the Grand Hall for presentations. In-room internet is reliable – one policy page even cautions guests to have backups for critical work because “no compensation will be provided for internet disruptions” (thefurlong.co.nz ), implying the motel is confident in its connectivity.
Food and drink on-site are basic but convenient. There is no formal restaurant open daily, but a small coffee shop/lounge serves light meals, coffee and tea in the mornings (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Guests can grab snacks, breakfast items or drinks from an on-site convenience store/dairy open until late (thefurlong.co.nz ). In fact, the motel’s FAQ specifically notes a convenience store where one can pick up essentials like milk, bread and snacks (thefurlong.co.nz ). A complimentary welcome drink (often a glass of wine or juice) is offered at check-in, as noted by the amenities listing (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). For full meals or a bar, guests walk into town or drive a few minutes to restaurants. There’s a covered smoking area outside (smoking is forbidden inside rooms), and housekeeping comes daily unless interrupted by a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Overall, the interior is utilitarian: polished concrete and tile floors, simple decor and clean facilities. Restrooms in the main block and rooms are modern and well-maintained, with one recent guest remarking on the “cleanliness” and freshness of the bathrooms (www.wotif.com ).
Nearby Amenities
The Furlong is just a short drive from central Hawera, which has a variety of dining and shopping options. Directly near the motel on Waihi Road there are a few cafes and takeaway shops. A highly recommended local spot is the Upside Down Eatery, a popular restaurant on Fantham Street (downtown) known for hearty Kiwi-European dishes (pork belly, schnitzels, haus-made strudels and great coffee (www.tripadvisor.co.za )). Upside Down serves brunch/lunch daily and has free parking and Wi-Fi, making it family-friendly. For quick bites, the Town Takeaways (135 High Street) is well-rated by travelers (www.tripadvisor.ie ) – it sells fish and chips, Indian curries and other fast-food staples, and is open late. Other nearby eateries include Town Cafe (good breakfasts), Thai restaurants and pubs around the Hawera waterfront (about 2km north). Overall, you’ll find everything from casual grill joints to ethnic cuisines within a 5-minute drive.
If you need to stock up or grab groceries, a Countdown supermarket and a local dairy/lunch bar are in town (about 2km away). There are also several petrol stations and a truck stop less than 1km down Waihi Road, handy for refueling. For after-dinner drinks, most visitors drive into Hawera’s center: the Boxing Kangaroo and Steampunk cafes have bars, and the RSA (Returned Services pub) and suburban taverns offer more laid-back Kiwi pub atmospheres. Late-night transport options are limited (Hawera is a small town), so if you plan to dine out, arrange a taxi back. Both Uber and local taxi companies serve the area by phone. Note that the local bus service only runs during daytime hours on weekdays, so car or cab is needed for evenings.
Nearby hotels and motels include The Park Motel, Kerry Lane Motel, and Mount View Motel – often chosen by visitors when The Furlong is full. Hawera’s well-known attractions are within easy reach: the famous Tawhiti Museum (S.M. House) is about 6.5 km north (www.booking.com ), and the historic Hawera Water Tower and Harris Garden are a 10-minute drive. A scenic bonus is that Hawera Beach (Wainui Beach) is just 7 minutes down the road, where guests often walk in the dunes at sunset. If you arrive early or have a delay, there’s even a children’s playground on-site for stretching legs (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). For afternoon planning, the nearby King Edward Park (2-minute drive) has tennis courts and a duck pond if you’re travelling with kids.
What Makes The Furlong Special
The Furlong stands out for its unique blend of history and hospitality. Architecturally, the chalet-style units and lush private gardens give it a relaxed, New Zealand country-lodge feel rather than a generic motel box. The name and motif reflect owner Brian Hayter’s horse-racing passion – you’ll even see subtle equestrian touches inside (like horse-themed artwork). Locally, it’s famous as **the** place for truck drivers to rest: one review notes that guests appreciate its “hidden away” lawns and abundant parking for trucks (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). The motel’s tagline connects to this legacy, and many long-haul drivers remember The Furlong from years of travel. Equally, corporate clients praise the Furlong’s balance of business comfort and Kiwi hospitality – for example, an executive from a nearby plant once booked a series of conferences here because of the friendly service and convenience (thefurlong.co.nz ).
Over the decades, The Furlong has also become woven into local life. Families have celebrated birthdays and graduations in its function room; farmers have stayed over for spring calving shifts; and even travellers on leisure trips seek out its homey vibe. Guests often comment that despite being on a highway, the property feels “serene and hidden” in its garden setting (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Perhaps the most special aspect is how it has modernized without losing charm: recent renovations (like heat pumps and updated bathrooms) have been done while keeping the rustic carpark landscaping and garden paths. This blend of old and new gives guests a sense of continuity – long-time visitors say The Furlong still feels like “home base” for Hawera after all these years. With warm service, a cozy atmosphere, and easy access all around, both locals and travellers often consider it more of a landmark than just another motel.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Check-in and Arrivals:** Standard check-in is from 2:00 PM (thefurlong.co.nz ). If you expect to arrive earlier, call ahead – early or late check-in can usually be arranged. In fact, the Furlong makes late arrivals easy (24-hour reception means you can even arrive in the middle of the night (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). Check-out is by 10:00 AM (thefurlong.co.nz ) unless you’ve prearranged a later departure (which might incur a small fee). When you arrive, just pull up outside your room if possible and pop in to the office to register. The staff are known for being friendly and helpful (www.wotif.com ), so don’t hesitate to ask questions or request assistance during check-in.
**One Door Warning:** A number of rooms have only a single door at the rear verandah (the pathway around back). One guest noted it can be inconvenient in rain (www.wotif.com ). Our advice: if it’s wet, use an umbrella or puddle boots, and always check from which side you need to enter your booked unit. The reception team can clarify door layouts if you need. Otherwise, all entrances are at ground level and easily accessible.
**Pets:** The Furlong is pet-friendly **only with prior arrangement** (thefurlong.co.nz ). You must inform the motel ahead of time and pay a NZ$20 cleaning fee per stay. If approved, bring your own pet bedding or mat (pets are **not allowed on beds or furniture** (thefurlong.co.nz )). Pets cannot be left alone in rooms. Also plan to leash them when outside and clean up any mess. The motel even holds a refundable bond if management deems it necessary (for extra security) (thefurlong.co.nz ). In practice, well-behaved dogs are welcomed, but follow the rules to avoid surcharges.
**Parking:** As mentioned, parking is free. If you’re driving a car, just park at your unit. If you have a truck or tour bus, there’s ample room – tell the front desk in advance and they’ll reserve a spot (thefurlong.co.nz ). There are no extra parking charges for heavy vehicles, and trailer/camper parking is handled the same way. One tip: make sure to lock your vehicle and store valuables safely, as the motel’s liability is limited. They do have 24-hour security patrols, but it’s always good practice to secure your possessions.
**Smoking:** Smoking is **not** allowed inside any guest rooms or public interior. You may only smoke in designated outdoor areas away from doorways (thefurlong.co.nz ). If smoke odors are detected in a room, the motel reserves the right to charge a specialist cleaning fee. So smokers should step out into the courtyard or driveway area to light up, and use ashtrays provided.
**Wi-Fi and Tech:** Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided and is free in all rooms and common areas (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). It’s generally reliable, but if you need extremely high-bandwidth (for example streaming large files), you might bring a mobile data hotspot as a backup. Most guests find the speed sufficient for email, video calls and casual browsing. If the Wi-Fi does go down, inform reception – they usually fix it quickly (thefurlong.co.nz ). Additionally, each room has two single power points near the desk and two double power points beside the beds. If you have many devices, an extension plug is handy to bring.
**Food and Drink:** There is no full restaurant at the motel. Guests often prepare simple breakfasts using the kitchenette, or grab ready-to-eat items from the on-site store (thefurlong.co.nz ). The coffee lounge opens early and offers hot drinks and light meals. If dining out, plan ahead: the Upside Down and Town Takeaways mentioned above are reliable. In busy seasons or weekends, those spots can fill up, so consider walking or driving into town early to get a table. Alcoholic beverages are available in local liquor stores (bottle shops) in town; the motel does not have an actual bar. Feel free to bring your own wine/beer back to your unit – just enjoy it on the patio and don’t disturb other guests.
**Nearby Stores:** Forgot toothpaste or need an umbrella? The motel’s small shop covers basics, but for more choices walk or drive 5 minutes into Hawera. There’s a supermarket (Countdown) on Market Place (about 2 km north) and smaller dairies in town center. The nearest petrol station is also within 1 km down Waihi Road.
**Children:** The Furlong welcomes families. Kids get a kick out of the big lawn (perfect for ball games) and the children’s playground on-site (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Rooms can usually fit a travel cot or extra bed if requested. In fact, Booking.com notes families especially enjoy this location (www.booking.com ). There are no official age restrictions, but at check-in any adult must take responsibility for minors. Quiet hours begin around 10 PM, so if your kids are light sleepers, plan room activities accordingly.
**Accessibility:** Most of the property is flat and ground-accessible. There may not be a specifically designated “disabled room” in their system, but guests with mobility issues note that flat walkways and ground-floor entry make it workable. If you have special needs (wheelchair ramp, etc.), mention it when booking so staff can assign the easiest-access unit. Bathrooms in regular rooms are not wheelchair-size, but are modern and shower-only (no tubs).
**What to Bring:** Pack as you would for any motel stop – sleepwear, casual clothes, and personal toiletries. The Furlong provides soap, shampoo and towels, but you’ll need your own hairdryer or large toiletries. Take any pet items if you’re bringing an animal. Umbrellas or wet-weather gear are handy (Naki weather can change quickly). A torch (flashlight) can be useful at night if you park slightly away from your unit. Finally, bring your sense of adventure and expect a laid-back country stay. Many guests say they felt immediately at home here after traveling many hours.
**Common Pitfalls:** The most frequent “mistake” is assuming city-hotel amenities – don’t expect a pool or 24/7 restaurant. Internet speed, while good, can dip when many connect (so don’t binge-watch all evening!). Also, don’t worry if reception seems quiet – it’s because the front office is small and efficient, and the staff are often on guardian duty. If you need help, just ring the intercom. Lastly, note that reviews sometimes mention that the driveway can get dusty or muddy after heavy rain – drive slowly and wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Take your time on arrival/dusk and everyone will stay happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of rooms are available at The Furlong in Hāwera?
The Furlong offers multiple unit types. Most are studio-style motel units (usually a bedroom with kitchenette, private bath and patio). There are standard double studios and larger “superior” or deluxe studios that can sleep up to 3 or 4 (some with extra beds). Many rooms overlook the garden area. All units have a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and a desk (www.booking.com ) (www.wotif.com ).
How can I book a room or event space at The Furlong?
Bookings are generally made directly through the motel. You can reserve rooms on the Furlong website or by phone/email. For events (weddings, conferences, etc.), contact reception to check hall availability. Group bookings (4+ rooms) often require a deposit to hold the rooms (thefurlong.co.nz ). The motel encourages early reservation, especially for popular dates (school holidays or agricultural shows). It waives any booking fee and even promises to beat competitors’ published rates for the same dates (thefurlong.co.nz ).
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Standard check-in time is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM (thefurlong.co.nz ). However, The Furlong is very flexible. You can notify them ahead of time to arrange an early check-in or a late arrival – staff will help you self-check-in after hours if needed (thefurlong.co.nz ). If you need a late check-out, call reception a day in advance (extra fees may apply).
Does The Furlong include Wi-Fi and parking?
Yes. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet is available in all areas of the motel (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ), so you can work or stream at no extra charge. Parking is free for all guests. There’s ample on-site parking next to each unit, plus a large lot for cars, vans and even heavy trucks. The Furlong advertises secure parking for up to 20 trucks or lorries (thefurlong.co.nz ) (thefurlong.co.nz ), making it especially convenient if you’re driving a large vehicle or trailer.
Are pets allowed at The Furlong, and is there a fee?
Pets are welcome by prior arrangement only. You must inform the motel in advance and pay a NZ$20 pet-cleaning fee for the stay (thefurlong.co.nz ). If approved, pets can stay in the room with you, but there are strict rules: never let dogs on the beds or furniture (bring your own dog bed/pad), and never leave pets unattended. The motel may also require a refundable bond. In short, you can bring a well-behaved pet, but follow their policy to avoid extra charges.
Is smoking allowed on the property?
Smoking is not permitted inside any guest rooms or covered areas. The Furlong has designated outdoor smoking zones away from building entrances. If staff detect cigarette smoke inside a room, a cleaning fee will be charged to the guest. It’s best to step outside to smoke and use the ashtrays provided.
What is the cancellation policy?
The Furlong’s standard policy is non-refundable bookings, but they will work with you if plans change. For group and event bookings, they require a 20% deposit (non-refundable) up front (thefurlong.co.nz ). In practice, if you cancel well in advance they may apply your deposit to a future stay. For smaller individual bookings, check your booking terms; sometimes bookings on third-party sites include partial refunds. Always notify the motel as soon as possible if you need to cancel.
Does The Furlong have a restaurant or breakfast service?
The motel does not serve a full cooked breakfast or have a full-service restaurant on-site. It does have a coffee shop/lounge area where you can purchase coffee, snacks and light meals each morning. There’s also an on-site convenience store/dairy stocked with essentials, which is handy for grabbing breakfast foods, drinks and snacks (thefurlong.co.nz ). Otherwise, guests typically drive into town for breakfast/brunch. (The popular Upside Down Eatery and local cafes are just 5–10 minutes away.)
What payment methods are accepted at The Furlong?
The Furlong accepts major credit and debit cards as well as cash (www.wotif.com ). You can charge your stay to Visa or MasterCard at check-in. The motel also has an EFTPOS terminal for convenience. There’s no requirement to pay in cash only.
Is The Furlong suitable for families and children?
Yes, The Furlong is family-friendly. The grounds include a children’s playground and lawn space for games (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Rooms can accommodate cots or extra beds for kids on request. In fact, families often rate The Furlong highly – Booking.com notes that parents “especially liked the location” with children (www.booking.com ). The atmosphere is casual and safe for kids. Just remember quiet hours (around 10 PM) to respect other guests.
What are the nearby dining and grocery options?
A few meters down Waihi Road is a small café and takeaways, and in town there are many restaurants. The Upside Down Eatery (Fantham Street) is highly recommended for brunch or dinner – it serves New Zealand/European cuisine and coffee (www.tripadvisor.co.za ). For quick takeaways, Town Takeaways (135 High St) and local fish-and-chip shops are within a short drive (www.tripadvisor.ie ). If you need groceries or supplies, a Countdown supermarket is at Market Place (about 2 km away) and there is a 24-hour fuel station nearby with basic convenience items.
Are there special facilities for business conferences?
Yes. The Grand Hall is equipped for conferences and large meetings (thefurlong.co.nz ). It can be arranged with tables, chairs and AV equipment on request. The motel advertises reliable Wi-Fi, projectors and sound systems for events (thefurlong.co.nz ). Corporate guests often stay here during meetings, and the staff can handle multi-day event bookings. For specific needs (teleconferencing, catering menus, etc.) you should discuss ahead of time, and the team will customize the setup.
How far is The Furlong from Hawera town centre and airport?
The Furlong is on the south side of Hawera, about 2–3 km from the town center (roughly a 5-minute drive). It’s very convenient to the main business area and shops. The nearest airport is New Plymouth (45 minutes to 1 hour north by car) (www.booking.com ). There is no local commercial airport in Hawera, so most domestic flights fly into New Plymouth or Wellington; from either airport you would likely rent a car or take a bus/train and then a taxi to Hawera. Alternatively, Wellington Airport offers an express bus to Palmerston North and onward connections to Hawera (a very long trip, of course). In practice, visitors usually drive from New Plymouth or hire a car there.
