Events at Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, Okoroire

About Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel

The Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is a historic country-pub style resort dating back to 1889, making it one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels still in operation (okohotel.co.nz) (okohotel.co.nz). Set on over 70 acres of bushland along the Waihou River, the property blends old-world “Kiwiana” charm with natural hot springs. Its name comes from the Māori word for the once-abundant native duck “Koroīre” (okohotel.co.nz). Originally built to serve travellers heading to Rotorua and Taupō, early visitors came by train and stagecoach to soak in the thermal pools and sleep overnight (okohotel.co.nz). Today it retains much of its heritage ambience and timber construction, complete with a large verandah and open fires in the lounge and dining rooms (www.tripadvisor.com) (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). The hotel and its grounds (including an on-site nine-hole golf course) are listed with New Zealand’s Heritage Association (okohotel.co.nz). Generations of New Zealanders have enjoyed its warm hospitality – even future Prime Minister Robert Muldoon honeymooned there in 1951 (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com) – and locals consider it “a massively iconic” gathering place (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com).

The property’s most famous feature is the Okoroire Hot Springs: three natural thermal pools in a green forest setting. The pools range around 37–38 °C and have sand bottoms (okohotel.co.nz). Open daily from 9am to 9pm, the springs have drawn visitors for healing and relaxation since at least the 16th century, when local history says a Maori princess once gave birth by the springs (okohotel.co.nz). The springs are sheltered by native bush and fringed with an original avenue of plane trees planted in 1889 (okohotel.co.nz) (okohotel.co.nz). For over 130 years visitors have come to “relax and unwind” in these thermal waters (okohotel.co.nz) (okohotel.co.nz).

Today the hotel operates as a 4-star country retreat. There are 21 guest rooms ranging from heritage-style doubles and twins in the main building to larger chalets with spa baths and kitchenettes (restreserve.com) (restreserve.com). The main pub and restaurant areas are constructed of polished native timber and furnished in a rustic-elegant style. Guests often note the “fireside lounge and dining room” atmosphere as feeling “like stepping back in time” (www.tripadvisor.com). The casual bar/lounge has ample seating and even a vintage jukebox (www.tripadvisor.com), while the large hardwood deck overlooks the river and springs (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). Throughout the grounds there are lawns, a conference room and outdoor spaces for events, as well as a golf course and walking trails for guests. Significant features include the natural serenity of the bush, the historic interiors, and the unique “Okoroire ham” (pineapple-topped ham steak) once made famous on the menu (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). Free parking is available on site (www.tripadvisor.com), and the hotel’s friendly local character – sometimes described by regulars as “the greatest little place” – makes it a beloved spot in the Waikato region (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com).

Events and Programming

Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is more than just a stay – it hosts a variety of gatherings throughout the year. While it isn’t primarily a concert hall, the venue has occasionally featured live music nights and festivals. In recent years it has held tribute concerts (for example, “Landslide – The Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show” in 2017) and touring acts (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Local folk and rock bands or duos have performed in the pub/lounge, and community events like fundraisers or seasonal parties pop up on weekends. The hotel notably sponsors an annual “Okoroire Mid Winter Fun Ride” cycling event each July, with riders starting and ending at the hotel (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Other past events have included a blues outdoor concert “Beat the Winter Blues” (2019) and even cultural activities like dumpling-making workshops (www.eventfinda.co.nz). That said, scheduled public shows are relatively rare and tend to be one-off events; the hotel’s focus is on private functions and conference bookings.

Many events at Okoroire are private functions. The site is a popular country wedding and party venue. According to hotel information, it can cater for events ranging from small intimate dinners (even 2 guests) up to 150 guests (okohotel.co.nz). Wedding ceremonies and receptions are common (with buffet menus offered for groups of 30 or more) (okohotel.co.nz). Corporate retreats and training meetings also book the property, which offers meeting rooms and audio-visual support. For example, a business group might hold a gala dinner in the dining room and a morning golf clinic on the course. The hotel coordinates event logistics on request, from catering to arranging hot-spring experiences for guests.

Public events, when announced, are typically advertised locally or via the hotel’s sales channels. There is no central box office – ticketing if required tends to be handled by event organizers or via local ticketing sites. Guests interested in live events should check the hotel’s noticeboard, community listings or contact the hotel directly. Because of the rural location and past licensing issues (notably a temporary liquor ban in 2020), large parties have been restricted occasionally. However, since early 2021 the hotel has been fully open again (with normal limited hours) and welcoming visitors both to soak in the springs and join any special events on the calendar.

Tickets and Booking

Since Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel functions primarily as accommodation and a conference/wedding venue, “tickets” normally refer to room reservations or event bookings rather than concert tickets. Guests can book accommodations or private functions directly through the hotel’s reservation line or website. Room rates vary by season and type; standard heritage-style rooms typically start from around NZ$130–150 per night (based on midweek rates seen on booking sites) (www.kayak.com). Package deals or off-season discounts are common. Hotel guests automatically get complementary access to the hot pools. Public day visitors can also pay at reception to use the springs (entry included with camping or wagon-site bookings on the Big 4 campground) (okohotel.co.nz).

For events such as weddings or conferences, booking is by arrangement. Couples planning a wedding should contact the events team well in advance; the hotel offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Planners should note the property’s layout and contracts – for example, buffet menus are available for groups of 30 or more (okohotel.co.nz). The hotel advises “bookings are essential” for dinner and function menus (okohotel.co.nz). For dining, guests should reserve tables especially on weekends or holidays. Daily meal services run on a set schedule: breakfast is served from 8am to 10am (choice of continental or full cooked) (okohotel.co.nz), lunch from 11am (with an all-day menu) (okohotel.co.nz), and dinner from 5pm nightly (okohotel.co.nz). As with many country pubs, casual walk-ins for meals can be accommodated when space allows, but large parties or group menus should be arranged ahead.

The hotel does not have a traditional “box office” for public events. When live shows or special evening performances do occur, any tickets or cover charges are usually handled by the event promoters themselves. Visitors should ask locally or check community event listings if a public gig is planned. In general, though, the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel’s booking focus is on lodging and private/events. Guests are encouraged to book early during busy periods (summer weekends, long weekends) to secure rooms or dining slots. Check-in time is 2pm (14:00) with checkout by 10am (restreserve.com). The reception desk stays open until late evening so arrivals can often get settled at night.

Seating and Layout

The main historic building has two floors. The ground floor contains the pub/bar, dining rooms and common areas; upstairs are most of the guest rooms. In total there are 21 rooms (restreserve.com). Inside, seating is primarily in the bar/lounge and restaurant. The lounge area features comfy couches and chairs around an open fireplace, giving a relaxing pub atmosphere (www.tripadvisor.com). The indoor dining room has tables and chairs for restaurant and event meals. Because of the country style décor, there isn’t a fixed theater-style seating – tables may be arranged cabaret- or banquet-style for weddings or meetings. An adjacent conservatory or verandah seating area overlooks the grounds and river in fine weather.

Some guests particularly love the semi-outdoor deck at the rear of the hotel. It’s a large wooden platform overlooking the natural surroundings, and offers exposed-air seating for drinks or lunch on sunny days (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). Private events sometimes spread out onto the lawn beside the pools or golf course. Overall capacity for event seating is advertised up to around 150 people (okohotel.co.nz), so for indoor dinners or conferences the venue can set up multiple tables accordingly. For an intimate bar show (rock band or acoustic act), seating is casual and patrons often stand or sit near the stage area (if one is set up), although details vary per event.

Visibility and acoustics are straightforward: the pub has a modest sound system for announcements, but it’s primarily unamplified conversation space. There are no tiers or balconies – all seating is on one level (bar and restaurant floor). Some corners and the bar area itself are better for people-watching and atmosphere, while seats nearer the fireplace give a cozier dining experience. When events do occur, people tend to cluster near the performance spot, but as a small rural venue there aren’t rigid reserved or VIP sections. In general, any table in the dining room or lounge will have a clear view of what’s happening. Because the building is old, note that the floors can creak and some rooms have low ceilings and slanted walls; this adds to the charm but may be a consideration for very tall guests.

Getting There and Parking

The hotel is located at 18 Somerville Road, RD2, Tirau 3485, in the South Waikato District (www.tripadvisor.com). This is a quiet rural address about 3–4 km north of the township of Tirau. The primary access is by car: take State Highway 5 through Tirau, turn north onto Somerville Road and follow it to the hotel driveway. GPS navigation will recognize “Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel” or the coordinate on Somerville Rd. Public transport is very limited – there is no direct train and only regional buses to Tirau. The nearest shuttle stop is in Tirau, from which you would need a taxi or rideshare for the last few minutes to Okoroire. For visitors driving in from out of town: Hamilton is roughly a one-hour drive, Rotorua also about an hour, and Auckland around two hours away (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). The hotel’s setting is secluded enough that most guests arrive by private car or tour bus.

Ample free parking is available on site (www.tripadvisor.com). The large car park at the front can accommodate dozens of cars – the old owners even noted that on busy weekends up to 600 motorcyclists would park here during country rallies (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). The car park surface is gravel/grass, suitable for cars, vans or RVs. Larger coaches can turn around in the open area easily. There are no covered parking structures (cars are left outdoors). Ride-share drop-offs or taxis can use the main entrance. There is some lighting in the parking area for evening events, but the site is otherwise a rural landscape. If arriving after dark, watch for the stone drive and sign marking Okoroire on the roadside.

Other transit tips: there are no nearby traffic lights or public parking lots – the hotel’s lot is the best option. Use local NZ terminology if you ask for directions (“car park” rather than parking lot, “back road” if needed). The location sits beside the Waihou River, with the forested Tongariro Range visible on clear days to the east. No ferry or boat routes serve this inland spot. For those not driving, the best approach is to reach Tirau by bus (for example the #32 Tokoroa Connector bus stops in Tirau) and then arrange a taxi the rest of the way. But most travelers will find it easiest to rent a car from Hamilton or Rotorua and drive along SH5, enjoying the rural Waikato scenery en route.

Inside the Venue

Upon entering the hotel, visitors experience a rustic country-pub atmosphere. The main lobby opens into a communal lounge lined with native-wood paneling and an old stone fireplace. Comfortable leather chairs and couches circle the hearth, where guests often gather in cooler weather. Nearby stands the bar counter, offering a range of local beers, wines and spirits. Old photographs and memorabilia decorate the walls, reinforcing the heritage feel. Customers here report a friendly, laid-back vibe – staff may not always rush to hustle you out, reflecting the rural pace of life. As one long-time customer put it, the hotel has “always been a good atmosphere” (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com).

The dining room is behind the lounge. It has wooden floors and an open beamed ceiling, with plenty of table seating. During breakfast hours, guests enjoy cooked or continental buffet meals (at a modest charge of about NZ$17 if not included) (restreserve.com). Lunch and dinner menus feature classic pub fare and local specialties prepared in-house – think steaks (including that famous pineapple-topped “Okoroire ham”), fish and chips, hearty stews, and seasonal dishes crafted by the chef (okohotel.co.nz). There is also a small cafe corner for morning coffee and tea. A kid-friendly menus is offered, and children often play in a side area or at the shared TV lounge in the evenings (restreserve.com). In summer, the dining experience extends outdoors: an adjacent patio area (outdoor café) provides seating with views of the gardens and hot pools (www.tripadvisor.com). On sunny mornings and balmy evenings, many visitors choose to sit outside around the outdoor fireplace or at picnic tables.

Food and beverage service is straightforward. Expect standard entry procedures (no formal security checks are done). There’s usually no dress code – casual attire is fine, although many patrons dress neatly for dinner. Inside you’ll find free Wi-Fi throughout the building (www.tripadvisor.com), and mobile phone coverage from New Zealand carriers is generally available though occasionally patchy in the thick bush. Power sockets are by each table/room if you need to recharge devices. The hotel lobby offers ATMs or a small shop (often called the dairy in NZ) in Tirau is 5 minutes away if you need cash or snacks. The public bar permits card or cash.

For relaxation, the famous hot springs are steps from the building. While not literally “inside,” they are integrated with the hotel experience. Towels can be borrowed at reception, and there are changing rooms and showers by the pools. Three outdoor pools at different depths allow multiple groups to use them together. Poolside benches and lawns are available for sunbathing. Staff typically check water cleanliness daily, and caution that the pools close weekly for cleaning (often early morning) (okohotel.co.nz). So, if you’re driving a long distance specifically to bathe, it’s best to call ahead to confirm the springs are refilled and running that day (okohotel.co.nz). Aside from the pools, the hotel’s leisure amenities – such as spa treatments, sauna and massage rooms in a separate building, a fitness gym, and recreational activities – mean there’s often something to do on site when you’re not out exploring (restreserve.com). Guests also mention the simple pleasures like the resident billy goat roaming the lawn, the sound of native birds in the morning, and the collection of eclectic old license plates and vintage signs decorating the waiting area – all adding to the quirky, welcoming style of the place.

Nearby Amenities

Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is fairly isolated on its own property, but the small village of Tirau is just down Somerville Road (about a 5–10 minute drive). Tirau is famous for its corrugated iron “toy town” sculptures and roofed church, and it has a handful of dining and shopping spots. Nearby eateries include the Oxford Cafe and The Hive Cafe (an ice-cream and coffee shop) just a few minutes away (www.tripadvisor.com.ph). The Oxford Royal Hotel (often just called the Oxford Steak House) is in Tirau and serves hearty Kiwi pub meals – it’s known in guidebooks and was even suggested by Tripadvisor reviewers as a place to eat nearby (www.tripadvisor.com) (www.tripadvisor.com.ph). A local dairy (convenience store) and fish-and-chip shop are in the small town centre, and there’s a petrol station with snacks. For more variety, a larger town, Putaruru, is about 15 km southwest, with fast-food outlets and supermarkets.

If you’re sightseeing in the area, a few attractions are within easy reach. The world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set is roughly a 20–25 minute drive from Okoroire Hotel – well worth a visit if time permits (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). The Waikato River Trails (scenic walking and biking paths) start about 15 minutes away along the river (www.tripadvisor.co.nz), and the Rotorua geothermal region is about an hour’s drive north. Closer to Tirau, you can pop by the quirky dog and sheep corrugated-metal buildings (a well-known local photo stop) which are literally around the corner from the hotel (www.tripadvisor.com). Other nearby golf courses include Tirau Golf Club, Putaruru Golf Club and Kawhia Farms Golf just a short drive away. In downtown Tirau, aside from food and shops, you’ll find a museum of small-town memorabilia and the landmark sheep and dog corrugated art. There are no major malls or theatres nearby – the area’s attractions are mainly nature-based and local culture.

For nightlife, the hotel bar is the only after-dark gathering spot in Okoroire itself. Tirau does not have late-night clubs, but the hotel often runs karaoke nights or quiz nights for guests and locals. Late-evening eats beyond the hotel are basically limited to takeaway food in Tirau (the “Takeaway Kitchen” in Tirau village) or 24-hour petrol station snacks. If you miss dinner, note that the hotel kitchen typically closes after dinner service (around 8–9pm). Some visitors recommend scheduling dinner at Okoroire or stock up on snacks in Tirau earlier, since other choices close by early.

What Makes This Venue Special

Several features make Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel stand out. First and foremost is its history and setting. Being one of NZ’s most historic hotels (established 1889) in an intact country environment gives it a unique heritage character (okohotel.co.nz) (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). The architecture and décor celebrate New Zealand pioneer style – native wood, old plaster walls, vintage furnishings – which many visitors appreciate as rare nowadays. The surrounding natural beauty is another draw: the geothermal springs, fringed by forest and flanked by the rolling green hills, create a serene oasis. Guests often cherish soaking in the misty pools under a canopy of trees or gazing at fireflies by a lantern-lit poolside at night. It’s not a theme-park resort but an authentic slice of rural Kiwi life.

Culturally, Okoroire serves as a central hub for its tiny community. Locals say “there is nowhere else to go” in Okoroire – no pub, no hall, no gas station besides this place (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). That makes it an important social anchor. Many regulars remember playing pool here as kids or celebrating family events over generations. The venue’s ability to host weddings, rugby après-parties, golf tournaments or even funerals ties it into local life. Its legendary moments add to the lore: besides political notables like the Muldoon honeymoon, the hotel was once the scene of (in)famous antics – for example, a widely-publicized striptease incident involving rugby players at the springs in 2016 – which reflects its down-to-earth, sometimes wild character. (While not everyday fodder, these stories have given the Oko a bit of a mythic status among Kiwis.)

Architecturally, one can find unique details: for example, the century-old avenue of plane trees leading from the building down to the springs was reportedly planted by the first licensee in 1889 (okohotel.co.nz). The well-worn wooden bar and billiard table carry scratch marks from decades of use. It’s furnished and ornamented as it would have been in the 1920s or 1950s – complete with old license plates on the walls and a sometimes squawking cockatiel in the lounge (as one story goes) – which delights nostalgia buffs. Even small meals can become special; the hotel’s signature ham steak with pineapple and other “olde world” menu items are part of the attraction. For visitors, it feels like stepping back into a simpler New Zealand era, which is increasingly rare and treasured.

Another special aspect is the genuine hospitality and stories behind the place. Staff and local patrons tend to look after newcomers and share anecdotes. Long-term employees speak of the “ghost” of Mrs. Taylor (a mid-century owner) still watching from the old parlour. The continuous family ownership (until 2014) and the passion of some long-time customers (who once threatened to buy the place to save it) add layers of continuity. Even the new owners tout the hotel’s heritage and community role in interviews, showing that its identity remains rooted in local pride (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com). For both artists and patrons, coming here feels like joining a family tradition – the music might be country, blues or rockabilly, the speaking accents kiwi and Scottish, but everyone is welcome to share the fireside.

Finally, the juxtaposition of rural quiet with memorable social moments makes Okoroire unique. It’s as much a retreat as a party. One guest said that 99 out of 100 times it’s “just the greatest little place” (ec2-13-236-67-96.ap-southeast-2.compute.amazonaws.com) – catching sunsets over the pools or swapping tall tales at the bar. The lack of neon city entertainment means you come here for people and place rather than production values. In 2024–25 terms, it’s a niche experience: part country pub, part heritage museum, part wellness spa. That blend – the genuine warmth of locals and the novelty of an open-air thermal spa – is what keeps travelers coming back for a truly New Zealand experience.

Visitor Tips and Information

Always bring swimwear and towels: Even if you’re here primarily for dinner or a night’s sleep, don’t miss the hot springs. Pack a swimsuit and an extra towel for a moonlit soak on cool evenings. The pools are open daily 9 am–9 pm (okohotel.co.nz), but remember they close weekly for cleaning (usually one morning a week). The hotel strongly suggests ringing ahead if you’re making a special trip just for the springs, to ensure they’ve reopened that day (okohotel.co.nz).

Book meals and rooms early: The dining room gets busy on weekends and holidays, so reservations are recommended for dinner. Breakfast is an optional buffet (about NZ$17 per person if not already included with your room) (restreserve.com) – if you want breakfast, it’s wise to pre-pay it at check-in. All-day menu items serve lunch and dinner, and for large groups (30+ people) buffet options are offered (okohotel.co.nz). Check-in is from 2 pm and checkout by 10 am (restreserve.com). If you have late travel, note the reception locks up around midnight, although staff will still assist late check-ins if arranged. The hotel has free **high-speed Wi-Fi** (www.tripadvisor.com), but the signal can be patchy in corners of the old building. (Bring any needed media on your device just in case.)

Car travel is easiest: There is no subway or train to Okoroire – the nearest bus stop is in Tirau and even that requires a 5-minute cab/Uber ride along rural roads. Driving is by far the most practical way to get here. Fuel up in Tirau or Putaruru (the last petrol stations on the route) before arrival – the region beyond Okoroire is mostly farmland and forest. If you rely on rideshares, note that cell reception is usually fine and Ubers/taxis can find you by the address, but fares from Matamata or Rotorua will be fairly high. Parking is free and plentiful (www.tripadvisor.com), so renting a car or bike is ideal for accessing this spot and exploring nearby areas.

Check weather and dress in layers: This is a rural hill country climate. Daytime summers can be warm, but nights get chilly. The indoor bar area can be drafty near the entrance – a light jacket is helpful even in summer nights (and definitely a warm robe if you plan a late-night swim in the cooler months). Rain is common in Waikato, so for an outdoor event have a backup indoor plan. (The hotel has plenty of cozy indoor corners, but outdoor weddings or pool parties will need an umbrella or marquee in a downpour.) Wearing shoes or sandals you can kick off easily is smart, since you’ll be moving between the lodge, restaurant and spring pools. Also, bring insect repellent – sandflies can collect near the pools around dusk.

Know the house rules: As a licensed country pub, Okoroire expects respectful behaviour. Children are welcome in family areas and restaurant, and they often roam the lawns, but remember the hot pools are not supervised – kids should be closely watched. If you intend to drink alcohol, note the legal age is 18, and ID may be checked. The dress code is casual (country casual: think nice jeans or shorts and a shirt) – you won’t need a jacket or tie. Hats are fine since the ceilings are high. Photography is allowed in public spaces, but please be discreet in others’ private areas. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas (the pools and benched patios generally); indoors is non-smoking per NZ law. Pets are not allowed inside (service animals excepted), but dogs on leash are okay outside on the grounds. The hotel has a basic coat rack area at reception; for larger events they sometimes provide a staffed cloakroom. Lastly, tipping is not expected in NZ, but any outstanding service is always appreciated (people often leave spare change in the donation box on the bar for charity).

Recreation and rules: If you plan to use the recreational facilities, check availability on arrival. The tennis court and darts board are free for guests, and golf course tee times can be booked at reception (it’s a nine-hole Par 68 course). There’s also a coin-operated pool table inside. For spa and sauna treatments, it’s best to book in advance with the front desk. Show up with clean swimwear and always shower before entering any pool. Remember to remove jewelry before sinking into the spring water (it can oxidize in the minerals). No glass containers by the pools for safety. Alcohol and the hot springs mix—be cautious if you indulge in both. (The hotel makes light of this in a playful way – locals joke that “wild nights” sometimes happen here, but they strongly advise drinking sensibly, given past incidents.) In short, treat the place with the easy-going respect its heritage deserves, and you’ll fit right in.