About Gretna Hotel
The Gretna Hotel is a classic country pub and inn in the heart of Taihape, Rangitikei. This heritage two-storey hotel (established in the early 1900s) offers 17 guest rooms, a full bar & dining room, and lounges with period character. It’s known for its warm Kiwi hospitality and old-style charm – in fact, the hotel originally included horse stables and a “sample room” for salesmen (natlib.govt.nz ). Signature features include hearty pub meals (steaks, roasts and bar food), free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location just a block from Taihape’s famous Gumboot statue and Mt Stewart Reserve (www.hrs.com ) (www.hotel.info ). Locals and travellers alike note its friendly service (“country hospitality” as one reviewer called it (www.tripadvisor.ca )) and easy-going atmosphere, making the Gretna a true gathering place in this rural town.
Events and Programming
While the Gretna isn’t a large concert hall, it does host occasional live entertainment and pub events. On a typical Friday or Saturday night you might find an acoustic singer-songwriter or local cover band playing by the bar, and the pub’s ten slot machines (pokies) often draw an evening crowd (pokiesnearme.co.nz ). The hotel bar also schedules sports evenings (rugby or cricket on TV) and informal quiz or bingo nights from time to time. For example, in late 2018 the popular reggae band House Of Shem played a gig at the Gretna (www.ticketfairy.com ), showing that the hotel can double as a small concert venue. Regular programming tends to be low-key: think pub quiz nights, live-country/rock music, and open-mic sessions when scheduled. Admission to most events is either just the normal food/drink minimum or a small cover charge; in general you do not need to buy tickets in advance for standard evenings, though booking a table is wise on busy nights.
Tickets and Booking
There is no in-house box office for shows at the Gretna – it functions more like a restaurant/pub than a formal theatre. For special events or dinner reservations, you can book by phone or through the hotel’s website/online portal. If you plan to dine or attend a busy evening (especially on weekends or public holidays), it’s best to reserve your table in advance. Likewise, lodging reservations (for the 17 rooms) can be made through major booking sites or by calling the Gretna directly. Rates for a standard double room are budget-friendly (often under NZ$100 per night off-season). As a point of reference, reviewers have noted roast dinners cost about $12 (small) to $18 (large) (www.tripadvisor.ca ) (www.tripadvisor.ca ), so expect pub meals in that price range. In short, you don’t need to “buy tickets” for a normal pub night – just arrange dining or accommodation as needed and show up at event nights (where you’ll only pay for food, drink or any small cover charge). The restaurant typically opens around 6pm each evening for dinner service (www.tripadvisor.ca ).
Seating and Layout
The interior layout is typical of a country pub. Downstairs you’ll find a large central bar counter with stools, surrounded by dining tables and booths. There’s also a separate lounge area with couches, a TV and a bookshelf (guests have noted the cozy lounge with no-remote TV and reading material (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). Upstairs are the hotel’s guest rooms. The ground floor is mostly open-plan with wooden floors and old-style decor. There is no raised stage or formal VIP section – seating is generally first-come, first-served. If a band is playing, the best view is from the tables nearest the performance area (usually at one end of the room). For dining, corner booths or window-side tables offer a nice, quiet vantage, while tables near the bar get more of the pub buzz. Acoustically, expect the lively reverberation of a classic wood-and-plaster New Zealand pub: conversations carry well, and live music can be heard clearly without sophisticated sound design. If customers have special seating needs (e.g. for a large group or accessibility), it’s a good idea to call ahead and book the space.
Getting There and Parking
The Gretna Hotel is located at 117 Hautapu Street, Taihape 4720 , in the town’s main street district. For drivers, Taihape is easily reached via State Highway 1; the hotel has a free car park at the rear (and often additional street parking along Hautapu and Mataroa Streets) (www.hotel.info ). Public transport options are limited: the nearest coach stop is on Kuku Street (opposite the BP station, about a 5–10 minute walk away) for InterCity bus services between Palmerston North and Wanganui (bugnewzealand.com ). Local Horizons buses run infrequently, typically on set days. Uber does not operate in rural Taihape, but local taxis can be booked by phone. In practice, most visitors arrive by car or private shuttle. (For reference, Palmerston North Airport is ~100 km away and Whanganui Airport about the same.) Once in Taihape, the hotel is only a short stroll from all town amenities – for example, the Town Hall, Mt Stewart Reserve and the Gumboot statue are all within 5–10 minutes on foot (www.hrs.com ).
Inside the Venue
Expect a relaxed country-pub atmosphere inside. The front entrance leads directly into the bar area, where the friendly bar staff serve local and national beers on tap, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. Menus are available for casual meals; the signature dishes are hearty Kiwi fare like cooked steaks, fish and chips or the “roast of the day” (readers rave about perfectly cooked steak and roast dinners (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). The kitchen prepares dinners from around 6pm, so plan to arrive in the evening if you want a hot meal (or ask if there are earlier specials). Next to the bar there’s usually seating and booths for meals. Down the hall is the separate lounge with comfy chairs – as one guest noted, they keep the TV on (though the remote can be elusive!) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ) and even provide reading material. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public areas (www.hotel.info ), and there are power outlets for charging if needed. Coat hooks are by the bar but there isn’t a formal cloakroom; staff will generally look after small personal items if you ask. Restrooms (both men’s and women’s) are on the ground floor next to the lounge. The venue can be smoke-free indoors (as per NZ law), so smokers will step outside – there’s usually a designated smoking area near the back. During busy events, security may glance at IDs (you must be 18+ to drink), but there’s no heavy screening. Many customers note the friendly locals and helpful staff – tipping with New Zealand cents or rounding up is appreciated. In short, inside the Gretna you’ll find a warm, well-worn pub vibe with good food and company, plus the comforts of a hotel lobby (TV, books, clean facilities) (www.tripadvisor.ca ) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ).
Nearby Amenities
Although the Gretna has its own restaurant and bar, a few cafes and restaurants nearby can complement your visit. For breakfast or a coffee, the Wild Bean Cafe (part of a service station at 80 Hautapu) and Crystal Bar Tearoom & Bakery (just 400m away) offer pastries, sandwiches and espresso. The Stock & Station Cafe Bar sits just across the street (57 Hautapu), serving pub meals and an excellent craft beer selection – it’s a popular local hangout if you want variety. Another option is Al Centro (around 5 blocks away on Hautapu Street), an Italian/Indian fusion restaurant and bar praised for its pizzas and curries. For accommodations beyond the Gretna itself, Taihape Motor Lodge and a small number of country lodges sit within a couple of kilometers if you need more rooms or a motel-style porch. Practical amenities are all in town – there’s a 24/7 gas station beside the bus stop, convenience stores and a supermarket up Hautapu Street. And don’t forget the sights: Taihape’s giant Gumboot statue is just 0.5 km down Hautapu Street, and peaceful Mt Stewart Reserve (with walking tracks) is only 400m away (www.hrs.com ). In short, the hotel is surrounded by everything a visitor needs for dining, shopping or exploring the “Gumboot Capital.”
What Makes This Venue Special
What sets the Gretna Hotel apart is its blend of history and hospitality. Unlike a generic chain, it feels like stepping into Taihape’s past. Old photographs reveal the site as a turn-of-the-century coaching inn, complete with horse stables and carriage facilities (natlib.govt.nz ). Inside, many original features remain: polished wooden banisters, vintage bar fittings and period decor give it an “old-world” charm. Reviewer accounts mention how parts of the hotel are decorated to reflect its age (www.tripadvisor.ca ), contributing to an authentic country mood. Equally important is its role in local lore. It has long been a gathering spot for both townsfolk and travelers on long drives. Even today, it hosts friendly locals in rugby jerseys and road-weary tourists in hiking boots, all under one roof. In 2018 a visitor noted that stopping at Gretna was well worth it even if you’re just passing through (www.tripadvisor.ca ) – a testament to its good value and welcoming vibe. The hotel also enjoys cultural connections: Taihape’s annual Gumboot Day celebrations often have tables here, and the nearby boot statue has made the pub part of a quirky regional identity. All told, visitors love it because it feels like a piece of real New Zealand – hearty food, warm staff and a storied building that locals still call “our pub.”
Visitor Tips and Information
The Gretna Hotel welcomes all ages. Note that many rooms share bathroom facilities, and access to upstairs rooms is via stairs only (nosincontournables.com ), so if you need ground-floor or wheelchair access, call ahead. Dress casually (no formal code) – weekends see everything from jeans and prints to rugby jerseys. Bring a valid photo ID if you intend to drink (standard rule in NZ pubs). The pub is often busiest on Friday/Saturday nights or evenings of major sports matches, so arriving early is wise if you want a seat or meal. If you’re just dropping by the bar, you can come in anytime after opening (usually from mid-morning or noon) – the restaurant kitchen typically starts dinner service around 6pm. It can be wise to carry some cash, as small rural pubs sometimes have a minimum for credit cards (though most cards are accepted). On quiet weekdays the atmosphere is very relaxed; on busy nights it can get lively with pokies players and local crowds. Summers can be busy as tourists pass through, winters are quieter. Lastly, local reviewers stress that the staff and owners are usually very helpful – so if you have special requests (like dinner later than normal or advice on local attractions), just ask the friendly crew. Enjoy your visit by embracing the laid-back NZ country style: plan to stay a while, sample the local beer, and soak up the community spirit.
Do I need to reserve a table or buy tickets for shows at the Gretna Hotel?
The Gretna operates mainly as a pub & restaurant, so there’s no formal ticketed box office. You generally just walk in. For dinner it’s wise to book a table on busy nights (call ahead or use their online form). If a live band or special night is advertised, sometimes there may be a small door charge, but usually it’s just cover of drinks/food. In short, you don’t need to “buy tickets” – just arrive in time and have a drink or meal to join the fun.
What are typical prices for food and drinks at the Gretna Hotel?
Prices are very reasonable, reflecting its country-pub status. As examples, pub meals like the roast of the day run about NZ$12 for a small plate and around $18 for the large portion (
www.tripadvisor.ca ). Steaks, pies or fish & chips are similar. Drinks (standard beer, wine or cider) are in the NZ$8–12 range. The menu offers hearty Kiwi pub fare, so expect good value – locals note it’s cheaper than city hotels with comparable meals (
www.tripadvisor.ca ). (Kids’ meals and daily specials may be slightly lower.)
How do I book a room, and what are the room rates?
The Gretna Hotel has 17 rooms (from singles to family-size). You can book by calling the hotel directly or through online travel sites. Rates vary by season, but roughly expect NZ$60–$100 per night for a standard double (often slightly higher on holiday weekends). It’s wise to reserve early in summer or during local events. Check their official or trusted booking site for exact availability and discounts.
Is there public transportation to the Gretna Hotel?
Public transport in Taihape is minimal. The main bus service (InterCity coaches) stops on Kuku Street, opposite the BP station, which is about 500 meters (5–7 minutes’ walk) from the hotel (
bugnewzealand.com ). Horizons Regional Council runs an infrequent local bus to Marton or Whanganui (typically once a week or month). There is no train station in Taihape. Most visitors arrive by car or hire car. Once in town, the hotel is easy to reach on foot (it’s right on Hautapu Street) if you happen to be already nearby.
Where can I park, and is parking free?
Parking is free at the Gretna. The hotel has its own off-street car park behind the building (no charge), and there is street parking on adjacent Hautapu and Mataroa Road. It’s a safe rural town location, so parking is generally plentiful. The lot can fill up on major nights (Friday/Saturday), but there’s always street space nearby. Unlike in bigger cities, there is no metered parking in town.
Are rideshare services (like Uber) available in Taihape?
No, Uber and similar rideshares don’t operate in Taihape. However, local taxi companies serve the area – you can phone ahead to book a ride (the visitor centre in town or your accommodation can help with a number). The town is small, so most locals and visitors just use their own car or arrange a lift. As noted above, the nearest InterCity bus stop is nearby on Kuku Street if you’re coming from out of town.
What is the nearest airport to Taihape?
The closest regional airport is Whanganui Airport, about 100 km southwest of Taihape (roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive). Palmerston North International Airport is also nearby (~98–100 km south, about 1.5 hours by road). Taihape itself has no commercial airport. Many visitors arrive by road from Wellington (around 4 hours away) or Palmerston North rather than flying directly into Taihape.
How many people can fit inside the Gretna Hotel?
There’s no posted capacity like a theater, but as a rough idea the public bar and dining area seats on the order of 50–60 people across its tables and lounge space, plus standing room. If accounting for the outdoor smoking areas too, one could estimate up to 80 people comfortably. For hosting parties or events, it’s best to treat the space as “moderately small” – it never feels as large as a big event hall. (Official fire/liaison occupancy would be set by the building code, but you can assume normal pub crowd sizes.)
What is the best place to sit in the pub?
For a relaxed meal, corner tables or booths (away from the door) are best – they get less foot traffic and noise. If you’re there for live music or TV sports, try to grab a table near the front where the band or screen is visible. There is no official “VIP” or reserved area, so seats are usually general admission. Many patrons like to sit near the bar so they can easily chat with the bartender or keep an eye on the taps, but any seat has a good view in this compact layout. If in doubt, simply ask staff to point out a good table for your group size.
Does Gretna Hotel have any reserved or VIP areas?
No. The Gretna Hotel is a casual country pub with no formal VIP sections or private lounges. All seating areas (main dining area, bar stools, lounge corner) are open to the public. For bigger parties you might hire out the whole venue for a private event (by arrangement), but ordinarily everyone shares the tables and booths. This gives the pub its friendly community vibe – you’ll often share space with locals regardless of how many beers you drink!
Is there a dress code or age restriction at the Gretna Hotel?
There is no formal dress code – casual attire is perfectly fine in this rural pub. You’ll see anything from shorts and tees to jeans and jumpers. As for age, the venue is family-friendly (many locals bring kids early in the evening). After 8 or 9pm, children usually need to be at a family table. Naturally, alcohol is served only to anyone aged 18+ (so carry ID if you look under 25). Otherwise, feel free to come as you are!
Can I bring my children or pets to the event?
Children (minors) are welcome in the pub area while accompanied by a parent or guardian. The vibe is relaxed, and families do eat here. However, remember it’s also a bar, so it can get loud late at night – parents should use their judgment for late-evening visits. The Gretna is not known as a pet-friendly venue. Outside dogs on a leash might be tolerated in the car park or smoking area (as many rural pubs do), but they are not allowed inside the bar or dining room.
Are outside drinks or food allowed inside the hotel?
No. Like most licensed pubs, the Gretna requires all alcoholic drinks to be purchased on-site, and outside food is not permitted at the bar or tables. (They may allow food deliveries from connected outlets if asked, but generally you eat their menu.) This is due to licensing rules. The exception is anything in your room if you’re staying overnight. Be prepared to buy your drinks and meals from the hotel and enjoy them there.
Is smoking allowed anywhere on the premises?
By New Zealand law all indoor public areas are no-smoking. The Gretna Hotel provides a covered outdoor area (near the rear parking lot) for smokers. You can step outside to smoke; the staff may point out the designated spot. Smoking is not allowed inside the bar, dining, or lounge areas. Expect that on busy nights, smokers congregate just outside the back door (often under a veranda or smoking shelter).
Is Gretna Hotel wheelchair accessible?
The ground floor of the hotel (bar, restaurant, lounge and restrooms) is at street level and should be easy to access. However, the guest rooms are all up a flight of stairs (there is no elevator) (
nosincontournables.com ). Many of the bathrooms are shared, including possibly on upper floors. If you require a ground-floor room or assistance, call ahead. For events, all public areas are on one level, but it’s best to check with staff if you have specific mobility needs.
Does the hotel or pub offer Wi-Fi and charging points?
Yes – complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas (bar/lounge) of the hotel (
www.hotel.info ), which guests and visitors can use on their devices. There are power outlets in various spots (often near the bar or at some tables) for charging phones or laptops. Keep in mind Wi-Fi bandwidth may be modest (it’s a shared rural connection), so it’s great for email and web browsing. If you need reliable Internet, the password is posted by reception or the bar.
What food and drink options are available on site?
The Gretna runs a full pub menu. Their kitchen serves dinner daily (from about 6pm) with Kiwi pub classics – steaks, fish & chips, burgers, and especially the roast of the day (as mentioned, typically NZ$12–18) (
www.tripadvisor.ca ). They also have lighter bar snacks, sandwiches, salads and a Sunday roast. The bar stocks standard beers (e.g. local taps like Tui or Speight’s, plus one or two craft brews), wines and spirits. Soft drinks and hot drinks (coffee/tea from the café next door) are also available. If you arrive before dining hours, the bartender can often rustle up bar food (karaoke nights often have finger food, for example). Overall, you won’t have to leave the pub to eat or drink unless you want something very specific.
Does the Gretna Hotel have regular live events or trivia nights?
There’s no fixed weekly schedule open to the public, but the venue does host periodic events. Sometimes there might be a live music night, a trivia quiz or a karaoke party, often announced on the bar’s social media or by word of mouth. For example, House of Shem (a well-known NZ reggae band) once did a live gig there (
www.ticketfairy.com ). The safest approach is to call ahead or check a local events calendar. Otherwise treat it like a pub – weekend nights and special holidays tend to be liveliest with fun extras.
Why is it called the “Gretna” Hotel, and what’s its historical significance?
The name “Gretna” likely harks back to the Scottish town of Gretna Green (famous for marriages) – many colonial hotels borrowed British or romantic names. Historically, the Taihape Gretna was a key stop for early 20th-century coach travellers. Old photos show it at the street corner with horse stables and coach facilities (
natlib.govt.nz ). Its longevity in town makes it part of Taihape’s heritage. It has witnessed local events (like St. Patrick’s sports rallies, as hinted by a 1939 photo banner) and remains one of the few surviving hotels from that era. So its significance lies in being a continuous community hub for over a century, not just a place to drink.
How is the Gretna Hotel connected to Taihape’s Gumboot events?
Taihape is known as the “Gumboot Capital of New Zealand,” thanks to its famous rubber boot statue. While the Gretna Hotel isn’t directly involved in the official Gumboot Day events, it benefits from the tourist interest. During Gumboot festivals or parades, the athmosphere in town is festive and many visitors stop by the bar or restaurant. The hotel’s location (just blocks from the boot statue) makes it a natural meeting spot before or after the parade. In short, it’s part of the town’s quirky boot culture, so expect festival crowds passing through and maybe special decorations or offers during Gumboot Day.
