One of NZ’s Oldest Hotels Set for Multi-Million Dollar Expansion

In a move that signals the growing demand for authentic heritage tourism in rural New Zealand, one of the country’s oldest hotels is poised for a multi-million-dollar expansion that will double its size.

The Tuakau Hotel, a landmark dating back to the 1870s, is embarking on a $5 million development programme to add a multistorey extension to its historic footprint. The expansion comes just years after a $4.5 million restoration project that transformed the once-derelict site into a premier heritage destination.

But this latest move is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a direct response to the explosive growth of domestic and international tourism focused on cultural experiences, and rapid population growth in regional towns like Tuakau, just south of Auckland.

A Town on the Rise

Tuakau, a quiet town on the border of Auckland and Waikato, has become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing communities. Its population has surged from 4,500 to over 6,500 in under two decades, with projections suggesting it could double again by 2031. This boom has created a squeeze on accommodation options, with local providers operating at near-full capacity most of the year.

Dee Bond, Director of the Tuakau Hotel, says the expansion is not just timely, it’s necessary.

“Tuakau’s proximity to Auckland and Hamilton, coupled with more affordable housing, has made it an attractive option for both residents and travellers. But our infrastructure, especially accommodation, is struggling to keep up,” she says.

Tapping into the Global Heritage Tourism Boom

Tourism New Zealand has identified heritage-rich travel as a major growth area, especially among North American and Australian visitors. These tourists are drawn to destinations with deep historical roots, character-filled architecture, and stories that mirror their own cultural pasts.

Bond believes the Tuakau Hotel is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

“The hotel was built during the Vogel Era – a time of massive infrastructure development and assisted immigration. It was constructed during a national depression and opened alongside the Tuakau railway station. It’s a story of resilience, and that narrative connects strongly with travellers from countries with similar colonial histories.”

A Fragile Legacy Under Threat

Despite its charm and significance, the Tuakau Hotel-like many historic buildings across New Zealand-faces persistent threats from neglect, redevelopment, and natural disasters.

Bond warns that the country is at risk of losing vital pieces of its architectural history.

“Historic timber buildings like ours are particularly vulnerable to fire and decay. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. The most sustainable way to protect them is to keep using them-adaptively and respectfully.”

The proposed expansion will add new suites in an adjacent building, but Bond is clear: the project will preserve the hotel’s historic charm and continue to honour its legacy.

Sustainable Restoration Over Demolition

Heritage restorations often require bespoke craftsmanship, heritage architecture consultation, and long approval timelines. While these processes are more complex and expensive than building new, Bond says they are essential to both sustainability and storytelling.

“Restoration isn’t just environmentally sound-it’s economically and culturally smart. Repurposing existing buildings reduces material waste, lowers energy use through retrofitting, and supports responsible tourism. More importantly, these buildings are physical expressions of our national story.”

Media Campaign Results

The significance of the Tuakau Hotel’s expansion has resonated far beyond the Waikato region. A comprehensive media campaign led by Impact PR has captured the attention of national and industry media alike.

The story has been featured across a wide spectrum of platforms, including:

• NZ Herald
• Newstalk ZB
• Radio New Zealand (RNZ)
• Waikato Times
• And numerous business and tourism trade titles

By framing the development within broader narratives of population growth, cultural preservation, and sustainability, the campaign positioned the story as both a local and national issue, appealing to travellers, policymakers, and investors.

What’s Next for Tuakau Hotel?

Initial planning is now underway, with construction hoped to begin as early as 2027, once design concepts are approved. The development is expected to significantly boost the region’s accommodation capacity while creating new jobs and supporting local businesses.

For Bond and her team, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: celebrate New Zealand’s architectural past while future-proofing it for the next generation.

“This building tells a story. It has stood through economic depressions, wars, and natural disasters. We’re proud to be its caretakers and we’re excited to see it continue evolving as Tuakau grows.”