The Pier Hotel: A Kaikōura landmark's new chapter
If walls could talk, The Pier Hotel’s would have much to say about its over-a-century-long history, from humble beginnings on the original wharf to its recent grand transformation.
Words: Adrienne Matthews | Photos: Richard Briggs
The Pier Hotel in Kaikōura is the last of the town’s remaining historic hotels and, at 139 years old, is a much-loved institution in the region. Husband and wife team Bernard and Shona Harmon purchased the grand old lady with another couple in 2013, taking on full ownership themselves four years ago.
The hotel was built initially on the original wharf, close to the beach, and provided accommodation to those visiting Kaikōura on ship, along with whalers and fishermen who enjoyed its offerings after their time at sea.
When a larger wharf was required, the hotel was cut up into sections which were moved on rollers by a traction engine to its current site, where it was pieced back together. It was described as “the best country hotel in New Zealand” by a visiting inspector.
Following its recent stunning refurbishment, the hotel will be hard to beat by any others in the country, particularly when the upstairs accommodation is finished early this year.
“This is home territory for us,” says Shona. “Bernard practically grew up down on the wharf. His grandfather started a fishery there which was taken over by his father. I worked there too as a teenager, so the area is very special to us.”
“Although there had been renovations undertaken throughout the years, we didn’t feel that the hotel had ever been properly finished, so we decided to take on the challenge of giving it the love and attention we knew it deserved.”
The couple approached local builder Paul Wilson, who, with friend and fellow builder Tom Guthrie, took on the responsibility of the building side and organising the large team of builders and other tradesmen to bring back the hotel’s original character while refurbishing the downstairs, including the bar area, and adding nine bedrooms and ensuites upstairs.
“The building had surprisingly good bones despite its great age,” says Paul. In a remarkable coincidence, the two large chimneys had been removed before the Kaikōura earthquake. “The mortar was crumbling, and if the chimneys had fallen, the whole place would have imploded,” he adds.
Plans for the refurbishment started three years ago, and the work on the ground floor including the bar, dining area, keg room, toilets, and new outdoor pier-style extension, is now complete. Thanks to interior designer Simone Hill of Cinnamon House, the result has more than met the expectations of Shona and Bernard.
“They wanted it to feel welcoming and comfortable for their loyal local patrons and a must-go-to place for visitors,” says Simone. “My design is a Victorian/Hampton’s hybrid with comfortable luxury, designed to make the most of the stunning coastal views and be reminiscent of ships from bygone eras.”
There are sumptuous deep-button blue velvet booth seats, shiny brass porthole mirrors, and cage lights off a ship. “During meetings on site, there were often locals having a beer and listening to us. I got them to try out the bar stools to make sure they were happy with the style before I ordered them,” laughs Simone.
The toilets are luxurious and glow with stunning wallpaper, which consistently elicits “oohs and aahs” from patrons.
The upper level will be completed early next year and has had the biggest transformation. Originally, it had two front rooms but the whole storey has been gutted to create nine beautiful bedrooms with ensuites that open out onto the verandah and views of the ocean.
“The whole floor needed reframing,” explains Paul.
“There are only seven of the original studs left. We’ve added insulation and we’ve been fortunate to be able to use some of the recycled timber from the Adelphi Hotel that was pulled down after the earthquake.”
The coastal Hampton’s blue theme has been carried upstairs. There are featured panelled walls, velvet headboards, and walls with board-and-batten wainscotting. Mini crystal chandelier bedside lights hanging from the ceiling. The bathrooms are large and luxurious, and guests can lie in bed and smell the ocean.
“It has been a dream job,” says Simone. “You just can’t help but get carried away by Shona and Bernard’s passion for this property. The joy on site was just incredible with everyone so proud and happy to be there.”
“It was wonderful working for a couple with vision who wanted the job done to the highest standard possible,” adds Paul. “It was like giving the old place a big birthday present.”
“Whether guests come here for great Kiwi pub food, delicious cocktails, the camaraderie in the bar, or the luxurious accommodation, we’ve tried to keep the Pier Hotel as authentic as possible while being welcoming and comfortable,” says Shona.
They have certainly succeeded, and the compliments are rolling in.
Pier Hotel Kaikoura