Refresh ready for Havelock Hotel

An institution of the Pelorus region has completed its year-long facelift, achieving the goal of keeping open for most of the time.

The Pelorus Hotel has been owned by Ray and Debbie O’Connell since 2020; however, with the passing of former publican Ian Williamson in early 2025, the couple have taken over the overall running of the State Highway 6 icon.

“We’ve had hotels for over 20 years and officially took over two days before the Mussel Festival - since then we’ve repainted, recarpeted, and got a new bar top that we’ve sourced from Rimu recovered from the second oldest house in Havelock”.

Debbie says she’s pleased with how the refurbishment project has come together, with positive comments about the refresh and Head Chef Lane McSkimming’s passions for fresh seafood and 12 hour smoked meats.

“The refurbishment has been focused with lots of local help, because the place has had much work done since it was built in the 1860’s so there’s plenty of care and knowhow done working with Thomas McLean Roofers, Harrisons Carpets, Cherry Plumbing and Greg Currie Electrical”.

“We’ve done what we could when we could before a busy summer, now we’re very happy we can now focus on the business instead of the building”.