The Thistle Inn was built in 1840. she is the oldest hotel in NZ still trading from the original site. In July 1866 she was burnt to the ground but by December the same year she was back operating. You will see the original beer cellar through the glass floor. She is a Category 1 historic place building and was completely restored in 2004 (as close as possible to how she was in 1866).

Looking like new after it's recent 'face-lift' 167 years after she was first built, the Thistle Inn occupies the same corner site as it has done all of its life. One of New Zealand's oldest public houses, the Thistle Inn was originally built in 1840 and rebuilt after a fire in 1866. Before reclamation the building was only a few metres from the harbour and patrons often arrived by boat, including, according to legend, Te Rauparaha - the Ngati Toa warrior chief.

Experience first class dishes, local produce and excellent wines including our Middleditch Sauvignon Blanc from Martinborough which is exclusively available at The Thistle Inn

The wonderful old building offers you much more than meets the eye, with a large outdoor seating area, two conference rooms with fantastic facilities, private dining room and a function room.
We hope you enjoy your time with us and please let us know if we can do anything to make your time with us more enjoyable. We strive to ensure that you go home feeling full, satisfied and happy.