Very tidy, clean hotel, inexpensive and offering bar and restaurant. By railway line and heard a few go by, but that added to its charm. No aircon but not a real issue

As a visiting part-time tradesman what first struck me on arrival was how immaculately maintained and presented this small country town pub is.

It's unusual to find these days in provincial NZ towns that aren't famous for travellers or tourists. The patrons respectfully remove their gumboots at the door which is a good sign of it's quality.

This one is off State Highway One by a hundred metres but really worth seeking out for a nice cold pint and excellent value meal.

I had without a doubt the best ribeye steak I have eaten for a long time.

Everyone in our large group had the same opinion. At only $24, it is outstanding value, that we would expect to pay at least twice the price for in a city steakhouse. We each had an estimated 400-500g cut, cooked to medium-rare perfection with a full plate of hot chips and fresh salad.

Our leader Chuck was on tallying and miscalculated the number in our unruly mob with the dinner order. But the friendly staff raced to produce another ribeye steak which came out around 20 mins later.

At only $7 a handle for fresh tap beer, we would have liked to have stayed late to enjoy the great atmosphere on a Friday night but we had a 5.30 am start planned the next morning guiding ducks out of harms way up the Turakina Valley.

My entree of crumbed camberet followed by entree of garlis prawn kebab(15 prawns) was excellent.
Husband had crumbed scallops followed by his best ever prawn and avocado salad. Loaded with both.