Step inside Tuakau Hotel, a beautifully restored landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1875. While the hotel proudly retains its historic charm, it has been thoughtfully updated with modern comforts, making it a perfect choice for today’s travellers.
Just 45 minutes to an hour from Auckland Airport, Tuakau Hotel is the perfect base to start your New Zealand adventure or enjoy a peaceful escape.
Close to Auckland yet surrounded by the beauty of North Waikato, guests can relax, explore local attractions, or take in the river and coastline at nearby Port Waikato.
At Tuakau Hotel, our values are the heart of everything we do: Sustainability – Reducing our footprint and protecting New Zealand’s environment. Excellence – Delivering exceptional service and memorable stays. Responsibility – Acting with integrity and accountability. Value Local – Supporting local producers, suppliers, and our community. Empowerment – Helping our team grow so they can give their best to every guest.Together, these values shape a hospitality experience that is authentic, responsible, and connected to our place in the Waikato.
At Tuakau Hotel, we are proud to hold a Qualmark Silver Environmental Rating, recognising us as one of the leading eco-friendly accommodation options in North Waikato. Situated just an hour from Auckland and Hamilton, our hotel combines historic charm with modern sustainability practices, making us a responsible choice for today’s conscious traveller.
Our Qualmark journey began in 2013 with a Bronze rating, and through consistent improvements we achieved Silver. From waste reduction and recycling initiatives to energy-efficient upgrades and responsible purchasing, we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment while delivering a comfortable, high-quality guest experience.
This recognition reflects our ongoing dedication to sustainable tourism in New Zealand, and we continue to strive toward achieving a Gold rating.
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At Tuakau Hotel, we’re proud to be part of the movement toward sustainable tourism in New Zealand. Our location in the heart of the Waikato means we’re surrounded by stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a community we care deeply about. That’s why we’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint and protecting the natural resources that make this place so special. From energy-saving practices to waste reduction and recycling initiatives, every step we take is designed to lower our impact on the environment while maintaining the warm hospitality we’re known for.
We believe that small changes add up to a big difference. By working together with our guests, suppliers, and community, we’re constantly finding new ways to operate more sustainably. This includes supporting local businesses, choosing environmentally friendly products, and making it easy for guests to join us in simple eco-conscious practices during their stay. Our goal is to ensure that Tuakau Hotel remains not only a comfortable and welcoming place to stay but also a responsible choice for travellers who care about the future of New Zealand’s environment.
At Tuakau Hotel, sustainability is built into the way we operate every day. We focus on reducing waste by choosing smarter, more mindful practices:
Refillable bathroom dispensers for toiletries help us cut down on single-use plastics while still providing guests with the same comfort and quality.
Durable rubbish bags are reused where possible, reducing unnecessary waste.
Individual gloves for cleaners ensure high hygiene standards while limiting excess use of disposable items.
Wherever we can, we reuse, refurbish, and repurpose quality items, giving them a second life. This not only saves resources but also adds to the charm and character of our historic hotel.
By making small, conscious changes, we’re proud to lower our environmental impact while still maintaining the comfort and service our guests expect.
We believe small steps make a big difference when it comes to conserving energy. At Tuakau Hotel, we’ve built energy efficiency into our daily operations without compromising guest comfort:
LED lighting is used throughout the hotel, significantly reducing electricity consumption while keeping our spaces warm and welcoming.
Timers and automatic controls ensure that heating and lighting are used only when needed, helping to avoid unnecessary energy waste.
Efficient appliances and equipment are chosen with sustainability in mind, balancing performance with reduced environmental impact.Guests are encouraged to support our efforts by switching off lights and devices when not in use — together, these small choices help us make a big difference.
By combining thoughtful technology with mindful habits, we’re proud to reduce our energy footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
At Tuakau Hotel, being part of the community is at the heart of what we do. Each year, we proudly support the Tuakau Clean Up, providing a base of operations for volunteers and offering tea and coffee as a small thank you to those who give their time to help care for our neighbourhood. We’re committed to being more than just a place to stay — we want to be an active partner in keeping Tuakau thriving.
Below are images from the early days of Tuakau.
Tuakau Hotel first received its license in 1875, making it one of the earliest establishments in North Waikato to welcome travellers and locals alike. For 150 years, the hotel has stood at the heart of Tuakau, witnessing the growth of the township from a rural service town into a thriving community. Our hotel has always been more than just a place to stay — it has been a gathering spot, a landmark, and a part of Tuakau’s identity. We are proud to carry forward this legacy of hospitality while adapting to the needs of today’s travellers.
We are continually building our archive of Tuakau Hotel’s history. If you have photographs, documents, or stories about the hotel or township, we would love to include them in our growing collection for future generations to enjoy.
