Events at Opononi Hotel Limited, Opononi

About Opononi Hotel Limited

The Opononi Hotel Limited is a historic pub and resort-style hotel located at 19 State Highway 12 (RD3), Opononi, Northland. Perched on the edge of Hokianga Harbour, it overlooks the scenic mouth of the harbour and native bush. The venue is best known as “Opononi Resort Hotel” on local maps, featuring a waterfront restaurant (the Boar & Marlin) and a lounge/bar with panoramic harbour views (www.cvent.com) (www.opononihotel.com). In total it offers ten harbourside rooms – modernly decorated, each with a private balcony and sweeping sea vistas (www.cvent.com). As the main social hub of rural Opononi, the hotel blends classic Kiwi pub atmosphere with tourist-friendly resort comforts. It has a long-standing presence in the community: generations of locals and travelers have gathered here for decades to eat, drink and celebrate life on the water’s edge.

Opononi Hotel’s unique character draws on both local heritage and its striking setting. The Hokianga harbour region is steeped in Māori tradition (folklore says the legendary navigator Kupe journeyed to and from these shores (teara.govt.nz)). In modern history, Opononi’s beachfront was famous in 1955–56 for “Opo” the friendly bottlenose dolphin, which played for fishermen and captivated visitors here before tragically perishing (nzhistory.govt.nz). The hotel lies just up the road from the Opo the Dolphin Memorial Statue (only about 0.2 miles away (www.tripadvisor.com)) – a reminder of this peculiar chapter. This blend of natural beauty and local lore – ocean views, coastal sunsets, kiwi hospitality, and dolphins in the surf – gives the Opononi Hotel its signature flair. It is not just an overnight stay but a community icon where Hokianga’s culture and history come alive in a friendly, relaxed venue.

Events and Programming

Music and events are at the core of the Opononi Hotel experience. The pub regularly hosts live concerts and themed nights in its main bar and function spaces (www.opononihotel.com). Programming spans genres popular in New Zealand: you’ll find everything from rural country evenings and Māori music sessions to reggae, roots and pop/rock gigs. Local and touring acts play here almost every month – for example, in recent years Kiwi reggae and rock bands such as Six60, Coterie, Sons of Zion, Tomorrow People and Conkarah have played at Opononi (www.opononihotel.com). The hotel has even hosted one-night festivals like “Kiwi Grooves” (a reggae/dance night) and seasonal beach parties (e.g. “Opononi SummerDaze” on New Year’s Eve), often featuring multiple artists and DJs. A structured Hokianga Country Music Club meets at the venue on the second Sunday of each month (from 1pm), with local bands and line-dancers gathering for open-country jam sessions (www.hokiangacountrymusic.com). Other community events are common too: fishing competitions, pig-hunting contests and vintage shows have been organized in the combined indoor/outdoor spaces. In short, the Opononi Hotel’s calendar is packed – guests can expect something to attend most weekends, from intimate singer-songwriter nights and karaoke to clash-of-the-bands competitions under the open sky.

Past highlights include many noted Kiwi artists: in January 2024 the chart-topping band Six60 played a sold-out show here, and popular reggae bands like Sons of Zion and Tomorrow People have headlined. Country music celebrations and cultural gatherings are equally famed. Typically events cater to adults (over-18 or 20+) due to the on-site liquor licensing, though special family-oriented shows or daytime concerts can be all-ages. Ticket prices are usually very affordable by NZ standards – modest gigs might charge around NZ$20–25, while larger concerts or festival nights may go for NZ$30–50. Occasionally special services (like table service or group bookings for VIP sections) have higher tiers. Because of the hotel’s limited capacity, popular shows often sell out in advance. The venue promotes upcoming acts via local radio and posters, and encourages early booking. In general, if you love live Kiwi music or community celebrations, the Opononi Hotel has something lively and local to offer on almost any weekend.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for events at the Opononi Hotel are typically sold through advance booking services or directly through the hotel. For large shows, tickets may go on sale several weeks before the event’s date; smaller nights might sell admission at the door. There is no third-party box office on site, so the usual method is to purchase tickets online (via local ticket outlets or the event promoters) or to reserve them by phone/email with the hotel’s reservations staff. In-person purchases are often possible at the bar prior to the night of the show. For very popular acts, tickets are known to sell out quickly, so it pays to plan ahead – many regulars monitor announcements through the hotel’s website or community bulletin. On the day of the event, the hotel’s entrance opens around one hour before showtime (often 7–8pm for evening gigs), and any unsold tickets may then be available at the door on a first-come basis. Prices are usually set at a single tier (general admission), with the occasional special pricing (e.g. concession or group rates). For seating matters (if the event has reserved tables or dining tickets), one can request specific plans when booking. Overall, buying tickets early and arriving early for entry are the best strategies for smooth planning.

Seating and Layout

The Opononi Hotel’s layout is that of a rustic coastal pub with several connected spaces. The main performance area is inside the bar/restaurant section on the ground floor. A small raised stage or rostrum is set up by the back wall of the dining room, with speakers and lights angled towards the audience. In front of the stage is a general-access area that can be seated or standing – for bigger concerts the bar stools and tables are often moved aside to create a dance floor or standing-room space. Otherwise, most events use banquet-style seating or cabaret tables in front of the stage, so you can watch while dining or drinking. The Boar & Marlin Restaurant itself lies adjacent; diners there may watch through the open archway. Additional viewing spots include the side lounge and any balcony that overlooks the main floor. The best seats for full view are usually front-row tables near the stage; if you want a less crowded vantage, choose one of the few booths along the railing or stand towards the back by the bar. Because the venue is intimate, sightlines are generally good from anywhere inside. Outside, a deck and beer garden face the harbour – these have no direct stage view but are nice for an intermission break (though some outdoor areas do have small portable speakers piped out, so you can follow the action while in the fresh air). Beware: the sound can be loud close to the speakers, so sensitive ears may prefer to step a bit back. Acoustic-wise, the rooms are solidly built (wood and glass), so the music sounds bright but can echo; in practice the house sound tech balances the band well. There are no formal VIP boxes, but large groups sometimes run block reservations of tables for a semi-private feel near the performers. In sum, seating is mostly general-admission with a few tables, and the open layout makes for a casual, up-close concert experience.

Getting There and Parking

The Opononi Hotel is easy to find by car. It sits right on State Highway 12, at the main junction in the village of Opononi (parking address: 19 SH12). Driving from the nearest city, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour scenic route north from Whangarei (via SH1 and SH12), or roughly 3–4 hours from Auckland via Whangarei. Free parking is available on site for hotel guests and event patrons (www.tripadvisor.com). The lot directly behind the hotel can hold dozens of cars and is marked “Opononi Hotel”. Street parking is also permitted on the adjacent state highway shoulder (observing NZ road safety rules), but most visitors use the dedicated car park. For those not driving, public transportation is limited. There is no train service; the closest share-ride or coach connections are buses. Northland’s regional bus lines (Hokianga Link and Mid-North Link) run coaches through Opononi between Kaikohe, Kawakawa, Kaitaia and some other towns (fare schedules are on Buslink Northland’s website). For example, you can often catch an InterCity coach to Kawakawa or Kaikohe and transfer up the Hokianga valley. On a typical bus route, Opononi Hotel is one of the scheduled stops in Opononi village (ask the driver). There is no Uber or Lyft in this rural area; however, local taxi services or shuttle vans can be booked in advance (e.g. Mangonui or Kaikohe based operators). If arriving by long-distance coach into Whangarei or Kaitaia, you would still need a taxi at the end. The hotel staff or local information centers can advise on current schedules, but most visitors find renting a car the simplest way to explore comfortably. Once there, rideshare apps and taxis are essentially nonexistent, so plan to rely on your own transport or pre-arrange a local ride back if leaving late at night.

Inside the Venue

Expect a warm, casual pub atmosphere indoors. Entry is at the front; on event nights there will typically be a ticket check (and occasional security staff) at the door. You may be asked to show ID (or a ticket stub) – for 18+ events, photo ID is required to drink. No outside food or steel-framed chairs are allowed. The interior flooring is wood and carpet, and has dimmable track lighting over the stage. The stage area is modest (perhaps 2 meters high by 4–5 meters wide) with concert lighting rigs – spotlights and colored LEDs – mounted in the ceiling. A professional PA sound system is used for gigs (the hotel keeps it tuned to handle big crowds). The bar counter is L-shaped behind the center of the hall, stocked with local beers on tap, spirits and wine. Bar service is friendly and quick; if busy, be patient. Tables are often cleared away for standing crowds; if you bring small children to an all-ages show, they can sit in the family dining area to the side. Restrooms (toilets and sinks) are located down the hallway to the rear of the building – one set of loos individual for men and women, reasonably clean and kept stocked. There’s no formal cloakroom, but cloak racks are usually put out by the entrance; larger personal items should be kept with you at the table or bar. Baby change facilities are not specifically provided, so parents may need to use an accessible toilet stall. Wi-Fi may be available for guests (as the hotel advertises free internet in rooms), but keep in mind coverage can be spotty in this remote area, so don’t count on fast data. If you need to check schedules or directions, it’s safest to do so prior to arriving (or ask staff at the bar – they’re always happy to help).

Nearby Amenities

The hotel has its own on-site restaurant (Boar & Marlin Restaurant) serving a full Kiwi pub menu – fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, local produce and classic comfort foods – and an attached bar lounge for drinks. If you arrive early, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner (usually 11am–8pm) and has great harbour views. Outside food trucks are not common, but there is a small cafe and convenience store nearby (the Opononi Four Square, about 100m down the road) where one can grab snacks or supplies. Directly opposite the hotel is the Hokianga Express service station (with takeaway pies, coffee and petrol). No big fast-food chains are in town, so eating options outside the hotel are limited to local spots – however, a short drive (10–15 minutes) south leads to “Kai i te Awa” cafe on the Hokianga river, a well-known waterfront restaurant with artisanal fare. For overnight stays, the Opononi Hotel itself is the main lodging in the village. Other accommodations nearby include the Opononi Beach Holiday Park (camping and cabin rentals, about a 5 minute walk from the hotel, 450m away) and a handful of bed-and-breakfasts on the harbour edge. Travelers often arrive a day ahead to explore iconic sights: the Opononi Beach and seal colony, the Opo Dolphin Statue at the seaside reserve (mere steps from the hotel), and historic Kupe Landing Lookout (a local Maori heritage spot) are all within walking distance. In town you’ll also find a few shops: a waterfront arts/composites gallery (selling Maori crafts and local art) and a real estate office. For some evening plans after a show, note that Opononi is very small – if the hotel or nearby eateries are closed late at night, lodging guests should have their own transport back, or stay in the hotel’s accommodation. The hotel bar usually remains open until late on event nights, and its friendly staff can point you to any remaining open venues or organize a nightcap if available.

What Makes This Venue Special

Opononi Hotel stands out because of its unique seaside charm and community spirit. Architecturally, it combines the feel of a traditional Northland pub with modern resort elements – the multi-level structure has numerous decks and verandas facing the harbour, complete with hanging baskets and palm plantings. Its “Boar & Marlin” patio dining room, for instance, is built over the water providing stunning sunset views of the Hokianga Heads. Culturally, this hotel has hosted countless memorable nights: it claims to have welcomed “some of New Zealand’s biggest acts” over the years, blending big-city concerts with small-town hospitality. It is also unique for being the focal point of arts and history in Opononi; the hotel’s staff often share stories of the area with guests. The legacy of Opo the Dolphin, for example, is woven into the atmosphere – many visitors enjoy seeing the small statue of Opo at the beach with their watch beer, and locals still speak of that golden era with pride. Moreover, it’s a gathering place for local tradition: the Hokianga Country Music Club has practiced there for over two decades, and annual festivals (such as the sailing regatta in late summer) use the hotel as a venue. The combination of warm service, lively events and those legendary harbour vistas makes Opononi Hotel beloved by both audiences and the many performers who return. Tourists often comment that the friendly mix of Māori and Pākehā staff makes them feel welcome like extended family – a hospitality trait that’s distinctly Kiwi. In short, Opononi Hotel is special because it really is a home-away-from-home on the Northland coast: you come for a concert or a meal, but you leave with tales of Opo, a taste of country music, and a sunset memory that lingers long after you’ve gone.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The main pub and performance space are on ground level so they are wheelchair-accessible (ramped entrance and level floors). However, the hotel’s dining deck and some hotel rooms are upstairs – ask staff for help if you need elevators or ground-floor lodging. The venue has at least one unisex disabled toilet. Patron Tips: Bring warm layers even in summer – the harbour breeze can get chilly at night. In sandal season, mosquito repellent can be handy (the building’s lights sometimes attract bugs). Windows inside are mostly sealed, so indoor events rarely suffer from chill or pests, but stepping outside between sets is refreshing. It’s good to arrive about 30–60 minutes before a show starts to find parking, get a table, and buy a drink without missing the opening act. For popular concerts, crowds can form at the bar line, so if you want a drink during the show it’s wise to order early. Phone signal is weak here (few towers in the valley), so download any digital tickets or directions in advance. Dress Code: The vibe is casual – jeans and a jumper or dress is typical – just tidy shirt and comfortable shoes. The hotel enforces standard ID and liquor laws: anyone drinking must be 18+ with ID. Photography: Personal photos at shows are fine, but professional cameras or video recording is frowned upon without permission (photography rules should be confirmed with event staff beforehand). No open flames or sparklers are allowed inside or on the deck. Pets: Only service animals are allowed in the main areas. Food/Dining: The Boar & Marlin menu caters to most diets (vegetarian options are usually available), but last call for food is about 8pm – plan meals accordingly. Weather: Since the hotel is on the waterfront, events are almost always indoors; in very fine weather, bands might also set up just outside on the lawn, so check each event’s notes. Check-In: If staying overnight, check-in is normally until late in the evening. If you arrive after 9pm, just use the door code provided or ring the bell (staff often stay late for late arrivals). Remember to respect the quiet title: by NZ law, if the venue finishes at midnight or 1am, music is cut off promptly. With these tips in mind – ID in pocket, warm jacket on, sense of adventure – you’ll be set to enjoy everything Opononi Hotel has to offer.