Hotel of the month - Biker friendly

[Zukin]

Howdy all

I just wanted to share an experience that many of us encountered on the weekend.

17+ Brave lads and ladesses decided to spend a weekend exploring the back country gravel roads between Wanganui and Taranaki.

We decided to book in to the Whangamomona Hotel (on the Forgotten Highway).
Well of course the weather was not the best and by the time we arrived at the hotel at about 5pm, most of us were soaked to the bone!!

So we were directed around the back where the new owners (took over on Friday) were there to meet us, they had the back door open and lead us up the stairs and into the accommodation block, they insisted that we didn't take our boots off until we reached the balcony.
There they had coathangers and a clothelines all set up to hang our wet gear, they also had heaters going to dry gloves etc

Why - Because they are riders and no how to look after other riders
The dinner was a 3 course buffet (which I enjoyed) and the beer and hospitality flowed until the small wee hours.

So a big thumbs up to "The Whangamomona Hotel", and I suggest if you are in Taranaki that it is worth a visit
If you head in from Stratford end, it is tarseal the whole way, so even sports bikes can get there

Cheers Scott

[skelstar]

That sounds friggin cool. Not sure why but was picturing the Blackball Hilton as you were describing that place.

[Devil]

That sounds friggin cool. Not sure why but was picturing the Blackball Hilton as you were describing that place.

Hah, ditto!

[ZeroIndex]

Nice review Zukin... Definitely sounds like a nice hotel with great management

[tri boy]

Will Second Zukins recommendation whole heartedly.
John,(the previous owner ), was still on site to assist with the change over, and I have a feeling that the new owners are gearing up to make the hotel even more biker friendly. This pub is in my top 10 NZ watering holes, (and I've been known to frequent a few).
Please support any establishment that is on our side.
The Awakino just north of Mokau is also very biker freindly.(Taranaki).

[SDU]

I have only ever heard good things about this place from bikers. If I ever get up that way it'll be a must stop place.

[shafty]

Good thread! - and I can "third" the Whanga as a decent Bikers pub.
I can also heartily recommend the Puriri Hotel, as a good stop, as Go Gal and I stayed the night there recently. It is just south of Kopu (ie just south of Thames) - and probably gets overlooked as it IS so close to Thames, but if, as we do, you enjoy the country local hospitality, and a drink, you'll love it. Really tidy ensuite accomodation cost was $40 double!! (Though how much you drink the night before does have an impact on the room rate I was told!). Nookie and Lynne are great hosts, plenty of food options, a roaring fire and great locals.

[babyblade250rr]

excellent review,

sounds like a great place for bikers very accomdating, almost makes me feel like taking a ride there for the hell of it


thanks for the info

[dogsnbikes]

thats awsome too hear helps with the planning of tiki touring lol

[Zukin]

thats awsome too hear helps with the planning of tiki touring lol

That is does, so I invite others to share their good experiences too
It makes it easier to know where these places are

[tri boy]

Maybe this thread could become a sticky somewhere.
Great hospitality needs to be praised. Also it helps all of us to plan stopovers etc. Be nice to have a list of national watering holes.

[Patrick]

It has been a great spot for bikers for years, it is not any secret and certainly is well worth the effort for a ride out there, as we do often in these parts... I have only headed in from Stratford and it is a fun ride, heaps of twisties, a few nice straights to stretch out with but an absolutely biker friendly pub... Sensei organises rides out there often ( seem to miss many) but it is close enough for us to say "lets go..." A slice of heaven... reasonable prices and food too...

What do they charge for a night out???

[clint640]

That sounds friggin cool. Not sure why but was picturing the Blackball Hilton as you were describing that place.

The Whanga' Pub would have to be the Nth Is equivalent to the All Class biker friendly hospitality of the BB Hilton. Good to hear the new owners are keeping up the tradition.

Cheers
Clint

[ynot slow]

Went out to Whanga couple months ago,first time and i've lived in the naki most of my life,spent time in the area tramping etc, but never got to Whanga.

Agree nice twisty,hilly contours.Have a 50th birthday there in Sept for sis inlaw and hope to take she who must be obeyed on bike,will stay over as sil doesn't do things by half(her hubby bought her a xr8 gtp 2 yrs ago)and rumour has it big bar tab lol.

[ynot slow]

Also add the Crown Hotel? at Norsewood,just off highway and good spot between Palmy and Hastings.Publican is friendly and beds comfy and food great.

Also Putararu Hotel,beds comfy big carpark behind as well as a smaller one which can be locked.

both around $50 night double.