Specialties
Located just metres from the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Omakau Commercial Hotel was Omakau's first homestead built in 1898.
Lovingly restored back to it's former glory, the hotel has a variety of accommodation that can sleep up to 30.
The Hotel is available for any of your dining requirements, whether it is Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or that special function. Our Chefs pride themselves on their flavour and presentation. We have a wonderful selection of Central Otago wines and Ales available from our bar to quench your thirst, and/or to compliment your meal.
Located at the back of the Hotel, are the original schist stables . You may have already seen them without knowing - this is where Speight's filmed their "Good On Ya Mate" adverts - the most memorable being "The Two Tickets to the Ball". This is available for functions, and is open during the day for you to come and enjoy some of Central's original history.
Come and enjoy some Historic Hospitality
History
Established in 1905.
Originally built as Omakau's first homestead, called Pomona House, on a farm of 200 acres, the first licence was issued in 1905 when this lovely old building was converted to a Hotel - Commercial meaning it had a liquor licence.
Over the years the Omakau Commercial Hotel has been added onto with the Perkins family nearly doubling the size of the building in the 1920's.
You can have breakfast, make a cuppa, or have your function in what was once the original formal dining room, now called "The Pomona Room".
The Omakau Commercial Hotel has had many owners over it's history. In 1997 it changed hands to the current owners who started an extensive refurbishment programme - the "to do" list is now getting smaller. All of the lovely old and original wood has been stripped back and lovingly restored, and the rooms converted back to what they would have been "back in the day". The refurbishments are complimented by a collection of memorabilia and antiques.
Take a step back in history.
Meet the Business Owner: Stacey S.
Stacey's Dad was born and bred in Omakau, making her a third generation from the area. Born in Southland, and raised in Alexandra, she met her partner Michael when she moved to Christchurch (go the Crusaders!) where she worked at the BNZ for some 14 years. Being approached to work in a Hotel part-time whilst still at the BNZ, she started bar work on her 20th birthday and fell in love with the industry.
Michael is a Chef, and moved to Haast to work at the Haast World Heritage Hotel, where Stacey eventually joined him, and together they managed there for some 6 years.
This was some 24 years ago, and Stacey & Michael moved from Haast to pursue their own business opportunities, ending up "back home" when they bought The Omakau Commercial Hotel in 1997.