Kings Ohakune - HistoryKings Court Lodge Ohakune was built in 1913, the main purpose was to house travellers from Auckland to Wellington after the completion of the Raurimu railway spiral. Before the railway there was a coach link between Ohakune and Horopito. "The Old Coach Road" can be walked today.
Kings advert and picture soon after opening. This original building did not have a tower which was added in 1980 and came from the old Education building in Auckland.
Recent history:
Kings Court Lodge was purchased by the McDonald and Perks family syndicate in 2004 after a visit for Ian's stag weekend with the boys, finding it was for sale the Grand Old Building was bought by 4 Kings Group Ltd. The lodge was a tired old girl in need of a lot of TLC.
Minor renovation work initiated immediately with John & Craig McDonald at the helm, then major work started with opening up the Bar area, adding en suites to bring the total to 25 rooms with en suites and renewing the cafe area. Refurbishment of the rest of the rooms followed with 15 shared facility rooms.
We have heard stories that Kings Court Lodge has had quite a chequered past, at one time a nursing home, used by the army and at one point even a brothel. Many a great night has been had through the years and Kings is infamous for it's fancy dress party nights.
If you have any stories or photographs you would like to share with us, please contact Tracy or Ian.
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