On the wild and rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, history is not just something you read about—it’s something you can experience. One of the best places to do that is the Lake Mahinapua Hotel, a historic pub with deep ties to the region’s pioneering past. The Lake Mahinapua Hotel’s history on the West Coast of New Zealand spans generations, and today, this historic pub offers modern comforts for a relaxed and memorable stay.
The West Coast Gold Rush: A Historic Pub’s Role
Built in the late 1800s, the Mahinapua Hotel is a surviving relic of the West Coast gold rush—a time when Hokitika was New Zealand’s busiest port and thousands of prospectors arrived hoping to strike it rich. Towns popped up overnight, sawmills and bush tramways pushed deep into the hinterland, and places like Mahinapua became essential waypoints for travellers and workers alike. As a historic pub on the West Coast of New Zealand, the hotel played a key role during the gold rush, solidifying its place in the region’s rich history.
A Strategic Move to the Lake
Originally closer to Lagoontown (now Ruatapu), the hotel moved to its current lakeside location to better serve the heavy traffic flowing between Hokitika and Ross. At one point, this route was so busy that travellers would take a coach to Lake Mahinapua, stop for a drink and a feed at the hotel then catch a steam launch or bush tram south through dense rimu forest.
West Coast Timber Era
As the gold boom faded, the timber industry became the lifeblood of the Coast. Lake Mahinapua was surrounded by mills and logging railways, and the hotel remained a favourite watering hole for workers, locals, and road-trippers. The sound of saws and the clack of bush trams were part of everyday life.
Floods, Fame, and a Cheeky Nickname
Over the years, the Lake Mahinapua Hotel has seen it all—floods, rebuilds, wild parties, and even some TV fame. In the ’90s, it featured in a popular Mainland Cheese ad.
Somewhere along the way, the hotel also picked up a cheeky nickname: “The Poo Pub.” It’s a simple and very Kiwi play on words, taken from its location on Lake Mahinapua (pronounced Mahina-poo-ah). Locals and visitors alike started shortening the name to just “Poo,” and well—the name stuck. These days, it’s a term of endearment and part of the pub’s iconic character.
A Living Piece of the West Coast History: Visit the Historic Pub Today
For generations, it’s been more than just a pub—it’s a living reminder of the Coast’s gritty, quirky, and resilient spirit. So, next time you’re driving along the West Coast, swing by. Order a drink, stay a night or two in our accommodation, soak up the old photos and timber beams, and raise a glass to the characters who built the West Coast—one swing of the pickaxe (or pint) at a time.
Photo credits to: Hokitika Museum
