History of The Esplanade Hotel
The story of The Esplanade Hotel begins in 1900 when a local company, Northern Property Limited purchased the old Flagstaff Hotel, situated on the current Esplanade Hotel site. The Flagstaff was removed and plans drawn up for a grand hotel to be built, called The Esplanade Hotel. The plans were modelled on the resort hotels of the English seaside towns of Brighton and Blackpool, The Esplanade Hotel being named after the best-known resort hotel in Brighton, England.
Construction of the £7000 hotel started in 1901/02 by leading builder of the time, Archibald Grandison, and construction was completed in February 1903. The Esplanade Hotel quickly became established as a well run popular seaside resort hotel. An amusing incident occurred in 1919 when members of the Ponsonby Cruising Club posed outside the hotel for a photograph. The photo was sent to Sir Thomas Lipton, along with a request to donate a trophy to the club. Sir Thomas, impressed by the “Clubhouse”, sent out a solid silver cup then valued at £1800 for the competition, stating that he would like to visit the clubhouse if he came to New Zealand. The Ponsonby Cruising Club, which did not even have a clubhouse, were relieved when hearing of Sir Thomas’ s death as he never managed to visit New Zealand.
The Esplanade Hotel has continued to be an Auckland landmark, and has had several owners, all adding their own touch to create The Esplanade Hotel history. The hotel underwent a major refurbishment in 2002. In 2014, The Esplanade Hotel was purchased by new owners who have continued with renovations. The most significant refresh was to the downstairs bar area which has been completely redesigned into a friendly area including a High Tea room and ‘Club room’. It has grown to become ‘the bar’ and a very popular eaterie for locals and visitors to Devonport.
The charming seaside village of Devonport on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand is characterised by historic Victorian wooden villas dating back to the beginning of last century, and beautiful native Pohutakawa trees. This picturesque and quaint part of Auckland is centrally located, and just a ten-minute ferry ride from the heart of Auckland city. The Esplanade Hotel is the ultimate in seaside accommodation in Devonport, Auckland – a New Zealand Historic Places Trust building, and right on the waterfront of Auckland harbour.
The shopping strip along Victoria Road provides an eclectic mix of boutique shops, cafes, world-class art studios and galleries all within easy walking distance from The Esplanade Hotel. Adjacent to the hotel is the very helpful Devonport Visitor Information Centre. Devonport has a cinema, three museums, tennis courts, a gym, and the 18-hole Waitemata golf course is only 5 minutes by car. From the Devonport ferry terminal it is easy to make excursions to Auckland city and the islands in the gulf including Tiritiri Matangi, Waiheke, and Kawau.
Across the road from The Esplanade Hotel is the beautiful Windsor Reserve. This reserve is a lovely spot for a picnic under the Pohutakawa trees, to watch boats sailing on the harbour, to kick a ball, or to just relax in the sun. The well-equipped playground is a favourite with local families. Nearby Mount Victoria and North Head are easy to ascend and offer expansive views of the North Shore, Auckland City, Rangitoto Island and the rest of the Hauraki Gulf.
For beach lovers, Cheltenham Beach is nearby. The beach is sandy and a safe place to swim, and is considered by many to be one of Auckland’s best beaches. Stanley Bay and Torpedo Bay are also handy swimming beaches.
“The magnificent prospect of the harbour from every balcony, the salubrity of the air, and the convenience to the ferry, make the Esplanade an ideal destination – it combines the advantage of the city life and life at the seaside. Though only ten minutes from Queen Street it is absolutely removed from all the unpleasant concomitants of a crowded population.”
– The New Zealand Sporting and Dramatic Review, 1904.
Quick Facts
- Relax and unwind in a New Zealand heritage hotel with old-world charm.
- Enjoy magnificent views of Auckland city and harbour.
- Soak up the ambience created by the beautiful Edwardian architecture.
- An intimate and cosy atmosphere.
- Just as you would expect in boutique hotel accommodation.
- Parking is on the free, time limited, public spaces outside.
- Only a 10-12 minute ferry ride to downtown Auckland.
- Walking distance to the many attractions Devonport has to offer.
- Sixteen gorgeous character-filled rooms, offering the time-less quality of a NZ heritage hotel.
- The Penthouse boasts two bedrooms, two ensuites, a kitchen and lounge with its very own fireplace. The Victoria Suite is a single room, ensuite and lounge suite for those seeking very special accommodation whilst in Auckland, NZ.
- All guest rooms and suites have Edwardian architecture – spaciousness, high ceilings, and sash windows.
- Ensuites, some with baths, in all rooms.
“The best City views across the Waitemata Harbour from the bar “
- Wine lists featuring a wide range of quality New Zealand and International wines.
- An extensive range of boutique and craft beers from around New Zealand.
- Tapas, light Bar meals available.
- Three conference and meeting venues.
- From small intimate meetings to groups of forty.
- Auckland wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, and birthday celebrations.
- Small groups to large.
“The Esplanade Hotel, across the Waitemata Harbour at Devonport, is probably
Auckland’s finest boutique hotel”
– SYDNEY MORNING HERALD