The Ōkato & Slippery Bill’s

At first glance, it might not seem like a lot is going on in the small rural town of Ōkato in the Taranaki region. However, an iconic 148-year-old building along the Surf Highway will have you pulling over in an instant. Named after the small township, The Ōkato is a drive-worthy hotel and restaurant with stunning mountain views and a warm sense of community and homeliness. 

Dating back to 1876, The Ōkato has been in the loving care of owners Hamish & Ziggy. The couple recently took over the Hotel from Alisha McIntosh, who spent four months sprucing up the space, applying a fresh lick of paint throughout the entire interior and exterior, installing new lighting, and fully renovating the six guest rooms. While everything has had a good polish, the aesthetic still honours the building’s rich history with plenty of old-school charm to transport you to another time. 

Two restaurant experiences are available onsite: The Ōkato restaurant and Slippery Bill’s bar/events space. The main hotel restaurant offers elevated bistro dining for lunch and weekend dinners, spearheaded by Harrison Biggs who brings a whole lot of experience from his time in kitchens across Europe and New Zealand. The menu here is concise and focused on seasonality, showcasing local produce in interesting ways. You’ll also find a selection of counter food, including housemade signature sweet treats, cheese scones and pies. 

Whether you’re after a post-surf feed or passing through on a North Island road trip, The Ōkato is a special retreat for everyone. It is a fully dog-friendly hotel and restaurant. Make sure you check out The Ōkato’s full events calendar for live music nights, art shows, guest chef collabs, monthly degustation dinners, and more.