Our Story

An iconic country pub found in the heart of historic Kaukapakapa Village

40 mins from Auckland City.

About Kaukapakapa....

Kaukapakapa itself has a rich local history. The Maori name "Kaukapakapa" means "to swim with much splashing", but it is affectionately known to the locals as "Kaukap" (pronounced cowcop). European settlement began in the area in 1860 when a small number of settlers arrived from England and Scotland. The kauri timber industry was responsible for developing the area, with logs being floated down the Kaukapakapa River to the Kaipara Harbour where they were loaded onto ships for export.

Gum-digging began in 1863 till at least 1914 and a shipyard operated from 1864 till the 1880s. The story is told that in 1865 travellers and those with a liking for strong drink would satisfy their thirst at a house on what was to later become the Goodwin's farm. An illicit still, somewhere in the Whakatewai bush, being the source of supply. A petition from the early settlers prevented a license being issued for the Hotel, but before the end of 1865, a license was issued and the Kaukapakapa Hotel became established…