Celebrating over 50 Years!
The Colonial Lodge Motel has been in business since 1969, proudly supporting the Hawke’s Bay community.
We have been open since 1969
The Colonial Lodge Motel has been owned by the Johnson family since 1969.
Mark and Sarah are Hawke’s Bay originals and are considered local experts regarding family holidays and weekend getaway fun.
Mark’s Top 3 Things to Do
Sarah’sTop 3 Things to Do
History of Taradale
Taradale has a long and interesting history. Taradale was built on land owned by William Colenso, who leased it to Henry Alley. He named it “Taradale”, after the hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland. While not confirmed, it is believed that he built the first house in the vicinity on Alley Place and Lowther Place.
Before Napier’s devastating earthquake, Taradale was separated from Napier by a harbour lagoon and tidal mudflats. This separation caused Taradale’s township and pioneer farming settlers to develop their businesses, facilities and recreational resources.
The Napier earthquake destroyed several buildings in Taradale. The township and settlers raised $2000 and rebuilt the town hall, which is still standing today. The Taradale and Districts Soldiers’ Memorial survived the earthquake and is still in its original location, just down the road from our motel on Gloucester Street.
The Taradale district is now is busy and vibrant suburb with a population of approximately 19,000. Close to Napier and Hastings, and filled with some of the best restaurants and wineries, Taradale is the perfect central location to explore the wider Hawkes Bay region.
