The first Harbour View Hotel was established by George Moon in 1866 at a time when Raglan was developing as a European-style settlement. Raglan's dependence on the sea and shipping for access created a need for accommodation — and Moon, one of the district's entrepreneurs, saw an opportunity despite the existence of two other hotels in the town.
Founded by George Moon
The original hotel faced south onto Bow Street, Raglan's main commercial street. Two-storeyed, with a single-storey extension at the rear making an L-shaped floor plan — restaurant and bars on the ground floor, bedrooms, lounge and bathroom facilities above. It had a stable at the rear. The hotel was described as "an imposing edifice — anyone and everyone was welcome there. Guests could chat to Mrs Moon over a glowing baking fire in the spacious kitchen at the back, or discuss the latest news with George on the shady verandah."
New Owners, New Ambition
The hotel's popularity attracted further investment. Local businessman Arthur Langley bought the hotel in 1893. In 1901 it was purchased by Auckland businessmen L.D. and N.A. Nathan — brothers whose family were prominent figures in New Zealand commerce. The Nathans recognised the hotel's value to the small seaside town, even as it faced its greatest challenges.
Destroyed and Rebuilt — Twice
The Nathans rebuilt the hotel twice after it was destroyed by fire in 1901 and again in 1904. The architect is believed to be John Currie, a renowned Auckland architect who designed several buildings for the Nathan family. The fabric and appearance of the 1905 building remain close to original today. The original staircase with its newel post, decorative architraves, dado, cornices and exposed rimu floorboards all survive.
The Cushman Years
In 1926, Reuben and Flo Cushman took up the hotel licence. Their son Harry and daughter-in-law Eva continued the family tradition from 1945 until 1956. Grant Cushman, who grew up in the hotel in its early years, later wrote: "It was a place where our family flourished from being part of a connected community — a base from which to explore the outdoors and get up to mischief with local kids." Grant returned to Raglan in retirement, still enjoying a beer on the front verandah.
Heritage Listed
The hotel was listed as a Category II Historic Place by the NZ Historic Places Pouhere Taonga Trust in 2009 — recognition of its national, regional and local significance as a reflection of the history of hotel development and the hospitality industry in New Zealand. The ground floor has seen alterations over the years, primarily the removal of walls to create larger spaces, but the first floor remains close to original in room use and layout.
120 Years — and Counting
In October 2025 the hotel celebrated its 120th anniversary with a three-day festival. Today it marks another year since George Moon opened the doors. The verandah still faces Bow Street. The pub is still open. The hotel has continued in the same main uses since 1866 — accommodation, food, refreshments and entertainment — and it intends to keep going.
“Raglan's oldest pub. An imposing edifice — anyone and everyone was welcome there.”
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