The first Waikiwi “Bush” Hotel was opened in late 1876, owned by G. A. Tapper. It was located three miles from Invercargill, and one mile north of Gladstone, on the main north road (near Lennie's Nursery). The original wooden building also housed a general store and the Post Office. It was one of two hotels in Waikiwi, the other being the Junction Hotel. In July 1877, the hotel was destroyed by fire, but re-opened later that year in a brick construction designed by architects Brown and Price. The new premise was upgraded to include a bar, parlour, five bedrooms, kitchen, scullery and stabling. The Hotel closed in 1903.

Sources: Papers Past