Empire Lodge
Affordable accommodation in the heart of town

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History Left: The first Empire Hotel, a wooden building constructed during the 1870s, had another wing added as the demand for accommodation in the Wairarapa valley increased. Below: The ‘new wing’ on the left, about 1895. Left: This brick and concrete structure, built in the early years of the 20th century on the same site, although much altered, still stands today. Much of the architectural decoration was removed after the 1942 Wairarapa earthquake. Right: January 1954 and all dressed up to receive the Queen and Prince Philip for a luncheon with Wairarapa dignitaries. Left: Queen Elizabeth II seen waving to the crowd on the same day, from what is now Rachael’s bedroom window.

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