ADMIRALTY LODGE MOTEL

Opening early in 2000, the name Admiralty Lodge we believe was derived from HMS Buffalo's illustrious history. It goes something like this:

The ship Hindostan, later to become His Majesty's Storeship Buffalo, was made of teak by Bonner and Horsburgh in 1813 at Calcutta. As a merchantman chosen to carry grain rice she was selected by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to be purchased into the British Royal Navy. The Naval Board renamed the ship to the H.M.S. Buffalo and she was later used to transport convicts and settlers to South Australia.

Click here for more history about this facinating vessel and how she came to be wrecked in Mercury Bay.

The Admiralty was formerly the authority in the United Kingdom Royal Navy. In 1964 the functions of the Admiralty were transferred to a new Admiralty Board and the day-to-day running of the Royal Navy is controlled by a Navy Board. It is now uncommon for the various authorities now in charge of the Royal Navy to be referred to simply as "The Admiralty."

So, not only can Admiralty Lodge boast ties to the United Kingdom we also have historic affiliations with India and Australia!

The original owners created a decidedly nautical feel to the Lodge, and there are momentos scattered around the grounds still.