Rail Trail Tales With Pedlars Motel Paeroa

Fiona and Murray Pennell are the owners of Pedlars Motel, which is situated right beside the Rail Trail in Paeroa. From the very outset, they considered the Trail to be a great asset to the community and wanted to support it.

Having done their homework on the Hauraki Rail Trail, they decided to build a Motel which would incorporate Rail Trail users and also offer a lock up bike shed facility. Designed for the modern lifestyle or corporate traveller, details were planned meticulously in this architecturally designed complex.

Another use of the Pedlars name was the play on the word Peddlers, with reference to the antique shops peddling their wares.

The Motel is located on the site of the old ‘Fathers Tavern’, and when the Pennells saw the business come up for sale, they knew it was a no-brainer and bought it that afternoon.

They built the One3One restaurant at the front and the motel on the back section, and have never looked back.

The Motel offers the latest in stylish architectural design and ambience for guests to guarantee maximum comfort. The accommodation features 12 deluxe and well-appointed studio units, including two accessible units and two superior equipped family units.

Being an Official Partner of the Trail since 2016, they have observed the many improvements to the Trail over this time. They have also sponsored the Trail, including helping to upgrade signage.

We asked Fiona to tell us more about the business, why they love what they do, and their tips on making the most of your stay in Paeroa.

Photo: Cyclists arriving in Paeroa

What is it for you that makes the Hauraki Rail Trail unique, and how does having the Trail on your doorstep contribute to your business?

The Rail Trail is a great asset to the whole area. We have a lot of bookings from Trail users. I believe the Karangahake Gorge section of the Trail is spectacular, and I love promoting this to users.

Tell us more about the Pedlars Motel Logo and the artwork on display for visitors to enjoy.

The Pedlars Motel logo was specifically designed to include the Hauraki Rail Trail. The logo shows the river, the trail and the beautiful hills and mountains that surround Paeroa.

Each room at the Motel has art which was commissioned to show bicycles in some form or another as a nod to the Trail.

We were very mindful of the Trail even in it's infancy when we built the Motel in 2015. We firmly believed the Hauraki Rail Trail would become a major success, as it has, and designed the Motel with the Trail in mind, hence the designated bike storage, logo and artworks.

What do you love most about being the owner/operator of Pedlars Motel?

I love being very proud of bringing the Motel to Paeroa, and offering a superior accommodation facility to the town. I also love the staff we employ, and take immense pride in our Motel, and being a good employer.

What for you makes Paeroa township so special, and why should visitors make sure it’s on their list for 2024?

Paeroa is full of friendly helpful people, with a very strong community spirit. Paeroa is famous for its lovely Antique shops, and hopefully Fee & Mands on Willoughby will also become a destination point.

There are also excellent cafes on offer, and amazing walking and cycling tracks right on our doorstep.

Photo: Fee & Mands On Willoughby Street, Paeroa

What inspired you to establish Fee & Mands, and how has it been received by locals and visitors to the town?

Fee & Mands has been a dream for many years. Mandy Souchon and I both have a strong interest in design, and when the opportunity arose to make our dream become a reality, we jumped at the chance.

Fee & Mands on Willoughby has been so well received, with very positive comments and support.

Introducing Tui Doak

Tui Doak is the new General Manager of the Motel. He told us he's really loved the change of lifestyle, and meeting and greeting the new and regular guests.

Tui says the most unexpected contribution to his days is the high calibre of housekeeping staff, and the number of connections with guests through either family or previous employment.

Two key aspects for the Motel according to Tui is its close proximity to the Trail and their ability to store and charge bikes on site. And a cycle or walk to explore for himself is on the to-do list as soon as he's settled into his new role.

We asked Tui what his top tips for guests who intend to ride some of the Trail would be. He told us to prepare for all weather, and use a recognised agent for bookings.