Clarence occupies one of Tauranga's most recognisable heritage buildings: the grand historic post office, standing since 1905. Reimagined as a stylish boutique hotel with a restaurant at its heart, it blends 1900s charm with modern comfort in the very centre of the city. The venue is the work of owners Noel Cimadom and Kim Symthe, whose philosophy is simple: offering guests the vacation they deserve.
The kitchen leans Mediterranean while celebrating fresh Kiwi produce. Expect a delightful array of small plates, handmade pasta and grilled specialties — food that suits both a casual meal and a special occasion, with flavours from around the Mediterranean sea.
Beyond the dining room, Clarence is a place to stay and celebrate. The boutique hotel offers rooms from the Deluxe Queen to the Premier King, plus a Beachfront Apartment, while private events can be hosted in the Pavilion, Board Room or Private Dining area. Gift vouchers cover everything from a meal or refreshing drink to a luxurious overnight stay, and sister venues — including Alpino Italian at The Mount — extend the hospitality across the Bay of Plenty.
Clarence occupies one of the most recognisable buildings in central Tauranga: the city's grand historic post office, standing since 1905. Rather than let the landmark gather dust, its owners have reimagined it as a stylish boutique hotel with a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant at its heart — a place where 1900s charm and modern comfort sit comfortably side by side. Whether you come for a long lunch, a special-occasion dinner or a weekend away in the Bay of Plenty, the idea is the same: slow down and savour it.
The building is half the experience. Clarence's team describes the venue as combining European elegance with New Zealand heritage — celebrating the post office's stunning architecture while keeping the mood thoroughly modern. You're in the centre of Tauranga here, with the city on the doorstep and the wider Bay of Plenty within easy reach.
Behind the project are owners Noel Cimadom and Kim Symthe, whose approach is disarmingly simple: 'The reason for our success is no secret. It's the simple idea that we strive to offer our guests the vacation they deserve.'
The kitchen starts with fresh Kiwi produce and looks to the Mediterranean for inspiration. The menu is built around small plates made for sharing, handmade pasta and grilled specialties — the kind of food that works equally well for a casual midweek meal or a milestone dinner. The kitchen talks about flavours from around the Mediterranean sea, and the bistro setting keeps things relaxed rather than formal.
Because the menu stretches from shareable small plates to pasta and dishes off the grill, Clarence flexes easily with the occasion: drop in for a few plates and a refreshing drink, or settle in for a slower, celebratory meal.
Clarence is also a place to sleep. The boutique hotel offers four ways to stay — the Deluxe Queen Room, Executive King Room, Premier King Room and the Beachfront Apartment — pitched at guests seeking luxury, comfort or a stunning view.
It doubles as a hub for events and experiences. Private occasions can be hosted in the Pavilion, the Board Room or the Private Dining area, and the venue keeps a rolling calendar of upcoming events. If you're stuck for a gift, vouchers can be put towards a delightful meal, a refreshing drink or a luxurious overnight stay.
The hospitality doesn't stop at the front door. Clarence's sister venues include Alpino, the Italian restaurant at The Mount born when 'a man from the Italian Alps crossed the oceans and landed on our shores', along with Picnicka. Clarence Club members also unlock discounts with local activity partners — think avocado tours, the Bay Explorer and Mauao Adventures — using the promo code STAYINPLAY.
You'll find Clarence at 51 Willow Street, in the centre of Tauranga. The restaurant keeps generous hours: from 7am until late on weekdays, and from 12pm until late on weekends. The hotel front desk runs 7am–9pm on weekdays and 8am–9pm on weekends.
Tables can be booked online in advance — a sensible move for weekends and special occasions — or by calling +64 7 574 8200, with enquiries welcome at info@clarencehospitality.co.nz. Between the heritage setting, the Mediterranean-inspired kitchen and the rooms upstairs, Clarence makes an easy pick for a date night, a celebration or a Bay of Plenty base camp.