Country Pubs - a series of short radio programmes produced and presented by Brendan Gray (Radio New Zealand Rurals, Dunedin), looking at some of New Zealand's more colourful historic hotels.
Each self-contained programme is two minutes in duration and most feature a short interview with the current publican [in 1986] or a local historian.
Chicks Hotel, Port Chalmers- publican Reg Ives, on the hotel's secret tunnel allegedly once used by press-gangs.
The Vulcan, St Bathans - publican Wendy Blaikie talks about the hotel's ghosts.
Wedderburn Tavern, Central Otago - Pat Shea, local historian on the pub's history as a local hospital and also scene of gold thefts.
The Ancient Briton, Naseby - Eileen Hurd, publican on the goldrush history of the area and curling.
The Pass Hotel, Dansey's Pass - Alan Brown of Kyeburn Diggings on the church services that used to be held in the hotel.
Stanleys Hotel, Macraes Flat - owned by the local community and also houses the only local shop. Gladstone Hewitson, present lessee talks about its role as a community centre and visits to the hotel by the famous swagger Shiner Slattery.
Cardrona Hotel - owner Edmund Jones recalls previous publicans Mr Willoughby, a school teacher and Mr Paterson, who would often refuse to serve patrons he didn't like.
Fox Hotel, Fox Glacier - Simon Kerr, publican and fulltime farmer, who took over recently after his mother, well-known publican Mary Kerr was tragically killed in a road accident. The Fox was built by her father in the 1920s.
Lake Ianthe Tavern, South Westland - once had a mobile licence as it could move as the road was pushed further south. Publican Carol Mulholland talks about some of the hotel's traditions such as moving the hotel outside onto the road on New Year's Day, and holding hotel session in the bush once a year.
Lake Mahinapua Hotel, Westland - popular among rowers and other water sports fans. Publican Roy Smith tells a story about starting gun being fired in the bar and police raids on after-hours drinking. Local author Keri Hulme comments on drinking habits on the Coast.
Kokotahi Hotel - famous for entertainment provided by The Kokotahi Band. Drummer Jack Innes, a member of New Zealand's oldest pub band talks about finding new members.
Jackson's Hotel near Otira, Arthur's Pass - Tom Jackson, grandson of the first owners, talks about the flood that nearly swept them away.
Nelson Creek Tavern, Greymouth - Alan Tibbles, publican, talks about a hotel regular who used to sleep outside and the hotel's reputation for practical jokes.
The Blackball Hilton - a 'dry' hotel, but guests can bring in drinks purchased elsewhere. Owner Ray Simpson talks about ghosts seen by guests in the hotel.
Dunollie Tavern, north of Greymouth - Publican Ralph Greenfield talks about a deliberate fire which once burnt the hotel down. It has the only remaining oval bar on the Coast. Musicians Jack Phibbs and Alan McIntyre talk about dances held in the hall next to pub that was 'closed' during 6 o'clock closing. The tradition of the West Coast 'constable's knock' is explained.
Little Wanganui Hotel, Karamea - Publican Brian Mallinson on the hotel's claim to be able to serve whitebait all year round. Bailey Simpson, a former publican has a permanent spot at the bar, despite dying six months ago.
At the Seddonville Tavern, David Watson, a descendant of Richard Seddon, who was born at the old Empire Hotel.
Berlin's, Buller Gorge - began life as a Post Office in 1874. Barry Church, co-owner of Berlin's recalls a previous owner kept a shotgun behind the bar and was not shy about firing it when fights broke out.
The White House, Lorneville near Invercargill is the only pub in Southland not part of the licensing trust. Burkes Pass Hotel manager Bruce Johnson on the tradition of gluing coins to the bar or ceiling with beer froth.
Old Rangitāiki Hotel, Napier-Taupō Road - local historian Warwick Keyes on the hotel's sign which read 'Bad beer, dirty glasses, crook change." Former publican Bill Morris recalls a time when circus elephants were stabled at the hotel.
Spa Hotel, Taupo - Taupō historian Warwick Keyes explains how it lost its licence in the early 20th century after the publicans both ran off with their sweethearts.
Hauraki Tavern, Hauraki Plains - the only pub below sea level in New Zealand. Publican Paul Smith and 84 year old regular Billy Kidd who helped build the original hotel and now has a bar named after him.
Te Anga Tavern, Waikato Coast - has a horse named Peter as a patron, who comes into the bar and drinks beer and plays pool. He was given to publican John Buck by a local farmer - sound of Peter playing pool holding a cue in his mouth and enjoying a DB.
Harbour View Hotel, Raglan - Built in 1861 of kauri and served troops during the land wars in the Waikato region. Leasee John Humphrey talks about the local professional musicians Midge Marsden and Liam Ryan who entertain for free once a week - sounds of a music session at the Harbour View.
Puhoi Inn, Puhoi - a museum as much as a pub, full of memorabilia and photos of the gum-digging past. Publican Rod Seymour says it is his duty to preserve the past and recalls the former Bohemian and German settlers.
Houhora Tavern, Northland - New Zealand's northernmost pub. Publican Norm McDonald talks about the original owners 'settler's licence' which allowed them to open and close their doors at will. The original building no longer sells beer - a newer concrete building stands next door.
The Pines, near Westport - Diane McFarlane on the hotel's younger clientele; alternative lifestylers, and bikers who come from all New Zealand for their New Year's Eve hangi. She comments that there is less cash on the Coast now with fewer mines operating, so less to spend in the pubs.
Mokihinui Tavern, near Westport - popular with white-baiters. Former publican Basil McGrath recalls when you hardly giveaway the delicacy, at 'tuppence a pint.' He used to use a baby's bath hold his catch.