Airways Motel dates back some 25 years and while we have not met anyone who stayed 25 years ago, we have a current guest who has stayed here over at least the past 20 or so! Jeff and Naomi started here on 6 March, 2020, 2 weeks before the first covid lockdown. While the covid period was not great for business, it meant we had time on our hands, and nowhere to go. This gave us a unique chance to take a closer look at the motel as a whole and we came to love what we had purchased.
Airways Motel came to be, as far as we know, in 1998, when the main building was built on 5 Dinton Street. It was previously a part of the Russley residential area and one day we were actually visited by the person who grew up at 5 Dinton Street and he said that the sunken garden at the back was one of his parent’s pride and joys. No doubt that was when the majestic weeping kowhai, cherry tree and other native trees were planted. To complete the motel, 3 Dinton Street (residence and office) and 12 Russley road (Townhouse) were added. The Residence is an early 1960s build and the office is what was the master bedroom! The Townhouse was built in 1989. Originally both 3 Dinton Street and 12 Russley road would have had more front yard but this was given over to the widening of Russley road.
The main building is a Bella Vista design. Apparently when Bella Vista was set up, not only were the branded Bella Vistas built, they also allowed the design to be used to build other motels. Therefore, there are motels using Bella Vista designs here and there around New Zealand and Airways Motel is one of these! This has been a brief introduction to Airways Motel as we see the history and the present. But we know there are more stories lurking in the background and we look forward to adding to this story as various episodes come to light!