Our Story

Cheviot is a town rich in history, community spirit, and rural charm. Originally part of the vast Cheviot Hills Estate, the area was once one of Canterbury’s largest sheep stations, owned by the well-known landowner William “Ready Money” Robinson in the late 1800s. In 1893, the New Zealand Government purchased and subdivided the estate as part of a major land reform programe, creating opportunities for smaller family farms and helping shape the township of Cheviot as it exists today.

Long before European settlement, the region was also important to Māori, with nearby rivers, lagoons, and coastal areas used as traditional food gathering and travel routes along the East Coast.

As the township grew, country hotels became an important part of rural life, places where locals and travelers could gather, share stories, enjoy a meal, and find accommodation. Cheviot Trust Hotel became one of the community’s central meeting places, welcoming generations of farmers, workers, families, and visitors travelling through North Canterbury.

Cheviot also shares a unique connection to New Zealand’s alcohol licensing history. During the early 1900s, alcohol sales were heavily restricted throughout many parts of the country under “no-license” laws. Licensing trusts were later introduced as a community-focused model for the responsible sale of alcohol, with profits benefiting the local area rather than private owners.

Today, The Cheviot Hotel continues to combine warm country hospitality with modern comforts, offering accommodation, dining, weddings, conferences, and events in the heart of North Canterbury. Whether you’re a local, a traveler, or visiting for a special occasion, the hotel remains a place where people come together to relax, connect, and experience the welcoming spirit of Cheviot.