The Waimate Hotel in Manaia has almost been completely destroyed by fire.

Fire crews were called there just after 4AM.

Karen from Cake Haven got a text to say the pub was on fire and went to have a look.

"It was in flames - quite badly."

Karen Harrison shared a photo of the burning hotel on her Facebook saying: "Our beloved Waimate hotel burning."

Under the photo local residents and family members expressed their shock.  

Nicole Angela Harrison wrote: "Holy hell, she's gone."

Guests at the hotel had to be evacuated but there are no reports of any injuries.

Jan Wills from the Fire Service said there are still a large number of firefighters there.

There's no indication of the cause at this stage but Fire Safety will be investigating.

The fire leaves the south Taranaki settlement without a pub after the New Commercial Hotel was destroyed by fire nearly 10 years ago.