Tourist complex has exclusive access to Lake Matheson

One of this country’s most famous South Island tourist sites, Matheson Cafe/ Reflectionz Gifts and Gallery, is up for sale.

The profitable tourism complex includes a 9134sq m freehold property, with large cafe and gift shop operations, staff and managers’ accommodation, says Nexus Business Sales broker Michele Hemingway.

“The owners have developed a wonderful product but are ready to move on with their young family and future development opportunities are unlimited. The endless stream of visitors to Lake Matheson and Fox Glacier provide a captive market and good cashflow now. But potential exists to extend retail and add new activities — the present buildings occupy only a small footprint.”

Hemingway points out that the business i s at the entrance to the world- renowned Lake Matheson walkway, which is one of the Department of Conservation’s 100 New Zealand Icon Sites.

“An estimated 250,000 people visited this location last year and with continuing growth of tourism on the West Coast, this property has huge potential for future development.

“The business is situated 5km west of Fox Glacier village and adjacent to Westland National park; it provides exclusive public access to the Lake Matheson walkway with the path bringing people between the t wo buildings. So here’s an opportunity to own the entranceway to an internationally recognised visitor attraction.”

Hemingway says new carpark facilities and a toilet block have been constructed on part of the site, with more facilities adjacent to the property. Parking extists for 11 coaches, 15 campervans, 6 accessible parks ( mobility parking) and 87 sealed and landscaped car parks.

“The property attracts a large volume of independent travellers.”

The north building — a cafe restaurant — was constructed in 2008, specifically designed to capture the essence and the views of Aoraki ( Mt Cook), New Zealand’s highest mountain.

The building, of about 300sq m, has seating for 95 with potential for more. There is decking of 150 sq m around the front of the building, which has 60 outdoor seats with potential for more.

The restaurant’s facilities include a full commercial kitchen, office and locker room, walk- in freezer and cooler rooms.

It has won Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards for the past seven years, having been rated Number One in the area on TripAdvisor, with consistent five- star reviews. Current hours of operation are 8am- 4pm April through to October and 8am- 10pm over the high season.

The south building, constructed in 1995, was also designed to capture clear views of the mountains. Now set up for retail, the 150sq m building offers a modern take on 1990s architecture.

A generator and shed are attached and can power the whole complex if required.

A building at 98 Cook Flat Rd was bought by the operators of the Lake Matheson complex and has been used for staff accommodation, having previously been used as motel/ tourist apartments.

The land area of this property is 5089sq m, and it has four separate two- bedroom, self- contained units.

They consist of open plan living dining and kitchen, t wo double bedrooms and a combined bathroom and laundry.

They are equipped with LPG hot water and cooking and are all individually metered for power. Each unit has a concrete carpark.

Having good quality accommodation for staff has been a great asset to the businesses and the owners would be happy to discuss a longterm lease for this.

The managers’ accommodation is 1.2 hectare property, consisting of of a 273sq m house, 72sq m cottage, and 72sq m enclosed shed.