Beachfront business on Kaioura’s Whale Trail cycle way
The Store in Kekerengu on the Kaikoura Coast, one of New Zealand’s most well-known beachfront hospitality operations and a strategically important stop on a new cycle trail, has been placed on the market for sale.
The Store has been trading for 27 years – consistently growing the range and quality of services on offer which now feature a fully licensed restaurant, wedding and functions venue, and a prime campground right on the water’s edge of a little-used beach.
The land and buildings supporting The Store Kekerengu at SH1, in conjunction with the business, are now being marketed for sale by tender through Colliers Marlborough.
Located on one of the country’s busiest tourist routes beside State Highway 1 midway between Blenheim and Kaikoura, The Store sits on 10.11ha of freehold waterfront land with riparian rights and is directly adjacent to the new Whale Trail Cycleway linking Picton with Christchurch and the Hurunui spur.
Colliers sales director Andy Poswillo said road traffic along the Kaikoura coastline had increased by 16 per cent since 2015, with The Store Kekerengu picking up a portion of the rising volume for its patronage.
In addition, the business is now servicing day trippers on the Marlborough Flyer steam train from Blenheim with the return of international cruise ships to Picton classified as a ‘long-term’ opportunity for the venue.
Cycle trails have been a boon for New Zealand’s tourism sector over the past decade and, on the Kaikoura Coast, The Store Kekerengu is perfectly positioned as a rider’s venue of choice for a meal stop, or for accommodation.
“There is also a clear opportunity to capitalise on the business opportunities which the Whale Trail will bring – including equipment hire for those only wanting to ride a central portion of the trail, or the introduction of a shuttle service,” said Poswillo.
The extensive catalogue of building and amenity infrastructure within The Store Kekerengu property for sale features: a 400-sqm architecturally designed restaurant, cafe, and bar featuring vaulted ceilings and a fireplace; a two-bedroom apartment for use by owner or staff and a separate office.
There are 8ha hectares of waterfront land capable of accommodating motorhomes and caravans, or tent campers, with a newly completed bathroom and toilet block servicing the campground.
Poswillo said that in response to the growing number of cycle trial guests pedalling along the route, The Store Kekerengu’s existing rudimentary camping infrastructure operations could easily be expanded to deliver greater degrees of guest comfort.
Resource consent was last year granted by Kaikoura District Council to increase its nightly camper capacity number from 60 to 100 guests, to subdivide into three titles, retaining full riparian rights and to construct five premium chalets on site.
“This is a rare opportunity to secure a waterfront property and a growing business,” said Poswillo.
“The Store Kekerengu has remained incredibly resilient after two major economic disruptions – first the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016, then Covid-19 last year. Each time, the quality of the venue and the product delivered has seen the business get back up and running quickly.”