Pre- eminent Paihia backpacker for sale
Saltwater Lodge in Paihia — the country’s first 5 Star Qualmark- rated backpacker — is for sale as a freehold going concern, plus land and buildings.
Countrywide Real Estate agent Stephanie Lucas says the 80- bed quality accommodation business plays a leading role in the tourism sector at the gateway to the Bay of Islands.
It is a multi- award- winner, having regularly been named top backpacker in its category, including for 2017.
Saltwater is at 14 Kings Rd, along along with Salty Bar, which the vendors are concurrently selling their investment in, as the bar is leased to a third party.
Tenders will close October 25, unless sold earlier by negotiation.
“Offering quality accommodation for ‘ glampackers’ Saltwater Lodge stands out among the half dozen backpacker hostels nearby,” says Lucas.
“It has become leading accommodation provider of this type in the area and to this day retains a 5- Star ranking, being the only lodge in Paihia to offer all ensuite rooms.
“It has a reputation for quality, friendliness and value- for- money.”
Lucas says the town i s the focal point for the Bay of Islands, one of the strongest growing tourist destinations in the country.
Traditionally, international travellers have arrived in Auckland and headed to Rotorua and the South Island, but increasing numbers are including the Bay of Islands in their itinerary. “Proximity to Auckland makes Paihia an ideal holiday destination now, however road improvements are now making the journey even easier and quicker.”
She says options to develop backpacker businesses in Kings Rd are now limited.
The layout of the Saltwater Lodge is:
Level One: two six- bed dorms, plus seven four- bed dorms ( all with ensuites).
Level two: 10 spacious rooms with Californian king- size or t win beds, plus bunk bed, ensuite bathroom, TV, fridge, tea and coffee- making facilities. Linen included.
Facilities include a spacious communal lounge and dining area with TV; large fully equipped kitchen; outdoor dining areas with barbecue facilities; disabled facilities; guest laundry; free off- street parking; free tennis, bikes, darts and table tennis.
There is a full booking service for a long list of tourist activities: swimming with dolphins, cruises, day trips, fishing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, horse riding, golf, bush walks, vehicular and passenger ferries to the islands. Also the newly opened Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is a welcome, year-round, free activity and a huge draw card for the Bay.
Lucas says the lodge is purposebuilt and of a modern standard, while being about 50 metres to beach and a few- minutes- walk to bars, shops, trips and so forth.
Also provided: female- only rooms on request; outdoor dining/ barbecue facilities and night time security patrols.
Lucas says over the last two- and- ahalf years there’s been a major refurbishment and upgrading programme.
“For example, commercial, coin operated machines have been added to the guest laundry and large machines for the lodge laundry.
Californian King beds are used in each of the top floor’s 10 rooms and these split to twins depending on demand.
There’s new lounge furniture in the common room area; new commercial refrigeration, oven and hob facilities in the kitchen and several other significant improvements.
“The website ( www.saltwaterlodge.co.nz) has been completely redesigned to develop a strong online presence for the brand, bringing increased direct bookings,” says Lucas.
Salty Bar is leased, to a third party, having a net rental annual income of $ 51,000, plus outgoings.
This lease commenced in February 2005, for an initial five- year term, with four rights of renewal of fiveyears- each.
Final expiry will be in January 2030.