Tasman lodge alive with birdsong
The five-star Resurgence luxury eco-lodge, close to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, is for sale. The internationally acclaimed lodge, about an hour’s drive from Nelson at 574 Riwaka Valley Rd, is being marketed by negotiation as a freehold going concern by Bo Mansfield of Bayleys Nelson, in conjunction with John Greenwood and Paul Dixon from Bayleys’ tourism division.
The landscaped buildings and grounds have been meticulously developed over the past 15 years by the owners.
A 420sq m central building houses four ensuite guest rooms on the top floor, three dining rooms, a lounge plus commercial kitchen on the middle floor and a gym, plus massage room and reception area on the ground floor.
There is a pool, spa and sauna complex, and each suite has a private hot tub or clawfoot bath.
The lodge sits in 23.6ha of landscaped grounds and native bush, surrounded by six stand-alone luxury suites ideal for the honeymoon and luxury couples market.
“Above all, this operation is built upon the success and reputation of one of New Zealand’s best respected Lodges,” says Mansfield.
“The Resurgence luxury eco-lodge has featured in the Times, LA Times and Sunday Telegraph. It is included in Lonely Planet, Fodors and other of internationa travel guides and brochures.
“It is in the top 10 searches for luxury resorts and boutique lodges on New Zealand.com.
“The lodge is just 15 minutes’ drive from Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, where most guests will undertake at least a day trip, kayaking, hiking or on the water — and it’s also less than an hour from Nelson Airport.”
Mansfield says the Nelson/Tasman region is activity-rich, which increases the duration of guest stays above the national average.
“It gives overseas visitors a taste of
100 per cent Pure New Zealand; there’s no houses or roads in view, just native birds and trails amongst the rainforest.
“The current guest profile is about
30 per cent North American, 30 per cent European and 30 per cent from the UK — with around 10 percent from Australia and New Zealand.”
Dixon says the lodge is a destination for guests seeking environmentally-themed recreational activities in complete isolation away from mainstream tourism routes.
“The Resurgence has invested heavily in its digital presence and marketing. It has featured in the National Geographic Traveller as one of the world’s 25 best luxury ecolodges,” he adds.
“The current owners — Peter Adams and Clare de Carteret-Bisson — have invested their passion over many years developing the resort and brand; they’ve built strong relationships with New Zealand specialist wholesalers; among inbound agents and within the New Zealand tourism industry as a whole.
“Opportunities exist for new owners to further grow the business. It should be possible to command significantly higher nightly rates by adding more suites, pods or glamping facilities, or by extending the length of the season by targeting new markets.
“New owners could zero-in on the profitable New Zealand and Australian, Asian and emerging South American markets.”
Dixon says the lodge is being sold as an impressively well equipped turn-key business.
It currently turns over $750k within a six-month period.
“The new owners could continue as hands-on managers, or employ a professional couple to run the Lodge and its marketing.”
He says the lodge has accommodation for two couples plus two laundries, workshop and ample storage.
Mansfield believes new owners may choose to build a luxury owner’s house on-site, or live in Nelson.
“Whichever way it is run, the business comes with a comprehensive procedures manual, well-performing website and loyal staff.
“The chattels include everything you need to walk in and continue operating the business.”
He says the grounds boast an astonishing variety of birdlife.
“Each owner going back over the the past 80 years has planted native trees to attract birds,” says Mansfield.
“The current owners have developed 5km of walking tracks.
“Guests can explore beauty spots including the Riwaka Resurgence, where the Riwaka River emerges from the marble hillside — a site with cultural significance to Maori.
“It’s a great time to enter the buoyant New Zealand luxury tourism market and this is a great business opportunity for new owners to leverage on the hard work that the present owners have invested into this unique property.”