Retreat of stars, president for sale
Internationally acclaimed Tongariro Lodge, which has hosted celebrities including former US President Jimmy Carter and Hollywood stars Liam Neeson and Robert Mitchum, is for sale.
Located at the southern end of Lake Taupo¯ on the banks of the Tongariro River, the 9.1ha compound can accommodate up to 110 guests in two- to five-bedroom villas or one-bedroom chalets that sit in secluded park-like grounds with gardens and mature trees.
Established in 1982 by legendary angler and guide Tony Hayes, the property has gained significant exposure over the years through major fishing and travel publications.
While the lodge is famous for providing some of the world’s best fly-fishing, there’s a host of activities on the doorstep, including the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most popular one-day walk, stunning golf courses, tramping and mountain biking tracks, snow skiing and whitewater rafting.
The lodge sits on the edge of true wilderness but is also highly accessible with the town of Turangi only 2.5km away. The property sits equidistant between Auckland and Wellington. Taupo¯ is 35-40 minutes’ drive away.
Roger Seavill, manager of special projects at Colliers, is marketing the property and business for sale via deadline private treaty closing at 4pm, Wednesday December 6, unless sold prior.
Seavill says Tongariro Lodge has built an enviable reputation for providing its clientele with superb accommodation, food, wine and hospitality, all in a unique fishing lodge atmosphere, with access to some of the world’s best trout fishing and adventure-based activities.
“Access to over 30 rivers and three lakes can be provided, including special helicopter access that has been negotiated, which allows guests to fly-fish in multiple rivers, accompanied by experienced lodge guides,” Seavill says.
“Guests can take part in activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking and tramping, along with heli-hiking and helibiking options.
“Wairakei golf course and the Kinloch Club, which is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in New Zealand, are both within 50 minutes of the property.”
The property boasts a magnificent main lodge that serves as the heart of the establishment, including a reception area, administrative facilities, fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining areas, comfortable lounges, outdoor terraced spaces, a wellstocked bar and comprehensive conference facilities.
Near the main lodge, a separate twobedroom manager’s accommodation is thoughtfully incorporated. The property also houses ancillary improvements in the form of service buildings.
The property’s commitment to relaxation and recreation is evident through its offerings of a rejuvenating spa pool, helipad, petanque area and an all-weather tennis court.
The property has three potential development sites within the existing compound that could see the accommodation offering doubled, allowing the lodge to take advantage of the everexpanding trout-fishing, corporate conference, wedding and adventure tourism markets.
“The property is highly profitable and already capitalising on a post-Covid tourism rebound, with trading conditions greatly improving since New Zealand’s borders were reopened in August 2022,” Seavill says. “Year-end 31 March 2023 produced record annual sales.”