A European-style chalet in the North Island’s adventure capital has been placed on the market for sale, offering an opportunity for a new owner to leverage new tourism pathways or retain the residence for private use.

Currently trading as the Mountain Heights Lodge, the property occupies 2.172ha (more or less) of freehold land at 4576 State Highway 4 on the edge of the Tongariro National Park Village.

Bayleys Ruapehu salesperson Antony Greenfield says the land, buildings, and business are offered to the market as a versatile opportunity for purchasers to acquire a piece of uniquely New Zealand real estate benefitting from a location proximate to the dual World Heritage area and new and evolving tourism ventures locally.

“Changing weather patterns have reduced the seasonality of the Central Plateau, which is now a thriving year-round destination attracting hikers, skiers, mountain bikers, hunters, and kayakers on the nearby Whanganui River.

“The rugged terrain of the National Park serves as a magnet for participants in renowned annual events like the T42 Central Plateau and Goat Adventure Race. Moreover, it naturally benefits from the some 120,000 annually undertaking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and visitors exploring the Whanganui National Park and its most popular track, The Bridge to Nowhere. Furthermore, its strategic location provides convenient access to the nearby ski fields at Whakapapa and Tūroa.

“Several high-value investments in the region’s reputation as an adventure hub include the Te Ara Mangawhero ecotourism trail, which is due for completion later this year. Once open, it will become one of the country’s ‘Great Rides’ and part of the Mountains to Sea hiking/cycling journey connecting Tūroa and Ohakune.

“It’s a true thrill-seeker's destination with the subject property primed to benefit from a continued rise in sightseeing and local permanent residence population growth.”

Mr Greenfield is marketing the land, buildings, and Mountain Heights Lodge business as a freehold going concern for sale by negotiation with Bayleys colleague Amie Rowan.

Occupying a prominent position two kilometres south of the National Park Village, the property benefits from high visibility to passing vehicle traffic travelling north to the village and south to Ohakune.

The property features a collection of buildings, including a primary alpine lodge modelled on the Tyrolean cottages of Austria and Italy. It has distinct features, including a pitched roof, decorative woodwork, and a cosy, rustic interior. Additionally, there are supplementary accommodation buildings and storage sheds.

Bayleys Whanganui salesperson Amie Rowan says in the main lodge, there are four bedrooms with private bathrooms, a private owner/manager’s wing with two bedrooms, and a large communal area with a crackling log fire, expansive kitchen, and spa pool.

“There is potential to convert an existing storage space into an additional room in the primary lodge, as well as the chance to utilise the premises as a sprawling family home.

“Besides the bed and breakfast rooms within the main lodge, six self-contained motel rooms are split across two auxiliary structures, each with a kitchenette and private bathroom. These rooms have been recently refurbished by the current owners.

“Current occupancy rates sit around 64 percent, with an opportunity to undertake add-value works and enhancements to increase further the attractiveness and efficiency of the current lodge operation to leverage local tourism trends.

“Alternative uses for the significant site could include eco-friendly accommodation, a wellness retreat, education centre, adventure park, or retention as a rare, multi-generational legacy property that would keep families coming together year-round.

“The land and buildings of the Mountain Heights Lodge are seeking a new custodian, and in a spectacular and diverse part of Aotearoa-New Zealand, it is a truly unique opportunity to acquire a lifestyle landholding with income upside and flexibility.”

Click here for more information on the listing.