Makikihi Country Hotel has been a stalwart along its stretch of State Highway 1 between Christchurch and Dunedin for over 90 years.
Its longevity of trade is down to the location and the special place it occupies as a much-loved historic feature of the town.
It is perfectly placed approximately halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. It is also near the scenic inland route through the Waimate district.
It has a long history of providing accommodation, food and beverages to local guests and travellers. Whether it is the relaxed ambience of the deck and beer garden, or good old-fashioned banter in the bar between friends, this is a very convenient place to stop for lunch or dinner, or even an overnight stay.
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The owner has carefully restored this historic resting place over the last seven years with all the modern amenities and built the business up to what it is today. It is now on the market for sale as a freehold going concern including the hotel, land and buildings, plus the "manager’s residence", a three-bedroom home adjacent to the hotel.
In 2018 the owner stepped back from day-to-day running and the hotel has been fully managed by a husband-and-wife team who live in the house. Depending on who purchases this business, the manager’s residence could become extra accommodation as part of the hotel.
The location is not the only reason why this is a great place to stop. Over the last few years, business from truck drivers and associated industries has increased due to the large carpark which can accommodate trucks with trailers and has easy entry/exit onto the busy highway. There are very few accommodation businesses that have this convenience.
Drivers typically arrive later in the day, park up, have a meal, sleep, and then have breakfast and a packed lunch provided (if booked in advance).
To meet the demand for accommodation, five portacoms offer further accommodation at the rear of the hotel to add to the seven bedrooms inside. Because of this customer base Makikihi Country Hotel is registered as an essential service business, which enabled the business to trade during Covid lockdowns.
The hotel has had a comprehensive refurbishment over the years to bring it up to a quality standard while maintaining the ‘country pub’ feel, including double glazing, flooring, redecorating the bedrooms, shower rooms and garden area.
The restaurant and separate dining room (also functioning as the breakfast room) seats 35. There is a fireplace in the bar area and a separate pool room. Off this area is a delightful, outside, enclosed garden with a children’s playground.
A further income stream is from the off-licence in the bar area. After the first lockdown, the hotel offered a delivery service which proved popular with locals and provides another income stream.
The menu offers options for all – traditional pub fare, gluten-free options, a kids' menu and a restaurant-only menu. Truck drivers are offered a packed lunch and cooked breakfast as part of the accommodation package.
The business has managed to weather the economic challenges of the last few years because of hard work and provision as an essential service business.
If you are looking for that special place with a strong local customer base, and if you love spinning a yarn with travellers from all walks of life, this is an ideal hospitality business.
The owner has loved building up this business, and with retirement looming, it is time to hand over the reins to another passionate hospitality person/partnership.
All the hard work has been done and the business is positioned for a new owner to enjoy taking this historic pub/accommodation offering to the next level.
The business, land and buildings on one title, plus the separate three-bedroom home, are priced at $1,450,000 in a combined sale.
Contact: Samantha Chesterton, 02102978810
- Article supplied by Link Business Brokers
