In December 2014, the vendors made a life-changing decision to exit Wellington and establish themselves in their own business, a decision they have never regretted.
Operating a motel business was top of their wish list, as was living in an area that provided business opportunities and satisfied a passion for summer and winter outdoor activities. This all resulted in the purchase of the business at Ohakune Court Motel. Working for themselves has accelerated their savings toward the next step in their lives.
Nestled at the base of Mt Ruapehu Tūroa ski fields, Ōhakune is about three hours from Wellington, four hours from Auckland and shorter drives to all significant cities. The superb schooling, businesses, exceptional cafes, restaurants and bars are also attractive features of the area.
Lindsay Sandes of LINK Business Broking is offering the Ohakune Court Motel business for sale.
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He says: “A motel business purchase has benefits that are seldom considered — provision of the owners’ self-contained home operated as a component of the business.” According to the vendors, this has allowed them to save on home ownership costs and bank considerable annual business profits.
Ohakune Court Motel has operated profitably and now it is time for the vendors to move on to their next challenge. One of the main benefits of Ōhakune is that it has support from business travellers servicing local dairy, farming and horticulture businesses. It has a predominance of domestic leisure visitors during the winter and summer months, enjoying the multitude of outdoor activities — mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and snow sports.
Ohakune Court Motel is firmly established as a 3.5-star motel with 18 large studio and family rooms, off-street parking, and a guest spa with views toward Mt Ruapehu. It also has a drying room for outdoor clothing, guest laundry and ski board tuning station. Its location, opposite a council reserve and close to Old Coach Road walk and cycle tracks, make it popular for repeat guest stays.
The owners’ upstairs home has commanding views toward the mountain and a cosy living area with fire.
Sandes says owning a motel business is an ideal opportunity to work for yourself. Anyone with a passion for customer service and interacting with guests will succeed in this business. A passion for outdoor activities would be an advantage to enjoy every activity the Ruapehu area offers.
