Visitor numbers and spend are nearing pre-Covid levels in the South Island’s Mackenzie District, home to the towns of Tekapo, Twizel, and Fairlie.
The latest report from Infometrics for the December 2022 quarter says the Mackenzie District economy bounced back as international tourists returned to the area.
Tourism expenditure in Mackenzie grew 18 per cent over the year to December 2022, in line with national growth.
Guest nights at commercial accommodation grew 28 per cent in the Mackenzie District, outpacing the national growth of 22 per cent as international visitors came back in numbers.
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Against this encouraging backdrop, Michael Lough, Investment Sales Broker at Colliers Christchurch, expects strong interest in the Lake Tekapo Village Motel, which he is marketing for sale as a freehold going concern by deadline private treaty, closing 30 March.
Prominently positioned at 14 Rapuwai Lane, the 25-unit complex includes a 33-bed backpackers wing and a two-bedroom first floor apartment, both of which are on a long-term lease.
It comprises six ground floor studio units, six first floor units, three first floor family suites, and three on the ground floor.
The motel sits on 1,585sq m of central land, with future development potential. It has a two-bedroom manager’s home.
“The opportunity here isn’t only in the future growth of tourism in Tekapo but also getting an excellent strategic hold in the core of Tekapo’s future development. This is a prime elevated property with a stunning view of the lake and mountains – the views are world class,” Lough says.
Lake Tekapo is in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, a three-hour drive from Christchurch Airport and only a short distance from Aoraki Mount Cook.
Multiple attractions, including stargazing at the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory, skiing at Round Hill, the hot pools, and outdoor ice skating rink, make Tekapo a popular tourist destination.
Infometrics ranks the Mackenzie District as the third-fastest growing territorial authority in the country, based on provisional GDP estimates.
Employment of Mackenzie residents grew marginally over the past year, just behind national growth figures. This was driven by the recovery of international tourism, with 50 jobs added in accommodation and food services.
Consumer spending in Mackenzie jumped a blistering 16 per cent over the year to December 2022 according to Marketview data, buoyed by recovering tourism expenditure, says Infometrics.
- Article supplied by Colliers
