Margaret Montgomery is the epitome of a people person.
After 27 years of owning the Westport Kiwi Holiday Park, she’s had plenty of practice.
But now eyeing retirement, Montgomery has decided it’s time to sell the 5.43ha park at 31-37 Domett Street in the Buller District.
The property is being marketed by Michael Lough, Investment Sales Broker at Colliers, for sale by deadline private treaty closing 31 March.
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Montgomery and her late husband, Roger, bought the popular site in 1995. He handled all the maintenance, and she looked after the bookings and welcomed holidaymakers.
“Things have changed a lot over the years. When we started out, people rang to make their booking, and everyone paid by cash or cheque. Now most things tend to be online,” Montgomery says.
“It’s a fabulous lifestyle, we raised our children here and had some great times. Owning a holiday park is a lifestyle choice. It’s what you make it.
“We had no experience when we started but my philosophy is always to treat people the way I want to be treated.
“You meet all sorts of people. Sometimes you can just tell that they need a bit of a chat. I say to them, ‘if my lights are on in the house, come in and have a chat’. Others are off doing their own thing and you don’t see much of them.
“We always tried to make it a friendly environment where people make friendships and develop a sense of community. Many returned over the years, especially for the likes of the Buller Marathon and the trots at Christmas – now it’s inter-generational – grandparents, parents and their own children.”
Westport Kiwi Holiday Park comprises 25 cabins, including five with en suites, and six motels, plus 65 powered sites and a large number of tent sites on surplus land that is ripe for development. It currently houses 25 semi-permanent residents living in a variety of upmarket caravans, campervans, and buses.
“Some of them are elderly ladies who don’t want to leave. They’ve formed special friendships and love the company,” Montgomery says.
Lough says the site has multiple access points and is only five streets from the Westport township.
“This is one of Westport’s largest residential landholdings, giving future development options. It’s an immaculately presented investment in a native bush setting. We think it will appeal to buyers looking for a change of lifestyle,” Lough says.
“The business is trading really well and, with the predicted upturn in tourism now that border restrictions are easing, industry experts are predicting a wave of international visitors, particularly in the younger market.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
