Two S.I. back-country lodges for sale

Press, 11 July 1989, Page 3

Two S.I. back-country lodges for sale

By

NIGEL MALTHUS

Would-be tourism operators may consider themselves spoilt for choice, with two of the South Island’s more luxurious back-country lodges now for sale. Takaro Lodge, near Te Anau, has been advertised for sale by tender, and Mount Hutt Lodge, overlooking the Rakaia Gorge, will be offered at auction. Takaro Lodge has had an unhappy history since it was built by an American, Mr Stockton Rush, in 1970. He sold up three years later during a much-publicised battle with the Government over foreign ownership, and the luxury lodge has not run commercially since. It has been well-maintained, however, by a full-time caretaker. The lodge was acquired about two years ago by Walter Peak Resort, Ltd, now in receivership, and is being offered for sale by the receivers. It is available for separate development. Takaro Lodge is built of lavish materials, including Malayan hardwoods. The main lodge and surrounding accommodation cottages feature

grassed sod roofs. The sale includes IOOOha of freehold land bordered by the Upekerora River and Fiordland National Park. Tenders for Takaro Lodge close on September 15. Mount Hutt Lodge will be offered at auction on site this Saturday. It occupies what was originally the site of the ferryman’s cottage at Rakaia Gorge, with views over the gorge, across to Mount Hutt and over the plains to the sea. It was built about 1976 by the late Mr Gavin Ogilvy, and passed to his son-in-law, Christchurch businessman, Mr David Wagner, about five years ago. Mr Wagner said he was selling because “the running of a tourist house these days is a relatively sophisticated business, and we believe it would be a very viable proposition for someone with a tourist-hotel background.” The sale will include the main lodge, with bar and restaurant, management rights over adjacent timeshare units, and sufficient land for further development.