New Zealand's Lake Ohau Lodge & Ohau Snow Fields For Sale
Lake Ōhau Lodge and Ōhau Snow Fields, a popular ski resort in New Zealand's South Island, is on the market for sale. The property is being marketed by Bayleys Real Estate and has a price tag of NZ$50 million.
For Sale by way of International Expressions of Interest closing Thursday, 7 September at 5:00pm (NZST)
The lodge and snow fields are located in the stunning Mackenzie Country, about a 2.5-hour drive from Queenstown. The lodge has 72 rooms and a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, spa, and golf course. The snow fields have 145 hectares of skiable terrain and are home to both the US and Norwegian ski teams in the off-season.
The property has been owned and operated by Mike and Louise Neilson since 1990. The Neilsons are retiring and are looking for a new owner who will continue to operate the lodge and snow fields as a high-quality tourism destination.
"We're very proud of what we've built at Lake Ōhau Lodge and Ōhau Snow Fields over the past 33 years," said Mike Neilson. "We've created a world-class ski resort that's enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. We're confident that the right buyer will come along and continue to build on our legacy."
The sale of Lake Ōhau Lodge and Ōhau Snow Fields is a rare opportunity to own a premier ski resort in New Zealand. The property is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for winter tourism in the country.
Tom Gibson, Director of CBRE Hotels, and Tim Rookes, Managing Director of CBRE Christchurch, are leading the sale. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in a profitable asset in an enchanting part of the world,” Gibson remarked. He highlighted the potential for renovating the lodge into a world-class luxury accommodation akin to New Zealand’s famed lodges like Matakauri in Queenstown and Minaret Station in Wanaka, where prices can soar up to $16,000 per night.
Rookes added “Supported by the mesmerizing Ōhau Snow Fields and the globally acclaimed Alps 2 Ocean bike trail, the lodge is ensconced within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve,” he noted. This locale offers diverse outdoor activities, from stargazing to exploring the Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier.
Expressions of interest for the property close on September 7, 2023.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Situated in a stunning lakeside setting and surrounded by the crowning snow-capped mountains of the Mackenzie Country, a region famous for New Zealand’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, striking landscape and rolling hills of sheep farming, Lake Ōhau Lodge and Ōhau Snow Fields is being marketed for sale for the first time after more than 33 years of private ownership.
In close proximity to some of the country’s best natural attractions and experiences. From exploring the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook or the Tasman Glacier, to trout fishing, bike riding, boating and heli-skiing, Lake Ōhau Lodge and Ōhau Snow Fields provides an excellent base for the best that New Zealand’s South Island has to offer.
Lake Ōhau Lodge occupies a lakeside position on the property with brilliant west-facing views overlooking the surrounding ranges, Hopkins Valley and beyond to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
+ 10.1 hectares (approx.) of freehold land across two titles, zoned Rural S (Scenic).
+ Four different styles of accommodation across five wings, totaling 72 rooms.
+ Extensive in-place infrastructure including a restaurant and the ability to add development.
Ōhau Snow Fields
- The snow fields are located 15 minutes from the doorstep of the lodge via the 9.6km access road.
- 145.2 hectares (approx.), with a DOC concession to operate the snowfield.
- A vast array of skiing and touring options, catering for all ability levels.
- Access to over 145ha of skiable terrain with opportunity to expand operations.
- Double chairlift (795 skiers per hour), 200 car parks, helipad and 30 snow machines.
