Aucklanders have lodge booked ahead

Tawharanui Lodge's location at 841 Takatu Rd, Matakana, north of Auckland, is roughly identified by a blue border. Photo / Supplied

The idyllic Tawharanui Lodge occupies a stunning, secluded property north of Auckland and is on the market as a business going concern.

Broker Shelley May, with colleagues Marcus Jacobson and Pauras Rege of Colliers International's Business Sales and Capital Solutions team, is marketing the business and its expansive 2.81ha property at 841 Takatu Rd, Matakana, for sale by negotiation.

May says the sale represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a popular and well-established venue.

"This fully licensed luxury lodge is superbly located just an hour's drive north of Auckland's CBD, making it a popular choice for weddings, conferences, retreats, corporate functions and weekend getaways," she says.

"The property is ideally situated on the Tawharanui Peninsula, which has a perfect combination of beautiful coastal landscapes and leisure activities.

"The lodge is close to Matakana's village hub, which is a popular holiday and lifestyle destination, and is within 15 minutes' drive of Omaha Beach, Leigh and Snells Beach."

May describes the venue is a profitable business with potential for future growth.

"The venture has grown immensely over the last two years, with next season's confirmed bookings worth more than double those taken at the same time last year," she says.

May says buyers wishing to take over the business as a going concern can draw confidence from Tawharanui Lodge's strong future bookings well into next year.

"More than 20 bookings with deposits paid are set to deliver future income of more than $300,000."

The venue offers magical event spaces and secluded grounds surrounded by stunning beaches and scenery, May says.

The property is dominated by mature trees and expansive lawns, as well as a tidal estuary on the title. Photo / Supplied

"Nestled among a private estuary and native bush, the venue is a perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies and conference activities.

"The lodge offers a restaurant and conference area that seats up to 60 guests. A bar added in 2014 offers the ability to open the rooms into one larger area.

"Further guests can be hosted in a large adjacent marque - an exquisite space offering covered access and indoor-outdoor flow."

The accommodation comprises seven rooms with ensuites in the main building, as well as two freestanding villas.

"The sale of both the property and business to the same buyer would be ideal, offering an enviable lifestyle," says May.

"The new owner-operator has the option of living in the lodge's two upstairs rooms, which are privately removed from the five rooms downstairs."

Rege says the venue, formerly known as Sandpiper Lodge, was purchased by the Bruce Wells Family Trust in 2008 and leased to Jill Christiansen and Peter Shewan in 2014.

"The pair changed the venue's name to Tawharanui Lodge and its focus to weddings and conferences," Rege says.

"Jill largely runs the business, drawing on her extensive experience and reputation in organising weddings and conferences. She is happy to include 100 vendor assisted hours in the sale."

Staff are on a contract basis, and the business benefits from a good database of contractors and the availability of locals when required.

Rege says the accommodation is block booked out for the wedding season, but the new owners could also take bookings during the week, when there are no weddings.

Accommodation comprises seven rooms, with ensuites in the main building and two freestanding villas. Photo / Supplied

A romance package runs in the winter and has proven to be extremely popular.

"Due to the seasonal nature of the wedding business, it is desirable to take the winter to relax or possibly expand on the lodge's offerings to make it a full, seven-day-a-week business," Rege says.

Jacobson says the property is dominated by mature trees and expansive lawns, as well as a tidal estuary on the title.

"It is rare to have brackish water on a private title, which offers plenty of opportunities for private recreation and boathouse accommodation."

Jacobson says there is an opportunity to expand the property, with the owner of roughly 4000sq m of adjoining land expressing an interest in selling.

"Opportunities could include building a new residence for the owners or developing further independent accommodation."

Jacobson says the lodge needs remedial maintenance work and refurbishment, which would increase the venue's appeal.

The road to the lodge has recently been sealed, making it more easily accessible.

A new highway being built from Puhoi to Warkworth will further reduce local congestion and the commute time to the city.

The Tawharanui Peninsula separates Omaha Bay to the north from Kawau Bay and Kawau Island to the south.

Hidden away at the end of the peninsula, the white sandy beaches and beautiful scenery of Tawharanui Regional Park are well suited for a picnic and a swim. Nearby Omaha is a popular but uncrowded holiday spot dotted with seaside holiday homes.