Judges Pool riverside motel looks a good catch

The entrance to the Judges Pool Motel at Turangi.

The Judges Pool Motel on the banks of the world famous Tongariro River at Turangi is for sale as a going concern business and freehold property.

The riverside property less than 50km south west of Taupo is named after the trout fishing pool at the end of nearby Te Aho Rd that feeds into the river and is being sold by Bayleys through a tender process closing on Thursday May 21.

"This is one of the only motels in the region to boast its own fish cleaning room complete with deep freeze, refrigerator-freezer, filleting knives and fish smoker," says Bayleys Turangi salesperson Maurice Heappey.

"For years visitors to the Trout Fishing Capital of the World have enjoyed the full complement of fishing facilities at this popular Turangi motel," Heappey says. "The current owners have cleverly geared the motel towards guests interested in the world-class trout fishing that the region is known for, and the many other outdoor activities available in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park and Kaimanawa Ranges.

"Tourists looking for somewhere to base themselves in the Taupo and Turangi areas cannot look past 'Judges'. It's at the centre of all of the action, is comfortable, affordable and offers everything needed to catch, cook and eat delicious Tongariro trout," Heappey says.

Good sized rainbow and brown trout are caught regularly in river pools just a short distance from the motel.

View of some of the nine motel units.

The property with a capital valuation of $650,000 comprises nine self contained units, in a configuration of seven one-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units. It also comes with a three-bedroom manager's residence.

One bedroom units are currently charged out at $115 a night for two people, with an additional $18 each for up to two extra guests. The two bedroom chalets are available for $158 per night for up to four people, with an additional $18 each for up to two extra guests.

All of the units have a heat pump, a television with more than 50 Sky Television channels, DVD player, Wifi and a kitchenette.

An on-site guest laundry is centrally located within the grounds, adjacent to a large under-cover barbecue area and a children's playground.

Heappey says room is available towards the back of the 3048 sq m property to develop more motel units. "The extra beds could prove a lucrative addition, especially over the summer high season, and there is potential to grow the existing accommodation offering to include a higher-end chalet type accommodation that would appeal to a wider target market.

"There are plenty of avenues for the new owner to increase turnover, for example a bike hire side-line business and the offer of guided fishing trips are other possibilities," he says

Heappey says the motel sits on the edge of Kiwi wilderness, bordered by the popular hunting and tramping grounds of the Kaimanawa Ranges and only a drive of about 40 minutes to one of the country's largest ski areas at Whakapapa.

The manager's residence at the Judges Pool Motel.

"The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is also just 30 minutes away by car giving the motel a steady stream of business all year round.

"Judging by the guest reviews on TripAdvisor and other popular tourism websites, the motel has hit the right note among visitors to the region," says Heappey.

"The motel holds a current TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence as proof of its success so a new owner will be inheriting a blueprint to continue along the same track."

He says tourism is a significant earner for the region, with more than two million visitors a year generating around $400 million towards the local economy.

In 2014 the greater Taupo district was named 'Best New Zealand Destination' at the international Golden Backpack Awards.