"Three of the individual guest suites overlook a private lake and the suites are configured to sleep between two and six guests," O'Connor says. "The business has turned over $120,000 in its best performing year with rack rates ranging from $170 to $340 for two people, depending on room configurations and the season."
The lodge had a 41.3 per cent occupancy rate in the 2012/2013 financial year.
Guest amenities include a helicopter landing pad, a conference room, gymnasium, spa and an eight-seat movie theatre.
All units have full kitchens with ovens, microwave, fridge and dishwasher and there are outdoor barbecue areas.
The coastal freshwater Kai Iwi Lakes and the Waipoua Forest with its famous Tane Mahuta kauri and the Trounson Kauri Park are within a short driving distance.
O'Connor says the lodge has recently begun marketing its potential as a boutique venue catering for weddings of between 10 to 25 people in the bridal party, with guests booking all accommodation for three nights and it has already catered for four weddings.
The sale of the lodge follows the Government's commitment to regional tourism growth. The initiatives have been spearheaded by the start of construction of the Puhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance in 2016/17 and plans for the creation of New Zealand's most northern national park in the Waipoua Forest in conjunction with wider initiatives to boost Northland's tourism industry.
O'Connor says Wai Hou Oma Lodge is perfectly positioned to benefit from such growth.
"Business forecasts from the lodge have calculated that the Government's two new tourism initiatives, combined, will add 7 to 11 per cent to reservation numbers within two years," she says. "Lodge owners Ruby and Noel Martin have been quite methodical in the development of Wai Hou Oma, building extra rooms as the business grew.
"However, a change in personal circumstances means they now need to relocate, and as a result they have reluctantly placed the land, buildings and business up for sale.
"Any new owner could also look at purchasing the venue through a partnership structure and converting it to private use as a holiday home."
O'Connor says latest figures from the Tourism Industry Association show that one in 10 jobs held by Far North residents are in the tourism sector.
"The association's August industry review spotlights that $587 million a year is spent by international and domestic visitors in Northland, equating to 11.5 per cent of the region's gross domestic product. Northland's gross domestic product output growth from tourism is now identical to the national figure, after falling behind over the 2008-2010 period."
Wai Hou Oma's owners have been strong supporters of tourism ventures on Northland's west coast, promoting venues such as the nearby Maunganui Bluff overlooking the Tasman, and sporting and leisure activities on the Kai Iwi Lakes.
What's on offer?
The property: Wai Hou Oma Lodge.
Location: 357 Kai Iwi Lakes Rd on State Highway 12, Dargaville.
Agency: Bayleys Dargaville.
Sales method: Expressions of interest.
Features:
Boutique luxury accommodation provider.
Four-star Qualmark rated.
Turned over $120,000 in best year.
In area of Government tourism promotions.
Close to national tourism scenic attractions.
