Luxury Waikato lodge near Cambridge

Suites in Maungatautari Lodge have expansive views over to Lake Karapiro. Photo / Supplied

A Waikato luxury lodge about 12km from Cambridge, with lake views and close to a famous ecological reserve, is for sale as a going concern business with over 2.5ha of freehold land and mansion-styled buildings.

"Maungatautari Lodge features five beautifully appointed suites all with stunning views over Lake Karapiro and all facing north to the sun," says Sharene Temple of Sotheby's International Realty of Parnell who is marketing 844 Maungatautari Rd, Karapiro, for sale for an asking price of $2.5m plus GST if any.

"The dramatic entrance to Maungatautari is via a tree-lined driveway of 320m, through solar powered electric gates; passing by manicured gardens and arriving at a vast guest car parking area which can house 24 vehicles," Temple says.

"The property also has dramatic views over its infinity pool and gardens with vistas of theSanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, ecological wildlife reserve in the background."

Recently refurbished, the sprawling 674sq m mansion occupies a flat 2.5648ha landscaped and well-maintained site which encompasses three separate paddocks for grazing.

Temple says Maungatautari has operated successfully as a lodge and restaurant for years but the owners are now running it as a casual Airbnb and bed & breakfast operation due to their diverse business commitments.

The mansion's grand entrance to the lobby, is through thick cedar entrance doors and staircase leading to five super king size suites which are all similar in size. All the suites have super king beds, and three of these can be configured with twin beds if required.

Heat pumps control the temperatures throughout the complex and each suite has its own ensuite, dressing area, spa bath, and tea and coffee making facilities along with access to wireless internet and Sky TV.

The infinity swimming pool is a feature of the property at 844 Maungatautari Rd, Karapiro. Photo / Supplied

"The beauty of these suites is they all have their own Juliet balcony facing the lake and gardens of lavender and rose with buxus hedging," Temple says.

The entire ground floor is dedicated to entertaining with a bar, adjoining conservatory and several lounge areas - including the billiard room/library with a full-sized billiard table and built in bar and fridge and a gas fire.

The dining room with French doors leads to a concrete terrace and is serviced by a commercial kitchen with large stainless steel bench and side kitchen; while a dedicated underground wine cellar is sound proofed enabling it to be used for a variety of functions.

Outdoor features of the property include courtyard dining areas, croquet lawn and an in-ground infinity swimming pool with waterfall and a salt filtration system connected to gas for water heating if necessary.

"Amenities include a laundry, plenty of storage space and a 'dumbwaiter' which accesses all three levels, making for a seamless operation in such a large premise," Temple says.

"The property recently had a substantial interior and exterior redecoration which included painting, new carpets, modernising of bathrooms with up-to-date tiles and fit out with floating tiling systems on the suite balconies."

Sharene Temple, Sotheby's International Realty