Popular northern hotel up for sale

One of Whangarei's largest hotels, the Flames International Hotel has recently been completely renovated.

One of Whangarei's largest hotels, the Flames International Hotel, is for sale by expression of interest, as a freehold going concern following a complete renovation.

Originally built by DB Breweries in the early 1970s, the hotel overlooks a native bush reserve and the inner harbour at Onerahi. It has been upgraded by its current owner, Laurie Wooding, director of one of Northland's largest construction firms, Wooding Construction Ltd.

A separate, adjoining 7307 sq m site zoned Business 3 is also being offered for sale.

Ross Blomfield, of Bayleys Whangarei, says the hotel is one of the most popular in Whangarei because of its peaceful location in picturesque surroundings. Its wedding and events market has grown substantially since the renovations were completed, and there is potential to increase its turnover through more targeted marketing and building more units on the site, says Blomfield.

Situated on the main route from Onerahi Airport to Whangarei, the hotel's complex includes 21 units, four executive business suites, a 160-seat restaurant with room for a further 60 on outdoor covered decks, and several meeting and conference rooms overlooking the swimming and spa pool.

Its new Rimu Bar is one of the largest restaurant-bars in Northland and can cater for 80 people.

Also new and located over a natural lava flow is the Lava Bar, an outdoor bar with bush views which is hired out for private functions. It has a walkway to a deck overlooking a waterfall.

The hotel also has a two-bedroom manager's apartment overlooking the native bush reserve, which includes the waterfall and a stony stream.

Wooding says he is selling the property to concentrate on his construction and other property interests because he has become too busy to manage two large businesses at the same time.

"We bought the hotel in a run-down state and have redeveloped and refurbished the entire complex to a high standard. Now it is time for someone else to take it the next step," he says.

Wooding says it would suit an owner who could spend more time promoting and marketing the hotel, and enjoy living in very pleasant surroundings overlooking the inner harbour.

"There was also the option to retain the land and buildings and sell the restaurant and accommodation businesses either together or to separate operators.

"It has always been a popular hotel for travellers and the hotel has hosted a number of popular entertainers and bands over the years," says Wooding.