One of the last remaining character buildings in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, is up for sale with concept plans to convert it into a heritage hotel.

Marketing agents managing director Bruce Whillans and Michael Pleciak of Whillans Realty Group, say the site is one of Auckland’s best hotel conversion opportunities given its premier location right on the city’s waterfront and proximity to Auckland’s key tourism and corporate centre.



“As an existing building it offers a relatively low cost of entry and the ability to expedite delivery when compared to a new build hotel project. Alternatively, it could suit a backpackers or lifestyle budget accommodation. The property is ready for conversion with vacant possession achievable in a years’ time.

Pleciak goes on to say: “Many global hoteliers are pursuing lifestyle brands that offer a unique experience and Viaduct Harbour has a lot going for it.

“It is home to Auckland’s most popular bars and restaurants, and it is the regional headquarters for a number of major international companies - providing a rich source of corporate clientele.

“It is also home to New Zealand’s first Park Hyatt Hotel and QT Auckland - one of the city’s best performing hotels.

“More than $9 billion of public and private infrastructure projects are already underway or planned around the property, including the International Convention Centre and the redevelopment of the Downtown Car Park just one block away.



Pleciak adds that with 149 basement car parks, The Old City Markets Building will see additional demand for parking when the Downtown Car Park is demolished."

Ignite Architects’ associate director Audrey de Filippis says the building presents an incredible opportunity for a visionary developer to create an exceptional destination property.

Whillans says Auckland’s rapid hotel recovery and the growing global demand for authentic hospitality experiences will provide the backdrop for any conversion. Auckland recorded an 80.4% hotel occupancy rate in November 2023, up from 72.7% on the year before.

There were 422,600 hotel guest nights in commercial accommodation for the month of November, on par with pre-Covid levels, he says.

“It is positioned at the centre of the city’s hospitality precinct and is within easy walking distance to Sky City Casino, the New Zealand International Convention Centre, the Viaduct Events Centre, and the downtown ferry terminal and Britomart train station. Not to mention some of Auckland’s best restaurants in Viaduct Harbour and downtown Auckland.
These and other tourism amenities will guarantee a high volume of pedestrian traffic and patronage

The historic elements of the building will add context and interest to the interior spaces, and will provide a rich canvas for a heritage or modern design to celebrate the legacy of the architecture, while bringing a vibrant new life to the building.”



The vendor is seeking offers on an asking price of NZD$15 million.

The Old City Markets Building, 106 Customs Street West is for sale by private treaty.

To request a copy of the Information Memorandum please contact, Bruce Whillans, Whillans Realty Group via the contact details below.