Surrounded by lakes, rivers, rainforest and seacoast in Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki was one of this country’s pioneering ecotourism ventures and is for sale through Bayleys New Zealand’s Wayne Keene, John Greenwood, Allister Simpson and Kate Mullins.

The Lodge provides an exclusive base for hiking, wildlife watching and exploring nature.

Greenwood says its South Westland location near State Highway 6 puts it on the busy tourist route between the glaciers and Queenstown. “The lodge is underpinned by some 4.5 hectares of freehold land in two titles, one for the main site and another housing a private hydroelectric plant which generates most of the power it uses.

“The buildings encompass the main lodge plus five accommodation blocks containing 28 rooms in various configurations. There is a four-bedroom flat for staff and three-bedroom manager’s house, plus a laundry and workshop.

“The licensed Riverside Restaurant lays claim to one of New Zealand’s finest restaurant outlooks, out across the Moeraki River and towering rainforest,” says Greenwood.

Simpson says the business strikes a unique balance combining a close-to nature experience with high-end comfort. “The lodge is well positioned within a 4.5-star category offering memorable experiences in an exclusive location. It has traded exceptionally well despite global events and is headed for a record year,” Simpson says.

The property is being sold as a freehold going concern which includes the land, buildings, chattels and goodwill of the accommodation business.

The Lake Moeraki lodge can host 62 guests at full capacity. This lodge business can be bought individually, or together with Wilderness Lodge Arthurs's pass. 

The sale comes as tourism rapidly approaches pre-pandemic levels. “Official figures show tourism has regained its place as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, with international visitors spending $9.9 billion in 2023. “The South Island remains a strong focus, with Queenstown Airport reporting its busiest-ever January passenger numbers,” Keene says.

A Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment study found that scenery and wilderness are the biggest drawcard for overseas visitors – cited by almost 40 percent. The most popular activity – enjoyed by two-thirds – is walking or hiking.

“The Wilderness Lodges are positioned perfectly to capitalise on these trends. Forward bookings have been secured well into 2026 and sales are tracking well year-on-year. “Together or individually, these well built and maintained lodges offer buyers a high-yielding opportunity with outstanding cashflow and profits compared with similar accommodation businesses,” Keene says.

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