Prominent Hotel Operator To Manage Tekapo Resort

Prominent Hotel Operator To Manage Bluewater Resort At Lake Tekapo

Leading Australasian hotel operator, Stella Hospitality Group, will manage the new Bluewater Resort at Lake Tekapo on a long-term agreement.

Offering an extensive range of over 150 resorts, retreats, hotels and apartments throughout Australia and New Zealand, Stella Hospitality Group will manage Bluewater Resort under its premium Peppers brand.

Gunter Steib, Group General Manager of Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels said he was delighted to announce the company’s involvement with the Bluewater development.

“Peppers Bluewater fits perfectly into our portfolio and presents an exciting opportunity in a great location, well positioned between Christchurch and Queenstown,’’ Mr Steib said.

Bluewater will join Peppers expanding New Zealand collection, which includes properties in Queenstown, Lake Taupo, Rotorua and Martinborough as well as Peppers Clearwater Resort in Christchurch.

The first phase of accommodation at Peppers Bluewater will open in November this year. Initially, the property will offer 66 villas in studio, one and two bedroom layouts with design inspired by the lake landscape and reflecting the textures, materials and colours of the region. The property will also have an exclusive lodge which will house the resort bar and restaurant.

The final stage of the development will be completed over the next 12 months. Room numbers will increase to 162, with the addition of a conference centre, which is due to open early next year.

Chief executive officer of Mackenzie District Council Glen Innes said it was a first for this part of the South Island to have such an internationally recognised operator.

“The growth in Stella’s Australian network will result in high net worth tourists coming to the area,” Mr Innes said.

According to Mr Steib, Peppers Bluewater would perfectly reflect the Peppers philosophy of offering warm and friendly hospitality, charming and stylish accommodation in exciting visitor regions and great food and wine experiences.

“The Bluewater development is very impressive and great care and attention has been placed on the style and finish of the buildings, while still being sensitive to the local landscape,’’ he said.

“The Mackenzie District is a magnificent region with spectacular scenery and is rich in tradition forming an iconic part of New Zealand’s history.

“The region has been enjoying very positive growth in tourism numbers over recent years and there is a great opportunity for Peppers to provide an accommodation and dining offering never experienced in the region before.”

Peppers was introduced to Bluewater by Chris Herbert of Chris Herbert Property Services who has also marketed and sold the individual villas to investors and holiday owners.

He says that Peppers involvement with the property and commitment to the region ratifies the confidence purchasers have shown by investing in the resort over the past two years.

“We have been fortunate to have experienced a strong level of sales activity especially within Stages 1 and 2 and now I expect that our final Stage 3 release will enjoy a momentum gain on the back of this terrific appointment,’’ Mr Herbert said.

“Lake Tekapo has been quietly emerging as a prime holiday destination and we are confident that having such a prestigious hotel group on board will be a major catalyst to tourism growth in the region.

“The signing of this deal is great for investors, local businesses and the community as a whole and is a great reflection on the infrastructure investment made by Mackenzie District Council.”

About Stella Hospitality Group
Stella is a wholly Australian-owned subsidiary of the MFS Group. Through MFS’ Tourism Division, Stella Hospitality Group currently owns, leases, manages and markets a rapidly expanding range of tourism and accommodation businesses under the Peppers, Saville, Mantra and BreakFree brands in Australia and New Zealand, and Protea Hotels in South Africa. MFS Tourism also operates Mt Hotham and Falls Creek ski resorts in Australia.

Stella Hospitality Group also benefits from the retail and wholesale strength of its sister company, Stella Travel Services, which has over 1,400 retail and corporate outlets including Harvey World Travel, Travelscene American Express, Gullivers Travel and Transonic Travel.

About Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels
Peppers is a collection of individual hotels, retreats and resorts offering boutique accommodation, ideal for a holiday, weekend, short break or indulgent escape in spectacular locations throughout regional Australia and New Zealand. Choose from luxury outback cattle stations, romantic vineyard retreats, rainforest lodges, mountain resorts, premium golf getaways, historic country estates and exotic tropical islands. All are within easy reach of a major city such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Christchurch.

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