Unique Freehold Backpacker Business For Sale
Kaikoura, New Zealand



Rare opportunity in Kaikoura tourism

Kaikoura is beautiful coastal town midway between Christchurch and Picton on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island.

To the east is the Pacific Ocean with whales, dolphins, fur seals and a great variety of seabirds, including albatross. To the west is the majestic Seaward Kaikoura Range with snow on the highest mountain peaks through most of the year.

Travellers come from all over the world to see the whales – mainly enormous sperm whales – and to swim with the wild dolphins and fur seals that inhabit the coastal fringe. Nutrient-rich ocean currents bring fish that attract the marine mammals and sea birds. Crayfish and cod are also abundant and Kaikoura is famous for its delectable evening meals.

Albatross Backpackers is a favourite accommodation destination for international travellers who come to whale-watch and to enjoy all of the sights and sounds of a major tourist town. This Backpackers hostel is situated in a warm and sheltered position close to the beach, making it the ideal place to relax and unwind. And it is only a short walk from the town centre with shops, bars and restaurants.

Close to the beach, shops, bars, restaurants and transport services

Albatross Backpackers has come on to the market because of changed circumstances. This is a unique accommodation business that has been described by guests as the best character backpacker experience in New Zealand – friendly atmosphere, no rowdy tour groups, a home away from home. It is being sold as a going concern with everything in place for the new owner to trade from day one.

If you have skills in the hospitality industry and a love of meeting people from all over the world, seriously consider what Albatross Backpackers has to offer – there is more here than is apparent at first glance.

Well-established backpacker business in the heart of Kaikoura

The buildings that make up the Backpackers were once the historic Kaikoura Post Office, Telephone Exchange and Postmaster's Residence. They are designated "Heritage Buildings" and the safe from the old Post Office still stands impressively in the reception office.

• The Telephone Exchange (98 square metres plus a porch of 4 square metres) has 4 rooms plus a kitchen, lounge, shower and toilet.
• The original Post Office (226 square metres plus a porch of 18 square metres) has 10 rooms. This building includes a communal kitchen, large lounge, showers, toilets, and an office.
• The Postmasters House (134 square metres plus a porch of 15 square metres and a verandah of 11 square metres) has 8 rooms. The building also has a kitchen, showers, and toilets.
• There is a Garage (36 square metres) on the property.

Telephone Exchange and old Post Office, ideal backpacker accommodation

Current business operation

Albatross Backpackers offers a total of 42 beds in 14 accommodation rooms located between the three principal buildings (there are further rooms that are for the exclusive use of a Manager, if the Manager chooses to live on-site). Rental Units include:

• 1 x Single Room.
• 5 x Double Rooms.
• 2 x Twin Dorm Rooms.
• 18 x beds in Dorm Bedrooms (3 x rooms with 6 bunks).
• 12 x beds in Turkish-themed Dorms with semi-enclosed bunks and reading lights (3 x rooms with 4 bunks).

The Postmasters House with sun-drenched verandah

Guest services

• All beds fully made-up.
• Heated rooms throughout.
• Laundry facilities.
• Barbecue and entertaining area.
• Sky TV, videos, Internet, phone card facilities, and great music provided 24 hours.
• Pack lockers.

Freehold premises

The owners are selling the freehold title to land (1258 square metres) and buildings at 1 Torquay Street in central Kaikoura. The freehold to this corner site is currently in one title but offered with an option to have two separate titles on settlement, subject to final Council approval in two titles (Lot 1, 758 square metres, Lot 2, 500 square metres).

All buildings have been regularly maintained and are presented in excellent order. Floor coverings include carpet, lino, and polished timber. The latest in fire alarm systems has been fitted in each building.

Owner’s accommodation
Albatross Backpackers offers the Manager a choice of two self-contained Flats, each with two double bedrooms, should the Manager choose to live on-site. Each Flat has a separate kitchen, living room, and bathroom.

Corner site has development potential

Change in property zoning and the potential to expand the business
Recently, the site zoning has been changed to “Bus A” and there is now the exciting opportunity to allow a wider range of commercial activity on this site, including alternative uses as Shops, Offices, or Tourist Activities.

Assets being sold

A complete list of all fittings fixtures and chattels being sold is available.

• The accommodation rooms have share facilities – six showers, four showers plus toilet, and two separate toilets.
• The stock list includes inventory for 48 beds and three fully equipped kitchen areas, including stoves (2), bench-top hotplates (3), microwave ovens (4), refrigerators (5), toasters, and assorted cooking equipment, cutlery and crockery.
• The office is equipped with computer, printer, software, phone, fax, photocopier, electronic till, and Eftpos terminal.

Day to day management

Business Hours:
Monday to Sunday – normal backpacker hours.

Staff:
The business is operated by the owner with assistance from two staff.

Advertising and Promotion:
The Backpackers advertises via roadside signage, a listing in White Pages, brochures at i-Sites, and advertisements in Travel Guides, a BBH listing, and a listing in AA Guides. The business owns and operates its own informative web site http://www.albatross-kaikoura.co.nz/.

The business is also promoted widely among the backpacker fraternity - the visitor’s book registers a very high degree of satisfaction.

For Sale by Tender - Open until 5pm 31st August 2009

Tender documents available - Call Alastair on (+64) 021 1911 399

PO Box 196 Kirwee 7543 Canterbury

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a destination for all seasons, with something for everyone. Whether you enjoy just relaxing and soaking up the surrounding beauty, walking along the beach, or adrenaline adventures, there's plenty to see and do in Kaikoura on land, by sea, or in the air.

A deep undersea canyon just offshore from Kaikoura attracts an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being sperm whales. Other marine mammals to be found in the area include 5 other species of whale, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector's and Dusky dolphins. Kaikoura also attracts a great variety of seabirds including albatross, petrels and shearwaters.

A whole eco-industry has sprung up to take visitors to see the great whales, or to swim with the dolphins and seals, and to watch the myriad birds all along the coastline. For those wanting land-based adventures there are Quad bike tours, 4WD tours, horse riding, cave tours, tramping and walking, kayaking, and white water rafting. Other activities include farm visits, golf, scenic flights and winery tours. The list goes on and on.

Whether looking for relaxation, nature, excitement, art, history and culture, or fine wines and cuisine, Kaikoura has it all.

To find out more about Kaikoura, click on:

http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/
http://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/
http://www.kaikoura.nz.com/
http://www.dolphin.co.nz/kaikoura/
http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/
http://www.sealswimkaikoura.co.nz/
http://www.whales.co.nz/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaikoura
http://www.kaikourawinery.co.nz/