Highly rated Lakeview Lodge overlooking Lake Karapiro offered for sale

A highly rated Waikato accommodation business, with one of the best views in the country, is for sale.

Lakeview Lodge sits in an elevated position above Lake Karapiro, surrounded by tranquil countryside, commanding expansive views across the lake and towards Maungatautari.

Helen Zhang bought the property in 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I was living in Auckland, though wanted to leave. I had had enough of the city and wanted a rural lifestyle. When I found Lakeview Lodge, I knew I had to buy it. It was so beautiful,” she says.

When she took over, the world was still dealing with the pandemic, meaning the business was unable to operate. However, as New Zealand’s borders reopened through 2022 and international visitors returned, Helen was finally able to welcome guests to Lakeview Lodge. Since then, the property has established an enviable 9.6 rating on Booking.com.

“Ninety-five per cent of our guests are international. They always love the property. They all think the views are amazing,” she says.

As well as the scenery, Lakeview Lodge makes the most of its location, just off the Auckland-Taupō highway and within easy reach of plenty of leading North Island tourist attractions, including Hobbiton, the Waitomo Caves, Waikato River Trails, Sanctuary Mountain, Blue Springs and the Hamilton Gardens, plus Cambridge, Tirau, Tauranga and Rotorua.

During the summer, business is always brisk. In addition, since taking over, Helen has built a regular shoulder season from clients seeking to hold corporate retreats through June, July and August. Lakeview Lodge’s conference facilities cater for up to 15 guests and include a bespoke meeting room, helping the lodge remain busy through the winter. 

Well-known Waikato wedding venues nearby include The Red Barn, The Boat Shed, The Henley Hotel, Te Miro Woolshed and Hobbiton, making Lakeview Lodge ideal accommodation for a wedding party. 

Scenic helicopter flights are available to take Lakeview Lodge guests directly from the front lawn, while fully guided one-day walking tours also leave from the premises, combining award-winning Waikato vineyard and culinary produce with local scenic hotspots.

Scott Borland of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Cambridge, is offering Lakeview Lodge to the market. 

He says it would suit someone seeking a rural lifestyle, plus income.

“This is a thriving and well-established business with an excellent reputation. Well-branded, recognised and accredited across multiple tourism authorities and forums, it is available as a going concern, with all the attributes for a new owner to walk in and take over.”

Situated 19 kilometres east of Cambridge, 42 kilometres south-east of Hamilton and 65 kilometres west of Rotorua, Lakeview Lodge boasts a modern country-chic feel.

“Taking guests since 2018, after being completely refurbished that year, it comprises two fully self-contained and elaborately detailed lodges, making for an ideal venue for family holidays and boutique tour groups, as well as for business retreats,” says Scott.

Lakeview Lodge is offered for deadline sale.

View this property.