Freehold Backpackers Business For Sale
Thames, New Zealand



Catering to the needs of the independent traveller

Sunkist International Backpackers is an iconic hospitality business located in a quiet area in the centre of Thames.

Formerly a Heritage Kauri Hotel, the backpackers is one of the oldest buildings in Thames, dating back to 1860’s. It has been lovingly restored and modernised by the present owners to provide backpacker accommodation with many home comforts.

• Qualmark 4 star backpackers, established for over 20 years.
• YHA associated member, BBH member with a 76% rating.
• Known world-wide for friendly, family atmosphere and beautiful historic building.
• Enjoys year-round trade

Sunkist International Backpackers is only a short walk to transport services, shops, the Thames waterfront, parks, monuments, bush walks, art galleries and museums. It is also a fantastic setting to just sunbathe, relax, read, or to chat with new friends while enjoying a summer barbecue, or as a base to explore the Peninsula.

Garden with sunny deck, seating, lawns and barbecue area

The present owners have successfully run this business for over 6 years and now want to move on. The business has a diversified income stream from backpacker accommodation, shop sales, tenting, and Shuttle Services to the Kauauranga Valley (behind Thames).

The new owner will also have the first option for purchasing an associated rental car business comprising 4x4 rental vehicles, a fantastic way for backpacker guests to get around and explore the Coromandel Peninsula. The rental car business also services the needs of local Thames residents.

Ideal accommodation base to explore the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula.

Sunkist International Backpackers provides accommodation in a mix of dormitory and private rooms:

• 1x 10 bunks – wooden frame.
• 1x 7 bunks- wooden frame.
• 2 x 4 bunks – wooden frame.
• 4 x double bedrooms - double beds.

Private double room

Communal kitchen
The large fully equipped kitchen has bench-top hot pates (2), microwave ovens (2), refrigerators (2), toaster, table and chairs, and assorted cutlery and crockery. Free tea and coffee and free herbs and spices are provided.

Ablutions
There are 5 separate toilets, 4 showers and 4 vanities.

Guest services

• Free pick up and drop off from the Information Centre.
• Guest laundry with coin operated industrial washer and dryer.
• Barbecue and barbecue area.
• Internet room with 24 hour access (coin operated).
• Comfortable television lounge (5 TV channels), video, DVD player.
• Pool table (coin operated), piano, dart board.
• Linen hire, free bikes for town use, luggage storage.

Office-Reception-Shop and Booking Office

Guests can book activities or find useful information about the Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula from reception. The business also provides a daily Sunkist Shuttle service to the Kauaeranga Valley and the Coromandel Forest Park.

Freehold premises

The owners are selling the freehold title to land (660 square metres) and buildings at 506 Brown Street in central Thames. The historic main building (circa 1860’s) is built of timber (walls, floors, joinery) with an iron roof. Some floor areas are constructed of concrete. Exterior timber cladding is painted and interior walls are painted or wallpapered. Floor coverings are a mix of carpet, vinyl, and Laminex panels.

The present owners have restored the building over the past 7 years to provide accommodation rooms and modern facilities. There is a well equipped office, ample storage space and limited off-street parking for guests. The property includes a spacious and private garden area with plenty of indoor-outdoor space.

Owner’s accommodation
The business includes a separate spacious one bedroom owner’s apartment with open-plan kitchen-lounge and a separate bathroom.

Assets being sold (included with the business sale)

A substantial list of fittings, fixtures and chattels being sold is available. The asset list includes a HiAce van (1990).

Communal kitchen with full cooking facilities

The business sale also includes possible transport rights (Department of Conservation approved) to the Kauauranga Valley for hiking to the Pinnacles and to experience extreme canyoning in the Sleeping God Canyon.

Day to day management

Business Hours:
Monday to Sunday – 7.30 am to 9.00 pm.

Staff:
The backpackers is operated by the two owners.

Stock:
Stock at valuation will total about $2000.

Advertising and Promotion:
Sunkist International Backpackers advertises through roadside signage, through advertisements in Trade Magazines and Travel Guides (Lonely Planet, Lets Go), brochures placed in i-Sites, and word of mouth recommendations. The business owns and operates an informative Web site http://www.sunkistbackpackers.com/.

Additional business for sale – Rental Car Hire:
The new owner of Sunkist International Backpackers will have the right to purchase a subsidiary rental car business using Toyota RAV 4 4x4’s. These vehicles are ideal for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. The rental car business provides renters with insurance and AA road side service.

Call Cheryl or Craig on +64 7 868 8808 (day) or 0274 378 080 (evenings)

Thames, the gateway to the Coromandel

Sunkist International Backpackers is located in a quiet residential street that was once the Main Street of Grahamstown, the historical gold mining heart of the Coromandel. Today, this area is part of Thames.

Thames is a great introduction to the Coromandel Peninsula. The population of approximately 7,500 is serviced by a large supermarket, air-conditioned shopping mall, several large chain stores as well as antiques and boutique shops. There are museums to visit, gold mines to explore, tours of the local butterfly farm or fishing off the rocks along the coast to name a few local activities.

Thames is also the entry point for one of the best kept secrets of the Coromandel Forest Park—Kauaeranga Valley. This previously volcanic area was once covered in majestic kauri trees. Much of the old logging industry, complete with water dams, can still be seen along forest walks. Other adventures in the Park include tramping to the Pinnacles, with postcard scenery, and extreme canyoning complete with a 70 metre abseil down a waterfall.

To find out more about Thames, click on:

http://www.thamesinfo.co.nz/
http://www.thames-info.co.nz/
http://www.tcdc.govt.nz/
http://www.thames-high.school.nz/
http://www.thecoromandel.com/thames.html
http://www.coromandelfun.co.nz/thames.html
http://www.goldmine-experience.co.nz/