“There’s just something about this place” says Gilbert Robertson, Managing Director of Raetihi Lodge. And when you step ashore from the deepwater jetty in this secluded bay of extraordinary beauty in the Marlborough Sounds, you can do nothing but agree. And now an exceptional and singular opportunity exists to acquire this very special property and enterprise.

Nestled in a natural amphitheatre and protected from the Marlborough nor’westers, Raetihi Lodge is a jewel set amongst luxuriant native greenery. You walk up past pungas, pohutakawas, kowhai, silver ferns, rhododendrons, and dominated by a magnificent cypress pine majestically soaring over all.

In the Lodge you are immediately struck with the clean elegant style; open and airy and tastefully decorated with vibrant works of art from local artists. And wherever you are inside or out, you quickly discover the phenomenon of your eye being drawn again and again to the stunning seascape of Kenepuru Sound.

Almost completely rebuilt since a fire in 2000, Raetihi Lodge has earned a reputation as one of the most popular destinations in the Sounds. Situated at Double Bay on the north-west shore of the Kenepuru Sound and with three registered moorings it is accessible by boat from Havelock or Picton, by road from Picton and Blenheim, or by air to the local Nopera airfield just 5km away. Float plane service is also available direct to the jetty or helicopter to the Lodge’s own helipad.

Products / Services

Raetihi Lodge has acquired a 4.5 star NZ rating, however true to management’s policy of under-promising and over-delivering, a 4 star NZ accommodation is what you’ll see advertised. Marketing has been focused both for the domestic and international markets and has been rewarded with a stellar reputation in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, providing the Lodge with a consistent and appreciative up-market clientele. Travel agencies utilise the Lodge’s unique location and quality as a resting point between the North and South Island for self-driving NZ visitors, and this accounts for the majority of the Lodge’s business.

Freehold Premises

Raetihi Lodge features fourteen rooms and can accommodate up to thirty-one guests. All double-glazed and electrically heated, each room features a fridge, ensuite, and tea and coffee making facilities. Eight spacious and beautifully appointed Seaview Rooms overlook the Kenepuru Sound where guests enjoy the expansive view from their private deck. Three Garden View Rooms are tucked away in a quiet corner looking out to the beautiful surrounding gardens, and three private Hillside Rooms are comfortable and inviting. Provision also exists for handicapped and special-needs guests, and e-mail and internet access are available in the business centre.

Everyday dining at Raetihi Lodge is informally elegant and guests dine on an ever changing feast of seafood and fresh local produce, themed to suit the season, and complemented by the finest regional wines in New Zealand. Many guests experience the thrill of finding their morning catch on their plate that evening.

Seclusion and privacy make Raetihi Lodge an ideal wedding retreat, providing all the intimacy to create the perfect occasion.

Raetihi Lodge also makes an ideal conference venue for a corporate retreat. Equipped with a large meeting room and three breakout rooms, the Lodge can accommodate 40 in theatre setting, 50 for cocktail events, 35 for banquets, and up to 26 for classroom or boardroom functions. Provision for audio/visual facilities is also available.

The health centre provides rest and relaxation where guests can indulge with massage, aromatherapy, facials, hairdressing, pilates, fitness, nature walks, spa and dry sauna. There is a separate three-bedroom manager’s residence, ample staff accommodation, and maintenance shed and storage facilities.

Plant and equipment being sold

Extensive chattel list available on request.

Day to Day Management

Raetihi Lodge is currently under the stewardship, for the absentee owners, of a highly experienced management team. Staff levels vary according to the season for the kitchen front of house, administrative duties, housekeeping, gardening and general handyman duties. Two local people provide the health and beauty service for the Lodge guests. However, Raetihi Lodge could easily suit a couple seeking a owner/operated lifestyle business in this gorgeous location.

Call Michael on +64 3 5777 553 (day) or +64 3 5777 553 (evenings)

About Marlborough

Savouring fine foods and award-winning wines are only a few of the activities the Marlborough region has to offer. Situated in the sunny, north-eastern corner of the South Island, Marlborough is the destination for recreational pursuits that include the physical as well as the more cultural such as the wide-ranging arts scene.

Marlborough is recognised as the wine capital of New Zealand where hot summers, cool winters and fertile, alluvial soils have set the foundation for its internationally-acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc. And what better way to accompany the region's prized, culinary delights.

For those looking to escape from the pressures of city living, or simply experience what New Zealand has to offer, Marlborough incorporates relaxation with diversity. Coastal retreats, rivers, mountains and rural plains, in a small geographic area offer the perfect opportunity to go fishing, sailing, diving, swimming, kayaking, tramping or hunting, then enjoy the warm hospitality at any of Marlborough's restaurants or eateries.

Raetihi Lodge is located in the pristine waters of the Kenepuru Sound, Pelorus Sound, Marlborough and is sheltered from the prevailing winds. It is approximately 125 kilometres by road north of the provincial capital of Blenheim and 97 kilometres north of Picton, the interisland ferry terminal from Wellington.

Raetihi Lodge has earned the reputation as a very popular resort for guests seeking seclusion and that idyllic holiday destination. The Kenepuru Sound is a playground for water sports and Raetihi Lodge has a wonderfullly safe beach for all to enjoy. Other activities include:

Boating, kayaks for hire
Fishing
Bush walks
Cycling
Golf - 9 hole registered farm golf course with clubs for hire
Garden tours
Craft tours
Cruises
Bird watching