A character provincial hotel with roots dating to the 1800s, which is now a thriving community hub and highway stopover, has gone up for sale.

The Station Hotel in the Rangitikei township of Hunterville is home to a restaurant, bar, outdoor entertaining areas and function rooms supported by a strong local clientele. Business is further bolstered by visitors staying in its 11 newly refurbished guest rooms.

Positioned just off State Highway 1 around 45 minutes’ drive from Palmerston North and Whanganui, and 2.5 hours from Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and Taupo, the lovingly restored and maintained establishment is a popular staging post for travellers from all directions.

An abundance of events and recreational activities in the area also makes it a destination in its own right. The hotel has an enviable local and national reputation, with an “Excellent” rating of 4.5 out of 5 on global travel and booking site Tripadvisor.

“After over 20 years running one of the Rangitikei's most frequented community hubs, the custodians of The Station Hotel are ready for a well-deserved retirement,” said Bayleys salesperson Andrew Bonnor.

“They have carried out extensive strengthening, modernisation and refurbishment throughout the landmark building, and with a newly painted exterior and well-kept grounds, The Station is in great shape for a seamless handover.

“The freehold going concern has produced a stable turnover for many years and is a proven cash-positive operation across the past four years of uncertain times. It’s now time for new custodians to establish themselves in this unique business and reap the rewards of all the hard work and investment,” Bonnor said.

The freehold land, buildings and business behind The Station Hotel, 24 High Street, Hunterville, are being offered for sale by negotiation through Bonnor and colleague Rod Grieve of Bayleys Real Estate.

At the heart of the property are the 11 well-appointed and individually decorated guest rooms plus restaurant/bar and function rooms, along with a private manager’s/owner’s quarters. These are complemented by spacious manicured gardens and outdoor entertaining areas.

The approximately 670 square metres of buildings sit on some 2,098 square metres of commercial-zoned land.

The restaurant is currently open seven nights a week for light snacks or dinner, and breakfast is served at a time to suit. Guests can play pool or darts, or have a flutter on the gaming machines. With plenty of off-street parking, the institution can meet the demands of peak traffic periods and large functions or weddings.

Today’s hotel sits on the site of the original Hunterville Hotel, which was built in 1885. Following the arrival of what would become the main trunk rail line the name was changed to The Station Hotel. A collection of historic photos depicting the changes grace the walls of the hotel dining room.

Grieve said the current owners bought the hotel in 2003 with a plan “to put the old girl right”, then invested in a comprehensive revamp creating a high-quality fitout throughout.

“This included installing five new bathrooms. The seven internal guest bedrooms (two with ensuite) are individually decorated to a very high standard. Rollaway beds offer more capacity for groups,” Grieve said.

A further four “cheap-and-cheerful” outside rooms cater to backpackers and cyclists.

The property has been seismically strengthened to an Initial Evaluation Procedure rating of 67 percent of new building standard.

Grieve said a vibrant, successful rugby club, tennis club and lawn bowls club helped drive local patronage to the restaurant/bar. The hotel regularly catered for visiting groups, many of whom were attracted to the area’s numerous events, activities and recreational attractions.

“The annual Hunterville Huntaway Festival attracts up to 5,000 visitors each year from throughout New Zealand.

“The Station is also a perfect base for a round at Rangatira Golf Course, a destination 18-hole course spread across three terraces overlooking the Rangitikei River, with access via a unique electric cable car.

“It’s also on the Tour Aotearoa bikepacking route and annual cycle tour event from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

“The township has for 10 years also hosted the annual Kiwiburn, part of an international list of Burning Man events celebrating inclusion, self-expression, art, culture and communal effort,” Grieve said.

Financial information and details of business performance are available to potential buyers subject to signing a non-disclosure agreement.

Click here for more information on the listing.