Huntly nature resort offers add-value potential

When Fraser and Meryl Graham discovered a ridgeline overlooking rolling pasture and the Waikato River, the prominent farming and conservation-minded couple saw a way to share the landscape while protecting the surrounding native forest.

Established nature resort in the Taupiri Ranges

That vision became Hillside Hotel and Nature Resort, a 26-room retreat opened in 2003 in the Taupiri Ranges, just 30 minutes from Hamilton and an hour from Auckland Airport.

22.99-hectare property seeks a new owner

Now, six years after operations ceased, the 22.99ha freehold property at 343 Tregoweth Lane in Huntly, with wraparound views stretching as far as Mount Ruapehu on clear days, is seeking a new owner to shape its next chapter.

Huntly property offered for sale by tender

Bayleys hotels, tourism and leisure broker Eddie Rizarri, together with colleagues Paul Dixon and Therese Bailey, is marketing the property for sale by tender, closing at 4:00 pm on Friday, 20th November 2026 (unless sold prior).

The Grahams’ original project combined conservation and rural tourism with architecture designed to complement the landscape and elevate Huntly’s local hospitality offering. The buildings incorporated timber milled from trees on Hillside Station.

The surrounding environment was central to the visitor experience, with early plans highlighting encounters with towering kahikatea trees, native eels and kōkopu (whitebait) alongside opportunities to explore the working farm.

Accommodation, dining and conference facilities

Today, 1,867sqm (more or less) of improvements include guest accommodation, restaurant facilities, conference and function spaces, offices and manager’s accommodation.

Rizarri says Hillside’s appeal lies in its destination setting and facilities that, following substantial refurbishment and upgrades, could support a commercially diverse operation.

“The landscape gives visitors a reason to come, while the accommodation, restaurant and function spaces provide several ways to generate revenue once refurbished and brought back into operation. The next owner could establish a dedicated retreat business or serve a broader mix of leisure guests, corporate groups and events.”

Refurbishment could unlock diversified revenue

The sale includes the land and existing hospitality infrastructure, giving purchasers scope to shape a new operation through substantial refurbishment and capital investment.

Options include accommodation, wellness or executive retreats, conferences and destination events. Potential exists to reconfigure the accommodation to provide up to 46 guest suites, subject to design and the necessary consents.

Tourism growth strengthens market backdrop

Rizarri says the timing coincides with tourism providing a strengthening source of export income. Tourism New Zealand reports average international visitor spending per visit increased 10.2 percent to $4,537 in the year to June 2026, with international spending rising across 27 of 31 regions.

“New Zealand’s landscapes are a leading reason international visitors come here. Hillside offers the opportunity to make that attraction part of the stay itself, with accommodation and shared spaces that could support nature-based holidays, wellness, and group experiences.

“Hillside combines that landscape appeal with access to Auckland and Hamilton, providing potential to serve international itineraries alongside domestic short breaks and corporate groups.”

Upper North Island attractions within reach

Nearby attractions include the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Lake Hakanoa and Lake Puketirini, while some of the North Island’s best-known visitor destinations - including Hamilton Gardens, Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves – are within reach.

The wider Waikato region also offers an extensive network of walking, hiking and cycling opportunities. Numerous tracks in and around Huntly and the Waikato River catchment provide access to native bush, river landscapes and scenic viewpoints, adding to Hillside’s appeal as a base for wellness retreats, outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism experiences.

The sale includes the land and existing hospitality infrastructure; however, because operations ceased several years ago, a purchaser should expect substantial refurbishment, upgrades, and capital investment to reposition the accommodation and hospitality facilities. This creates an opportunity to reimagine the asset and restore it as a leading tourism, retreat or event destination.

Accessibility supports several visitor markets

Bayleys hotels, tourism and leisure director Paul Dixon says Hillside’s accessibility, land and existing infrastructure give purchasers scope to build a business serving several markets.

“The setting can support a retreat experience without requiring guests to commit to a remote destination. That matters for corporate groups on tight schedules, Aucklanders planning a weekend away, and international visitors travelling through the upper North Island.

“Additionally, properties that combine access with substantial scope to add value are attracting interest as the tourism sector strengthens. Hillside allows a purchaser to shape the accommodation, dining and event offering together, directing investment towards the facilities and experiences valued by guests.

“A well-planned refurbishment could support corporate retreats during the week, leisure stays and private events at weekends, and exclusive bookings by larger groups. That creates scope to build revenue across the calendar while retaining the landscape and privacy that give visitors a reason to choose Hillside,” Dixon says.