Hospitality asset ready for a new life

A landmark hospitality and events asset in the heart of Martinborough’s wine country has been released to the market, giving investors or owner-occupiers the chance to acquire a substantial purpose-built commercial holding with strong repositioning potential.

Located at 62 White Rock Road within the wider Brackenridge Estate, the 4,700sqm landholding and 540sqm improvements formerly operated as one of the Wairarapa’s most established wedding and events venues, with more than 25 years of successful trading.

Brackenridge Estate in its entirety was recently acquired by Lower Hutt‑based Palmer & Cook Developments, who have commenced a staged subdivision programme that will introduce new residential sections, along with the sell-down of privately owned villa and studio unit dwellings, some expected to be utilised for short-stay and Airbnb accommodation.

The broader estate retains its established spa facility, including a heated indoor swimming pool, gym, and treatment rooms, with a Wellington investor intending to refurbish the amenities, reinforcing the precinct’s reputation as a lifestyle and hospitality destination.

The standalone events facility now offered for sale provides extensive infrastructure, including a large commercial kitchen capable of servicing high‑volume functions, flexible event and function space, administrative areas, storage, and back-of-house capability. The building’s strong indoor–outdoor flow connects directly to landscaped gardens previously used for outdoor ceremonies, complemented by covered external entertaining areas for all-weather operation. The site also includes approximately 800sqm of sealed car parking, providing substantial capacity for guests, staff, and service vehicles.

With vacant possession and a potential net income profile of $112,680 plus GST, the asset provides flexibility for purchasers seeking to reactivate the venue or repurpose it for alternative commercial uses. It is being marketed for sale with a buyer price indication of $1,595,000 plus GST (if any), through Ethan Hourigan and Luke Kershaw of Bayleys Wellington Commercial.

Hourigan says the property represents a compelling hospitality repositioning opportunity in a sought-after and proven Wairarapa location.

“This asset definitely has a second turn to come,” he says. “It could be renovated, reinvented, or completely repositioned to take advantage of Martinborough’s strong reputation for hospitality, wine, and events.

“Investors with vision will immediately see the potential here, and, with due consents, could give the buildings new life as a micro-brewery, gin distillery, country club, restaurant, or a reinstated wedding and events operation.”

Hourigan notes that Martinborough continues to expand as one of New Zealand’s premier food and wine destinations, supported by year‑round tourism, boutique accommodation, and a growing calendar of festivals and events. The location offers proximity to renowned vineyards, established hospitality operators, and emerging lifestyle precincts, while maintaining a peaceful rural setting just minutes from the village centre.

“Martinborough is spreading out, and demand for high-quality hospitality and tourism offerings is only increasing,” Hourigan says.

“This property sits right in the path of that growth. The cost to replicate an asset of this nature today is significantly higher than the indicated price, and strong underlying land value further reinforces the long-term investment fundamentals.

“We view this property as a strategic acquisition for investors seeking exposure to one of New Zealand’s most resilient lifestyle and tourism markets.”