Sudima has introduced a 120-room hotel to the South Island east coast town of Kaikōura.
The NZ$35 million property is the first 4.5-star hotel in the area and brings much-needed accommodation and hosting facilities ahead of the busy summer period.
“Kaikōura is an important part of New Zealand’s international and domestic tourism offering, and we’re proud to be part of the hospitality offering welcoming visitors to the region,” said Sudima Hotels COO, Les Morgan.
“We know that having more accommodation options for travellers, such as our 4.5-star hotel, will help to bring additional and high-spending category of tourists, which will have a positive impact across the region as those tourism dollars are spent locally.”
Located on the esplanade, about 1km from the town centre, the hotel offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, including the mountains and sea.
“Kaikōura is an area of great natural beauty, and it is a privilege to share our Sudima hotels’ great hospitality and values with guests who come to enjoy its wonders,” added Morgan.
Kirk Roberts Consulting is behind the construction of the building’s modular design and made big strides to reduce waste and increase efficiency during the build.
“We are proud of having delivered this world-class hotel, with its innovative design features unique to its coastal location,” said Kirk Roberts Consulting CEO, Jade Kirk.
“All guests will enjoy amazing views that extend from the ground floor throughout the whole hotel. To be able to showcase the local history from this unique area of New Zealand is something you won’t find anywhere else in the world.”
There is a major focus on supporting local art, culture and food at the property, with a major feature being an expansive art gallery style atrium that will exhibit local Māori works from the area.
The property features restaurant and bar Hiku – the Māori word for ‘whale tail’ – which is influenced by the history and culture of the area. The menu heroes locally sourced seafood, farmed produce, wine and beer. There is also a heated pool and gym on site.
“As the leading hotel group in New Zealand for sustainable and socially responsible accommodation, I am looking forward to ensuring guests are treated to a world-class experience that is steeped in the hotel group’s values,” said Sudima Kaikōura Hotel Manager, Brad McGlynn.
The hotel will also bring an important economic boost to the area, which continues to recover from the impacts of the 2016 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.