Business South March 2021

28 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT LJ Hooker Tekapo Living the dream at Lake Tekapo Stunning scenery: Lake Tekapo and the majesty of the Southern Alps. F or New Zealanders who have been out exploring their country this summer, one of the highlights would have to be Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Country. Many share a love for this special place and see value in investing in the lifestyle it offers. LJ Hooker Lake Tekapo real estate agent Steve Howes has a huge passion for this small scenic town in the heart of the Mackenzie. Eight years ago, he sold his globally successful IT solutions business and his home at West Melton in order to move there. “I had a holiday home at Lake Tekapo and had thought about retiring there one day, but then realised that I didn’t want to wait until retirement so decided to sell up, shift to Lake Tekapo with my wife and daughter and build a new career.” He began working with LJ Hooker, became licensed as an agent and then bought into the business. Now as the principal of Mackenzie Country Real Estate, Steve together with his team based in Tekapo, Twizel and Fairlie share a vision and passion to promote the whole Mackenzie experience, selling not just proper- ty but also lifestyle solutions. “Many of the houses here in Lake Teka- po are small businesses in their own right, offering visitor/short-term accommodation,” he says. “We seek to showcase the commercial offer- ing for many of our properties and the ability to earn, live and generate income in spectacu- lar surrounds.” Domestic visitors have increasingly been booking homes since last year’s Covid-19 lockdown, in lieu of international visitors, and discovering all that’s on offer. “Lake Tekapo is less than a three hour drive from Christchurch and just over an hour from Timaru. “The weather here is quite localised; invariably when you arrive at Tekapo it’s just stunning. “Of course, the night sky is a big attraction in its own right, along with the hot pools. One of Tekapo’s best kept secrets is the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, a 165 hectare park with recreational facilities, cycling and walking tracks. It’s great to see families out on their bikes enjoying these trails. “Many visitors also enjoy aerial flights, outdoor pursuits and horse trekking, soaking up Tekapo’s picturesque surrounds. As well, there are two golf courses, good local restau- rants and in winter, skiing at the family-friend- ly Roundhill Ski Area and nearby Mt Dobson.” Tekapo is often used as ‘a base camp’ too for exploring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Hooker Valley. All of this makes Tekapo attractive for inves- tors seeking a property that can also achieve an income stream as a holiday home, or buyers with the budget to spend $1 million or more to secure a new modern home for their own use in this uniquely scenic town. A lot of new homes in Tekapo have also been purpose-built to provide for visitor accommodation. “We’re getting increased levels of inquiry from Aucklanders because the Auckland property market is so overheated and they’re looking to diversify and invest in the South Island. “An increasing number of domestic families have been travelling and when they arrive at Lake Tekapo on a typically beautiful day then the phone really starts ringing like crazy. “Furthermore, Lake Tekapo is on the radar for many expats. What we’re finding is demand for homes with lake views remains especially high. “There is limited stock but there are current- ly quality offerings particularly in the Lochin- ver and Cairns subdivisions. “Historically, managed apartments intro- duced to market have been very well-received, offering promising rates of return for buyers. Another interesting trend is that some older homes that would previously have been rented out as visitor accommodation are now returning to the market as residential tenancies.” Looking ahead, Steve is optimistic on where the market is headed. “As soon as the borders start to open up and international tourism begins to return, the spotlight will really shift to Tekapo.” T Kim Newth Proud to support LJ Hooker - Tekapo KEN GRAVE | MICHELLE HAWTHORN | GEORGINA HAMILTON | CRAIG O’CONNOR Level 1, 24 The Terrace, PO Box 244, Timaru 7940 P. (03) 687 8004 | E. email@gressons.co.nz Also in Geraldine at 3-5 Wilson Street, Geraldine | P. (03) 693 9332 Freephone 0800 684 882 CONTACT: Providing not only the high quality accomodation, but also excellent service to enhance our customers' experience. • Excellent Customer Service • Professional Cleaning Service • Feel Like Home Away From Home • Wide Range of Choices 4 Simpson Lane, Lake Tekapo | 027 483 3593 or 027 309 0196 reservations@booktekapo.co.nz | www.booktekapo.co.nz