Eichardt’s Private Hotel sells to Australian-based investment company
The multi-award-winning Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown has been bought by a privately-held investment group
based in Melbourne, Australia.
The Imperium Capital Group has a range of businesses within its portfolio including a number in the hospitality and
leisure sector.
Christchurch-born Managing Director Andrew Cox said they were passionate business operators looking forward to
continuing to build the Eichardt’s brand and existing luxury services, and working with other luxury partners in
Queenstown.
“This purchase was a strategic investment in an iconic brand in tourism in New Zealand,” he said. “We’re open to looking
at other acquisition opportunities in the country now we’ve made this first step.”
Mr Cox said management at Eichardt’s Private Hotel would remain the same and stressed that the company was dedicated to
the staff, the community, and retaining and building upon Eichardt’s standing as an iconic destination on the Queenstown
waterfront.
The Eichardt’s property sale went unconditional on Friday December 17, and the new owners take possession today (Wednesday December 22).
Co-director Stephen Fisher of former owner Highland Resorts Ltd said they were “thrilled” to pass on ownership of the
Eichardt’s hotel business, which includes the nearby Eichardt’s Lakefront Cottage Suites, to the new company.
“Eichardt’s Hotel has had a colourful and chequered history, but we’re confident that Imperium is committed to carrying
the legacy forwards,” he said.
“Eichardt's was born as a result of the rich vein of gold, which drew prospectors and opportunists from around the globe
to the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
“When we took over the property after the devastating flood of 1999 we were proud to be a part of the renaissance of the
property and to open the hotel in all its glory in a format that was fitting for the hotel, the Queenstown waterfront
and the region in general.
“Now the hotel’s five luxurious hotel suites and four lakefront cottage suites have firmly stamped their mark of
excellence on the resort town.”
As Eichardt’s is in the throes of its busy summer season, it is a case of “business as usual” for the foreseeable
future.
About Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Eichardt's opulent suites located in the historic hotel and its Lakefront Cottage invite guests to soak up a sense of
quiet before exploring one of the world's truly remarkable locations.
Fine accommodation is provided in five luxurious hotel suites within the historic building and in four, two-bedroom
suites in the Lakefront Cottage. All are situated in a premium lakefront position at the heart of Queenstown's café and
restaurant precinct, with some of the finest international shopping labels an easy stroll away.
The historic hotel reflects contemporary provincial elegance, its modern features in perfect harmony with the
distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings of this New Zealand icon.
The suites within feature a super-king bed, fireplace and mini-bar, a dressing room and bathroom with generous bath and
double vanity, separate shower, heated mirror and floor. Each one is fully entertainment and business integrated with
personal audiovisual systems, along with email and internet access.
Launched in September 2008, the Lakefront Cottage is designed to blend with the historic character of the waterfront,
home to Queenstown’s oldest original building and a Victorian bathhouse.
The cottage is perfect for larger parties, families, professionals and longer staying guests. The split-level suites are
interconnected and can be opened to become a large single accommodation space, or sectioned off for smaller groups.
Each suite is spacious and airy, illuminated with natural light, and upper floor roofs have sunny skylights with
electric shutters. A compact and well-equipped kitchen with microwave and hob enables relaxing ‘at home’ dining or
entertainment.
The Eichardt’s House Bar, an award-winning bar with Queenstown’s best wine list, is open every day from 7.30am till
late, serving breakfast, lunch and tapas. Phone 03-441 0442 for enquiries.
ENDS