After decades of dreams and discussion, plans for a new luxury hotel on the Rotorua Lakefront are coming to fruition, with an Information Memorandum for the proposed development released to the market.
The Information Memorandum, issued by the landowner Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Limited (PLHL), seeks investor, developer and operator interest in the Noho Lakeside Hotel.
It sets out indicative design concepts reflecting the natural features of the surrounding environment, including the scalloped edges of the lakefront, while maintaining a tikanga Māori-based design framework at its heart.
The indicative concepts provide for a nearly 11,000 square metre property, with 197 guest rooms, ground-floor hospitality, conference and function rooms, gym, pool, rooftop bar and more.
PLHL Chairman, David Tapsell, says today’s release is a significant milestone for the hotel project – one that has been a long time in the making.
“There has been talk of a hotel for the Rotorua Lakefront for decades. A hotel has always been part of the Pukeroa vision for this area, and particularly as part of a high-quality spa and wellness tourism precinct on the shores of the lake.
“The development and opening of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, combined with the relocation and rebuild of QE Health, were the first steps in this long-term plan, and we’re thrilled to start bringing the next phase to life.
“Noho is the only hotel that can be built at the lakefront, there are no other equivalent sites, so it is an incredibly exciting opportunity for investors – and an invaluable addition to Rotorua’s tourism sector.”
Mr Tapsell says PLHL has already done a great deal of work to get to this point, including cultural and commercial assessments, and development of the indicative design concepts.
“We are keeping an open mind about how the physical development, final design and eventual hotel operation and management will look, and the initial concepts will continue to evolve as investment and operational partners come on board.
“The high-level conceptual designs are based on advice from our cultural and architectural advisors, and serve as an initial, yet important, guide for investors and operators.
“Some elements are intrinsically linked and will be a priority, including our cultural narrative, retaining a view of the lake, and integration with Wai Ariki.
“It is too soon to know what the timeframe for building and opening might be, but we do know from previous experience that construction will create significant jobs, and based on the high-level concepts, approximately 200 new jobs will be created to operate the hotel.”
Noho Lakeside Hotel’s location alongside Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa provides numerous synergies for cross-selling, luxury travel, incentive packages, as well as collaborative marketing.
“Together, the two sites cement Rotorua’s place on the global tourism map, while significantly boosting the local, regional and national economy.
“We’re genuinely thrilled about this next phase of development and what it will deliver for Rotorua, the local economy, and our Ngāti Whakaue whānau.”
Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell, says Noho Lakeside Hotel is “massive news” for the city and she is excited about what will become an iconic Rotorua hotel.
“Our Council invested significantly in a newly developed public lakefront and we’re grateful Pukeroa Oruawhata is creating such an important development opportunity on its own whenua.
“Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, as well as the new QE Health, are world-class facilities and we can’t wait to see the addition of a luxury hotel that’s uniquely Rotorua.
“Not only will this continue to position Rotorua as a top tourist destination, but it will also support our local economy and jobs. Together, we’re investing in our community and working hard to create a better Rotorua for all.”