The wild, windswept magnificence that surrounds the New Zealand town of Kaikoura must be one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.

On one side are the cold blue waters of an ocean teeming with whales and dolphins, and at the other, New Zealand’s awe-inspiring Southern Alps rising straight from the ocean.

Kaikoura is a stunning town on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and located on State Highway 1, 180 km north of Christchurch. It’s the perfect base for self-drive visitors to explore the North Canterbury region by following the Alpine Pacific touring route, which links Kaikoura with Hanmer Springs and the Waipara wine region, just 45 minutes North of Christchurch.

The town has 2330 permanent residents.

Kelvyn Coffey, from Coffeys Tourism Property Brokers, says the beautiful Mondello Motel on Beach Road is the best positioned of all the motels in Kaikoura and offering outstanding returns for a new lease holder.

The 35-year business lease on the property is for sale at $575,000.

“The property simply couldn’t be better value,” Mr Coffey said, “If you were building the motel now with construction costs the way they are, the rate of return would have to attract a much higher lease price.”

The four-year old 12-unit motel is in a prime location close to the town centre. The complex is aimed at the top end of the market, having an excellent mix of units. All of the units are fitted out to the most modern and upmarket standard, and all have air conditioning.

The complex is comprised of four 2-bedroom, four 1-bedroom and four studio units. Four units also have luxury corner spa baths, and command a premium tariff.

Guests often comment on how quiet the units are.

The site is a generous 1600 sqm, providing a spacious environment and the motel has excellent street appeal.

There is also a lovely three-bedroom manager’s residence, with internal access, double garage and master bedroom with ensuite and a spa bath.

Construction of the motel was halted by the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, but when it finally opened in late September 2019 it traded strongly from a standing start only to be met by the tornado of COVID.

Kaikoura literally means “to eat crayfish” and seafood lovers will find it a true slice of heaven.

The town has also become one of the best places in New Zealand to see whales and to swim with dolphins.

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway connects the town centre with lookouts at Point Kean. Nearby, the rock platforms are home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals. The 1800s Fyffe House is a cottage built on a foundation of whale bones, with displays on the town’s whaling past. Other attractions abound.

The Kaikoura Museum has fascinating displays of marine fossils and Maori artifacts, and the Point Sheep Shearing Show features regular live shearing displays and talks about the importance of the wool industry. The Kaikoura Marine Centre and Aquarium is outstanding, and at the Kaikoura Farm Park there is the chance to feed farm animals, and ride llamas.

Kaikoura is also famous for its literary past, with the great Australian writer Henry Lawson having spent time there as a schoolteacher.