Ross, South Island
Step Into West Coast History: The Historic Empire Hotel, Ross
NZD $1,350,000
Business Description
After 160 years of welcoming travelers, adventurers, and locals through its doors, the legendary Empire Hotel is ready for its next custodian. Positioned as an essential, organic stop on the iconic West Coast route toward Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, and Queenstown, this landmark establishment offers a rare chance to step into a thriving, multi-stream hospitality business with deep roots in New Zealand history.
The Empire Hotel has long served as a vital social and culinary hub for the region. Whether it is large tour groups, lively private events, car and motorbike enthusiasts, or independent travelers exploring the coast, the venue consistently captures high-volume foot traffic. An incoming operator will find a ready-made customer base with minimal marketing required—success here is driven by efficient management and capitalising on the sheer volume of passing tourism.
Property & Business Highlights
Established Legacy: 160 years of continuous operation, deeply woven into the fabric of West Coast tourism.
Diverse Revenue Streams: A high-turnover restaurant and bar catering to tourists, groups, and motorists, complemented by a versatile mix of accommodation options. Situated in historic Ross, serving as the official start and end point for the celebrated West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail.
Accommodation Variety: Includes traditional hotel rooms, self-contained motel units, and campervan parking sites, ensuring broad market capture from backpackers to road-trippers.
Structural Peace of Mind: Fully seismic-strengthened, code-compliant, and fully insurable—removing the common headaches associated with owning a historic asset.
Room to Add Value: Substantial scope for modern upgrades and personalized enhancements, allowing a new owner to put their own stamp on a famous West Coast institution.
This is more than just a business acquisition; it is an opportunity to become the custodian of a legendary piece of New Zealand hospitality.
Asking price $ 1,350,000 + GST (if any)
For further information, financial profiles, and viewing arrangements, contact: Dilan De Silva, Tourism Business Broker
Business Summary
Key Investment Insights
AI generated. Confirm details with the seller.
1. Historic 160 year operating legacy provides an established hospitality platform in West Coast tourism.
2. Diverse income streams span restaurant, bar, accommodation, motel units and campervan parking.
3. Located on the established tourism route towards Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Queenstown.
4. Ross marks the official start and finish of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail.
5. Accommodation variety caters for hotel guests, independent travellers, backpackers, road trippers and campervan visitors.
6. The property is fully seismic strengthened, code compliant and fully insurable.
7. High volume tourism, tour groups, private events and enthusiast traffic support consistent customer flow.
8. Scope remains for modern upgrades and personalised enhancements under new ownership.
