Historic Central Otago luxury lodge up for sale

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate Jane Hanna says the heritage-listed, approximately 400-square-metre building presents a rare opportunity for someone to own their own piece of NZ gold rush history.

“The Pitches Store is a very special place in Central Otago,” she says. “The business itself is at the top of its game with a unique luxury offering just two kilometres from the extremely popular Otago Central Rail Trail cycle route, which attracts many thousands of riders each year.”

As well as undergoing a total restoration and refurbishment – designed by Queenstown architect Michael Wyatt – the building has been earthquake strengthened under the guidance of heritage engineer Lou Robinson. Today, the building features six opulent king-sized rooms with ensuites, as well as the elegant fine dining Pitches Café and Restaurant.

“Ophir is an absolutely stunning small town and feels a world away from the city, yet it’s just an hour-and-a-half’s drive to Queenstown,” she says. “The current owners have done a beautiful job in restoring the building and focusing on providing a first-class experience to visitors with exceptional accommodation and cuisine.”

The current owners, Colleen and David Hurd, are selling the property to enter the next chapter of their lives.

“After more than a decade running the Pitches Store, and with advancing age, we think it’s time to hand over to someone else who we hope can build on what we have created,” says David Hurd. “We would love for someone to come in and add their own ideas and spark to what we believe is an excellent property and business.”