Sudima Kaikōura Opens

Sudima Kaikōura Opens its Doors, Bolsters Tourism in Local Region

The doors of Kaikōura’s first ever 4.5-star hotel have opened, perfectly timed to welcome the increase in travellers to the region for summer – it’s expected that 70,000 additional visitors will come to the town annually.

The 120-room hotel is situated on the esplanade, only 1km from the town’s centre, boasting postcard views, uniquely enjoyed by every room, of the mountains and sea. It features luxury-style amenities with an indoor/outdoor seating restaurant and bar, Hiku, heated pool and gym.

In addition to providing much-needed accommodation and hosting facilities to the region, the new $35m Sudima Kaikōura will also be a vital source of employment for more than 40 staff. The hotel will become an important part of the local economy as it continues to recover from the impacts of the 2016 earthquake and COVID.

Sudima Hotels COO, Les Morgan, says, “Kaikōura is an important part of New Zealand’s international and domestic tourism offering, and we’re proud to be part of the hospitality offering welcoming visitors to the region. We know that having more accommodation options for travellers, such as our 4.5-star hotel, will help to bring additional and high-spending category of tourists, which will have a positive impact across the region as those tourism dollars are spent locally.”

“Kaikōura is an area of great natural beauty and it is a privilege to share our Sudima hotels’ great hospitality and values with guests who come to enjoy its wonders.”

Recently appointed Hotel Manager of Sudima Kaikōura, Brad McGlynn says, “As the leading hotel group in New Zealand for sustainable and socially responsible accommodation, I am looking forward to ensuring guests are treated to a world-class experience that is steeped in the hotel group’s values.”

Designed and developed by Kirk Roberts Consulting, the innovative modular design reduced waste and increased efficiency during the build, all while ensuring a high-quality standard. One distinctive feature of the hotel is its expansive art gallery-style atrium that will exhibit local Māori works from the area. The atrium links through to Hiku restaurant and bar on the ground floor with 180-degree views of the ocean and beyond.

CEO of Kirk Roberts Consulting, Jade Kirk says, “We are proud of having delivered this world-class hotel, with its innovative design features unique to its coastal location. All guests will enjoy amazing views that extend from the ground floor throughout the whole hotel. To be able to showcase the local history from this unique area of New Zealand is something you won’t find anywhere else in the world.”

The exhibition of local Māori heritage is reflective of a positive relationship between Sudima Hotels, Kirk Roberts and local iwi Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, hapu of Ngāi Tahu, who have a special connection to the whales that often grace the area.

The restaurant, Hiku, is inspired by and pays homage to Kaikōura’s most iconic attraction, with the name ‘Hiku’ coming from the Māori word for ‘whale tail’. It is also influenced by the strong history, modern culture and heritage of the area. Hiku is a modern all-day restaurant bringing flavours that reflect Kaikōura itself, from the land to the sea. Hiku offers delicious, relaxed New Zealand fare inspired by the surrounds and heroes local with seafood, farmed produce, wine and beer sourced from Kaikōura and its surrounds.

Kaikōura District Council Mayor-Elect Craig Mackle said, “Congratulations to Sudima Hotels and everyone involved in the completion of this magnificent hotel. It is a first class addition to Kaikōura’s tourism offering and a fantastic boost to the local economy and employment. Kaikōura is going from strength to strength, and thanks to visionary partners like Sudima Hotels we are looking forward to a bright future.”

Photos and video courtesy of Sudima Hotels.