Three ‘iconic’ businesses all on market

Three "iconic" business in the Waitaki and Mackenzie Districts are on the market at the same time.

The Flying Pig Cafe in Duntroon as well as the Maheno Tavern and the Lake Ohau Lodge and Ski Fields are all up for sale.

Despite this, Business South Waitaki navigator Rebecca Finlay did not think it was a concern for the area.

"I don’t think we’re seeing lots of businesses that aren’t financially viable and that’s why they’re on the market. I think it’s more around lifestyle and stage of life for the proprietors.

"When the Maheno Tavern is operational, it seems to be a really viable business and same with The Flying Pig, particularly with the Alps 2 Ocean and [Waitaki] Whitestone Geopark gathering more and more momentum."

Ohau Lodge had little in common with other two and represented its own set of challenges with finding a buyer, she said.

Both hospitality businesses had a lot of offer someone wanting to live in a rural community.

"For the right person, both Maheno and Duntroon would be wonderful places to live and offer a fantastic lifestyle."

She hoped the businesses would be sold soon, as they are vital to the hospitality landscape, in the district.

"For me, they’re iconic for [the area] and they’re iconic as our lifestyle.

"A country tavern, a cute local cafe and then skifields with a really kind of retro, nostalgic lodge and it would be wonderful to find purchasers that want to continue that legacy."