“Probably the best measure of success for these units is in their appeal to visitors. Since we’ve opened them, they have been fully booked, with no vacancies for months in advance. Our guests love them.”
– Mark Speedy, Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park owner
When Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park sought to expand the accommodation on offer in its pristine location, owner Mark Speedy had very specific requirements: sturdiness, longevity and low maintenance. Armed with knowledge of Lockwood Homes’ reputation for durability, the choice was obvious; five new units have been delivered and are expected to provide lasting value for a service provider which places a premium on creating great customer experiences.
Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park and the Lakefront Lodge Backpackers are set amongst mature trees on the picturesque shores of the South Island’s world-famous Lake Tekapo. Offering magnificent views across the turquoise lake to the surrounding mountains, the establishment offers a range of accommodation options, from a family getaway, romantic weekend, short stopover or group booking. The popularity of Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park rests on its consistent provision of quality accommodation for every need.
With strong demand for holiday accommodation, Mark Speedy says he had a precise specification for expanded units on his property. “We wanted low maintenance, with strong and sturdy construction. People turn up with suitcases and dent or make holes in GIB walls and other fittings and the endless cycle of fixes and upgrades takes time and money,” he explains.
“We also wanted units which are built to last, and for that you need a quality product which is capable of handling high use and regular traffic of guests coming and going.”
Aware of Lockwood’s reputation for buildings used by the hospitality industry, many of which have lasted for decades with little sign of wear, Speedy got in touch. “We required a bespoke design for the units, with an exterior look which would fit seamlessly with the alpine environment surrounding Lake Tekapo,” he relates.
The designs needed to include as many beds as possible, given that families often prioritise their accommodation choices by those which offer enough room for everyone. “Despite that, they also needed to offer a spacious feel. And take in views over Lake Tekapo, of course.”
That may sound a tough brief, but it’s all part of what Lockwood delivers. For Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park, that was five new units, four of which have a three-bedroom, one-bathroom configuration, over 66 square metres with eight beds. The final smaller accessible ensuite unit sleeps three and covers 29 square metres.
Speedy adds that the units include custom designed bunks which required commercial safety sign-off. Some of the challenges were somewhat unique: the area is a ‘dark sky reserve’, which required the installation of specialised low energy LED lighting, further enhancing the ambience of the properties.
Speedy says the units are a joy to look at, with a neat modern exterior and the famous ‘log cabin’ interiors which evoke cosy alpine living. “But probably the best measure of success for these units is in their appeal to visitors. Since we’ve opened them, they have been fully booked, with no vacancies for months in advance. Our guests love them.”
What’s more, with the unique properties of solid wood construction, the Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park’s new units are quite capable of handling the high level of demand. Speedy says the units have met every expectation of low maintenance, robustness and durability he’s seen in Lockwood commercial properties across the country. “These units have proven a great choice. It’s not only our guests; we love them too.”
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