Nearly 15ha of rural real estate presents a mountain of opportunity in Central Otago, including a large portion of the Little Mount Rosa hillside, which could accommodate a commercial operation or dream country home.

The property at 91 Gibbston Back Road, once part of the historic Mount Rosa Station, encompasses 14.95ha (more or less) of rural land, including a woolshed area with six-bay car parking, which housed the Mount Rosa winery tasting venue before its relocation in 2018.

Bayleys Queenstown salesperson Grant Coburn says with international borders reopened and tourism returning to the region, the property presents an outstanding opportunity to capitalise on solid regional growth and the broad interest in the lifestyle market.

“Established as one of the country’s finest wine-growing regions, with some of the lowest regional population densities, Central Otago is poised for significant population growth, the bulk of which is expected to concentrate in the nearby Cromwell area.

“A Central Otago District Council planning report says there could be 35 percent more people living around Cromwell in two decades, which in conjunction with the immediate return of tourism activities, will see strong demand for amenities and visitor venues.”

Set off main arterial State Highway 6, the woolshed at 91 Gibbston Back Road once operated as a popular winery tasting venue for the award-winning Mount Rosa Wines.

“The popularity of the operation gave our sellers the vision to develop plans for an entire commercial precinct, spanning some 1.5ha (more or less) at the base of Little Mount Rosa.

“There is room for a lodge, boutique accommodation, restaurant and winery - amongst other things - which could build on the existing woolshed space with its showroom, wine store, commercial kitchen and northeast aspect overlooking the vines of Brennan Winery.

“Located within the Gibbston Character zone, the property primarily provides for viticulture and commercial activities with an affiliation to viticulture, allowing greater scope than general rural zones. However, the new owners may seek appropriate council consent for residential use.”

Coburn is marketing the property for sale with colleague Deborah Coburn, with a deadline closing at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, 16th November 2022.

Of the flexible opportunity, Deborah Coburn says Little Mount Rosa represents one of Gibbston Valley’s most iconic landmarks, which underpins its value as an extremely unique chance to develop or occupy.

“How often do you get the chance to own a mountain, let alone one nestled into some of the country’s most beautiful countryside?”

“The property is distinctive, gaining an outlook right down to Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, and the Nevis Bluff with its impressive jagged mountain range.

“Just a short hike up from the woolshed, there is a fantastic platform where the new owners could enjoy picnics and a glass of wine with incredible views – it’s idyllic, especially as the sun disappears over the mountain range.

“There’s a complete connection to the outdoors, with residents realising the benefit of increased investment into cycle trails, walking/hiking routes and other public infrastructure.”

Positioned to take advantage of visitation at the end of the renowned Queenstown Cycle Trail, which spans some 130km from Queenstown to Gibbston Valley via Arrowtown, the Coburns say the property’s location is a natural destination for holidaymakers.

“Tourists generally spend several days exploring cycle trails, with more time on either side of their journey, which presents a massive opportunity for local hospitality, retail and accommodation operators to maximise the benefits of this visitation,” Mr Coburn says.

“The site could suit a high-profile wine business, which could seek to establish a footprint in the same way Cloudy Bay, for example, bought Cromwell’s Northburn vineyard and cellar door.”

Mr Coburn says that being just 15 minutes from Queenstown’s International Airport, the property occupies an axis location, a convenient day trip from central Queenstown, and along the key transit route to high-growth areas including Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra.

Click here for more information on the listing.