Shooters Golf Range has 19 undercover golf driving range bays. Photo / Supplied
The Shooters Golf Range, a sports tourism business, is for sale with buildings within the well-known Wairakei Tourism Park near Taupo.
"This tender presents an opportunity to purchase a business in one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations," says Alison Whittle of Bayleys Realty in Taupo, who is marketing the business and buildings on leasehold land, opposite the Volcanic Activity Centre at 703 Karetoto Rd, Wairakei, for sale by tenders closing at 2pm on Wednesday April 24.
"Shooters Golf Range is about fun and entertainment," Whittle says. "In addition to catering to golfing enthusiasts with the driving range, an indoor golf simulator allows contestants to tee off against their mates on a variety of golf courses from around the world."
The business features other recreational activities such as archery and Bubble soccer; along with a variety of services including equipment hire, golf club repairs and re-gripping, golfing lessons by appointment and corporate events.
"The building has full kitchen facilities, however these are not currently in use, so the potential to add value to this business is huge," Whittle says.
She says the land is leasehold on excellent and generous terms, with the current 21 year lease expiring in 2036. Taking up one right of renewal of 21 years would extend the final expiry date out to 2057.
"It's in a prime tourism location, less than 10 minutes' drive to Taupo town centre and just off State Highway 1. It's close to the Wairakei International Golf Course, the four-star Wairakei Resort Hotel and the famous Huka Lodge."
Other popular attractions in the heavily tourist-trodden area include: Huka Falls, the Huka Prawn Park, Honey Hive, Craters of the Moon thermal park and mountain bike park; Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, Rock n' Ropes Adventure Park, Taupo Wake Park, Huka Falls Jetboat and Heli Adventure Flights.
Whittle says the Shooters Golf Range customer base includes many locals as well as visitors to Taupo and Wairakei. "Being placed on the tourist path and within the Wairakei Tourism Park, provides for a steady stream of visitors."
The business, which employs two part-time staff members, is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 7.30pm. It is also open Mondays during public and school holidays and also by prior arrangements made for corporate and special interest groups; and for private parties as a venue hire.
Looking to the future, Whittle says the potential for a new owner to ramp up the business with new concepts is 'huge'.
"The foundations for an extremely successful business are already here. The current owners do not operate the cafe which presents a significant business opportunity for a new owner. In addition the only online marketing undertaken is through a website and a Facebook page.
"Hardcopy flyers are used as marketing materials but aside from this, there are no other marketing processes in place other than word of mouth. This situation represents an excellent opportunity for a new owner to increase Shooters' exposure, awareness and, ultimately, sales.
"Linking through from other tourism websites such as www.lovetaupo.com could provide a boost in the number of tourists visiting while a stronger focus on local marketing could increase the number of local visitors."
Whittle says events are another area for business expansion. "Putting more emphasis on providing facilities and packages for corporate events, targeting local businesses and Taupo residents for the celebration of special occasions could increase revenue."
The business for sale includes a range of chattels encompassing sports and kitchen equipment and including: five refrigerators, microwave oven, gas cooking top, deep fryer, dishwasher, couches, loungers, tables, chairs, bar stools, BBQ, computer, radio system, ride-on-lawnmower and quad bike.
Among an extensive list of sports equipment included with the business are: 166 golf clubs, 10,000 golf balls; four archery metal stands with 400 paper bulls-eye targets, four bows; 12 Bubble soccer balls and a ball inflator.