Okere Falls Store up for sale

The Okere Falls Store on State Highway 33 is popular with locals and visitors. Photo / File

One of Rotorua's most "iconic" businesses is for sale and it is expected to attract plenty of interest.

The Okere Falls Store on State Highway 33, the 2013 Rotorua Business of the Year, has gone on the market along with its Haupapa St cafe, the Library Store.

Harcourts Rotorua has advertised for expressions of interest in the "unique business package," which includes the two store/cafes and the Okere Falls building.

Harcourts agent Paul Sanford said it was a "very iconic business".

He expected interest once a national marketing campaign was fully under way.

"Whether the interest will be local or whether it will be more out of town ... drawing from Auckland or that sort of base."

Mr Sanford said he sold a lot of businesses to people looking for a change of lifestyle and the Okere Falls Store, although hard work, was "very much a lifestyle business".

The store/cafe is home to the popular Okere Falls Festival, attracting some of Australasia's top musicians, as well as the annual Okere Falls Store Beerfest.

Both stores have a focus on sustainability, recycling and selling organic produce. Okere Falls Store has a worm farm and composting toilet on site.

Mr Sanford said it was hoped any new buyer would continue the store's traditions.

Given the success of the business, changing anything was unlikely to be in any buyers' minds, he said.

"It's one I certainly will enjoy having on my books," he said. "This one's got all the X factors."

Mr Sanford said owner Sarah Uhl had genuine reasons for selling but he was unable to comment further. Ms Uhl could not be reached for comment.