The owner of Rotorua's award-winning Treetops Lodge has bought the Kinloch Golf Course in Taupo, where he plans to build a new lodge.
Southpark Corporation, of which John Sax is the sole director, is the new owner of the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and he plans to build a "world
beating lodge" and up to 69 luxury residential homes on the slopes above the course.
Named in the world's top 10 new courses by United States-based Travel and Leisure Golf magazine in 2007, the course was completed in 2008 and officially opened by Nicklaus. Last year it was voted one of New Zealand's top three courses by Asian Golf Monthly.
Southpark chief executive Richard de Haast told The Daily Post a new 30 to 50-bed lodge with a conference venue would be built and was scheduled to open in December 2012.
"It is hoped construction will start in January," he said. "We hope it will provide more than 30 to 35 new jobs as well as casual work when there are conferences."
Buying the golf course offered the business a chance to grow outside Auckland, Mr de Haast said.
"Most of our business is located in Auckland, apart from Treetops," he said.
"I think it is a good opportunity to expand our business operations outside of Auckland ... It's good to be able to do it here. It's a stunning location."
Mr Sax said the Kinloch acquisition was a chance to create a unique lodge and residential offering in one of the country's most scenic spots.
