Sudima Kaikōura opens on cue for whale watching season
New property to play vital role in region’s ongoing economic recovery
Kaikōura’s first ever 4.5-star hotel, the Sudima Kaikōura has officially opened its doors right on cue for the influx of visitors, some 70,000 annually, who flock to the region which is renowned as one of the best places on the planet to see giant sperm and humpback whales, orcas and dolphins.
Situated in Kaikoura, a few steps from Kaikoura Beach, the new $35 million hotel offers 120 beds (90 superior and 27 Superior Ocean View rooms and three Ocean View Suites), a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar.
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The restaurant, Hiku, is inspired by and pays homage to Kaikōura’s most iconic attraction, with the name ‘Hiku’ coming from the Māori word for ‘whale tail’.
An exhibition of local Māori heritage is reflective of a positive relationship between Sudima Hotels, the property designer Kirk Roberts and local iwi Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, hapu of Ngāi Tahu, who have a special connection to the whales.
Other facilities include a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free wifi throughout the property.
In addition to providing much-needed accommodation and hosting facilities to the region, the new hotel is also seen as a vital source of employment for more than 40 staff and an important part of the local economy which continues to recover from the impacts of the 2016 earthquake and COVID-19.
Sudima Hotels COO, Les Morgan, said Kaikōura is an important part of New Zealand’s international and domestic tourism offering.
“We’re proud to be part of the hospitality offering welcoming visitors to the region. We know that having more accommodation options for travellers, such as our 4.5-star hotel, will help to bring additional and high-spending category of tourists, which will have a positive impact across the region as those tourism dollars are spent locally,” he said.
“Kaikōura is an area of great natural beauty and it is a privilege to share our Sudima hotels’ great hospitality and values with guests who come to enjoy its wonders.”
Congratulating Sudima Hotels on the development, Kaikōura District Council Mayor-Elect. Craig Mackle said the new hotel is a first class addition to Kaikōura’s tourism offering and a fantastic boost to the local economy and employment.
“Kaikōura is going from strength to strength, and thanks to visionary partners like Sudima Hotels we are looking forward to a bright future,” he said.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
