Chasing moonlight in Wairarapa

Sitting high in the Wairarapa hill country, the “Moonlight Peak” lodge provides both an off-grid holiday escape and a highly viable eco-tourism operation to its potential owners.

The boutique style short stay destination has proven to be a winner both for its regular return guests, and owners Summer and Tim Priest.

They were inspired to create Moonlight Peak after falling for its commanding views and unparalleled vistas of star light.

“Were it not for a change of circumstances, we would not be selling Moonlight. It has been a highly rewarding, enjoyable experience, one we’d love to do again at some stage,” says Summer.

After appreciating the stunning views the land offered the couple approached a local architect with a back of envelope design they had come up with to turn their concept into plans. It featured with a floor plan that plays to the location’s strengths of view and elevation, sitting 500m above the Wairarapa district.

The design offers an intimate one-bedroom destination with comfortable living space and expansive decking from which to enjoy the unending views.

For the past five years the destination has enjoyed very high levels of occupancy, largely from Kiwis keen to unplug is luxury for a few days.

The couple point to a high level of return clients who appreciate the remoteness that still remains accessible, being only an hour and a half from central Wellington. Carterton is only a 20-minute drive away.

Bayleys agent Jamie Taplin says the Moonlight Peak’s private all weather 4wd access gives an exclusivity to the location and once reached its off-grid solar power system and self-contained water supply matches the sophisticated design with sustainable, self-contained technology.

The design has incorporated expansive window areas to maximise the view’s immersive expanse, with abundant natural light and an easy flow between indoor and outdoor enjoyment.

That enjoyment is enhanced with a wood burning hot tub for guests to enjoy late night star gazing into Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve, first recognised in 2023.

Jamie Taplin says Moonlight Peak offers a number of opportunities for enterprising owners who could purchase it as a holiday home and continue to rent it out as an appealing eco-tourism destination when not using it themselves.

“Moonlight Peak is bookable through the Canopy Camping online network and has enjoyed extremely high booking rates, with much of that coming from locals who often return because they have enjoyed its serenity so much.”

Alternatively, the property could be run solely as a standalone business.

Summer Priest says they have been requiring minimum two-night stays, but potential exists for promoting one night get aways, and for pushing further into the overseas visitor market.

Proximity to Wellington also opens up potential for one day corporate retreat/team building visits.

The total area of 40ha within the freehold title beyond the lodge’s footprint is leased to neighbours for grazing but also offers potential for owner use on purchase.

Moonlight Peak is offered for tender, and Jamie Taplin says several options lie in assessing its value, given its potential to be a business, a holiday home or both.

“It’s certainly a unique, distinct property that has been built with care and a great appreciation of the environment it has become part of. Whoever owns it is guaranteed to have fallen in love with it well before moving in.”

Moonlight Peak is for sale by tender, closing June 9. Interested parties can contact Jamie Taplin (027) 655 0089 or Lindsay Watts (027) 246 2542.