Distinction Hotels Expands into the South Island’s Mackenzie Region

Distinction Hotels is delighted to announce three additions to its New Zealand owned and operated hotel group – Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel, Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama and Countrytime Hotel Omarama.

The Distinction Hotels Group have purchased the three hotels located in the Mackenzie Region of New Zealand’s South Island from The Mount Cook Hotel Collection and will take over operations as of 1 August 2023. The 4th property in the The Mount Cook Hotel Collection’s portfolio, The Godley Hotel Lake Tekapo has not been sold and will continue to trade under its current ownership.

The Mount Cook Hotel Collection Managing Director Hamish J Hepburn said "He is delighted for the future of the hotels. The hotels’ awesome managers and employees and our valued customers in Twizel and Omarama are now set to move seamlessly into a new future and higher level within the Distinction Hotels Group and their extensive national network.”

The 4-star Twizel hotel, as well as the Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama will trade under the Distinction Silver Collection brand, whilst the other Omarama hotel will trade under the group’s 3-star Discovery brand.

Close to lakes, mountains and rivers, with dazzling starry skies by night, the hotels are the perfect base for cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, exploring the Clay Cliffs or the Ahuriri Conservation Area, skiing at Ōhau Snow Fields, boating, fishing and swimming at the nearby lakes or soaking in hot tubs with magnificent views.

The Mackenzie Country Hotel is instantly recognisable by its classic stonework exterior, reflecting the distinctive mountain and river landscapes of the region. The spacious gardens and iconic mountain silhouette are a key feature of this idyllic setting with all 108 hotel rooms offering private balconies or patios. Guests can enjoy dining in the restaurant and drinks in the modern bar with open fireplace.

Set amongst landscaped gardens in the beautiful Omarama village, the Heritage Gateway Hotel offers 98 modern, comfortable rooms including family units with cooking facilities. A restaurant and bar serving delicious NZ cuisine is also available.

The 48-room Countrytime Hotel presents affordable, country-style accommodation with stunning mountain views. The restaurant and bar, decorated to resemble a traditional sheep shearing shed is a great spot to catch up with friends and family after a day of exploring. This hotel will continue to hibernate during the winter season and will re-open in summer.

With these latest acquisitions, the Distinction Hotels Group now has a collection of 18 properties in locations throughout New Zealand, including the highly anticipated luxury Distinction Invercargill Hotel which is slated to open its doors in June 2025.

Distinction Hotels Group Chief Executive Duncan Fletcher said “We have tremendous respect for what The Mount Cook Hotel Collection have created. We look forward to continuing their heartfelt hospitality in the Mackenzie region, making a positive contribution to the local tourism economy and developing richer itineraries for travellers when they choose to stay with the Distinction Hotels Group of brands”.

Distinction Twizel & Omarama Now Open

Distinction Hotels Expands into the South Island’s Mackenzie Region

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