Rongotea Tavern in the Manawatu, Business has Sold

The Rongotea Tavern in Rongotea, on the plains of Manawatu, Business was sold. March 2012

The Rongotea Tavern Business sold being a great opportunity for a couple or family to set up shop. The great advantage would be in buying the " Lot " - The Tavern is situated in the small township of Rongotea about a 10 minute drive from Palmerston North and is the  " Local " and handy for all residents in being somewhat central in location.  The facilities cater for local patrons, special dinners for service groups and other banquets and functions as required.

The business has run on an even keel basis over the past few years with regular business clientele keeping the current owners busy.

Tavern Facilities

*  Large Public Bar room
*  TAB Facility
*  Six Pokie machines
*  Very Large Lounge area
*  Large Function Room
*  Huge Parking Lot
*  Good Working Kitchen
*  Large 3 bedroom accommodaton house
*  Two small paddocks - sheep grazing
*  Ample years left on the lease.
*  Land & Buildings also for sale
*  ATM Machine

The Accommodation for the Manager is a large sized house at the back of the premisies with plenty of garage space and back yard opportunities. The current management graze a few sheep in the paddock adjacent to the tavern buildings.

Brokers Comments

There is an opportunity to open up the front area to accommodate a nice outdoors feature for a Garden type function where passers-by may drop in for a sandwich, a flat white or a cold one. Some creative redesigning in this area, and I would estimate at a minimal cost, will see an opening up of the outdoors for the summer months. Something that the locals or those travelling Palmy population may like to enjoy on a weekend drive away from the big smoke.

 Contact the Brokerwho sold this business

Ross M. Larsen C.H.A.

Ross Larsen, the Tourism & Hospitality Business Broker that is acting as the agent for the owner of this property is happy to discuss this property's details with you at any time - refer to the contact details on this page.

Rongotea

Rongotea is a small, close-knit, rural township located 25 kms Southwest from Palmerston North with a population of 635 residents that really enjoy the friendly rural atmosphere.  

Rongotea School boasts over 200 pupils up to year eight and Te Kawau playcentre provides learning and fun for our little ones.  Many local businesses and retailers including a dairy, garage, hardware store, tavern and two fish & chip shops provide locals with more than just the basic necessities.

Rongotea is also home to five churches.  In spring, residents and visitors to the town admire the beautiful cherry trees that are blossoming on every street in the town and dazzling new Christmas lights enhance the town during the festive season. On Christmas Eve each year Santa visits each street on the Fire Engine, visiting children, playing carols and giving out lollies. The new Te Kawau Memorial Recreation Centre is a real asset to the area and is the home of Te Kawau Rugby.

History

Two big landowners in Otago were responsible for the founding of the township of Rongotea and the surrounding district.   Partners in the enterprise were the Hon Robert Campbell of Otekaike  and John Douglas of Mt Royal.  Campbell and Douglas bought the 21,400 acre “Oroua Downs Estate” in the Township of Carnarvon for the bargain price of 12 shillings and six pence per acre. 

At the time the deal led to an enquiry because the contract was with the Wellington Provincial Government and raised the question of whether Campbell was therefore liable for disqualification as a Member of Parliament.  However, Campbell kept his seat.     

Because the land had been declared a special settlement area, under the terms of the contract Campbell and Douglas had to settle at least 70 families on their block.  Campbelltown - with Douglas Square as its central feature – was the result.   The name of the town was changed to Rongotea in 1895, as there were already two  settlements called Campbelltown in other parts of New Zealand.  Meaning “peaceful place”, Rongotea was chosen by the Manawatu County Council after consulting with Methodist missionary minister Thomas Hammond. Rangitane Maori say the name recalls a local chief who kept his people at peace amid surrounding warlike tribal groups.