A boutique hotel could be up and running on the empty site next to Wanaka New World by August next year.

The B Group managing director Andrew McIntosh told the Wanaka App the ‘Kitea’ hotel on Brownston Street will be targeted at “the discerning traveller seeking quality and a tactical experience as opposed to the cheapest room”.

The hotel project was first made public back in 2017.

“We will lay the foundation and slab in October with the view that we will complete the build by August next year,” Andrew said. 

There are big plans underway for the empty site next to Wanaka New World. PHOTO: Wanaka App

However, Andrew said the situation was “very fluid” due to Covid-19 and border closures. 

Connected by an internal courtyard, the hotel will feature 35 suites with a range of luxury amenities. 

Members of the public will have access to a ground floor cafe and rooftop wine bar. 

Andrew said Kitea would supply paddleboards, mountain bikes and sunset 4WD drives up the Matukituki Valley to its clients.

Kitea means ‘discovered’ in Maori.