31 Orchard Road
Waihi 3610
NEW ZEALAND

| WHAT IS FOR SALE?

This property is freehold and includes:

  • Land
  • Buildings
  • Business (full-service restaurant with owner accommodation above).

| BACKGROUND

After running this restaurant for over 20 years, the “thyme” has come to hang up the aprons and enjoy retirement and grandchildren.

Originally the property was home to “Waitete Orchard” comprising a café, ice creamery, and blueberry orchard. The orchard has since been subdivided and developed into housing and the ice creamery closed its doors so that the current owners could solely focus on the restaurant and café.

Currently, Down Thyme offers top-tier Mediterranean-influenced dishes with a modern, gourmet twist.

| LAND

Approximately 2500m².

| CURRENT BUSINESS

Restaurant

A seating capacity of up to 50 inside and another 45-50 outside in the warmer months.

Kitchen
There is a fully equipped kitchen with grill, hot-plate and 6-burner gas stove. The cool room and freezer are both walk-in along with a smaller bottle cool room. A wet area contains a commercial dishwasher.

Food Manufacturing Room

  • Walk-in ice-cream freezer with compressor (down to -30°C)
  • 3-phase and single-phase power
  • Hot and cold water
  • In-floor drain for easy cleaning

Parking

Ample onsite parking for staff and customers (35-40 car capacity).

External Services

The property uses town sewage and water supply.

| OWNERS LIVING AREA

Upstairs is a private one-bedroom apartment (100m²) that allows for owner occupancy and the ideal work-from-home scenario. The expansive land holding could, with local regulatory body approval, allow for expansion of the building or additional auxiliary buildings.

  • Second floor can be accessed from the back of the building via external stairs or stairs within the restaurant
  • Open-plan living area
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom with toilet and walk-in shower
  • Laundry
  • 60m² fenced deck
  • 2 x 500 litre stainless tanks catching roof water (can be used for the garden)

| OPPORTUNITIES

Continue with the Restaurant & Café
The business has been running for over 20 years (as Waitete then Down Thyme) and has an excellent reputation for service and cuisine. There is scope to increase the opening hours, extend the building or even do a full re-brand.

Currently, Down Thyme Restaurant and Café offers a unique blend of contemporary and traditional cuisine, using only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.

The interior design is a fusion of rustic charm and modern sophistication, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and plush seating.Soft lighting and tasteful decor create an intimate setting, perfect for both romantic dinners and lively gatherings with friends.

It’s an ideal venue for special occasions and private events, whether an intimate birthday dinner, a corporate luncheon, or a grand wedding reception.

Down Thyme serves as a charming café providing the perfect spot for a casual brunch or afternoon tea. The menu features an array of freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and artisanal coffees and teas.

Food Manufacturing
Due to the consent in place, past and current activity, and fit out to food-grade level, the opportunity exists to close the doors on the business and repurpose for a small to medium food processing factory. There is a commercial kitchen, chiller, and freezer components, a food-grade certified manufacturing room as well as space for retail, storage, processing, and showroom.

There’s plenty of options for manufacturing items like jams, chutneys, salami, cheese, baked goods, sauces, ready meals and confectionery.

Something else?
Given the facilities and location, there’s plenty of other options that we haven’t even thought of :)

| LOCATION

Waihi is a gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula with so much right on our doorstep. It’s an excellent place to move to, especially if you’re considering starting a business and/or raising a family.

Strong Local Economy and Business Opportunities

  • Waihi has a diverse economy, historically known for gold mining, tourism, and agriculture.
  • The town’s location near major tourist attractions (like the Coromandel Peninsula and Karangahake Gorge) makes it ideal for hospitality, retail, and service-based businesses.

Stunning Natural Beauty and Outdoor Lifestyle

  • Waihi Beach is just a short drive away, offering one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastlines.
  • The region is great for hiking, fishing, cycling (Hauraki Rail Trail), and other outdoor activities.
  • This lifestyle is perfect for raising a family in a safe and active environment.

Supportive Community and Work-Life Balance

  • Waihi has a strong sense of community, where locals support small businesses.
  • The town hosts various markets, festivals, and events that create networking opportunities.
  • You’ll experience a relaxed, small-town pace of life while still being close to larger hubs like Tauranga (60km), Hamilton (90km) and Auckland (150km to Auckland International Airport, 140km to Central Auckland).

Access to Good Schools and Amenities

  • There are several quality schools in the area, making it a great place for families.
  • Healthcare facilities, supermarkets, cafes, and essential services are all available.
  • If you need more, larger cities are within easy reach.

Strategic Location

  • Located between Auckland and Tauranga, and just over an hour’s drive to Hamilton, Waihi offers easy access to larger business centers without the high costs.
  • It’s a great spot for businesses catering to both locals and tourists, as well as online businesses needing good logistics.

Updated: 30 March 2025


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