Capstone Hotel Management Announces Three New Signings At AHICE 

Wilderness Lodges and Atura Wellington transition to Capstone Hotel Management  

Wednesday 13 August 2025: Capstone Hotel Management is pleased to announce at the Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) today, three new hotel management agreements that will expand its growing New Zealand portfolio across Wellington and the South Island. 

The management takeovers include two of New Zealand's most distinguished eco-lodge properties Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, and the capital's Atura Hotel Wellington. 

"These three new management signings represent an exciting time of growth for Capstone Hotel Management, building on both new and our existing owner relationships," said Clare Davies, Managing Director at Capstone Hotel Management. “These are highly successful and well-established properties, and we are delighted to build on their reputable market positions. We look forward to applying our operational expertise to enhance performance and ensure improved continuity of the unique guest experiences they all provide.” 

The Wilderness Lodges have long-standing reputations as world-class nature tourism destinations and mark a significant expansion of Capstone's portfolio into the eco-luxe wilderness tourism sector.  

Atura Hotel Wellington will changeover to Capstone Hotel Management on 17 October 2025 and be rebranded as WQ Hotel (Wellington Quarter Hotel), positioning it as a premium urban offering in the capital city. 

Guests with existing bookings across all properties can expect no disruption to their planned experiences, with all reservations and guest services continuing seamlessly under Capstone's management. 

About the properties: 

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass sits on a 4,000-acre working high-country sheep station and nature reserve surrounded by spectacular Arthur's Pass National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps. Guests can join naturalist guides and sheep farmers, spot wildlife, hike mountain trails and participate 
in farm activities, all while enjoying incredible mountain views.  

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offers guests access to forest trails, spectacular coastal hiking, lake kayaking, and rare wildlife viewing including the endangered Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki) and seals, all guided by expert naturalist guides. Located between Franz Josef and Wanaka on the South Island's West Coast, the lodge provides an inclusive experience combining eco-luxury accommodation with guided nature activities. 

Both Wilderness Lodge properties include stylish accommodation, gourmet dining featuring local ingredients, and experiential packages that encompass accommodation, meals, and guided activities. The lodges were established over 30 years ago as living examples of how eco-tourism can help protect nature, with active conservation initiatives including renewable energy systems, forest regeneration programs, and wildlife protection efforts.  

Atura Wellington is a contemporary 3.5-star property strategically located in Wellington's CBD, positioned within walking distance of Lambton Quay shopping, the vibrant waterfront dining precinct, and Sky Stadium. The hotel serves both business and leisure travellers with its proximity to the 
government and business district, Victoria University, and Wellington Railway Station. 

The new signings bring Capstone's portfolio to 19 properties under management, following the recent opening of The Clements in Cambridge last week. Capstone also plans to relaunch Queenstown's Nugget Point Hotel as Coronet Ridge Resort in December. For more information about Capstone Hotel Management, visit capstonehotels.co.nz 

ENDS 

Media Contact: Ginni Post, GP Communications | E. ginni@gpcommunications.pro | P. 022 6344 910 

About Capstone Hotel Management  
Capstone Hotel Management was founded in 2014 and offers a range of hotel management, distribution, and marketing services from full management to light touch consultation providing expert advice and guidance.  Capstone Hotel Management creates bespoke hotel management solutions and marketing strategies to maximise performance, led by a team of experts whose breadth and depth of international and local experience 
ensures proven results. Capstone Hotel Management work with a range of properties from large corporate hotels to luxury lodges and everything in between, located throughout New Zealand. The team understand the challenges and rewards that regional and remote locations can bring to the accommodation sector. For more visit capstonehotels.co.nz