Capstone Hotel Management is making bold moves in New Zealand’s accommodation sector, announcing three new hotel management agreements that stretch its reach from the capital to some of the most pristine corners of the South Island.
Revealed at the Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) this week, the signings include two of the country’s most celebrated wilderness retreats — Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki — and Wellington’s centrally located Atura Hotel, soon to be rebranded as WQ Hotel (Wellington Quarter Hotel).
For Managing Director Clare Davies, the trio of new contracts signals a defining moment in Capstone’s growth story.
“These are highly successful, well-established properties with reputations for delivering exceptional guest experiences,” Davies says. “We’re looking forward to bringing our operational expertise to support their continued success and strengthen their market positions.”
Eco-Luxury in Untamed Landscapes
The addition of the Wilderness Lodges marks Capstone’s entry into New Zealand’s eco-luxe tourism sector — a niche that blends high-end comfort with immersive nature-based experiences.
At Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, guests can step straight from their rooms into a 4,000-acre working sheep station and nature reserve in the heart of the Southern Alps. Days are filled with guided mountain hikes, wildlife encounters, and hands-on farm activities — all set against the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Further south, on the remote West Coast, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offers a very different but equally compelling experience: kayaking on glassy waters, exploring ancient rainforest trails, and watching rare Fiordland Crested Penguins (Tawaki) come ashore. Both lodges have been run for over 30 years as showcases of eco-tourism done right — complete with renewable energy systems, active conservation programmes, and locally sourced gourmet dining.
Capital City Rebrand
Back in the city, Capstone will take over Wellington’s Atura Hotel on 17 October 2025, repositioning it as WQ Hotel. The rebrand aims to give the property a stronger premium urban identity, appealing to both corporate and leisure travellers.
Its location — a short stroll to Lambton Quay, the waterfront dining precinct, and Sky Stadium — makes it a strategic addition to Capstone’s urban portfolio. The hotel will continue operating without disruption to guests, with all bookings honoured during the changeover.
A Growing National Footprint
These signings bring Capstone’s portfolio to 19 properties nationwide, hot on the heels of last week’s launch of The Clements, a luxury boutique hotel in Cambridge. December will also see the company’s much-anticipated relaunch of Queenstown’s Nugget Point Hotel as Coronet Ridge Resort.
For Capstone, the mix of wilderness retreats and city hotels reflects a deliberate strategy to offer variety without losing focus on quality. “Our goal is to grow in a way that’s meaningful — working with owners and properties that align with our values and strengths,” Davies says.
With the eco-luxury lodges capturing the imagination of international nature travellers, and WQ Hotel set to strengthen Wellington’s premium offering, Capstone’s latest move positions the company as a versatile player in New Zealand’s evolving hospitality market.