Terrace Downs in limbo
Looking back from the 16th tee at Terrace Downs over the Rakaia River
By Neville Idour
As if covid-19 wasn’t enough of a challenge for Terrace Downs, the unexpected death of 59-year-old Japanese owner Hiroshi Hasegawa from the virus in April caused the Canterbury golf resort’s closedown. Apparently the owner did not leave a will, creating a delay in dealing with probate.
There was no option but to mothball the clubhouse and all accommodation, hospitality and golf operations. Only golf club members, and they number very few, have been allowed to play golf.
Thankfully essential management staff were retained which included greenkeeping, so at least the golf course remains in good condition. Hopefully the good news is that the resort will be auctioned on September 17.
General manager Katherine Baker remains optimistic that a new owner will have necessary funds and the desire to give the resort the injection it desperately needs.
Tim Rookes, managing director of CBRE Christchurch which is marketing the property said: “We are expecting strong interest from high net worth investors and consortiums. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very well-known property and a championship golf course regarded as one of the best in New Zealand.”
I would not disagree with those sentiments having had close association with the resort for most of its existence.
However for it to regain its standing as an outstanding venue and destination in a beautiful part of New Zealand, any new owner must make the right decisions regarding infrastructure improvements and additions to give broader marketing appeal.
Terrace Downs’ history is a chequered one. Despite that it would be hard to find better accommodation or an environment for golf tournaments, weddings, conferences or hosting other events. Of course the stunning scenery, peaceful and natural environment, not to mention the proximity to Mt Hutt ski field are endearing and enduring.
Unfortunately most of the promised infrastructure attractions when marketing and building the villas and chalets did not happen.
Had the swimming pool, spa pools, spa facility (just what the ladies like) and fitness centre all been in place, the resort would have been a much more attractive proposition.
Unlike Millbrook and Clearwater, which are close to Queenstown and Christchurch, Terrace Downs is a destination and needs the onsite facilities.
Instead only two spa pools and two under-used tennis courts resulted and eventually, despite the spa pools’ popularity, the changing management saw these pulled out to be replaced by a small fitness room with minimal equipment.
Significant expenditure was squandered on so-called attractions. An outdoor pizza area was created, which had a very short life with the oven cracking. This was never needed as the restaurant outdoor deck above catered for any outside activity.
An area behind the driving range was developed at significant cost for an outdoor skating rink. It still sits there. It was never a possibility given all the health and safety requirements and continual staffing required, not to mention at least some naturally occurring ice.
There were too many questionable decisions to detail here but suffice to say the wonderful vision of the original owner, Japanese professional golfer Shinnosuke Saito, has not been fully realised.
He acquired the land from sheep and cattle farmer Edwin Tilley in 1990. The first nine holes of the Sid Puddicombe designed golf course were opened in 1993 and the full 18 was completed in 1999.
Hasegawa purchased the resort in 2012 and made welcome investment in golf course machinery and equipment and golf carts.
So the hope is for a new owner to purge the chequered past and take the resort on a path to fulfil the original vision of Saito.