Shanghai CRED Real Estate, one of the largest real estate developers in Shanghai, has purchased Peppers Carrington Resort in New Zealand’s North Island vowing a commitment to invest millions of dollars over the next few years to realise the resort’s full potential.

The new Chinese owner of the Peppers Carrington Resort, located four hours north of Auckland in the Northland region, has committed to progressive investment in the long- established resort, attracting more high-income tourists, increasing wine exports from the property and offering new local jobs. Residential facilities will be added to as tourist numbers from New Zealand and overseas increase.

Current General Manager, Simon Jones, who has been with the resort for nearly six years, has been appointed as CEO of the resort and its associated companies.  It remains a ‘business as usual’ approach with all staff retained as well as the prestigious Peppers branding.

Mr Jones says all future development will be carried out with great attention to environmental considerations, preserving native bush and wetlands, which add to the attraction of the property, and taking into account the interests of the local community.

“As tourist numbers grow and further development is undertaken, job numbers will increase and we will be employing local people wherever possible,” he said.

“We have proudly had the Peppers brand on the property for a year now and intend to remain part of the network of over 40 retreats and resorts across Australia and New Zealand.”

Peppers Carrington Resort is set on more than 1,000 hectares looking over the Pacific Ocean and includes a substantial vineyard and a golf course designed by American Matt Dye, as well as the main resort lodge and associated freestanding villas.

Peppers is part of the Mantra Group, the largest Australian based resort operator, and CEO Bob East said he was pleased to see such investment in the Peppers brand:

“It is a significant time in the evolution of the Peppers brand as the network is set to expand in the Asia Pacific, so to see this level of interest in foreign investment from an established group like Shanghai CRED is an encouraging sign for the brand and tourism in general.”