Edgewater Lake Wanaka has a fresh face in its day-to-day management with the appointment of Colin McCLean as general manager.

 Mr McClean’s appointment was announced by the hotel’s board late last year after the current GM Catherine Bone resigned to return to the United Kingdom.

Colin has joined Edgewater after working for the SkyCity Entertainment Group for seven years most recently as GM of Hotel Operations.

“I’ve been a fan of both Wanaka and Edgewater for many years and saw this as an exciting opportunity with my wife and young family.”

He says the move south has been energising.

“It is such a privilege to live here in Wanaka. The people are energetic, welcoming and encouraging and the landscape is phenomenal. I’m enjoying exploring it more with my family and being out and about in the hills, either hiking or on my bike.”

Colin has previously worked with the Accor group and has a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Lincoln University and a Master’s degree in International Hospitality Management.

“I have almost 20 years in the industry across a number of locations including Queenstown, Dunedin, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and a stint in Scotland. I cut my teeth in revenue management and sales and I love what I do.”

The long established independently owned Edgewater hotel on the shores of Lake Wānaka has a 4.5-star Qualmark Silver grade and attracts international visitors and a growing domestic market.

“The location is very special and sets a tone for the hotel that is hard to replicate,” says Colin. “There’s a calmness about the place that assists our team to in providing genuine hospitality to all our guests.”

Part of the appeal of his new role at Edgewater is the exciting new refurbishment plans for the hotel complex.

“Over the next three years we will be carrying out an extensive refurbishment project during each winter season that will cover all 103 rooms and include the restaurant, reception and bar areas. This will coincide with a re-fresh of the Edgewater brand while retaining the essence of what makes Edgewater such a special place to visit.”

“ It may take a while for international visitor numbers to significantly return following Covid-19,” says Colin, “but we are enjoying great support from the domestic market and feel very optimistic about the next 12 to 18 months ahead for the hotel.”