For generations of Kerikeri locals, a trip to the movies has meant one thing—settling into the seats of the Cathay Cinema on Hobson Avenue.
Since opening its doors in 1935, this much-loved venue has been more than just a place to catch the latest release; it has been the beating heart of Kerikeri’s cultural and social life.
Now, investors have the rare chance to secure the freehold property at 27–29 Hobson Avenue, tenanted by Cathay Cinemas and CC’s Café Cinema and marketed by Regan Polglaze of Barfoot & Thompson, Kerikeri.
Cathay Cinemas has operated continuously on this site for 90 years. For many locals, their first film was experienced here, making the building synonymous with Kerikeri’s history and sense of place.
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The cinema’s strong reputation comes not only from its longevity but also from its adaptability. In 2009, the property underwent a major renovation into a modern three-screen complex with a café premises and included the installation of a new roof.
The original cinema was upgraded to accommodate 150-seats, and the addition of the two new 50-seat cinemas were constructed in tilt-slab concrete. Whilst these upgrades transformed the venue, it still preserves it’s historic character with some of the original wooden floors found in the café and the ticket sales foyer.
Today, Cathay Cinemas offers a diverse programme that appeals to a broad audience—from mainstream blockbusters to the New Zealand International Film Festival, as well as speciality screenings of local documentary films with Q&A sessions such as “The House Within” and “Kaikohe Blood and Fire”. This cultural reach reinforces its importance as more than just a business—it’s a hub for entertainment, community, and the arts.
"The presence of CC’s Café Cinema elevates the property even further," Polglaze says. "Adjoining the cinema foyer, the café is a favourite with locals and visitors alike, offering a social space where people can meet for a meal, coffee, or a glass of wine before or after a screening.
"By combing a cinema with a café, the property becomes more than a venue, it’s an experience that drives varied revenue streams for its tenants.
"The success of this pairing is reflected in community loyalty. Reviews consistently highlight the friendly service, welcoming atmosphere, and the special character that sets the Cathay Cinemas and CC’s Café Cinema apart from larger, impersonal multiplexes."
From an investment perspective, this freehold property offers strength and stability. The building is low-maintenance, constructed with durable tilt-slab concrete, and has never sat vacant. Its tenants are long-standing, reputable operators with deep community roots.
"Positioned directly opposite the public carpark, the property benefits from excellent access and visibility, capturing both vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the heart of Kerikeri’s commercial district. Add to this the surrounding mix of prominent businesses and the property’s zoning for commercial use, it’s easy to see why opportunities like this don’t come along often," Polglaze says.
"Investors can take comfort not only in the building’s resilience but also in the enduring popularity of its tenants."
Kerikeri itself continues to thrive as the Bay of Islands’ largest town and a hub for tourism, horticulture, and heritage. Its growing population and visitor numbers provide a solid base for businesses like Cathay Cinemas and CC’s Café Cinema, ensuring their relevance well into the future.
"Owning 27–29 Hobson Avenue means more than acquiring a well-tenanted commercial property—it means becoming the custodian of one of Kerikeri’s most iconic landmarks. With its blend of history, cultural value, and proven tenancy, this is truly an investment with star power," Polglaze says.
- Supplied by Barfoot & Thompson
