One of New Zealand’s most iconic buildings – the Cardrona Hotel – is on the market for the first time in more than a decade.

The 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel in the Cardrona township is expected to attract significant national and international interest.

The Cardrona Hotel’s current owners – Cade and Alexis Thornton and James and Fleur Jenneson – have owned the historic establishment since 2013 and describe it as a “once-in-a lifetime opportunity”.

“It has always been a very busy and successful business, and we have loved our time here, but our next step is to spend more time with our young family,” Cade said.

The 8613sqm property encompasses a restaurant, year-round beer garden, and 17 ensuite hotel rooms sleeping up to 44 guests.

The hotel was built in 1863 and its history is steeped in the gold rush era, with many of the original relics such as the historic facade, and a glass window looking into a mineshaft in the floor of the property.

It is one of the regions’ most well-known tourist attractions and a popular après ski destination, hosting everyone from international movie stars and royalty to locals.

“In our time, the growth has been phenomenal, and the business has become a big beast,” Cade said.

“We now employ 40-50 staff, the hotel averages 84 percent occupancy annually, and it’s often fully booked at many times throughout the year."

The sale is likely to be one of the Cardrona Valley’s highest, and coincides with continued growth in the area.

The hotel business and associated buildings will be sold by private negotiation.

Expressions of interest are open until Friday August 15.

PHOTOS: Supplied