A very warm, southern welcome to you.
Step into the heart of southern hospitality at Ascot Park Hotel.
Our dedicated team are delighted to welcome you.
Nestled amidst landscaped surroundings on the outskirts of Invercargill, the Ascot Park Hotel is a true gem of the south, with over 40 years of hospitality experience. Situated on a stunning 17 acres, we offer a serene escape for travellers seeking a blend of tranquillity and comfort during their visit to Invercargill. Whether you're here for business or leisure, the Ascot Park Hotel promises you a welcoming southern experience.
Our Sustainability Story
Caring for our earth and future generations.
We’re proud of our city and its breathtaking natural surroundings. Southland is a unique and exceptional paradise, and it’s our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
This is why sustainability lies at the core of everything we do. We’re always looking at ways to reduce our energy use and wastage, improve recycling, as well as find the best suppliers and products that are in-line and of a like-mind.
It’s a constant work in progress and we’re committed to ensuring we’re doing our part. This mission remains close to our hearts, as we deeply care for our guests, our people and environment.
Here are some of the ways we’re making a difference:
ENERGY
We invest in clean, green technologies such as low-energy light bulbs, energy-efficient ovens, kitchen equipment and appliances, and a temperature-controlled heating system for a comfortable stay in our hotel.
CLEANING
We encourage our guests to reuse their towels, and we only service rooms when our guests request it. Forget about nasty cleaning chemicals - we use effective microfibre cloths. Moreover, the use of restricted flow shower heads and dual flush toilet cisterns saves precious water.
WASTE
From recycling drop zones for guests, water coolers with biodegradable cups, the collection of cooking oil for bio-fuel, the use of biodegradable bin liners and partnering with a local famer to collect our food waste – we’re committed to reducing landfill.
FOOD
We source locally whenever possible, which reduces freight and energy costs, and supports employment in the community. Our fantastic gardening team grow a selection of herbs, garnishes and vegetables that we use in all our restaurants. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.
Meet the Team
The Management team acknowledges that without the fantastic staff at the Ascot Park Hotel, we could not deliver the service standards we pride ourselves on.
Anna McCleary
Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage
Anna is our Executive Assistant Manager and Food & Beverage.
As the newest star to join our Ascot Park Hotel family, Anna is already proving her worth. She ensures that all our functions run without a hiccup and that guests walk out of our hotel doors better, than when they walked in. Anna has worked in hospitality since the age of 13, starting as a kitchen hand and working her way across various roles including night porter, house maid, grill chef, restaurant manager and catering assistant.
Amber McMurdo
Front Office Manager
Amber is our Front Office Manager and superstar hotelier.
Amber joined the team in 2013 but she brings with her over 18 years of hospitality experience. She’s also a born and bred Southlander and with qualifications from Sir George Seymour National College of Tourism, Travel & Business, Amber is well equipped to help with all your accommodation requirements.
Karley Henderson
Accounts Manager
Karley is our Accounts Manager and expert book-balancer.
Another born and bred Southlander, she joined the team in 2017, working in both our reception and events departments. Previously Karley worked for 17 years in the tourism industry, so she knows a thing or two when it comes to creating a positive hotel experience.
Lynese Boyes
Room Attendant Manager
Lynese is our Housekeeping Manager and eco-warrior.
Lynese brings a whopping 40 years of hospitality experience to our rooms division, with the last 13 years being here at Ascot Park. Lynese ensures all our rooms are kept to the highest standard, so that guests have an amazing experience while staying at the hotel. She treats all our guests like an extended part of our whānau.
Greg Jenks
Executive Chef
Greg is our Executive Chef and resident culinary connoisseur.
With over 20 years’ experience in kitchens around New Zealand and Australia – from pubs to 5-star hotels, Greg runs the busy Ascot kitchen. Now he’s returned to Southland to gift us with his gourmet expertise. Greg enjoys making the ‘classics’ while adding his own creative twist.
Haley Dreaver
Function and Events Manager
Haley is our Functions and Events Manager and master juggler.
Haley joined the team in September 2022 and immediately hit the ground running. She manages our events, parties and weddings, a team of co-ordinators, as well as acts as a point of contact with clients to ensure the hotel always delivers and exceeds expectations. Haley brings with her over 20 years of hospitality and administration experience.
Sarah Westenra
Restaurant Manager
Sarah is our restaurant manager and food fundi.
Sarah came onboard in December 2019, and we couldn’t do without her. She ensures the restaurant runs efficiently and is up to our very high Ascot Park standards. Sarah has worked in hospitality since she was 16 in roles far and wide, from Riverton to Queensland, Australia.
Brooke Pennicott
Sportsbar Manager
Brooke is our Sports Bar Manager and rising star.
Brooke is no stranger to hospitality. She started with the ILT in 2016 and worked her way up the ladder becoming a duty manager at Irish gem, Waxy’s, and then restaurant manager at The Saucy Chef. She’s even spent a wee bit of time at The Langlands.
History
Ascot Park Hotel covers an expansive 17 acres and has been an icon of Invercargill for over 40 years.
Established in 1976, Ascot Park Hotel was envisioned as a sophisticated, internationally acclaimed venue for Invercargill. The innovative approach of building in stages allowed the Invercargill Licensing Trust to generate revenue throughout construction. The initial phase, completed in 1977, featured 23 motel units and temporary facilities. Subsequent years saw the addition of permanent dining areas, kitchens, conference rooms, and accommodation wings. The grand opening in 1980, attended by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, marked the completion of a 'Y'-shaped complex with 81 guest rooms and conference facilities for over 600 guests.
Continual enhancements have transformed Ascot Park Hotel into a premier destination. Additional conference rooms, upgraded facilities, and interior refurbishments showcase its commitment to excellence. The Henderson wing (1995) and Harrington wing (2010) expanded accommodation options. Today, boasting 92 hotel rooms, 24 motel units, eight conference rooms, pool and spa facilities, a fitness centre, fully licensed bar, and restaurant, Ascot Park Hotel remains a distinguished gateway to Invercargill and the Southland Region.
About ILT
The Ascot Park Hotel is owned and operated by ILT, a community owned organisation.
With 23 establishments, including hotels, motels, bars, and more, ILT employs approximately 650 people. Through trading profit and gaming machine income, we regularly give back to our community via grants, donations, and sponsorships, totalling over $8 million annually. Our commitment to local suppliers enhances community support. Recently reaching $208 million in grants and donations, ILT has transformed Invercargill, boasting facilities like ILT Stadium Southland and SIT Velodrome.
In our supermarkets, liquor may be absent, but thriving community groups, top-notch facilities, and a flourishing arts scene prevail. Dating back to 1944, ILT's mandate remains: quality hospitality, public wellbeing, and community profit distribution. After 80 years, we're proud to still meet these goals. ILT, dedicated to our community's vibrancy, welcomes you to Ascot Park Hotel. Your stay contributes to our shared vision of a vibrant Invercargill. Thank you for being a part of it.
