Sudima Hotels, New Zealand

Sudesh Jhunjhunwala: Redefining Hospitality 

Sudesh Jhunjhunwala, Founder and CEO, Sudima Hotels, has established eight hotels in New Zealand along with several restaurants, bars and boutique spas. He has been honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (Honours List of 2025) for bringing his entrepreneurial spirit to Kiwland, creating one of the country’s leading hotel chains. A report.

The hospitality industry of New Zealand contributes substantially to the country's economy. It employs about 200,000 people and contributes around 1.7% of the GDP. According to sources, the industry is expected to grow, with a projected revenue of $0.95 billion in 2025 and $1.09 billion by 2029. The restaurant and bar business is the largest employer, with over 50% of the industry's workforce. In New Zealand, the major chunk of the hospitality facilities are located in Auckland, while Canterbury and Wellington have witnessed the second-biggest markets. 

The country's hotel market is witnessing a rise in eco-friendly accommodation, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and local sourcing. The industry's occupancy rate is also expected to increase, reaching 3.17 million users by 2029. As per sources, the user penetration is predicted to increase from 50% in 2025 to 58% by 2029, while the average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be $0.36k. 

Since tourists and travelers in New Zealand are increasingly seeking unique and authentic experiences during their stays,  a rise in demand is noticeable for boutique hotels, eco-friendly accommodation, and properties that offer cultural activities. A trend in the country's hospitality market is the increasing use of technology, including mobile check-in options, and personalized recommendations based on guest preferences. The country's unique natural landscapes and outdoor activities are major attractions for tourists. Hence, hotels in popular tourist destinations, such as Queenstown and Rotorua, have been enjoying high demand round the year . Besides, the country's strong focus on sustainability and conservation has been influencing the design and operation of hotels, with many properties incorporating eco-friendly practices.

Sudima Hotels, New Zealand, established in 2000, has the distinction for being the first hotel group in the country to be awarded "carboNZero" certification in 2013, which, according to the hotel management, is merely an extension of its fundamental philosophy.

The Jhunjhunwalas' Migration

Birajlal Jhunjhnuwala, Sudesh's grandfather, who was born and bred in India, immigrated with his family to Burma (Myanmar), which was then a part of British-governed India. He set up a textiles and garments business in Rangoon in 1918. By the late 1940s, he controlled about 85% of the textile trade. But the Japanese invasion of Burma during World War 2 drove thousands out of the land. The Jhunjhnuwala family had to return to India, with a major part of the journey being on foot.  After the war the family returned to Burma and set up an investment business, with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia.

However, when the military government took over Burma in 1962, the Jhunjhunwala family lost all its Burma assets with the nationalisation of all businesses. Subsequently, the family moved to Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1968, where Sudesh was brought up. The Jhunjhunwalas set up an  import business involving importing  goods from different parts of the world to sell them in Kathmandu. Eventually, the family shifted to Hong Kong in 1976. Over a period of two decades, the Jhunjhunwala family acquired a substantial number of commercial and industrial properties in New Zealand. The family also bought Christchurch Airport Hotel besides a hotel in Rotorua. In 2001, Sudesh Jhunjhunwala moved to New Zealand from Hong Kong to run the family's property business. He attended the prestigious University of Southern California, US, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. 

Sudesh Jhunjhunwala initially worked in his family business manufacturing watches. While on his honeymoon he was enamoured of New Zealand and later he settled in the country. He is the founder of the Sudima Hotel chain, with eight hotels in New Zealand along with several restaurants, bars and boutique spas. Initially, he lacked the knowledge of the hospitality business and hence he hired skilled staff to run the hotel business. In the beginning he raised funds locally through banks, thanks  to the family's extensive property assets. The name "Sudima" was coined using his initials and those of his four brothers and a sister, with a bit of poetic hue. Sudesh is married to Laxmi and they have three daughters.

Accolades And Honours 

Sudima achieved the first Toitū net carbon zero certification for its hotels in New Zealand. Its waste reduction practices have been accepted  within the wider industry. In 2023, the group was among the finalists in both ‘Caring for our Communities’ and ‘Leading the Way in Regenerative Hospitality’ at the renowned HM Awards in Sydney, Australia. In 2024, Human Resources New Zealand recognised Hind Management & Sudima Hotels with the prestigious Building Sustainability Through People Award. 

Sudesh Jhunjhunwala, the visionary behind Sudima Group, has been honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (Honours List of 2025) for bringing his entrepreneurial spirit to Kiwland, creating one of the country’s leading hotel chains.

Top Sudima Hotels 

Sudima Auckland City, a 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city, is conveniently located within easy walking distance of Auckland’s bustling shopping, arts, dining and entertainment precincts.

Sudima Lake Rotorua offers breath-taking vistas across the water. It’s also just a short walk from Rotorua's vibrant CBD and Convention & Events Centre. This well-appointed home-away-from-home has all the facilities and features you would expect from a Qualmark 4-star hotel.

Sudima Kaikoura, a 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea, is situated close to the township’s retail centre. With the state-of-the-art facilities, it is the first hotel of this size and quality in Kaikoura.

Christchurch City, a 5-star boutique hotel, is located on Victoria Street amidst an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. As a contemporary hotel it features luxe rooms, a stylish restaurant and a bar, and an elegant day spa.

Sudima Christchurch Airport is an award-winning 4.5-star hotel just 5 minutes from the airport terminals and next door to the International Antarctic Centre. It is a well equipped hotel, with an in-house restaurant and bar, conference rooms, high-speed Internet and a shuttle that runs 24/7.

Sudima Hotels' hospitality arm, Hind Management, is led by CEO Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala. Also, he is the owner and CEO of Sudima Hotels and Hind Properties. His family interests extend beyond hospitality to a large commercial property portfolio across New Zealand. Moreover, it has extensive business interests throughout Asia and in other countries. Sudima Group employs over 700 people at its various facilities. The Sudima Hotel brand is a winner of the New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. Currently, Sudesh's focus is on Australia, with several joint ventures and independent projects in the pipeline.

(Photos: Sudima Hotels)