For nearly 20 years, McKay Lang has been quietly building a reputation as New Zealand's go-to specialist for hotel refurbishments.
What sets them apart is simple, they work harder to get things right and won't settle for anything less than the best, whether they're renovating a single room or transforming an entire hotel.
Owner Heath McKay’s commitment to quality is evident in every project. When he couldn't find joinery that met his high standards, he didn't compromise, he created his own workshop.
"I wasn't happy with the joinery we could get," said McKay.
"So we set up our own workshop to make exactly what we need."
This approach has proven invaluable in the hotel industry, where guests expect modern, functional spaces that work seamlessly. McKay Lang's in-house joinery facility allows them to build world-class interiors that streamline the entire fit-out process. Their builders, joiners and project managers work hand in hand to deliver exceptional results.
The proof is in their recent projects. At the Hotel Elms Christchurch, McKay Lang transformed 24 rooms with new flooring, painting, tiling, joinery, and complete bathroom upgrades, replacing dated bathtubs with fully accessible, modern showers. They also upgraded the hotel's bar and restaurant. The project began with a prototype room, and after inspection, McKay Lang was awarded the remaining 23 rooms.
"We go above and beyond to make sure every project succeeds," explained McKay. This commitment extends to projects throughout New Zealand, from urban centres to remote destinations.
The team have been busy on the South Island’s West Coast, revitalising a dated Greymouth hotel with a complete room upgrade, transforming six rooms at another hotel, and upgrading staff lodgings at a boutique resort.
One of their most impressive achievements was the complete interior fit-out of the bar and restaurant at Milford Sound Lodge. This challenging project required their site manager to live on-site while coordinating the installation of custom joinery built in their Christchurch workshop. The fact that complex joinery components could be transported to such a remote location and installed without issues highlights the precision of their manufacturing process.
"We're becoming more aware of how rare it is to deliver complex joinery to remote sites without problems," said McKay.
"Our integrated approach, building world-class spaces in our workshop, then installing them seamlessly on-site, is what allows us to take on projects others can't handle."
McKay Lang's ability to work across New Zealand has become a key differentiator in the hospitality sector. In recent years, they've completed commercial projects across Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. They work with trusted subcontractors in each region, people who know their areas and have established local connections.
This network approach allows McKay Lang to maintain their quality standards while adapting to local conditions and requirements. Whether it's a city hotel requiring minimal disruption to guests, or a remote lodge where every component must be perfectly planned, their approach delivers results.
"We're most proud of the fact that much of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals," says McKay. "In the hotel industry, that tells us we're getting it right."
For hotel owners looking to transform their properties, McKay Lang brings proven expertise in creating spaces that function exactly as needed, combining practical solutions with the attention to detail that modern guests expect.
Find out more at www.mckaylang.co.nz
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