In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, where the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo meet the snow-capped Southern Alps, one family-run property management business is proving that relationships and the right technology go hand-in-hand. Book Tekapo is a close-knit operation with a big heart, and its partnership with property management software provider Resly has helped streamline the business so its owners can focus on what they do best: looking after people.
Greg and Angela Marshall run the business alongside a small leadership team that includes their daughter and their son’s partner. The couple juggle everything from bookings and HR to maintenance and even cleaning when needed.
“We truly are a family business,” Angela says. “We treat our staff like family and aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty.”
Book Tekapo manages more than 80 holiday homes, from one-bedroom studios to a 24-bed lodge. Their properties cater to couples, families and groups drawn to the stargazing, scenic beauty and peaceful pace of life that Tekapo is known for.
But what truly sets the business apart is the guest experience.
“Our aim is for guests to stay like a local,” Angela explains. “We recommend restaurants and sights we love ourselves. It’s all about creating memorable, authentic experiences.”
As the business grew, so did the need for a better property management system (PMS). Their previous platform had become difficult to use and offered limited support. Communication delays often stretched into weeks, and the system itself was clunky and expensive.
That’s when Resly, short for Reservations Easily – entered the picture.
“It’s great to work with a team that understands our market and evolves with it.”
– Greg and Angela Marshall, Book Tekapo
Resly combines a powerful PMS, seamless channel manager and commission-free direct booking engine into one easy-to-use platform. It’s a single system that does it all.
“We didn’t even look at other options,” says Greg, now an official Resly ambassador. “The interface was clean, the reporting was detailed, and the support team actually responded. We signed up almost straight away.”
The impact was immediate. Admin tasks became faster and more efficient, with monthly homeowner statements now sent out at the click of a button. The homeowner portal introduced a new level of transparency, building even more trust with property owners.
“It has strengthened our relationships, which is the most important part of our business,” Greg says.
The team has found Resly to be a strong fit for the New Zealand market, with features that cater to local needs and a support team that truly delivers. Greg says the transition to new GST requirements was handled with care.
“Resly worked closely with us to navigate the GST changes, and their support has been outstanding,” he says. “We get fast, helpful responses. It’s great to work with a team that understands our market and is willing to evolve with it.”
While they haven’t fully explored all of Resly’s guest-facing tools just yet, the leadership team uses the housekeeping and calendar features regularly. Their Resly-powered website also runs smoothly, supporting day-to-day operations behind the scenes.
At Book Tekapo, success has never been measured by scale. A recent local merger may have reshaped the competitive landscape, but it only reinforced the team’s commitment to what matters most.
“We’re not trying to be the biggest,” Angela says. “We want to be the best we can be, by improving our systems, strengthening relationships and supporting the community we’re proud to be part of.”
And community is at the heart of everything they do. Greg volunteers with the local fire brigade, Angela teaches at the school and kindergarten, and their daughter recently joined St John. The team also supports staff with discounted accommodation and remains closely connected to the homeowners they represent.
“We believe in doing right by people,” Greg says. “Resly helps us do that by saving time and keeping things simple.”
It’s a philosophy that shines through in every part of their business, and Resly has become a valuable part of their toolkit.
Would they recommend Resly to others?
“Absolutely. We already have,” Greg says. “It’s straightforward to use, the support is fantastic, and it’s made our lives so much easier.”
For Book Tekapo, the right technology has helped free up more time for what they value most: genuine connection.
