Hollywood heavyweight Jason Momoa has officially entered the South Island business scene, purchasing a minority share in Grey Door Ltd, a well-established hospitality group operating in Queenstown and surrounding areas. The move, while surprising on the surface, reflects a growing personal and professional connection between the actor and New Zealand, particularly its adventure-rich Central Otago region.
According to company records, Momoa acquired 81 shares in Grey Door Ltd in December 2024, amounting to a 7.49% stake. The company owns a suite of popular venues: The Bunker in Queenstown’s CBD, Hyde in Arrowtown, and The General Kitchen & Bar at Arthurs Point—recently transformed from the Gin Garden. The portfolio also includes The General Store, which opened just before Christmas.
Grey Door director Cam Mitchell confirmed that Momoa, known for his love of the outdoors, felt an immediate affinity for the region. “He’s a mountainbiker, he’s a rock climber, he’s a snowboarder — we’ve got all the things here that he loves,” Mitchell said. The actor is reportedly aiming to expand his shareholding in the business over time.
Beyond business, Momoa has been seen frequently around Queenstown—on motorcycles, visiting local venues, and engaging in various filming projects. Sources close to the star indicate he is house-hunting in Central Otago, suggesting a desire to make his New Zealand connection more permanent.
His bond to the country runs deeper than lifestyle. Momoa has discovered ancestral ties to Aotearoa, tracing his lineage back to New Zealand through generations of his Hawaiian family. “The moment I stepped foot there, it was the only place on earth I felt like this is exactly where I’m from,” he told Newshub in an interview.
Momoa’s growing presence in the region has prompted speculation about potential contributions to the local film industry. Mitchell hinted at upcoming projects and even possible movie infrastructure investments that could bolster Queenstown’s role as a production hub. With the likes of Brad Pitt also filming in the area recently, the town’s cinematic appeal appears to be rising.
This trend aligns with broader shifts post-pandemic, as high-profile figures seek out lifestyle-centric, less urban locales for both business and residence. Momoa’s investment, while modest on paper, is seen by some as a high-visibility endorsement of Queenstown’s global allure and economic promise.
Whether as a shareholder, resident, or cultural ambassador, Jason Momoa’s foothold in Queenstown signals more than just celebrity cachet; it’s a bet on New Zealand’s future as a home, a haven, and a creative frontier.