Publican Jo Kidston said the hotel had dozens of extra visitors last week as people came to bid a fond farewell to the works or make the most of a chance to see them for the first time before their trip north.
Mr Colman who, with his late wife Cushla Martini, bought the 1874 hotel in 2001 and refurbished it, said the works would be travelling first class as two of the front seats of the Citation jet had been taken out to accommodate them.
The classiness of the impending journey, however, failed to impress Mr Colman's insurers, who wanted him to use a recognised carrier if they were to provide cover.
Accordingly, the works travelled uninsured.
"I have to say the loss of uninsured art treasures would not be the first thing on my mind if we were to plough into the Southern Alps on the way home," Mr Colman said, pointing out that his pilot Captain Brian Grianter, had managed to avoid them to date.
The works' new home will be another restored heritage building, Archilles House (1904), in Customs St, Auckland.
The National Business Review, which Mr Colman publishes, is moving its newsroom into the building today and the works would be on display there, he said.
Mr Colman said anyone who visited the offices would be able to see them.
The total value of the works, which are considered one of the most significant collections of Hotere's work in New Zealand, has not been disclosed, but it is known that Ms Martini bought Vive Aramoana for $240,000.
Mr Colman said his late wife, who died suddenly almost four years ago, had been very proud of the hotel restoration.
"Her spirit will live on in that grand old hotel."
Yesterday he attended the Loyal Careys Bay Yacht Club annual prizegiving at the hotel to present the Cushla Martini Memorial Cup.
Ms Kidston, who plans to use the space to show work from local artists, said one from print-maker Heather Dunckley was on site and ready to be installed this week.
