Waterfront wonderful

Unrelenting in their appeal to a population of Kiwi water babies, homes on our coasts, rivers, lakes and harbours continue to attract attention from aspiring owners at home and abroad.

Informed by the experience of a global pandemic, we have a new appreciation for the natural wonders at home, and a summer spent exploring our islands is just what our local economy would like to see.

Increasingly aspirational and certainly seen as a valuable family retreat, waterside homes in all shapes and sizes continue to net premium prices, with Kiwis captured by the imagination of foregone holidays and the potential for new memories to be made.

While this coveted asset class is tightly held by Kiwi hands, Bayleys has rounded up the best waterfront opportunities for budding buyers this summer.

465 Otaha Road, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands

Tightly held and rarely found, this 65ha landholding with riparian rights over the aptly dubbed Little Pink Beach boasts an unparalleled location nestled within some of Northland’s most spectacular waterside playgrounds. Giant Pohutukawa provide respite and shelter at this stunning family sanctuary, a true legacy piece of real estate in every sense of the word. Presenting endless possibilities, a small lake, waterfall and babbling stream will captivate your imagination, while superb access to the beautiful Bay of Islands community guarantees an idyllic investment.

48 Cheltenham Road, Devonport, Auckland

Occupying a coveted position on one of Auckland’s most-loved boutique beaches, this relaxed character residence is equal parts perennial holiday and smart family abode. Architecturally influenced to embrace a contemporary lifestyle and maximise direct access onto the beautiful golden sand beach, wide verandas and timber accents frame sensational views to the Hauraki Gulf and iconic Rangitoto Island.

3 Muriwai Drive, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty

Set in a premium location gaining a spectacular coastal panorama bordering the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, this original family home is a sun-soaked prospect for those seeking a sometimes holiday house or permanent waterside residence. Two bedrooms with plenty of room for boats and leisure cruisers are just a short jaunt to the local ramp, fishing spots and some of the community’s loveliest bush tracks, offering a beautiful lifestyle proposition for those keen to put happiness first.

9 Alexander Road, Lake Tarawera, Bay of Plenty

Personifying the classic Kiwi batch of yesteryear, this home has been treasured by its owners for more than four decades. Beautifully positioned in a prestigious lakeside community, the 2,815sqm (more or less) site presents a sublime elevation, gaining an idyllic vantage point over the calm waters of Otumutu Lagoon. Days here can be spent exploring the beautiful surroundings by paddleboard, bush track or kayak, with trout fishing a favourite pastime of generations of Kiwi visitors.

348 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington

Exuding European elegance on the Wellington Riviera, every aspect of this single-level apartment and harbourside terrace spanning some 450sqm (more or less) will leave you exhilarated. Soaring 3.2m high ceilings match the impeccable design with vast gallery-style spaces and bifold shutters that frame the ever-changing seaside vista. A Category II historic building with a vivid contrast of marble, tile and dark stained floorboards represents refined waterside living at its most opulent.

1503 Kenepuru Road, Broughton Bay, Marlborough

Offered to the market for the first time in a century, this 38ha of treasured beachfront property is conveniently nestled between the beautiful Mahau and Kenepuru Sounds. The 1920s farmhouse sits alongside eight well-watered paddocks with riparian rights from its frontage, offering endless opportunities for dream-seekers with vision. A vast range of land use options are perfectly complemented by a great growing climate and world-class cycleways, fishing, sailing and hiking trails virtually at the door.

Station Bay, Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo

Boasting elegant architectural design principles to underscore the incomparable natural surroundings, Station Bay is an exclusive, boutique residential development in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning dark sky sanctuary, Lake Tekapo. Flanked by the Lake Tekapo glacier, imposing mountain scenery and a charming village centre, permanent residents or holidaymakers will find respite here, in this stunning new community in one of the most picturesque pockets of Aotearoa.

1 Tui Street, St Leonards, Dunedin

Deservingly protected by the Historic Places Trust, the incredible Aorangi homestead dates back to 1907 as one of New Zealand’s finest historic homes. Situated on a sprawling site of some 4,707sqm (more or less), the property gains a priceless panorama of the Otago Harbour and the peninsula, while a supplementary residence offers additional boutique accommodation options. Immaculately presented with ornamental heritage features, modern conveniences and magnificent waterside grounds ensure this is a true legacy property for generations.

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