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A 116 hectare piece of paradise is for sale in rural Puhoi, featuring native flora and fauna, freshwater streams, and three potential building sites, with options for a home with of breathtaking views, or perhaps nestling in the heart of a tree-lined valley.
There’s little sign of human presence on the property known as Komokoriki, bar tracks, gravel roads and an old solar-powered scout cabin boasting a classic potbelly stove and a couple of bunk beds.
Despite the remote feel, the extensive block of land is located just 13 kilometres from Silverdale, and about 46 km from the Auckland CBD.
“It offers the future owners a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – whether that is city work and rural play, a completely off-grid lifestyle or a retreat style development,” Barfoot & Thompson agent Kathy Walker said.
It is the first time in 30 years that the property has been on the market.
The block’s flora and fauna includes established kauri and pūriri trees, and tūī, pīwakawaka (fantail) and kererū (New Zealand pigeon).
“There is always some member of the local wildlife ready to greet you, and it’s something the vendors have really cherished over their years here.”
Those vendors (who’ve asked not to be named) recalled their first encounter with the property, on a sunny June day in 1990:
“We sat on the grassy slope and just stared in amazement over the vista of all the bush, that seemed to sparkle back to us. We could not believe just how fortunate we were to have become the custodians of such a beautiful corner of New Zealand.
“When we finally stopped pinching ourselves and laughing in joy, we started exploring. As we walked we were obviously stirring up insects and the fantails flitted around our legs darting in for their feast, and obviously pleased for us to be there,” they said. “What a welcome.”
Over the years the owners have relished the spectacular views, the majestic kauri, and the freshwater streams laden with eels, kōura (crayfish) and banded kōkopu (a member of the whitebait family).
“We had a member of the Department of Conservation do a study on the life in the stream, where they found the kōura and banded kōkopu not only present, but in such numbers and size. Prior to this [DOC] were beginning to believe they had disappeared from north of Auckland.”
Native birdlife is abundant, too.
“DOC told us of the department’s work in rescuing the black robin [karure] from extinction,” the owners said. “They had successfully built up the numbers of the black robin on Tiritiri Matangi Island, and were in the process of establishing them on the mainland at Wenderholm. These smart little birds swiftly chose to relocate from there, to our property.”
The owners said they have frequently heard – but not seen – kiwi, during their mating period which runs from June. Wrapped up at dusk and perched on that same grassy slope of their first visit, they would watch and wait.
“Just as it is getting almost too dark, we think perhaps they are not there, we are getting cold and almost ready to call it a night, then we hear the distinctive kiwi call,” they said. “We have never been disappointed, right up until last year.”
Walker said the property was “the sort of place the likes of David Attenborough or Bear Grylls wouldn’t be out of place” in.
“And now there is a rare opportunity for someone new to call it their own and steward it into the future.”
“We say this property is ‘without compare’ not only because of its natural beauty and unique ecology, but it’s scale and proximity to the city. When we began to look at comparable properties and sales – put simply there were simply none quite like this one.
“There are so many options here for individuals looking for a private escape or a family destination,” she said, suggesting the likes of camping, filming, and environmental education or tourism.
“Equally, this is an unmatched chance for organisations who are looking for the perfect place to retreat and immerse their members or clients in nature.”
The vendors see the sale as an opportunity to hand over the guardianship of a precious treasure.
“This magical land we pass to new custodians knowing they too will fall in love with its surprises and charm,” they said. “It has been a huge chunk of our life we are parting with, but we know it is time for others to be the lucky ones to have this land delight and thrill them.”
Komokoriki is listed for sale by tender, closing at 2pm on July 20.
Info: https://www.barfoot.co.nz/property/residential/rodney-district/puhoi/section/848624
