A jewel in the crown of the breathtaking Bay of Islands, “Manawaora” is an extraordinary 487ha estate embracing Manawaora Bay.
Along with the 540sqm architectural marvel that is the main residence, the property incorporates a luxury beachfront guesthouse, two farmhouses, a private boat ramp and jetty, two helicopter pads and a private 300m fixed-wing landing strip.
John Greenwood, from Bayleys, is marketing the property and says the buyer will be in elite company here, with many of New Zealand’s most recognisable names in business also owning property in the immediate area.
“It’s located on the Russell side and really is the Golden Mile of the Bay of Islands. That in itself is a big attraction for people, especially when they’re looking for hero properties like this one.”
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The sheer size of the special parcel of land is another key factor, which provides future options, if desired.
“This is the largest waterfront property that will ever become available in that area. It is made up of 14 separate freehold titles and that also offers major value.
“It could be purchased by someone and then down sold like Mataka Station, which had an original 15 titles that were sold individually to people after they were redefined for the best spots.”
While Greenwood suggests this as a possibility, he believes the most favourable option is for it to be enjoyed as a whole by one lucky purchaser, in all its splendour.
“Sometimes the sum of all of parts doesn’t equal the whole.”
The main residence sits high on the Karaka Point headland and was conceived by the owner and detailed by Italian architect, Misa Poggi. Photo / Supplied
The beach house, located 2.5km from the main clifftop residence, wraps around two swim-between pools, with a boardwalk over the top. Photo / Supplied
A gated entrance and 6km, all-weather private road leads to the primary residence, which sits high on the Karaka Point headland. This, like the beach house, was conceived by the owner and detailed by Italian architect, Misa Poggi.
Every care was taken to provide comfort and access to uninterrupted views from everywhere, including the infinity pool, while ensuring the natural ecosystem remained as undisturbed as possible.
One wing contains two bedrooms for guests. The other wing contains the master bedroom and private office. An adjoining building houses the housekeeping staff.
Greenwood says the beach house, located 2.5km from the main clifftop residence, is one of the most outstanding houses he has seen.
“It wraps around two swim-between pools, with a boardwalk over the top that also has a spa pool. The master suite at one end has his and her dressing rooms and his and her bathrooms with steam room, it is truly luxurious.”
The mega-estate’s 2.8km of riparian coastline makes this a playground for water lovers. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent John Greenwood says this is a true retreat in every sense of the word. Photo / Supplied
The property’s 2.8km of riparian coastline makes this a playground for water lovers. The boatshed houses all the toys for day fishing and water sports – while the private jetty allows for tenders to ferry visitors to and from larger vessels moored in the sheltered bay.
The current owner has worked extensively to return Manawaora to its original beauty through conservation and regenerative planting of native bush – much of the original birdlife has since returned, including kiwi.
Manawaora is still a functioning farm, with a farm manager, farmhouse and barns. It is supplemented by caretakers and a separate caretakers’ house, all located so as not to spoil the natural beauty of the property.
Greenwood says this is a true retreat in every sense of the word and has been a haven for the current owner. “It truly is a hero in the Bay of Islands.”
Manawaora at 77 Kempthorne Road in Russell, Far North, is on the market for sale by negotiation.
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