This extraordinary Northland holding spanning about 433ha across 28 titles and multiple private beaches is an opportunity that invites its next custodian to secure an extraordinary slice of coastal New Zealand.
It sits at the heart of Northland’s eastern maritime playground – with the Bay of Islands to the south, the Cavalli Islands offshore, and Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula to the north and incorporates farmland, forestry, native bush, a working airstrip, kiwi conservation and even a boutique vineyard.
Since John Rhodes purchased “the property” in Northland in 1966, the property has been far more than a home – it has shaped the Rhodes family’s way of life which is why “it’s been a big decision for the family to let it go,” says his grandson Jonti Rhodes, “but it’s time for someone else to take on the role of custodian”.
Located just 40 minutes from Kerikeri it offers seclusion without isolation and is within easy reach (20 minutes) of Whangaroa Harbour and Marina. The jewel in this coastal crown is Whangaihe Bay – featured in scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia – which like the films is utterly magical.
Start your property search
Largely untouched, Whangaihe Bay has nine coastal blocks of about 4ha arranged around the shoreline, three elevated lots along the eastern ridgeline and several sites with direct beach access as well as a collection of simple cabins that have been used by the Rhodes family for summer holidays and camping adventures over the decades.
Whangaihe Bay has also been the location for many family weddings and celebrations. Here, nature was Jonti and his wider family’s playground and he recalls being free to roam the land as a child.
Summers were spent at Whangaihe Bay where the stars shine brightly and kiwi call at night (the property operates as a long-established kiwi sanctuary with ongoing efforts from the local Land Care Trust).
The beachside off-grid cabins have uninterrupted views of the bay – the same one that enchanted The Chronicles of Narnia director Andrew Adamson. The bay is also a great place to dive and snorkel with water so clear you can see rays and crayfish from your paddleboard. Orca, dolphins and kingfish are occasional visitors, too.
Whangaihe Bay, featured in scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia, is like the films – utterly magical. Photo / Supplied
Rhodes Way, in Whangaihe Bay, has a collection of simple cabins used by the Rhodes family for summer holidays over the decades. Photo / Supplied
Jonti’s father David – along with his sister Vickie and brother Charles – have all worked, lived and been custodians of the land since the 70s shortly after John purchased the property.
“When my grandfather first purchased the land people often said, ‘why are you buying that?’ because the land seemed marginal to most people but my grandfather had a vision and the family has subsequently grafted for years to make it what you see today,” says Jonti.
“In those days there were no tar-sealed roads. It was all metal and a long journey from most places.
“They’d take the old Daimler from Auckland all the way up there and work tirelessly and eventually they all moved up there. He was a real entrepreneur and introduced many different business operations over the years.
“Operating farm tours by the busload, running a large sheep and beef farm, introducing and showing the Brafford beef line to New Zealand as well as planting forestry and running native bush blocks that were used to harvest manuka honey.”
Apart from the cabins, the estate also includes nine coastal blocks of about 4ha arranged around the shoreline, three elevated lots along the eastern ridgeline and several sites with direct beach access. Photo / Supplied
The property features circa 240ha pinus radiata forestry planted into blocks operated on a 25-30 year rotation harvest cycles with the remaining land consisting of pasture land, extensive bush, riparian margins and regenerating bush.
In later years his grandfather planted a boutique vineyard that now produces around 1000 bottles of wine under the label Mahinepua Bay.
“A favourite is definitely the rosé but the merlot, syrah and unique chambourcin are also all excellent,” says Jonti.
Other income streams include a 1970s house (three bedrooms, one bathroom) on the property and a OneNZ cellphone tower. Luxury travel operators also often drop in by helicopter to picnic in the bay (by arrangement).
“It’s multifaceted. There’s something there for everyone,” says Jonti.
While his grandfather had the vision and foresight to subdivide the holding into lots creating large development potential, the Rhodes family are selling the property as one complete package.
The Rhodes family are selling the estate as one complete package. Photo / Supplied
“It’s an intergenerational opportunity for someone that can see the beauty of it because there’s something very special about the land, that you only realise once you experience it” says Jonti.
“Everyone who goes there is just like, ‘wow, this place is unbelievable’. There are very few places in New Zealand where you have your own private beach surrounded by all these amazing things and the untapped opportunity to build or develop the property further.”
The wider region also offers world-class golf courses, including nearby Kauri Cliffs, Kerikeri and Whangaroa, as well as access to fishing grounds.
“Land of this scale and coastal quality is exceptionally rare in this corridor and seldom made available to the open market says Ben Bayley, of Bayleys.
“This is not a conventional sale. Rather, it’s a strategic landholding opportunity appealing to purchasers seeking legacy ownership, conservation, eco-tourism or potential future subdivision.”
Rhodes Way in Whangaihe Bay, Kaeo, Far North, is for sale by private treaty, deadline closing April 23.
- Sponsored by Bayleys
