Coromandel landholding primed for its next chapter

A former horse trekking hill country farm which simultaneously operated as a substantial sheep and cattle grazing block with stunning sea views and pristine waterfalls and streams, has been placed on the market for sale.

The 339.19-hectare property is located in a mountain range area known as Wharekaho, midway between the towns of Matarangi and Whitianga on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Under an ownership structure some 12 years ago, the site operated as the well-patronised Twin Oaks Riding Ranch – offering exclusive guided horseback tours amongst the property’s meandering hills, strands of native bush, streams, livestock, and waterfalls. Simultaneously, the land was utilised as a sheep and cattle grazing block – with more than 3,000 animals segregated across the numerous fenced paddocks during peak periods.

At the crown of the block some 300 metres above sea level is a fixed-wing grassed airstrip with incredible 180-degree views down to Mayor Island in the south, and Great Barrier Island in the north. After an unfortunate change in personal circumstances for family owners of some 40 years, the horse trekking business ceased trading, and many parts of the farm fell into disrepair, with gorse bushes now proliferating over some of the paddocks and tracks.

Existing farm building infrastructure on the Wharekaho property comprises an old wool shed and two rustic wool barns from where the Twin Oaks Riding Ranch stables housed its herd of horses before being mounted by riders.

The freehold land located at 928 Kuaotunu-Wharekaho Road is now being marketed for sale by tender through Bayleys Whitianga, with the tender closing on July 1 unless sold prior. Salesperson Josh Smith said the property would appeal to three distinct buyer groups.

“The natural beauty of this block, complete with its network of well-formed livestock tracks and positioning in the heart of the Eastern Coromandel, makes it attractive to a broad range of future uses,” said Smith.

“Firstly, with some relatively straightforward and focused property maintenance to remove patches of gorse, the property could once again operate as a horseback riding equestrian centre, boosted through the potential to share the extensive patchwork of formed dirt cattle tracks with mountain bikers and hikers to attract a broad target market of adventure recreational users. Under this dynamic, the property is an outstanding raw blank canvas opportunity for an adventure tourism entrepreneur to develop.

“Expanding this aspect further, with appropriate consents, there would also be the potential to establish a high-end glamping tourist accommodation venture of either yurt-style tents or low-maintenance tiny cabins, underpinned by the pristine natural environment of the multiple streams and native tree groves peppered discreetly across the property.

“Conversely, with refurbishment of the somewhat dilapidated fencing network, the block could once again become a functioning sheep and cattle grazing block capable of running thousands of stock units. Under this dynamic, it is a clear primary produce opportunity for a farmer to take on.”

Smith said that with the large flat airstrip at the top of the farm delivering stunning 180-degree horizon sea views, the block could also be purchased as a ‘trophy’ lifestyle address capable of housing a high-end dwelling of substance, with complete privacy away from any neighbours.

The property is strategically located at the State Highway 25 axis entry point to multiple beautiful beaches along the Kuaotunu Peninsula – with Kuaotunu to the north, Otama and Opito Bay to the north-east, Waitaia Bay to the east, WhauWhau Beach to the south-east, and Wharekaho to the south.