Historic station for sale: chance to secure legacy or create anew

Waihau Station, which is up for sale, is a diverse 298-hectare landholding featuring 1.5 kilometres of sprawling New Zealand coastline, productive farmland and native bush. Bayleys is marketing the property through international tender that closes on April 11 unless sold prior. Picture supplied

One of the region’s biggest working farms is going under the hammer for the first time.

The historic Waihau Station has been farmed by the same family for generations, but the 298.18-hectare farm is surplus to the incumbent family’s requirements.

Bayleys Real Estate agents Simon Bousfield and Stephen Thomson are marketing the property for sale through international tender, closing at 4pm on Thursday, April 11 (unless sold prior).

Mr Bousfield said the station comprised a stunning portfolio of land meeting the sea, providing a rare chance to optimise farming operations or leverage an exquisite natural setting to pursue alternative development options and recreational pursuits.

“Sprawling access to the unspoiled, golden sand coastline is innately New Zealand, with the property positioned north of Gisborne City comprising a mixed contour of flat coastal land sheltered by surrounding hill country,” he said.

“The sheer diversity of the landscape lends the property for use as a recreational wonderland, with bush-clad valleys and forest ranges ideal for hunting and trekking, while fishing, snorkelling, surfing and other water activities are assumed in Waihau Bay.”

Divided into 15 primary paddocks with supplementary holding areas, the farm features a three-stand woolshed, substantial cattle infrastructure and a double-bay implement shed adjacent to the homestead.

The station’s original three-bedroom homestead occupies a proud position at the entrance to the property, set within established grounds which were once home to a stately mix of tennis courts, croquet lawns, swimming pools and landscaped gardens.

“With beautiful bones that include three large bedrooms, separate living and dining areas and a large ballroom at the northern end of the house, the homestead presents a significant opportunity for restoration to its heritage-era magnificence.

“Alternatively, a new owner may see the superb value of the sheltered and flat building platform flanked by native bush and the ocean to build their dream country estate,” Mr Bousfield said.

In addition to established sheep and cattle operation infrastructure, slopes at the southwestern boundary include large areas of regenerating native bush with natural water formations.

“The farm benefits from excellent natural water access to streams, springs and ponds, with some reticulation set up feeding around the flats,” Bayleys salesman Stephen Thomson said.

“Seldom does a property with such coastal character and limitless future potential become available on the open market.

“Waihau Station provides prospective purchasers a real shot at securing a legacy property for coming generations or, equally, an exciting canvas from which to build a business venture in farming, hospitality and tourism.”