Waterfront cattle station goes to market

Beef and sheep combine with honey and tourism at 710ha Te Au Station, near the entrance to Mahia Peninsula.

Beef and sheep combine with honey and tourism at 710ha Te Au Station, near the entrance of Mahia Peninsula.

The waterfront farm for sale traditionally carried about 4500 stock units but owners Malcolm and June Rough had diversified revenue streams over the past decade.

"Over the past few years the freehold property has been steadily building up the volume of its honey production, and is now home to some 350 hives - well up from the 250 hives used at the same time last year," Bayleys Gisborne director James Macpherson said.

"In addition, Te Au Station operates a fully self-contained luxury cottage, which sleeps eight guests and has been let as tourist accommodation - with guests taking advantage of Te Au's privately-accessed trout-rich river."

There is also potential for rocket tourism thanks to Rocket Lab's plan to launch satellites from Mahia Peninsula, with the base of the peninsula identified as a prime viewing area with a shortage of accommodation.

Mr Macpherson said the diversified business model was representative of where many farms were now heading, adding revenue streams to traditional activities.

"It's a financially sensible approach, as the diversity of revenue streams helps smooth over any operational troughs which may arise from the primary activity, which in Te Au's case is sheep and beef rearing and grazing.

"The abundance of trout in the almost-3km stretch of Kopuawhara River running through the property underpins the attraction of the lodge-style dwelling, with trout fishing enthusiasts appreciating access to the fishery towards the rear of the farm.

"The property also has extensive ocean frontage for guests seeking to pursue sea fishing as an alternative leisure activity, or take advantage of Mahia Peninsula's nationally renowned beaches."

Water is derived from several streams and springs, complemented by man-made dams.

The locality has a recorded average rainfall of 1600mm, with the farm's altitude ranging from sea level to 370m.

Mr Macpherson said it was subdivided into 28 paddocks with post and batten wire fencing and had well-maintained tracks and access lanes.

The farm received 90 tonnes of Sulphur Super spread over the past five seasons and 15ha of pasture sown in new grass.

The homestead is a 600sq m four-bedroom/three-bathroom villa with extensive veranda decking overlooking an in-ground saltwater swimming pool and barbecue area with views over Mahia Peninsula. The tourist accommodation is nearby.

The farm contains two QEII Trust native reserves totalling 58ha of plantings, with a further 60ha of bush adjacent to gullies and streams.

Farm buildings includes two three-bay lockable implement sheds.