Haven for sale after 50 years

The view up Puheke Beach on the Karikari Peninsula from the deck of a house on the property for sale.

Another slice of Far North coastal paradise is up for sale, with tenders closing next week for a 77-hectare headland on the Karikari Peninsula.

The land, which has access to about 1km of unspoilt coastline and the magnificent Puheke Beach, has been in the same family for more than 50 years.

It is in two titles and has a registered valuation of $1.535 million but the agent selling the land, David Baguley from Bayleys, says it is expected to sell for "substantially" more than that.

Bayleys said the owners were hesitant to sell the place after more than 50 years of family memories, and bidding farewell to the idyllic property on the Karikari Peninsula would be heartbreaking for owners Michele and Chevy Saunders.

For the couple and Michele's elderly parents, returning to the land on a permanent basis, living "off grid" with a powerful generator and solar panelling, had been "soul nourishing".

But Michele Saunders said that unfortunately her parents now needed access to health care more regularly.

"This is a very spiritual place, a healing place, and a place to find what truly matters in life," she said.

The property is described as ripe for development and is reached via a secluded 3km driveway. The first block is 25ha of forestry, with the second 52ha block cleared bush, pasture and buildings.

Built to face the stunning views, the family home is of a barn style with leadlight windows and spacious decking. The second home is 100sq m and other structures include two implement sheds and four rustic baches. Tenders close on September 10, unless sold prior.

The property is on the other side of the Karikari Peninsula from the luxury Peppers Carrington Resort.

Bayleys said a substantial tourism opportunity could be developed on the property, not unlike Carrington Resort.

"Or potentially, an expatriate may return to Kiwi roots and continue the legacy," the company said.

The sale is the latest involving a chunk of Northland coastline. Earlier this month, Elliot Bay, 30km east of Russell, was put on the market after the Department of Conservation declined to buy it.

The 720ha farm backs on to the family's private beach but the owners have allowed public access across their land to the beach. The Elliot family want to sell all but about 50ha and offered the Department of Conservation first dibs at $15 million, which they said was a discount on the $20 million-plus they believed it was worth. The property will now go on the open market after DoC turned down the offer.