Consented Waipu riverfront land

The development at 38 Ferry Rd, Waipu, has consents in place for 52 lots. Photo / Supplied

A 4.5140ha site on a riverfront headland on the outskirts of Waipu town is for sale with a resource consent in place for a 52-lot residential development.

The flat freehold land at 38 Ferry Rd in the Lower Northland town is being marketed by James Chan and Quinn Ngo of Bayleys' Auckland-based international division in conjunction with Garry Sellars of Bayleys Whangarei.

"Most of the hard preparatory work for a successful residential development has been done with a detailed subdivision plan drawn up and approved for 52 sections ranging from 450-600 sq m, with some having unobstructed river views," says Chan.

"Our vendor has decided not to proceed with the development, called the Three Rivers Village after its location at the convergence of three rivers, because of other commitments. This provides an opportunity for another developer to make the most of this superb waterfront location and good demand for new housing in the area."

Sellars says the land for sale was originally part of a farm but over recent years much of the surrounding former pasture has been converted to housing. "Substantial, high quality homes in a neighbouring residential subdivision have sold for around $700,000. They have attracted a mix of buyers including retirees from outside the area, particularly Auckland, as well as families with parents employed in the area or in nearby Whangarei which is about 30 minutes' drive away.

"More sections are needed to meet the demand and, while other developments are planned for Waipu, this is the only one that has resource consent which gives it a distinct advantage. The beauty of this site is that it is only a short walk to the heart of Waipu township, yet is in a very appealing setting with an esplanade reserve running between the subdivision and the rivers and a large recreation area by the waterfront a requirement of the consent. There is also the possibility of boat ramp access to the river."

Ngo says a house on the property close to the river is currently rented and could continue to produce income or could be used as a sales office.

"The road frontage is fenced with large wooden gates which give it an inviting but secure entrance with one central point of access also allowing it to be developed as an open or gated residential community.

"The property is ready for its new owner to take it to the next level; subdividing and selling the sections or building and selling house and land packages."

Featured in Bayleys' latest Total Property portfolio, the land is for sale with vacant possession by tender closing at 4pm on Friday October 12, unless sold earlier.

Sellers says Waipu is a vibrant and growing town with shops, bars and restaurants, craft outlets and a school.

The Waipu waterfront golf course, with stunning views of the Hen and Chicken islands, is nearby and Waipu, Ureiti and Ruakaka beaches are within five to 10 minutes' drive.

Waipu's population was 1671 in the 2013 Census, an increase of over 10 per cent from 2006.

Waipu is situated up river from the Waipu Cove inlet and the Waipu Boat Club is now situated at the place where boats used to unload when the coast and Waipu River were the main transport links.

Settled by Scottish immigrants in the 1850s, Waipu still has a strong Scottish tradition with its own pipe band. On New Year's Day, Waipu hosts the annual Highland Games and in July each year there is a week or two of celebrations for Tartan Week.

Captain James Cook named the surrounding coastal area Bream Bay, which spreads from the mouth of Whangarei Harbour (Bream Head) 22km south to the southernmost point of Waipu Cove (Bream Tail). It has two other significant towns, Ruakaka and One Tree Point which is located on Whangarei Harbour and has a marina.

New Zealand's only oil refinery and an established timber processing plant, both located at Marsden Point, are Bream Bay's main employers. The population of the Marsden Point-Ruakaka statistical area, which also includes One Tree Point and neighbouring Takahiwai, was 3543 in the 2013 Census, up over 17 per cent from 2006.

"A stunning stretch of coastline, in combination with the fact that it's within comfortable driving distance of Auckland, means that the Bream Bay area is likely to keep on growing creating steady demand for more housing," says Sellars.