Northland: Living on an island

The development of Paewhenua Island in Northland offers buyers a slice of life away from it all, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Owning an unspoilt island, or at least a large piece of it, is a pipe dream for many. However, the efforts of a developer in Northland make this fantasy affordable and an easy holiday option complete with many well-designed amenities, just five minutes from the charming township of Mangonui.

Paewhenua Island is a unique piece of land comprising 110ha, which will give owners a self-contained rural environment within a maritime setting. When complete, the development will consist of 26 large, well-spaced, private house sites, which range from 3000sq m to 6000 sq m.

Each property has a freehold title and a share in the Residents' Association. This gives them 80ha of common property, which includes areas of covenanted bush, grazing land and communal facilities. More than 200,000 native coastal shrubs and trees will be planted on steeper slopes, internal valleys and beaches. Already, 130,000 plants are in the ground. Freshwater wetlands are being restored and existing and re-vegetated areas have been covenanted for long-term protection.

Among the big attractions of the island are the recently built amenities, such as the boat ramp, jetty, boat storage facilities and two tennis courts, which will enhance the owners' lifestyles. Power, phone lines, rainwater collection and a bore are also in place.

In addition, 15ha of productive land in the middle of the island are being developed as a separately owned vineyard. Owners don't have the responsibility of looking after the vineyard but they can take pleasure in looking at it and have access through it. About 6ha have been planted in vines, which will start producing yields in three to four years.

The island is shaped like a mound, sloping gently north like an upside down scallop shell, so every site will get the sun from sunrise to sunset. The sites also have views across the property to the harbour, Doubtless Bay, Karikari Peninsula and the surrounding coastal land. For most sites, Mangonui village sits in the foreground of the view at the harbour entrance. This small unspoilt village could be described as having the heritage value of Arrowtown, and it contains a collection of historic buildings on the edge of a beautiful harbour.

The island will have a resort-like atmosphere with a secure, gated entry. Pleasant walking tracks will weave around the coastal edge, through the bush, between the vines and across the open grassland.

Best of all, the owners don't even need to get out of the car to reach their property. A causeway linking the island to State Highway 10 on the mainland was put through from the western boundary in 1945.

A historic reserve links the island to the heritage of the early settlement and development of New Zealand. The earliest European history began when Captain William Butler purchased the island in 1838 while commanding the whaling barque Nimrod. He shipped a pre-fabricated home from England and settled there as Mangonui's first harbour master in 1840. The house was shifted in 1847 to Butler Point, a promontory opposite Mangonui township.

The island was acquired by the government and settled by way of grants to various families, including Charles and Powrewa Cossill, the first couple in the area to have a mixed marriage. A memorial to the Cossills has been restored and remains on the island today.

This part of Northland boasts a range of recreational activities and amenities. Nearby golf courses include Kauri Cliffs, Carrington and the local course at Whangaroa. There is outstanding fishing in the area and surf casting at Ninety Mile Beach. Numerous white, sandy, safe swimming beaches are in close proximity.

The first stage of Paewhenua Island is ready for sale and titles are expected to be settled later in the year.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Paewhenua Island, Northland.

FEATURES: 26 house sites with freehold titles to property; includes a share of Residents' Association, which owns 80ha of common property, including covenanted bush, grazing land and communal facilities; jetty; floating pontoon; boat ramp; secure trailer boat storage area; power, phone lines, bore water; tennis courts.

SIZE: 110ha island - each site is between 3000sq m and 6000 sq m.

TENDERS CLOSE: February, 2004.

AGENT: First National Boberg & Sweetman, Wayne Boberg ph 0800 530 010 bus. Ray White Real Estate, Hewson Real Estate, Ian Knox ph 0800 439 766 bus; 027 281 2992 mob.