Fall in love with the Bay.
The Bay of Islands offers a unique quality of life — a sub-tropical climate and cosmopolitan yet authentic small scale towns and vibrant farming communities. There are numerous sheltered bays and harbours with white sand beaches, abundant seafood, highly productive farms and orchards, some of our country’s most diverse ancient rainforests and superb recreational options.
Kerikeri
Just a 7 minute drive from the property, Kerikeri is the largest town in the Far North, the main commercial hub for Bay of Islands locals and it services extensive horticulture and farming enterprises. The Mãori meaning for Kerikeri is 'to dig up repeatedly' in reference to the fertile soils and established place for cultivation of crops. The Bay of Islands Airport is 15 minutes from the property. Flight time to Auckland is 35 minutes — with up to five services each day — and drive time is about 3.5 hours.
There is great selection of specialty shops, two major supermarkets, smaller food stores located in both Kerikeri and nearby Waipapa, and The Old Packhouse Market and Kerikeri Farmers’ Market which operate at weekends. There are many restaurants, cafés, pubs, wineries and take-out food and beverage options — all less than 10 minutes by car.
Recreation
The boat ramp at Waipapa Landing is only a 3 minute drive and the marina and boat ramp at Doves Bay is less than a 15 minute drive. There are numerous recreational opportunities nearby, including white sand beaches, boating, fishing, walking and cycling trails, horse-riding, historic places and Puketi Forest, noted as one of the most diverse rainforests in New Zealand. The ‘Pou Herenga Tai’ Cycle Trail is about 40 minutes drive from our property.
Schools
Kapiro Road is on the school bus route. Public schools for which the property is zoned are Riverview School (5 minutes by car) which caters for Y1-6 students and Kerikeri High School (8 minutes by car) which has about 1,500 Y7-13 students. Both schools are co-educational and follow the NCEA curriculum. Springbank School (10 minutes by car) is a private educational facility with about 200 Y1-13 students and offers both the NCEA and Cambridge curriculums. The Bay of Islands International Academy (10 minutes by car) is a primary school with about 90 Y1-Y8 students and is an authorised International Baccalaureate School teaching the PYP (primary years programme).
Paihia
Paihia is about a 30 minute drive south from the property and is the main tourist hub for the Bay of Islands. Directly opposite Paihia is the historic town of Russell (Kororãreka) and close by is the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds — the place where Mãori chiefs first signed their treaty with the British Crown. Also nearby is the town of Opua with its port, marina and vehicular ferry to Russell.
Hokianga
On a day excursion travelling west from here you can take in the Waipoua Forest with its giant Kauri trees, the beautiful Hokianga Harbor with its quaint seaside settlements of Õmãpere and Opononi and giant sand hills, the Puketi and Omahuta Kauri forests (with multiple walking trails) and the historic towns of Rãwene, Kohukohu and Horeke.
A food lover’s paradise — it’s all upside
Kerikeri is located on prime horticulture land in a stunning coastal environment and the upside of living in close proximity to such natural abundance is obvious. Before we purchased our property 7 years ago, we also wanted to understand any downside associated with living near to horticultural activities — so we researched the scientific evidence and concluded there was none. There are probably far greater health risks associated with living in a polluted city, working a stressful job, drinking a town water supply, smoking and not exercising enough! Leave that all behind and embrace the Bay — the lifestyle, the climate, the diverse local artisan produce and much more!
“Key factors for us when researching property options here in Kerikeri included; a quality home ideally with multiple living and income options, enough land to graze horses, a plentiful water supply, a peaceful rural location with views, privacy from neighbours and easy access to the town centre, airport and local amenities. This property has exceeded our expectations in every regard.”
— Níall & Wendy Mayson
Our favourite local beach — 10 minute drive + walk
Our favourite coastal walk — 35 minute drive
Kerikeri River Track & Rainbow Falls — 5 minute drive
Some of the best views from a horse you'll find anywhere
New Zealand's most diverse rainforest — 15 minute drive
New Zealand's most important heritage site — 30 minute drive
144 Islands to choose from
A great morning walk & view — 35 minute drive + short climb
Our favourite Far North beach — 1.5 hour drive