Avocado orchard ripe for investment

For those looking at a future retirement plan or simply a change of lifestyle, a substantial avocado orchard just five kilometres from the vibrant coastal community of Mangawhai has come to the market with offers closing at 4pm, Friday 31 July.

Marketed by David Roy of Bayleys Whangarei and Robbie Robertson of Bayleys Mangawhai, 419 Tara Road provides an unexpected opportunity to acquire a well-performing property in what is a proven location for avocado production.

“There are a number of quality avocado orchards in this immediate area which enjoys a temperate climate and a strong community of growers who are willing to impart their knowledge about the industry and the local nuances,” says Roy.

The property comprises 14.59 hectares of flat to gentle sloping land in two titles which provides flexible options for the future, subject to the usual consent processes.

“The current owners have done some preliminary research on possible subdivision plans and certainly the property does have some exciting potential,” says Roy.

Major investment has been made in the property in the last two years and currently there are approximately 800 mixed-age Hass avocado trees (plus pollinators) along with recent plantings of the much-acclaimed Dusa rootstocks.

“These rootstocks have only recently been released to growers and they promise more consistent and higher yields. The current season’s crop is expected to be in the vicinity of 12,000 trays and should the property be purchased by 31 July, 2009, will be included in the sale,” explains Roy.

The New Zealand avocado industry is on a strong growth path with ever-increasing volumes of fruit now being produced in Northland with the high quality, free-draining volcanic soils ideally suited to growing this highly nutritious fruit.

“Avocados have become one of the main horticultural exports from New Zealand and aside from the traditional market of Australia, new markets are rapidly developing in North America, Japan and South East Asia,” says Roy, who adds that there are also some exciting new processing techniques being developed that will increase the longevity and maintain the nutritional qualities of the avocado.

If prospective purchasers hold a long-term view about investment in this area, and perhaps see it as a retirement option for the future, then they could still secure the property and consider ‘caretaker’ options.

“Should an absentee investor be interested in purchasing the property, the current owners would look at staying on and managing the property so there is some flexibility for say, an Auckland-based buyer, to continue living in the city. Likewise, should someone wish to purchase the property and live on-site yet not wish to be involved with the day-to-day running of the orchard, the existing management structure could remain in place,” says Roy.

The 280sq m four-bedroom home plus office is on its own 9077sq m title in a prime position in Tara Road with rural and sea views over Mangawhai and Bream Bay. The property also features a cowshed, hay barn and polyhouse.

With the opening of the new Puhoi tunnels, Auckland is just 80 minutes drive away making Mangawhai an accessible and desirable lifestyle option.