New Zealand geographic rarity goes on the market for sale
Tuesday 19 October 2010, 9:20AM
By Bayleys
1466 views
One of New Zealand’s most unique geographic anomalies – an extinct volcanic crater in the middle of a farm surrounded by three separate lakes – is on the market for sale.
The unique 265 hectare block of land in the Central North Island sits on a triangular plateau bordering three of Rotorua’s lakes – Okataina, Tarawera, and Okareka with waterfront access from two separate roads.
The property is owned by Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands which purchased the site in 2000. The deer farm property with its cavernous crater landscape feature is being offered for sale by Bayleys Rotorua through a tender process closing on November 15.
Bayleys Rotorua manager Beth Millard said the property was being marketed along a number of avenues – increasing its productive output as a commercial farming operation, establishing a single lifestyle block with expansive luxury retreat, or conversion into smaller blocks off a shared access road.
“Subdivision consents granted earlier this year allow for more a ‘farm park’ style residential development - similar to those which have been established in Northland and Taupo where owners have their own lifestyle block and a shared ownership of the commercial farming operations.
“Being only a short distance from Rotorua, yet surrounded with such natural beauty as the forests, lakes and mountains, this site has the potential for occupation by either those wanting , a substantial land-holding on which to build a substantial permanent residence or holiday home,” Ms Millard said.
“There’s an abundance of suitable building sites which would easily sustain a home of majestic proportions with unbelievable views. Conversely, to support the development of farming operations, existing buildings on the property include a manager’s residence suitable for conversion to guest or service staff quarters, a woolshed, cattle yards,deer handling facilites and a helicoptor hanger.
“The property has an elevated central plateau well above the various exclusive residential/lakes settlements on its lower borders – giving total natural privacy.
“It’s the sort of location that would suit the likes of a pop star Shania Twain – who has a high country station in Otago - where they can helicopter in and spend the weekend roving around the property or heading down to the lake for a fish without anyone knowing they were around.”