Buoyant future offered for historical boatyard

An important piece of Bay of Islands’ maritime history has been placed on the market for sale.

For nearly a century Deemings Boatshed has stood at the water’s edge of Okiato in the Bay of Islands, its ownership passed through generations of the Deeming family.

From the late 1920s the boatshed was operated by brothers Walter and Jack Deeming. Their constructions include the ‘Ilex’, which became the first car ferry to Opua.

The Deeming brothers also built a number of the Fullers’ tourist boats, which took over transportation in the Bay of Islands in 1956.

Now the 1678 square metre plot of land, including the boatshed and a slipway, has been placed on the market for sale by Bayleys, and is being marketed by Bayleys Kerikeri salespeople Chester and Louise Rendell.

Mr Rendell said the property offered not only the opportunity to purchase a piece of the Bay of Islands history, it offered a prospective new owner the chance to launch their boat into and out of the water from the front of the property.

“Deemings Boatshed has featured extensively in the history of the Okiato and Opua area, and every boatie who has cruised the waters of the Bay of Islands, or has visited, knows of it,” he said.

“Not often can you purchase your own piece of coastal paradise with beachfront access, but you can sail your boat right up to the property and move it to and from the water at your leisure.”

Mr Rendell said while the original homestead had been demolished, there was existing resource consent for a substantial new dwelling to be constructed on the site.

“In addition, while the boat shed has remained in a reasonable to fair condition, resource consent has also been approved to build a workshop associated with the existing slipway,” he said.

“Alternatively, the new owner may wish to return the boatshed to its former glory.”

The property is a 10 minute car ferry to Opua and 30 minutes from Kerikeri, and Kerikeri airport. The property features northwest facing views over to the Opua marina on one side and down Veronica Channel on the other side towards Pahia.

As well as the 1678 square metres of land, the sale also includes a quarter share in an additional 514 square metres of land. This land, shared with three others, provides access to the driveway which goes down to the waterfront part of the property.

“This really is a blank canvas opportunity for the new owner to come in and create something special,” Mr Rendell said.

“There are not many absolute waterfront headlands available for sale in the Bay of Islands, especially one so close to all of the amenities.