Rare opportunity to purchase waterfront property
Discover the epitome of beach life with this recently renovated waterfront gem on Omapere, on the Hokianga Harbour, Northland.
Six years ago owners Lisa and Shayne Thompson were searching for a bach on a white sandy beach where they could swim in all tides and catch fish from their front lawn.
“We didn’t have a huge budget to buy in the likes of Omaha or Whangamata, nor did we want to live in those places.” they say.
“We wanted something a little more hidden and isolated off the beaten track. We purchased a campervan and had planned to travel off beaten tracks and journey to different corners of the country, hoping that we might find something very special and unique that fitted our big dream.”
The couple’s travels took them to Northland and past Dargaville where they stopped at the amazing Kaiiwi lakes then on to visit Tane Mahuta in the Waipoa Forest, a place they found both magical and steeped in history.
“After leaving the forest we came over a hill to see for the first time the mighty Hokianga Harbour, which is the fourth largest harbour in New Zealand,” say Lisa and Shayne.
“Blue waters with crystal white sand with giant 300 metre high sand dunes in the background.
The views just took our breath away.” This was the place they had been searching for, and a for sale sign on a rundown bach sealed the deal, they say.
“There are not many properties directly in front of the beach and they don’t come to the market often. This was for sale, but the auction was in two days time. We pulled out all the stops to be in a position to bid and purchase. Serendipity at its finest.”
Initially utilised as a bach and rented out as an Airbnb, 270 Hokianga Harbour Drive soon had its owners under its spell and just prior to Covid hitting, they made the decision to move there permanently.
The move took 12 months, but since then Lisa, an oil painting artist; and Shayne, a corporate sales trainer and entertainer, haven’t looked back.
“We have enjoyed the peace and serenity, being able to walk the beach when we want and smell the sweet smell of salty air and go to sleep listening to the heartbeat of nature through the noise of the waves,” they say.
“This was a great time of healing and reconnecting with ourselves and enjoying some peace and quiet.”
After deciding to live here permanently, Lisa and Shayne had embarked on a full restoration of the property to modernise it and ensure they could fully capture the picturesque views whilst also creating that much sought after indoor/outdoor flow.
A large, external cabin was added for Lisa to use as an art studio, and overlooks the beach.
Shayne, on the other hand took over one of the bedrooms and turned it into an office.
“With high speed internet and Kerikeri airport only 70kms away. I could still run my business and fly and work all over the country or run training sessions via Zoom,” he says.
“This was the greatest singular benefit post covid that working remotely became acceptable and video conferencing moved from being a novelty to now a normal every day practice.”
Shayne is also a keen fisherman, so when he moved up north he took up drone fishing as a new hobby catching large snapper from the comfort of his front lawn.
Not only is the setting of their home simply idyllic, it enjoys all day sun and 180 degree views of the harbour and dunes, but the lifestyle they enjoy here is secondto-none.
“Living here or using it as a bach or short term let is truly living the Kiwi dream beach, BBQs, and long hot lazy days.
“Our favourite part of the house is the deck which we live on all summer, eating drinking, fishing and socialising. It’s a real pleasure. When things get too hot, just stroll down to the beach for a swim.”
Now committed to selling due to family commitments, Shayne and Lisa are ready to pass this amazing property on to the next lucky family.
Situated just three hours from Auckland, a 70-minute drive from Kerikeri, and nestled along the serene Hokianga Harbour, this isn’t just a home, it’s a retreat where you can bask in the deep history of the surrounds and visit the resting place of Opo the Dolphin.
You will also find everything you need close by, a petrol station, supermarket, cafes, restaurants, and the iconic Opononi fish and chip shop. For peace of mind, the Rawene Hospital is a short drive away, complimented by a local GP clinic within walking distance.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to call this vibrant, eclectic community your home or holiday escape. Embrace waterfront living at its finest, where every day truly does feel like a holiday!
Your waterfront dream awaits - seize this opportunity now! For more information or an opportunity to view 270 Hokianga Harbour Drive, contact David Baguley of Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Bayleys today.