Sweet appeal in remote rural Land
This line-up of three Taranaki properties hits a sweet spot in rural land choices in the region. South Island iwi Ngai Tahu is consolidating its national manuka honey operations and selling its North Island assets. They include these three large Taranaki properties that were a significant resource for its Oha Honey business - 428.81 hectares at 1870 Okau Rd, inland from Urenui; 760.73ha at 1519 Tangahoe Valley Rd, near Hawera; and 1607.58ha on Okara Rd in eastern Stratford.
The Taranaki properties have been a consistent complement to the main Oha Honey business in the South Island, says Oha’s former operations manager Glen Jackson.
The manuka growth on the three properties and the later manukaflowering season in this region were an advantage for the business, Glen says. “These properties were regarded as valuable - especially Tangahoe. Taranaki is a highperforming region and the properties supported hundreds of hives ... more than 600 on the Tangahoe Valley property at its peak.”
The manuka season usually starts in Northland and continues down the East Coast, he explains, with Taranaki the last area to flower. “That reflects on quality as well. There’s more consistent heat, so it’s a really nice window for honey production.”
Manuka is the primary growth on all three properties, but all three have their individual appeal, Glen says.
Visually, the Tangahoe Valley Rd property has prime appeal, with proximity to Hawera Water-ski Club and the adjacent camping ground on the edge of Lake Rotorangi.
“Tangahoe is probably the best block we owned. Manuka there frequently returned results over 20umf, and in great volumes. The property on the north side of the road had been closed to stock for five years and manuka was regenerating at a fairly rapid rate. The opposite side of the road was minimally stocked and the manuka was coming back reasonably quickly.”
Glen notes the presence of animals on the property - goats and deer, which add a hunting interest to visits here. “Part of it is a Qeii-registered open space as well, and on the land next to the Colliers block to the north, kiwi have been recorded in that area.”
The Tangahoe property also has some potential for forestry, he suggests.
“On the Okau Rd property, the vast majority is now covered with manuka. There’s never been any planting; it’s just been allowed to regenerate. There’s plenty of potential for honey production ... it has performed well in good years, although it is more susceptible to weather.”
Part of the bushland on the property has reserve status, he says. “It’s a nice place to spend time in.”
Wild pigs have been seen on the property, giving it hunting appeal as well.
The Okara Rd property is in the Aotuhia area east of Stratford, and is the most remote of the three manuka blocks. “There’s good access through a neighbouring property ... and it’s well-tracked now. It’s a great hunting block as well ... and at 1600 hectares, it’s massive.”
The remoteness here has its own attraction, Glen says. “There are not many properties more remote in New Zealand than here at Okara. It’s a complete escape from civilisation. When you stand up at the very top of the property, you feel like you are smack-bang in the middle of Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki.”
Bayleys Rural Sales consultant Tim Dwyer is marketing the three properties and says they are attracting good attention. “We have had so much interest ... over 70 enquiries, so far.”
While manuka honey is the main focus for these properties, there are other options as well, Tim says.
“They are ready for an investment in the bee market, in anticipation of a return to profit, but hunting, carbon credits, and eco-tourism are other options for prospective buyers.”
The Tangahoe Valley Rd property is nestled across two titles, Tim says, and is a package of versatile land with its proximity to the water-ski club and camping area.
“This block offers endless possibilities for land use, from manuka honey production to carbon farming and recreational activities. Recent regeneration of manuka scrub further enhances its potential, especially given the block’s relatively steep contour.”
The property has more than land to attract interest, he says. “With two huts, two woolsheds, and wellmaintained access tracks, the property is equipped for both lodging and utilisation for honey production and recreation.”
He notes the inclusion of a formally registered QEII plot spanning about 136ha. “This offers additional benefits for socially responsible investors seeking both financial returns and environmental stewardship.”
The Okau Rd property is located 80km east of New Plymouth, Tim says, with good access year-round to the northern side and a central valley track providing ground access to hive sites. “While the property has an unconsented dwelling, this is considered to provide attraction value, given the cost to build or relocate a building or hut. Ecotourism possibilities can be explored.
Notably, Tim adds, a significant portion of the property’s bushland approximately 380ha - is recognised as a Significant Natural Area (SNA) under the proposed district plan.
The Okara Rd block is a diverse property spanning six titles, Tim continues, currently optimised for manuka honey production and grazing. “There is also the option to expand grazing pasture on the valley floor and explore the potential of establishing a pine plantation for carbon sequestration. The opportunities are endless.”
A well-maintained track offers easy access to hive sites throughout the property, he says. “Plus, new owners can enjoy recreational opportunities with the inclusion of a hunting hut and sheds.”
Accessibility is a key feature, allowing for convenient utilisation of a significant portion of the property. Tim says clarification may be required regarding sustainability harvesting under the Forest Act 1949.