Forestry land suits subdivision
A substantial 140ha forestry block with future residential development potential north of Wellington is for sale through Colliers International.
Located in the hills northeast of Porirua, Judgeford Forest has a 95.6ha stocked area of professionally managed forest.
Colliers’ forestry director Warwick Searle says the land — for sale by deadline private treaty, closing April 26 — offers potential buyers the best of both worlds.
“Judgeford Forest boasts a large freehold site and a substantial tree crop, half of which is ready to be harvested almost immediately,” he says.
“The landholding also has excellent residential subdivision potential, with stunning sea views over the Mana coast and easy access to the Transmission Gully motorway under construction nearby.”
Searle says the forest is only 35km from Wellington’s CentrePort — the lower North Island’s main port, which offers excellent log export facilities.
It was primarily established in the early 1990s — along with a small stand from 1970 — and is predominantly pinus radiata, with some Douglas fir.
“Judgeford Forest has been professionally managed by Forme Consulting for many years,” Searle says.
“The trees appear to be in excellent health, with a silviculture history including waste thinning and pruning on the vast majority of the crop
“More than half consists of 26 to 27-year-old trees that can be harvested soon, providing the owners with income almost immediately.”
Searle says about half the crop has already been harvested and replanted in 2000, 2011 and 2013.
“A new owner can benefit from an extensive existing network of harvesting and plantation infrastructure, including internal roads and on-grade ATV tracks.”
Searle says the Wellington region is well known for producing excellent tree crops because of its good soils, climate and fairly even yearly rainfalls. “The industry is well serviced by forestry professionals and contractors alike due to the significant forest resources in the region.”
Numerous domestic timber processors in the surrounding regions include Juken NZ and Kiwi Lumber in Wairarapa, ATS Timber and Mitchpine in Levin, Foxpine in Foxton, and Goldpine in Feilding and Dannevirke.
Mike Laven, Colliers’ Wellingtonbased rural and agribusiness special projects director, says the site’s easy access adds to its appeal as a forestry asset and future subdivision site.
The land is accessed from Flighty’s Rd to the west of the block, or from Moonshine Rd to the east, both connecting to State Highway 58.