Life force at Manawaora

Nestled in the Bay of Islands, the birthplace of the nation, Manawaora is a secluded coastal sanctuary where time stands still…

Manawaora, “breath of life” in Māori, is New Zealand waterfront real estate at its finest.

In prime position along the Bay of Islands’ golden mile, this 487-hectare managed working farm unfolds to the coast, revealing hidden charms. The coastal estate has been under meticulous stewardship with the long-time owner passionate about the environment and undertaking conservation initiatives to keep the land in balance and protecting it for future generations.

Wend your way from the gated entrance along the six-kilometre all-weather private road past natural lakes with swans and ducks, and wandering quail and partridge, to the luxury 540sqm main residence perched high on a headland with a bird’s eye view to outlying islets.

Imagined by the owner, and brought to life by Italian architect, Misa Poggi, this thoughtful resort-style home honours the land and natural ecosystem around it. Providing private and guest spaces that flow effortlessly to the outdoors, with a pool hovering on the edge of the forest canopy, you are drawn into the Bay of Islands mystique and will not want to leave.

Manawaora main clifftop residence

A luxurious one-bedroom beachfront guest house, also envisioned by the owner and realised by Misa Poggi, sits at the water’s edge. Bespoke, bewitching, and designed around two pools, the Beach House is the ultimate hideaway to rejuvenate and reflect.

There’s an understated boatshed on the foreshore, housing all the toys for day fishing and water sports, with a private boat ramp and jetty for tenders to chauffeur guests to and from visiting vessels moored in the sheltered bay.

Accommodation for housekeeping staff is adjacent to the primary residence adding a layer of ease, while elsewhere on the property are a discreetly positioned farmhouse for the farm manager, and a separate caretaker’s house.

Manawaora luxury one-bedroom beachfront guest house

Held in 14 individual freehold titles, and with 2.8km of riparian coastline, Manawaora backs onto a conservation reserve. Regenerative native bush planting on the property has seen birdlife return to this safe haven, with tui, kōtare (kingfisher), heron, plover, sky lark, eastern rosella, and hawks calling the bush home.

Oyster catchers, gannets, sea hawks and molly hawks roam the shore, while in the still of the evening, you will hear the sacred call of the kiwi.

The property is around three hours’ drive from Auckland, or a 45-minute commercial flight to nearby Kerikeri Airport. For more direct and private access, the property has two helicopter landing sites and its own 300-metre country airstrip.

Manawaora is being marketed for sale by Bayleys Auckland Central waterfriont and lifestyle specialist, John Greenwood and Bayleys Bay of Islands waterfront and residential specialist, Irene Bremner.

Declaring it “the best of the best”, Greenwood says Manawaora’s sheer scale and intrinsic opportunity makes it a generational touchstone.

“This is a property with heart and soul. It’s like you’re standing at the edge of New Zealand, with the amazing feeling of expanse, isolation, and beauty unrivalled,” he says.

487ha coastal farm and boathouse