Private golf course and home for sale

One of only a handful of coastal golf courses in New Zealand has been placed on the market for sale - along with a lodge-like ‘clubhouse’ homestead overlooking its picturesque fairways and greens.

Onekakā Links golf course, overlooking Onekakā Estuary at the north-western tip of the South Island, is a privately-owned and operated 18-hole golf course - with more than a kilometre of beach and estuary access encircling its well-maintained fairways and greens.

Stretching across some 4.62-hectares of coastal headland, Onekakā Links is located some 112-kilometres north-west of Nelson, alongside a busy tourism highway en-route to the remote and stunning Farewell Spit peninsula.

Sitting in the middle of the park-like course is a spacious five-bedroom/three-bathroom home which doubles up as the course’s ‘clubhouse’ - where golfers can enjoy a glass of beer or wine after playing an exclusive round at the seaside course.

The Onekakā Links course was lovingly created by property owner and avid golfer Chris Castle sixteen years ago. Not surprisingly, having such an amazing natural asset immediately outside the front door of his home, Chris is both the club president, and senior club champion on the course - which is officially recognised by Golf New Zealand’s handicapping system.

With flexibility to operate as either a spacious executive-standard family home across two levels, or a commercial lodge with guests staying on the self-contained upper floor, the open-plan manor at Onekakā Links has two outdoor deck areas – one facing west over the gently lapping waves on the estuary shoreline, and the other to the north and ocean beach. All rooms are orientated to make the most of the water views.

The property at 1232 Takaka Collingwood Highway is now being marketed for sale by tender through Bayleys Nelson, with tenders closing on November 26 (unless sold prior).

Salesperson Claire Stillwell said the configuration of the property’s homestead meant the upper level was self-contained - with its own substantial living room space, kitchenette, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Under a stand-alone residence, this top-floor area could be utilised as a work-from-home space or as a teenager’s separate wing.

“With an immaculate five-bedroom home as the heart of the Onekaka Links golf course, the opportunity exists for a passionate golfer to buy their very own slice of fairway and greens paradise, or to continue operating the site as a commercial entity underpinned by an on-site owner/manager’s home,” said Stilwell.

“The ever-changing vista of the estuary and river from the Onekakā Links homestead changes hour-by-hour, with tidal movements teeming with fish as the tide ebbs and flows, and the angle of the sun always delivers a romantic new visual perspective on the stunning environmental surrounds.

“Onekakā Links is like no other golf course in New Zealand - combining the best of a country 18-holer with the majesty of the absolute waterfront fairways seen at Waipu, Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Te Arai, or Muriwai golf courses.”

Interspersed amongst mature trees, the course comprises one par-five hole, eight par-fours, and nine par-three holes - including ponds, cliffs, bunkers and rough off the fairways. Green fees of $100 per player at Onekakā Links in a group of four include a personal host/guide, the provision of a golf cart and electric trundlers, and drinks with snacks at the end of the round.

Stilwell said that while most Onekakā Links guests stayed at the lodge as part of a golfing journey, the lodge’s location close to Farewell Spit also attracted visitors enjoying a road trip up to the remote sand dunes, alongside activities such as kayaking, fishing, bush hiking, beach strolling, and birdwatching as well as visiting a plethora of local artist galleries and other attractions.

The upstairs portion of the fully-consented home has been operated as a lodge, with seasonal rates ranging from $200 a room per night under a minimum two-night stay format, with continental breakfasts included. The famous Mussel Inn bar and restaurant is located just across the estuary by kayak or a mere four-minute drive away.

“The foundations are firmly established for a new owner to develop and expand the commercial opportunities on offer at Onekakā Links - as a wedding venue, corporate retreat, or recreation destination. Or it could simply be bought by a passionate golfer wanting their very own private Te Arai golf course sanctuary in the South Island,” said Stilwell.

New Zealand golf course landscape designer CJ Kreuscher, who established the prestigious Te Arai Links and Tara Iti courses in Northland, described Onekaka Links as: “One of the most special New Zealand golf experiences one could have, it really is a must play for anyone who loves dramatic golf. It’s just an awesome place to play golf.”

Sitting alongside the homestead with its unobstructed sweeping estuary views is a sizeable three-bay barn, housing course maintenance machinery and equipment, along with a golf cart for guest use.