When Liz and John Hancock purchased their Rapaki Farm on the edge of Martinborough in 1988, they bought it as an addition to their main farming operation located 20km to the east of the town.
Rapaki, which is the translation of ’grassy hillside’, allowed them to expand with additional sheep breeding and beef and lamb finishing with a different and complementary climate from their home farm.
At that time, Martinborough was a small farming town.
A few brave pioneering winemakers had only just planted their first vines in the early 1980s and the future development of the town as a thriving wine village and visitor destination could not have been imagined in anyone’s wildest dreams.
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Thirty-three years later, the 183ha Rapaki Farm has come to the market and in that time Martinborough has evolved into an exceptionally desirable place to live and visit.
Located just over an hour from Wellington, the village is known for its collection of premium boutique wineries that are within walking distance of Memorial Square alongside high-quality local cafes and restaurants, which all add to the visitor experience.
Located just 3km from Memorial Square at the centre of the village, which has undergone significant expansion, this exceptional farm is expected to be attractive to purchasers who want to retain the property in single ownership and to continue farming.
It will also have considerable appeal to investors and developers who see the potential of creating a large-scale lifestyle development within walking distance, or a short bike ride, of the village.
As the many walkers who enjoy the popular Rapaki Hillside walk will confirm, this property has it all.
Extensive and varied tree planting by the current owners provides colour, shelter and privacy throughout the property and the views over the Craggy Range vineyards on Te Muna Road and across to the Tararua Ranges are stunning.
The property comprises 183ha in three titles, which span 42.5ha, 67.7ha, and 72.9ha, so purchasers will have the choice of submitting offers for the property as a whole or as individual titles.
Colliers directors Rob Deal and Mike Laven have been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale by tender closing at 4pm on Wednesday 8 December.
Deal, director at Colliers Pahiatua, says this property shapes as a once in a lifetime investment opportunity that will provide the new owner with a host of options for the future.
“The District Plan allows for a range of development plans. This site provides the canvas for an astute buyer to develop and build or land bank for the future before embarking on a truly unique project of their own,” Deal says.
Mike Laven, rural and agribusiness special projects director at Colliers, says it is extremely rare to see a high-profile landholding of this size come to the market in Martinborough, which has quickly become one of the most sought-after locations in the country.
“Demand for developable land and property continues to grow at record pace and buyers from across the country have begun to recognise the potential on offer in the beautiful Wairarapa that provides an unrivalled lifestyle.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
