Vacant site ripe for residential development

Buyers have a rare chance to acquire and develop a new residential subdivision on a strategic vacant landholding in Whangamatā.

The more than 4.9 hectares of mostly bare freehold land for sale sits within the southern residential area of the fast-growing resort.

Positioned across the road from the town’s Titoki Golf Course, and close to local infrastructure, it is seen as ripe for the area’s next big housing development, or a retirement village catering to a burgeoning older population.

The land for sale is north-facing with a sweeping outlook over the golf course fairways and beyond to Wentworth Valley and bush-clad hills.

The southern boundary has an attractive “green belt” backdrop studded with native trees.

Bayleys Waikato commercial director David Cashmore said the sale was a rare opportunity to secure residentially zoned land for development in an iconic New Zealand coastal location.

“Whangamatā has long been a magnet for permanent residents, holiday homeowners and retirees.

"This substantial landholding on a single fee-simple title lends itself to a high-quality residential subdivision to accommodate ongoing growth,” he said.

Whangamatā’s population has swelled by nearly 30 percent since the 2013 census, to an estimated 4,500 as of June 2023, according to Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa.

The land for sale on The Drive is zoned for residential use under the Thames-Coromandel District Plan, with a recent court ruling making provision for extra housing density.

This offers the potential to create up to 130 lots inclusive of an area specifically zoned for apartments, providing potential for further high-density homes.

“This strategically positioned site is now ripe for a multi-faceted residential complex with an array of housing types including detached and terrace housing, and apartments.

“With a median age approaching 58 years – 20 years older than the national median – and with nearly four in 10 residents aged 65-plus, Whangamatā’s demographics could also support the creation of a new retirement village, subject to planning approvals,” Cashmore said.

“The land at 315 The Drive will ultimately provide a high-quality urban environment accommodating Whangamatā’s unique demographics and ongoing growth.”

The freehold landholding at 315 The Drive, Whangamatā, is being marketed for sale through Cashmore and colleague Gordon Turner of Bayleys Whangamatā, as sole agents.

The property will be sold by way of a tender closing on Tuesday 5 November, unless it is sold prior.

Turner said any future development at the site would enjoy ready access to local amenities, other Coromandel attractions, and major population centres.

“Home to one of New Zealand’s best-known and loved beaches, Whangamatā has long been popular among those looking for a clean and healthy lifestyle away from the city and close to the Pacific Ocean.

“Residents are well served with shops, cafés, restaurants and quirky arts and crafts outlets – along with surf shops with boards for hire.

"Whangamatā Area School is around 10 minutes’ walk from future homes at 315 The Drive and residents will have access to two local golf courses – one straight across the road,” Turner said.

With four kilometres of ocean beach plus a sheltered harbour, opportunities abound to surf, swim and enjoy the sunshine and sea views – or to make the most of the area’s status as a base for diving and world-class game fishing.

“Whangamatā is also a great base for exploring the Coromandel, with numerous beautiful beaches up and down the coast. Just behind the town, Coromandel Forest Park is a favourite haven for hikers, mountain bikers and hunters.

“Nearby State Highway 25 is the main transport artery up, down and around the Coromandel Peninsula – and Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga are all within around two hours’ drive,” Turner said.

- Supplied by Bayleys