Okaihau, Far North, Northland

Charming and private in the Far North, this boutique character dwelling overlooks 6 hectare of lush lawns, paddocks, river-rocks and native bush wonderland. Majestic panoramic views over the first 3 hectares including large grass areas leading to a fresh mountain spring fed river which flows all year round.

Where your lawns and grazing areas stop, your vibrant native bush begins, with gigantic rock forms, trees, tracks, caves and platforms supporting small fresh water pools flowing down throughout. Visitors will be spoilt for choice when deciding on campsites or picnic spots surrounded by mature native trees and bird song.

The removable dwelling was made on site by builders 5 years ago with fully consented mains power supply and power meter. We did not bother having the house itself consented as it’s removable by hiab but it is fully insulated with an electrical certificate.

The house includes a loft bedroom, lounge living space and separate kitchen. A copper coloured embossed ceiling with ornate colonial arcetraves, trims, doors and windows. The current kitchen space comes with a fridge, gas hobbs and a small conventional oven. The bench has cupboards underneath.

The conservatory lean-to we added on ourselves and comes off the kitchen. This area is plumbed simply with all plumbing in one internal wall. The kitchen sink and bench sits on one side and the bathroom, with basin, bath and shower (overhead) on the other. There is a separate, composting bucket toilet at the far end.

Simple living was our goal so we chose not to install a septic system and all kitchen/bath grey water is gravity fed to the lawn, which was once a flower garden.

Water is heated by gas and portable califont. The califont is powered by 1x D size battery, providing hot water even if there is a power outage. Both gas and batteries can be purchased locally at the Okaihau shops.

We designed the cabin with the plan to add an enclosed deck along the front of the building to create a large kitchen and dining area. There is a door positioned perfectly for this, plus an outdoor power plug and lights. All current kitchen cabinetry is moveable. We designed it so the current kitchen could later become the dressing room/wardrobe which works well with a sleeping loft. At one stage we used it as a second sleep space.

The decking around the edge of the dwelling is treated wood which we have considered temporary but has actually worked really well. That is not attached to the house and sits levelled on bricks.

Adjacent to the cabin site, a levelled brown rock platform has been installed approximately 16m2 in size with separate access for a potential house site or horse arena.

We have rented out the property to tenants and their horse collection over the last few years for $450 per week.

Okaihau Primary and College are 10mins away from the property and the school bus collects from your front gate. Okaihau township has a superette, the famous Kiwi Kai cafe, take aways, frozen yoghurt, a small green grocer/gift shop, mechanics, Kohanga Reo, the community hall, bowling club and rugby club. Okaihau also hosts the longest luge in the Southern Hemisphere.

Five minutes drive from the property is the popular forest pools, a large and tranquil waterhole perfect for a family outing. There are kauri forest walks and rivers throughout the region to explore as well as the Wairere Boulders. If the ocean is more your thing, boat access to the Hokianga harbour can be found 15mins away at Horeke or drive for 40mins to Kohukohu and catch the ferry to Rawene.
Also close by are the Ngawha Hot Springs, a world class facility providing natural thermal healing pools. You’ll enjoy your local rates as you soak away any aches and pains.

This property is well situated enjoy the convenience of Kerikeri and Waipapa township (25mins) with The Warehouse, Mitre10 Mega, McDonalds, Surf shops Newworld/Countdown and everything else. The Bay of islands for beaches and restaurants (1hr) and only 1hr15 from Whangarei. The best of the north at your doorstep.