Pataua Maunga and ocean views in Parua Bay

It’s down to the progressive thinking of Hilda Williams that this home at 140 Owhiwa Road, Parua Bay, Whangarei has its very own private bush walk today. In 1981, Hilda’s grandson sold the family farm, ensuring that the buyer (a forestry company) preserved the 4.4 hectares of bush with a covenant.

The Williams family, who emigrated from England in the 1860s, kept the virgin bush surrounding their home; in those days, everything was cleared for farmland. Hilda wanted to preserve the bush block that she and her late husband, Henry, treasured, ensuring it would be protected and enjoyed for future generations. When the boundaries of the protected area were finalised, Hilda named it the "H.E. Williams Reserve” in memory of her husband.

“She spent hours in the bush and labelled her trees, and I’ve even found some of those labels over the years. She would take local kids from Parua Bay School on walks to teach them about the trees. I’m so glad she saved it; it’s unreal,” says Sarah. Hilda was 92 when she left the property.

The old 1919 villa was moved off the property in the late 1990s when the new owner built the current home, which has been modernised and landscaped over the years.

After 14 years at 140 Owhiwa Road, Sarah and Shane are ready for new adventures. The panoramic views of Pataua Mountain and the ocean from the deck, overlooking the bush, are something special, and the home’s indoor-outdoor flow truly highlights it. Large bi-fold doors open onto a wraparound deck that’s perfect for entertaining and offers complete privacy. “We enjoy the magical view every day and gaze up at the stars at night; there's no light pollution here,” explains Sarah.

“We love all the native birdlife here—kererū, tūī, rosella, kaka, ruru, and wax eyes—all thrive in the bush.” When we purchased the property, the bush track was completely overgrown. Shane cleared it, restoring it to its original state so it could be enjoyed by us, family, and friends.