Luxury Bay of Islands resort on market

A luxury resort in the Bay of Islands, described as the most valuable property of its sort in Australasia, has gone on sale - though the real estate agents are not listing the asking price publicly.

The agents, Brown Sotheby's, say they are only making the price of the Eagles Nest, at the tip of Russell peninsula, available to parties who sign confidentiality agreements.

But the Far North District Council said on its rating roll that the property, with 15 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms, has a capital value of $2.35m, an "improved" value of $1.2m and a land value of $1.15m.

The owners, Sandie and Daniel Biskind, plan to stay in the area but want a lifestyle change.

The resort featured on popular US reality television show The Bachelor, and has been named among the world's top 100 hotels by Conde Nast Traveller and Tatler.

Set on a sunny ridge, the 75ha estate has views over more than 1km of private beachfront, with five private villas, some of them renting for as much as $42,000 a week.

They have outdoor spa, wireless internet access, original artworks, home theatre systems and gourmet kitchens, and most have a private heated infinity pool.

Browns Sotheby's said it is the "best luxury retreat in Australasia" and "the most valuable property ever offered in New Zealand".

- NZPA