Kaipara Harbour: A whinny formula

An equestrian centre is at the heart of a unique community being developed beside the Kaipara Harbour, writes Wendy Colville

Hitching the horse float up is a rite of passage for many Auckland families - but towing it across country is the downside.

A new development 50 minutes from Auckland offers an alternative to that - where families can indulge their passion for horses in a shared equestrian centre.

Tupare Farm at South Head, Kaipara, is a 320ha farm that has been developed into 36 freehold blocks of 1ha-2.5ha. The farm is on a peninsula that juts into the Kaipara Harbour and apart from the shared equestrian centre, there's a further 121ha of wetland where horse trails and walking paths are being set out. Most sites have views of the Kaipara Harbour.

Martin and Liz Irvine were among the first to buy at the development and say this area is an undiscovered gem on Auckland's outskirts,

"Where else can you find such virgin country within 50 minutes' drive of Auckland?" says Martin. "We've got a freshwater lake out here where I can catch trout, and then there's the Kaipara Harbour where hardly anyone fishes. Most Aucklanders don't even know where this place is, but it's got stunning sea views and the most fertile land. It really is a land of plenty."

Developer Mack Storey got together with two partners 15 months ago to take on the development of what was then Leighton's Farm. After 20 years in law, the project simply appealed to Mack, who lives at Muriwai. The trio contracted Architects Patterson to design the private equestrian centre where horses can be stabled, groomed and ridden.

"We wanted to provide a total lifestyle concept," says Mack. "We felt with this plan we could create a sense of community where parents and kids can meet up. A tennis club is part of it, and a boat ramp where kids can get out and do some kayaking, as well as the equestrian centre."

All services are underground and a sewage system is in place so owners can connect to it.

Once all the lots are sold, the Tupare Residents Association will manage the facilities. Covenants on land use, fencing and the style of house you can build will protect the look of the neighbourhood. Homes must be split-level or one-level and the materials must be in harmony with the environment.

The development is underway and the site should be completed towards the end of the year. Prices start at $475,000 and there are some larger blocks.

Mack Storey says it's fitting that the farm should still be a haven for horse-lovers, as the Leightons loved horses.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 1ha-2.5ha.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1pm-3pm. Or by appointment.

PRICE: Lots start at $475,000.

CONTACT: John Greenwood or Terry Jones, Bayleys, ph 309 6020 bus, John 027 4970 077 mob, Terry 0274 920 529.

FEATURES: Equestrian centre and stables, shared boat ramp, lake frontage, wetlands and views of the Kaipara Harbour. Tennis court on site and golf course nearby. All services underground and sewerage system.