Hastings farm a development opportunity

Te Popo farm offers 52.8ha.

Te Popo farm, a 52.8ha Hastings property, with 40ha hectares of grazing land and a well-established 6ha vineyard, is on the market with resource consent for four residential titles.

The property, at 2408 State Highway 50, has a mix of easy rolling to steeper hill country overlooking the Hawke's Bay's Gimblett Gravels. There are numerous options for development including the existing four titles, a farm park, eco-tourism and extending the vineyard.

The property is being marketed by tender through Bayleys Hastings salespeople Tim Wynne-Lewis and Kris August, with tenders closing on August 7.

"Although the five-year resource consent for the four titles of about 10ha each runs out in August next year, a new buyer could apply to the Hastings District Council for this to be extended," Wynne-Lewis said.

"A main house and secondary residence are allowed on each of the titles. Alternatively a new owner could apply for a farm park subdivision as the land is on the cusp of being at the size required by the district council and this could allow for more building sites."

Another option, he said, would be to establish an eco-tourism business with lodges on the elevated parts the farm. There are already wineries and other corporate ventures in the area and the property has a number of elevated potential building sites with different aspects and expansive views in all directions and rocky limestone outcrops, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

Other features include a variety of established trees and shrubs and a frame for further development. Access to the farm is by 4x4 tracks. Wynne-Lewis said work has been done on planning a new access road.

As most of the property has been used for grazing, there are cattle yards and a loading race, and a bore close to the state highway boundary. Water is pumped to an elevated concrete tank and gravity-fed to troughs in paddocks. The bore also pumps water to an irrigation control station above the vineyard terraces.

"The property's elevation and views gives it the appeal factor for a new owner, plus the resource consents already in place and the nearly 6ha vineyard with syrah, merlot and chardonnay grapes. Consent is in place to irrigate 15ha of vineyard."

A two-bay implement, shed with a concrete floor, roller doors, a side entry door, a staff kitchen and facilities is beneath the vineyard terraces on the northern boundary of the property.

An inter-family lease on a year-to-year basis has been established, which takes care of the management of the vineyard and grazing on the rest of the land.

The area is well known for grape growing — labels Trinity Hill and Te Awa Estate are next door. The renowned Bridge Pa triangle is close by and the many wineries are linked by cycle trails.

Hastings and Havelock North are a 15-minute drive away, and Napier is about 25 minutes. Wynne-Lewis said there had already been a number of inquiries about Te Popo Farm.