Country: Good stock

A sound investment opportunity and the pick of the perfect sites on which to build a home are up for grabs with this superb farming property, as CEDRIC GRAY reports.

One of the finest farming properties in the prized Clevedon-Whitford district is for sale by tender. Comprising 189.023ha on both sides of North Rd, which is 8km from the Clevedon township, the property has been described as "a farm for all seasons and a playground for many reasons", because of its north-easterly aspect and close proximity to several first-class beaches and leisure facilities.

Both descriptions are appropriate. Kauriland, as the property is known, was run as a sheep and cattle fattening unit for many years. Now it provides grazing for about 400 head of home-bred Friesian dairy replacement stock.

About half of the area is undulating to steeper slopes - ideal sheep and dry stock country - with the remaining fertile flat land well suited to year-round heavy stocking. There is an attractive native bush area on the high ground, and a waterfowl area reserved for duck shooters on the edge of the Tamaki Estuary.

The farm is well sheltered and virtually frost free. The pasture is clean and strong and the 67 paddocks are well fenced, with water reticulation from two high-pressure water bores. Well-maintained tracks allow for easy stock movement. The average annual rainfall is about 1300mm.

The outbuildings include a two-stand woolshed in excellent condition, and well-maintained cattle yards with drafting facilities.

Mike Butler, of Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, says the stocking rate was up to 500 cattle units, and described Kauriland as "an outstanding investment opportunity that had been managed with pride, care and attention to detail for many years".

A neat three-bedroom kauri villa, built in the early 1900s, serves as a farm manager's residence. It is surrounded by extensive lawns and gardens featuring several specimen trees. There are a number of excellent sites for building on the property, all offering splendid views of the Hauraki Gulf towards Waiheke Island and the Coromandel.

Tenders close with Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, on June 27. Contact Mike Butler on 025 946 064 for further details.