Luxury island retreat surveys Hauraki Gulf

The Hurakia Lodge, on the southern peninsula of Rakino Island, is rented on an exclusive use basis. Photo / Supplied

Perched high on the southern peninsula of Rakino Island in the Hauraki Gulf, the plush and private Hurakia Lodge is being marketed internationally for sale as a going concern through Neil Pollett of Browns Sothebys International Realty in Herne Bay.

The luxurious secluded escape pad for celebrity guests with an eco-friendly touch is only accessible by helicopter or boat, and features spectacular sea views amidst tranquil surroundings.

"By helicopter its six minutes from Auckland or just over a half-hour boat ride from the downtown harbour area," Pollett says.

Set on two separate titles of 4.77ha and 4.34ha, and spanning about 9ha of prime waterfront land with its own private beaches and coastline, the lodge houses 10 guests comfortably. It has manager and staff quarters and features spacious indoor and outdoor living areas including a swimming pool and spa.

Hurakia, which is rented to a "discerning clientele" on an exclusive use basis, has five double guest bedrooms, five en suite bathrooms and an office/media room with two residential wings that total 867sq m including covered verandahs and basement staff quarters.

Guests in the central open-plan dining and living area, which is enhanced by 370sq m of decking that "creates an indoor-outdoor flow", are served from a superior commercial quality kitchen by an on-site chef and staff.

The lodge buildings and grounds were completed in 2009 and are a mix of timber and block construction with designer Aluart aluminium panels on the exterior walls.

"While affording spectacular 360 degree blue water and island views, the lodge offers its guests a really unique sense of privacy and tranquillity, with no immediate neighbours in sight to detract from its idyllic position," says Pollett. "The substantial decking complements the outdoor pool and spa facilities to create a superb indoor-outdoor living environment. There is a private golf driving range with various tee positions in front of the lodge with an all-weather putting green and with views to die for."

Pollett says Hurakia is designed as an eco-friendly and 100 per cent self-sufficient lodge that has been built to the highest architectural standards. Its water supply is collected naturally via rainfall and stored on site in large underground tanks.

Electricity is generated by solar panels and is backed up only if required by a generator to provide a totally self-sufficient power source.

A separate boat house with accommodation is situated near a private 70m wharf while staff accommodation is located below the main house and a separate bunker structure provides for water storage, a utilities garage, sprinkler system housing, electrical supply and generator room and storage facilities.

Pollett says Sothebys is targeting offshore buyers and high net worth New Zealand individuals who are interested in water sports and who will be attracted to the island retreat by its extensive wharf and its capacity for expansion to cater for more guests or provide more facilities.

"The Gulf has become a Mecca for well-heeled yacht and boating enthusiasts from around the world and this property boasts a private 70m wharf plus two exclusive deep water moorings," Pollett says.

A range of other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking are available on Rakino Island while there are a number of world renowned courses just a short flight away.

Deep sea fishing and helicopter fishing are available, as are dolphin and whale watching trips out in the Hauraki Gulf.

"The owners have built a very desirable luxury lodge and created a successful business model in a very short space of time,' Pollett says.

"They are now open to discuss all serious offers to purchase this rare 'one of a kind' property as a business going concern or to be used simply as an exclusive private residence."