Elevated view of avocado orchard property and homestead at 102 Cemetery Rd, Maunu.
Elevated view of avocado orchard property and homestead at 102 Cemetery Rd, Maunu.
A 440 tree Northland avocado orchard, along with a four bedroom executive home and extensive outbuildings that could be converted to commercial usage, have been put on the market by the retiring owners.
"This sale represents an excellent opportunity for an enterprising individual or couple looking to get a foot in the door of New Zealand's agricultural sector," says Steve Elliott of Harcourts Whangarei who, with colleagues Kathy Elliott and Carina Wilson, is marketing the business and property at 102 Cemetery Rd, Maunu, for sale by tenders closing on July 2.
Elliott says the 6.59 hectare flat land freehold property is just eight kilometres southwest from the Whangarei CBD and presents a number of options to a new owner.
"It represents a dream opportunity for someone seeking to secure a property with good earnings along with further potential that also offers an enviable lifestyle in the sunny north of New Zealand. Ideal for a family, the property is close to local schools and shops in Maunu and only a short drive to the Whangarei CBD.
"An owner operator could simply enjoy living in the property's magnificent home while leveraging the orchard as a good source of supplementary income," Elliott says. "However, the purchaser could also choose to expand into other business ventures while investors will see the huge potential for commercial or residential development of this expansive property."
The orchard comprises 300 mature avocado trees ranging in age from 25 years to 39 years with another 140 trees aged between two years and five years old.
"New Zealand's avocado industry has vast potential and last year announced that it had achieved record sales of $136 million, setting new records in both export and New Zealand markets," Elliott says.
"This is a well established avocado orchard that is easily managed and provides a good supplementary income. Whangarei is just 150 kms from the Auckland CBD but the commercial and residential property markets have yet to really kick off here making it the perfect time to invest in this region."
The property includes a four bedroom, two bathroom executive home covering 340 sq m and set amid picturesque lawns and gardens.
The dwelling features a 105 sq m covered wrap around deck, a modern open plan kitchen, spa bath in an ensuite, a wood burning fireplace in an open plan lounge, double lock up garage with automatic doors and separate workshop. Construction is of weatherboard walls, Longrun and Colorsteel roofing, aluminium joinery and polished wood and carpeted floors.
Elliott says there is potential for the purchasers to develop the homestead for commercial ventures including as a small function centre.
"This property is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. The driveway meanders through a private glade of native trees and opens out onto spacious lawns and gardens teeming with birds. The magnificent home and grounds make it an ideal venue for functions including small weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.
"With the local cemetery nearby it could be used for post-funeral gatherings while the relatively short driving time from Auckland also makes it ideal for weekend retreats or corporate functions. Additional business ventures like these could easily co-exist with the existing orchard business."
Outbuildings on the property include a main shed built in steel covering an area of 154 sq m with three single roller doors, one double roller door and walk-in access. The shed has a concrete floor and is wired with three phase power along with fluorescent lighting.
"The outbuildings could also be converted to commercial premises for operating another business," Elliott says. "There is also the potential to create additional titles on this property as another revenue stream or alternatively, the incoming purchaser could operate their own current business from the main shed and outbuildings."
He says the owners planned to retire a decade ago and are reluctantly relinquishing the avocado orchard business and home.
"They would love to see an enterprising buyer come along to help the property achieve its full potential. This is really an established business that would suit an individual or couple who are looking to escape Auckland's traffic and housing problems to enjoy a better quality of life in a more relaxed environment."
