A significant landholding in Auckland’s northern growth corridor has been released to the market, presenting a landmark development opportunity of unrivalled scale supported by approved resource consent for 207 lifestyle lots.

Bayleys Auckland Metro markets director Tommy Zhang is marketing the 1,510ha (more or less) property on Ahuroa and Moir Hill Roads for sale by tender, closing at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, 16th April 2025 (unless sold prior), alongside colleague Ben Clare.

Zhang says the landholding spans 45 contiguous titles in Rural Production zone, strategically positioned north of the Pohuehue Viaduct on State Highway 1. Access is via the Twin Coast Discovery Highway (Pohuehue Road), Moir Hill Road to the north, and Watsons Road to the south.

“While the property has been modified mainly as pine forestry; rolling hills, ridgelines, native bush, streams and six waterfalls remain, creating a beautiful backdrop for a high-quality rural community. With resource consent already in place for a high-yielding lifestyle subdivision, the property is development-ready with key approvals secured.”

Zhang says over the past two decades, North Auckland has become a key focus for regional development, with local and central government backing infrastructure initiatives designed to enhance connectivity and unlock economic potential. “The recently completed Ara Tūhono -Warkworth to Te Hana motorway, part of the Northland Corridor project, has significantly improved access to Auckland, further highlighting the area as a key destination for investment and residential development.

“Warkworth is at the centre of this expansion. The town is experiencing rapid population growth, with nearly a 20 percent increase since 2018. With Auckland Council’s Structure Plan outlining major residential development and a focus on new infrastructure to keep pace, the location is a natural choice for a large-scale lifestyle subdivision which offers the best of both connectivity and space.”

“The wider region, including neighbouring Puhoi and Hibiscus Coast, has also experienced increased lifestyle demand. This demographic shift, combined with New Zealand’s improving economic outlook and heightened international investor interest amid geopolitical unrest abroad, positions the Moir Hill offering as a compelling acquisition and future development opportunity.”

The approved resource consent for 207 rural lifestyle lots has been structured in five development stages. Lot sizes range from 5,000sqm to 10,000sqm, with house placements designed to integrate into the natural topography.

Bayleys Commercial in the North, general manager Ben Clare says the standing consents provide a streamlined pathway for investors to capitalise on the region’s demand for countryside living.

“Additionally, the Auckland Unitary Plan’s provisions for Transferable Rural Site Subdivisions (TRSS) offer further potential to create additional titles while maintaining conservation values. With Indigenous vegetation protection, developers may explore other subdivision opportunities, subject to ecological assessments.

“Masterplanned by leading environmental design firm Boffa Miskell, the subdivision plan emphasises sustainability, aesthetic integration and community access. The development framework prioritises energy-efficient building design, water conservation, and preservation of the area’s natural character, ensuring an enduring legacy for future residents.

“The ability to offer lifestyle lots in such a well-planned, high-quality setting is a rare opportunity – and doubtless any development will set a new benchmark for rural residential development across the entire Auckland region.

“With global market volatility prompting investors to seek stable, high-growth assets, New Zealand’s land market presents an attractive option. The combination of Auckland’s sustained population growth, government-backed infrastructure investment, and increasing demand for lifestyle properties positions this offering as a strategic long-term investment.”