Located right on the Tasman Sea and within walking distance of the sleepy Kiwi leisure destination town of Mapua, the estate is a perfect example of New Zealand’s quirky culture. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
Sitting right on the Tasman Sea in the charming village of Mapua, New Zealand, a laid-back private estate is all about harmony and taking things easy. On the market for $4.5 million NZD (about $3 million), this property embodies the iconic Kiwi lifestyle.
Mapua town is surrounded by pristine wilderness, the Waimea Estuary, and the Tasman Sea. From here, it’s only a short drive from Nelson, Richmond, and Motueka. The wharf here is a traditional destination for shopping, dining, and watersports of all kinds. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
Over 12 acres of lush nature surrounds this classic 2,368-square-foot beach house. With interiors that flow seamlessly into the wild outdoor seascape, the main house offers five bedrooms and four baths of wide-open spacious luxury. Almost all the rooms of the house have outside access to shady nooks and covered decks, and the pristine beachfront. There are three guest rooms, two downstairs lounges, a gourmet kitchen, an office, a music room, and a separate “sleep out” suite off the back deck. Upstairs, the master suite has its own lounge, bath, and observation deck.
Inside, the home is open, airy, and elegant, and pure Kiwi temperament. The designers made use of the best traditional materials in a space meant for casual living and entertaining. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
The open and breezy main house affords the owners and their guests panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, the estuary, and the stunning mountains of Kahurangi National Park. Also on the grounds are a woodshed, a huge workshop, outdoor shower facilities, and a separate fenced, shady paddock on the estuary shore.
The kitchen displays the charming and unusual flair New Zealanders are famous for. The gourmet cooking space is, as it should be, the soul of this wonderful seafront residence. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
Once a seasonal settlement of Maori settlers from East Polynesia, Mapua today is a thriving, if remote, community on the Tasman Bay just outside Nelson. The Mapua township retains bits of the culture of these first inhabitants in a perfect mix of classic “kiwiana” (quirky things that are purely New Zealander). Around the wharf there are charming boutique shops, fine restaurants, art galleries, and wine bars.
The charm and simplicity of the home are carried over into the dining room, which looks out over the Tasman Sea. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
The estate is only 30 minutes from Nelson airport, and it’s in the center of the Great Taste Cycle trail, close to wonderful vineyards, trout fishing sites, national parks, and a lot more.
On a special note, with all oceanside properties like this Mapua estate, special rules dictate these can only be sold to New Zealand nationals.
The home’s master suite on the second floor has its own lounge and other in-suite features, and offers the owners a magnificent panorama. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
Downstairs, the gathering spaces and bedrooms flow into the lush landscape, enhancing the feeling of continuity with nature. Warm colors, fine wood tones, and an "easy does it" sense carry over into every part of the property. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
The property’s shaded and covered decks connect the breezy interior of the main house with the pool, the leisure areas, and gardens, and with the amazing beach just over the dunes. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
As this photo illustrates, the estate’s designers focused on a theme of continuity with the natural landscape. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
A drone view at dusk reveals the town and estuary to the west. While the estate offers a feeling of total seclusion, it’s only a short stroll to Mapua town and the amenities there. (New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty)
Mapua is a small town on New Zealand’s South Island, situated at the conjoining of Waimea Estuary and Tasman Bay; the name means "abundance" or "prolific" in Maori language. (Linda_K/Shutterstock)
Phil Butler is a publisher, editor, author, and analyst who is a widely cited expert on subjects from digital and social media to travel technology. He's covered the spectrum of writing assignments for The Epoch Times, The Huffington Post, Travel Daily News, HospitalityNet, and many others worldwide.
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