Visitors long-enchanted by the Kawerau River's electric hues and the Southern Alps' towering mountain ranges can take their place in a spectacular lifestyle resort community in the heart of New Zealand’s premier red-wine-producing region.

An exclusive release of house and land packages is available for sale within the 400ha Gibbston Valley Resort lifestyle playground, which hosts part of the Gibbston Valley River Trail, a nine-hole golf course, high country trails, orchards, vineyards, equestrian areas, and progressed scheme plans for a village centre.

Bayleys national director of customer engagement, Paula Bennett, says delivery of the world-class lifestyle quarter is centred around the region’s oldest productive vineyard - Gibbston Valley vineyard and station – and development is gaining momentum following challenges during the pandemic.

“Nestled in the heart of Central Otago, just 30 minutes to Queenstown or 15 to Arrowtown, the Resort is an integrated community, the first of its kind in Aotearoa, that purveys a lifestyle that is uniquely New Zealand in one of our premier tourism areas.

“Thoughtfully planned residential stages will appeal to a variety of purchasers, with varying lot sizes, typographies and natural features including golf, vineyard, rockery, orchard and river view zones, in addition to alpine farm and private locations.”

Ms Bennett is marketing sections of the Gibbston Valley Resort with Bayleys colleague Hemi Brown by way of negotiation.

The first residential enclave – The Reserve - features exclusive north-facing sections with an average lot size of 2,000sq m and a maximum build platform of 900sq m. Titles have been issued in two rows overlooking a golf course designed by former professional Kiwi player Greg Turner.

Ms Bennet says sections within the exclusive area are about two-thirds sold, with several houses now coming online.

“The last remaining offerings provide an inimitable opportunity, with access to neighbouring amenities at the Golf Course Clubhouse, including members' facilities, a swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, spa, and leisure area.

“New duplex designs showcase expansive views over the golf course to the surrounding mountains, which make for an ideal holiday home or permanent residence. These homes are eligible for leaseback through Gibbston Valley Resort’s program, providing owners with dual advantages and a chance to maximise additional offerings, including maintenance and cellar wine services.”

The Golf Course and Clubhouse are under construction and on target for completion in H2 2024 to coincide with the first occupation of the Reserve’s houses.

An underpass between the clubhouse, a vineyard concert venue, and a neighbouring Vintner’s Village comprising a farmer’s market, retail, and service hub on the other side of the Gibbston Highway is scheduled for construction in 2025.

Adjacent to the clubhouse, overlooking the practice green, developers have received resource consent for the next tranche of sections at a zone dubbed ‘The Rockery’.

Bayleys Queenstown salesperson Hemi Brown says the Rockery is uniquely positioned amongst the distinct Central Otago landscape and schist rock formations, with off-the-plan villa options and sections to be release later this year.

“Buyers are invited to purchase a fixed-price house and land package designed by award-winning local architects Condon Scott, who hail from Wānaka. Or they can pursue bespoke plans to create their own dream home.”

Mr Brown says that the Central Otago region continues to perform as one of the most attractive housing markets and domestic lifestyle destinations, garnering international interest.

“We’re fielding the greatest enquiry for two and three-bedroom residences on the fairway view residences, with the ability to collect rental income through the resort management agreement being a significant attraction for some purchasers.”

Once complete, the vision for The Resort will include several housing areas, with future building intentions provided for in the Queenstown Lakes District Plan through special designations under the Gibbston Valley Resort zone.

In addition to the existing winery, restaurants and lodge operations, residents will be a part of a matchless community experience and convergence of food, wine and adventure in one of the most beautiful parts of the world,” Mr Brown says.

Click here for more information on the listing.