A coveted Northland waterfront property with an established and successful commercial accommodation business, plus a resource consent in place for residential subdivision to leverage projected population growth in the area, is now for sale.

The freehold flat 4,718sqm landholding at 115 Ruakākā Beach Road, Bream Bay supports the popular Ruakākā Beach Front Motel, an 18-unit accommodation facility and guest amenities along with a residential dwelling occupied by the on-site manager.

Bordering a beachfront reserve, the property sits next to the Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Club which patrols the sandy beach over summer.

The property provides a turnkey opportunity for passive investors with the land, buildings and existing business on offer complete with management. There is also the option for a new owner to run the business themselves, along with potential upside to be unlocked given consent to subdivide the existing land parcel.

This consent would allow for four individual residential-zoned titles, with the commercial operation on a fifth title. Alternatively, the additional titles could be used to expand the motel.

Bayleys salespeople marketing the property believe this is the only waterfront motel north of Orewa without a road in front of it, and with around 90 percent occupancy and annual gross turnover of just under $1million, it has sought-after credentials.

Built in the 1980s, the 18 motel units are spread across two, dual level blocks with a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom self-contained units. There is on-site guest and visitor parking, laundry facilities and common outdoor entertaining spaces for guests, plus a dwelling currently occupied by the in-house management, and two garages.

The subject property has direct access to the beach via the grassed reserve in front. The current owners have undertaken a complete refresh of the property, and it is presented in excellent condition.

It has an interesting hybrid clientele as during the weekdays, tradespeople working on local projects stay there ahead of holiday makers and tourists coming in over the weekend and holiday season.

Chris Blair and Henry Napier of Bayleys in the North are inviting tenders on the property closing 8th May, unless sold prior.

Wih an on-site manager taking care of the day-to-day operation of the accommodation business, Blair says a new owner could secure an absolute waterfront property in the “winterless north”, with the residentially-zoned landholding underpinning future value, and unit-titling the individual motel units another option.

“An astute investor will see this opportunity for what it is – a proven accommodation business in mint condition on a prime piece of coastal land with inherent future upside.

“Buy it and sit on it letting the business do its thing, develop it further by activating the Resource Consent to create additional residential titles or more motel accommodation, or look at unit-titling one or both of the accommodation blocks to let others own a slice of the enviable waterfront pie.”

Whangārei District Council’s growth strategy is designed to cater to the forecast 45 percent increase in population expected by 2051. Marsden Point/Ruakākā has been earmarked as a high growth node over the next 30 years, which Blair says further underscores the value that could be activated by subdividing the landholding.

“The property is zoned Residential, with the commercial accommodation business a permitted activity.

“So while this is one of the largest business offerings in Ruakākā and very profitable and viable in its current guise, a new owner will appreciate the value of creating additional waterfront sections.

“Beachside land historically sells very well and in this really popular location, would have great traction. But alternatively, or additionally, a purchaser could look to unit-title the accommodation blocks to form a number of individual residences.”

Ruakākā Beach is considered one of New Zealand’s most unspoiled beaches and is approximately one-hour 45 minutes north of Auckland and 20 minutes south of Whangarei. It lies within Bream Bay, a 22 kilometre stretch of golden sand with picturesque rural scenery, estuaries, wildlife refuges, native forest, coastal walks and small friendly communities.

The Ruakākā coastal settlement has a mix of holiday and permanent homes and its town centre offers a range of cafes and restaurants, supermarket and retail stores, childcare services, community library, sports ground and other professional services.

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