Te Muriwai o Te Whiti is an exceptional property. It is one of the few places in the Wairarapa where regenerating and original forest, along with seasonal wetland, borders the beautiful Ruamahanga River—yet it’s just a 10-minute drive to Masterton and 30 minutes to the vineyards of Martinborough.
Beyond being a developed seasonal wetland and lowland bird habitat, the property also provides direct access to the ever-changing Ruamahanga River as it flows from the Tararua Ranges to Lake Ōnoke. The western horizon is dominated by the distant Tararua Range, with an uncluttered view creating a constantly shifting vista as clouds gather around its peaks.
Spanning approximately 6.29 hectares, the property is divided into two distinct areas. The upper terrace features a prime paddock with water, ideal for horses or small-holder stock grazing, alongside the homestead and its associated car and equipment shelters, garage and sheds. This area is framed by woodlots and extensive, well-established native plantings of matai kahikatea and totara.
A 1930s 3-bedroom 1 bathroom home sits comfortably on the land in its own private setting and includes an office and exposed native timber flooring in the living areas and hallway, in addition to swamp totora skirting boards sourced from the Wairarapa. Ample heating is provided by a Lady Kitchener log burner, ideal for larger homes.
The lower terrace, a haven for wildlife, contains stands of original native forest (totara kahikatea matai kowhai small leaf mahoe, mahoe, titoki, native broom), seasonal wetlands and an oxbow backwater. Here, you’re likely to encounter birds such as tūī, korimako (bellbird), kererū, riroriro (grey warbler), and pīwakawaka (fantail), along with paradise ducks, spoonbill and grey teal.
The owner has actively enhanced the area by planting native vegetation, including sedges, toetoe, tī kōuka (cabbage trees), harakeke (flax), and mānuka (tea tree). As well as kahikatea and matai and kowhai.
Identified by the Department of Conservation in 1996 as a recommended area of protection (RAP 6), the then owners put the native bush on the river flat bank and terrace into a QE2 Covenant.
A legacy property which will continue to grow and develop and provides opportunity for the potential new owner to keep on further developing and enhancing should they desire.
This is a truly unique residence, offering the rare opportunity to enjoy a remarkable natural setting while remaining within easy reach of town amenities.
Phone Julian Greenall 021 069 9236 for more information
To view the Property Files: https://www.propertyfiles.co.nz/property/G28008
