The Landing, Bay of Islands

History runs deep at The Landing. Before Captain Cook sailed through in 1769, the Māori knew this coastline as Ipipiri – a name meaning “many places to settle, fish, swim and enjoy.” Just across the harbor, Te Tiriti o Waitangi – New Zealand’s founding document – was signed in 1840. Yet The Landing is far more than a history lesson. Spread across a thousand private acres, this extraordinary estate holds four architecturally distinct residences, six private beaches, an award-winning vineyard, and some of the densest native kiwi habitat in the country – all developed with the blessing and contribution of local Māori tribes.

LOCATION

The Landing sits at the southwestern tip of the Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands, amid one of the densest kiwi populations in the country. Helicopter in from Auckland in just 55 minutes for a scenic arrival, or fly to Kerikeri Airport – a chauffeured 35-minute drive from the property.

YOUR ROOM

The four residences are each positioned for privacy, crafted from natural materials, and enjoy a unique outlook – clifftop, beachfront, vineyard, or countryside. The five-bedroom Cooper Residence commands the headland with 360-degree views, its design defined by quiet contemporary distinction. It holds a significant collection of Māori taonga (treasures), historic artifacts, and contemporary New Zealand art, plus a stone observatory tower, private wine cellar, and tasting room. The four-bedroom Gabriel Residence blends hardwood timber and concrete with New Zealand antiques, its courtyard ideal for evening drinks. The three-bedroom Vineyard Villa and two-bedroom Boathouse complete the quartet – the latter right on the water at Wairoa Bay.

WHO IT SUITS

The Landing suits those who want the whole place to themselves. Whether booking a single residence or the full estate, it’s naturally suited to multi-generational families and groups of friends seeking a shared private escape. Six private beaches, a vineyard, a gym with hammam, tennis courts, hiking trails, mountain bikes, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards keep everyone active. Couples drawn to real seclusion will love the Boathouse, right on the water. Those who live for exceptional food and wine will appreciate private chef dinners built around produce from The Landing’s own gardens and vineyard, with award-winning wines poured alongside.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Few private estates carry The Landing’s combination of natural beauty and genuine cultural depth. At night, New Zealand’s shy native kiwi emerges from native forest and wetlands – the property is home to one of the country’s densest populations of this nocturnal icon. A guided kiwi-spotting tour at dusk ranks among the highlights here. In season, dive for crayfish and scallops in nearby coves, or catch your own fish before handing it to the private chef. A cruise on the Landing’s luxury yacht Iti Rangi puts the wild scale of the archipelago into perspective.

SUSTAINABILITY

Certified Toitū carbon zero since 2021, The Landing’s operations produce net zero greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to over 35 hectares of regenerated native forest and wetland absorbing more than three times the carbon generated on-site. More than 1.25 million native trees have been planted, grown in an on-site nursery producing over 100,000 seedlings a year. The Landing also funds and maintains the neighboring Rangihoua Heritage Park and works with local schools on conservation and cultural projects. Sites of cultural and heritage significance are held in a charitable trust, ensuring their preservation for future generations.