In the last five to ten years there has been a shift of rural land ownership - beyond traditional farming and forestry - with rugged and remote properties increasingly being sought for their recreational, tourism, and conservation potential.
For a new generation of buyers, the value of land isn’t just in its soil or timber, but in the lifestyle and income opportunities it offers.
And this is something PGG Wrightson rural real estate agents have been witnessing first hand. According to Joe Blakiston, Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate in Nelson/Marlborough, many rural agents are often contacted by the growing hunting community where remote blocks come to the market.
Pictured: Joe Blakiston, Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate in Nelson/Marlborough.
“New Zealand's great outdoors lends itself to people wanting remote blocks so they can enjoy recreational opportunities, and it’s even better if they back onto DOC or conservation land - especially for forestry blocks and smaller remote blocks,” Joe says.
“So these buyers are typically looking for privacy, pristine surroundings, and access to outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing, hiking, and even glamping.”
An example of the potential of such properties is the Spey Creek Hunting Estate in Kaikōura, trophy hunting block that Joe has had on the market catering to high-end international visitors.
“Spey Creek demonstrates how private land, when developed with care and vision, can become a world-class tourism venture.”
Beyond trophy hunting, landowners are also increasingly exploring multiple income streams. Mānuka honey production, while not as lucrative as in recent years, still adds value - particularly when paired with tourism or conservation uses. And walking tracks, guided experiences, and eco-accommodation are just some of the ways that owners are diversifying.
Joe says this trend is certainly evident in the Marlborough region.
“The Sounds are a real attraction for people wanting a ‘get-away-from-it-all block’ - whether it is bare land or with a holiday home. Home to 20 per cent of New Zealand’s coastline, it’s not only a magnet for tourists, it’s also becoming increasingly popular for those chasing seclusion, scenery, and sustainable income. So you’ll see plenty of property owners investing in accommodation as a side income from living in paradise, as well as outdoor tourism - such as adventure cycling, e-biking, kayaking and hiking trails.”
“With all of these activities on the rise in the region, this will only continue to grow in the years ahead,” says Joe.
One such hotspot is Kaiuma Bay in the Pelorus Sound. With marine access, walking tracks, and stunning scenery, it's becoming a preferred destination for investors and lifestyle buyers alike.
“PGG Wrightson have sold a lot of homes in the Kaiuma Bay area of the Sounds with all these on the doorstep,” says Joe.
Adding even more momentum to the region is the Whale Trail, a scenic cycle route from Picton to Kaikōura.
“This will add another dimension to farm and lifestyle block income,” notes Joe. “We are already selling lifestyle blocks with consented accommodation as an alternate income stream.”
Further north, Gary Brooks, the Hastings Regional Office Branch Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate, says that he has certainly seen interest and sales lift over the past 10 years - especially for properties with water access and good roading access.
Pictured: Gary Brooks, the Hastings Regional Office Branch Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate.
“The recreational activities we see most in demand for private rural land would be hunting - deer, pigs and goats - as well as ATV riding, horse trekking and mountain bike riding.
“It’s about properties being well-located and preferably set up with a solid income stream.”
Gary is marketing two properties that he thinks are standouts for being ‘wild land’ with further income potential. There is Mangahoe Forest, a 156.78 hectare farm located in the Ruapehu district, where buyers have the opportunity to purchase a 50% shareholding in the property. With viable income streams from not only the registration of the forest under the ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme), hunting can be done from the doorstep of the log cabin for red and fallow deer, along with pigs and goats.
Two hours north of Gisborne and approximately 10km from Ruatoria, is a block of East Coast regenerative native bush and grazing land. It also borders a river and an old woolshed has been converted for use as accommodation. The block provides wild pigs, fallow, red deer, and Spanish goats - which could become a commercial source of income (in addition to the registration under the ETS) by allowing recreational hunters onto the property.
So, what should buyers consider before investing in wild land for recreation?
Joe says while the opportunities are enticing, there are some key considerations:
• Health and safety: Landowners opening their property to visitors must take health and safety obligations seriously. Public liability insurance is essential to cover any accidents that may occur on the property. Gary adds that all clients must be inducted onto the property and guided at all times.
• Recreational demand: The most sought-after activities on private land include 4WD tracks, mountain biking, horse trekking, kayaking, glamping, and of course—hunting. Demand is strong across all these categories.
• Access is key: While privacy is a major drawcard, access - whether by road, river, or sea - is critical. The most successful ventures are often ‘in the wild, but still close to civilisation’.
• Commercial permissions: You can legally charge people to hunt or fish on private land. However, commercial operators may need permits or licenses, depending on the activity and scale of the venture.
• Do your homework: Joe’s final advice is to do your due diligence and talk to locals. Understanding the land, its history, its potential, and any regional rules or regulations is essential before committing to a purchase.
Owning ‘wild’ land in New Zealand is no longer just about holding a rugged, scenic block for personal use. Increasingly, it’s about recognising the rich potential for recreation, tourism, conservation - and sustainable income streams that make the most of the landscape.
If you’re considering investing in recreational or conservation-focused rural land, the opportunities are certainly there, but so is the need for careful planning. From understanding local demand and access requirements to ensuring you meet all safety and commercial obligations, doing your homework is key.
PGG Wrightson’s rural real estate specialists can help you explore these opportunities, with local knowledge and experience to guide your next move.
To find out more about properties in your region, or to discuss your own land’s potential, get in touch with your local PGG Wrightson Real Estate team today.
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