“Every day some aspect of the property touches my soul, I fall in love again and overflow with gratitude for the years I have spent here.”

Jointly with her sister Vera, Nora Van der Voorden bought her two-hectare Te Uku property in 2006.

“Although we were drawn to the two dwellings and a boundary along the Waitetuna River, we truly fell for the old established native bush, the limestone stack rock formations, and of course the privacy,” she says.

Being so close to the two storey four-bedroom home, the river is a constant source of pleasure.

“As the tides change, so does the view with stunning sunsets and moonshine reflections often sparkling on the water.

“Such a deep connection to nature is part of my everyday existence: moods and the seasons transform in harmony, and the cycle of life is always turning in this magic place, where even stormy weather is exhilarating. 

“Being tidal, the river’s pulse brings shags, herons, spoonbills, hawks, and swallows. Even an occasional seal finds its way up the harbour to the fresh water, frolicking alongside the resident ducks, while pukeko, moreporks, tui and a variety of smaller birds like finches and fantails provide constant delight.”

Nora has many fond memories of launching kayaks with family and friends directly into the harbour from the property’s 200 metre waterfront.

“Catching the outgoing tide into Raglan or heading upstream to show people the remaining sections of the historic Te Uku Landing, where barges used to pick up flax and logs as well as provisioning the locals. 

“What’s not to love? I wake up to birdsong every morning, and because the houses were positioned for the sun and the views, a veranda always offers an enchanting spot to sit and enjoy a coffee or a wine.”

Now however, with sad reluctance, Nora is bringing her love affair to a close, engaging Richard Thomson of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Hamilton to sell the property, which is 16 kilometres east of Raglan, and which he says offers new owners a quintessential New Zealand experience.

“In addition to kayaks, boats and paddle boards can be launched from the section; whitebait enthusiasts will be pleased to find three whitebait stands; while nature lovers will revel in the incredible bird and fish life thriving here. 

“Originally built for a mathematics professor, who designed it for maximum passive solar gain, the main home is perfect to accommodate a growing family or host guests. In addition, a charming two-bedroom second house, with its own separate driveway, single garage and glass house, offers another level of flexibility for friends or family to purchase as a joint partnership, or for rental income. 

“With its picturesque limestone rock formations, large stand of mature native bush, lush orchards, and vibrant gardens abundant with fruit trees, the opportunity now arises for someone else to derive as much joy from this Te Uku property as Nora has,” says Richard.

Explore similar articles in our most recent edition of the Lifestyle & Residential Collection.