New Zealand’s first freehold marina ownership model launches this summer
The Coromandel coast has always been about freedom, adventure, and the simple joy of being close to the water. Now, Whitianga is set to lead the way with a landmark development that’s changing how Kiwis can live, invest, and play by the sea. At the heart of this change is a new marine precinct, located on the site of the former Summer Concert Venue, offering New Zealand’s very first freehold marina ownership model. This truly unique concept redefines waterfront living for current and future generations while securing long-term value and lifestyle certainty. It blends the security of land ownership with an unparalleled coastal lifestyle, transforming how Kiwis live, invest, and play by the sea.
Stage One Auction – 6 December 2025
Stage One is consented and ready to launch in early December, bringing 28 private berths paired with freehold waterfront lots (172–197 m²) to the market. Owners won’t just gain a berth for their vessel, they’ll own a slice of the waterfront itself, and an option to stay-aboard. On this lot, you can build a marina apartment-style dwelling, creating the perfect land base for your marine lifestyle. Imagine arriving late, resting up, and then casting off at first light with the sea at your doorstep. It’s an extraordinary opportunity that marries freedom with security, lifestyle with legacy – and demand is already building.
The plan is for the Marine Precinct to include a boutique marine-related retail hub with brokerage, chandlery, bait and tackle, and a general store for restocking essentials – making it a true one-stop destination for boaties.
Canal Living – Stage 16
Meanwhile, just along Joan Gaskell Drive, earthworks are well underway. Known as Stage 16, this release features 10 canal-front sections and 7 coastal sections. With land works nearing completion and two canal-front lots already snapped up, the momentum is building fast. These sites are part of the long-term vision for Whitianga: communities designed for connection, lifestyle, and a future that keeps the Kiwi dream alive.
The Tide Is Turning
Markets move in cycles, and while recent years have been challenging, the tide is turning. Investing in coastal property has always been about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about securing a lifestyle and a legacy. For those ready to act, the opportunities at Whitianga are here today, but they won’t wait around tomorrow.
Anchor Your Place in the Future
Whitianga’s Marine Precinct and Stage 16 release represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine lifestyle with investment. The question is simple: will you be on board?
“There are very few suitable locations left for new marinas in New Zealand,” says Gray Hopper, Project Manager, Whitianga Waterways. “Boating is integral to the Kiwi way of life, and we believe developers like us have a responsibility to create communities where access to the water isn’t a dream but an everyday reality. The ocean’s a big playground – and it’s right on your doorstep.”
