Magnificent views, wonderful community

Nestled in the heart of the Hokianga, Rawene is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most charming harbour towns.

An opportunity to own a lovely 1940s home has opened up in the centre of Rawene. This beautifully finished four-bedroom home combines complete privacy with incredible water views from nearly every room.

Vendor Fiona says the house is cleverly designed, creating a balanced feel across the home. “It’s a really thoughtfully designed house, and the flow of the house is very easy, and it makes for really easy living. The house was originally designed for a family of 10, with eight children, and has plenty of storage space under the house.

“Each room has its own lovely aspect. And the house sits magnificently, facing the sun on the section.” It has always been a happy house, Fiona says.

Recently one of the girls who grew up there came back with family members to show them “the big house” and to reminisce about her happy memories growing up in the home.

While it’s hard to choose just one favourite feature, the panoramic views of the Hokianga Harbour are hard to beat, she says.

“There are glorious water views from absolutely every room in the house (except the bathrooms and the laundry). You’re constantly living in the light and in the view all the time. It’s a really beautiful house to live in.”

Fiona says the house is warm in the winter and remains quite cool in the summer due to the ventilation, and the height on the section which catches all the breezes.

Located directly across the road from the Rawene Police Station (where the resident policeman lives), all amenities are handy and within walking distance.

Next door is a local organic fruit and vegetable shop that also sells spices, chutneys, milk, and bread – a very handy pantry.

“I jokingly tell everyone I live in the middle of town, but it’s incredibly private because of its high elevation on this section. You can see out, but actually passersby can’t see in at all, which is such a luxury. I love that there’s always a sunny place to sit, both in the house and in the garden. And conversely, in the summertime, there’s always a nice, shady spot to sit in when it’s hot outside.”

The piece of land behind the house is also a possible development site, so there are options for those interested in putting a second home on the property.

Since Fiona bought the house 11 years ago, the house has undergone a raft of restoration, with builder Steve Kruyff working hard to ensure all 42 windows are fully operational.

The fireplace has been repaired and two ducted central heating air conditioning units installed – one upstairs and one downstairs – keeping the house cosy in the winter and cool in the summer.

The toilets, bathrooms, and laundry have all been modernised too.

“I’ve now got a glorious walk-in wet room shower with marble tiles and stuff, marble tiled laundry with underfloor heating and modern appliances, and the old workbench area is now a wall of cupboards for storage, with a separate fridge and space for your usual vacuum cleaner, brooms, mops, etc. I’ve created an outdoor courtyard area of garden off the kitchen, so that required me levelling that area and making it more practical and usable. It’s now a lovely place to sit and enjoy life.”

This historic home captures the very essence of Rawene – character, community, and coastal charm in one of the Far North’s most picturesque settings. With its warm climate and rich kauri forests, the Hokianga attracted some of New Zealand’s first European settlers. The historic town of Rawene has a legacy of heritage buildings from this time and is New Zealand’s third-oldest European settlement. Look for Clendon House, built in the 1860s, the Masonic Hotel, from 1875, the Methodist Church, 1876, and the courthouse, which was built in 1875.

Rawene is also a place to enjoy excellent espresso, gourmet pizza, and fascinating arts and crafts shops. Take a stroll on the mangrove walkway, which offers an interesting view of a wetland habitat. A ferry service runs between Rawene and Kohukohu – which also has a buzzing arts scene – making it possible to explore the more isolated northern side of the Hokianga Harbour.

16 Parnell Street, Rawene, Far North

• Character, comfort and views: North-facing and bathed in natural light year-round, this residence perfectly blends timeless character with modern luxury.
• Blends a contemporary kitchen and bathrooms and a sunroom, with original Art Deco light fittings and polished hardwood floors. Year-round comfort is guaranteed with both a cozy open fireplace and ducted heating/air-conditioning.
• Generous living areas flow effortlessly to a private balcony, creating the perfect vantage point to unwind and take in sweeping views of the harbour over morning coffee or evening sunsets.
• A well-kept garden offers an ideal space to relax, cultivate, or entertain, complete with a carport and ample parking.
• A vibrant, self-contained community life in Rawene flows at a peaceful pace, offering the perfect blend of small-town warmth, stunning harbour scenery, while everything you need is right at your fingertips.
• Enjoy the iconic Boatshed Cafe, boutique shops, local art galleries, churches, a library, and various community clubs.
• Stay active with a local gym and a scenic nine-hole golf course and club. The town boasts a popular campground, and the convenience of a harbour ferry link.
• Excellent local essential services including a mini-superette/post office, a petrol station with a mechanic-run garage, and a primary school, with high schools just 30 minutes away. Fully equipped with a local hospital, St John station, police station, and a volunteer
  fire station.