After nearly three decades, a cherished beachside haven at Ōhawini comes to market

Making the 200-kilometre drive north from Auckland, Judy Parrish and her husband Bert enjoyed a classic kiwi holiday with their daughters by the beach at Ōhawini, Whangaruru, north of Whangārei.

Sometime later, after returning home, they found the campsite was for sale.

“We thought we’d like to own it, so we went along to the auction. However, the main camping ground sold for more than we could afford. When we realised that a neighbouring property was also for sale, we stayed behind and bid. This time we were successful,” says Judy.

This was in 1997.

“We only vaguely knew it, having walked past and thought ‘that looks like a lovely spot.’ It was beachfront bare land.”

There was an extra bonus with the property.

“At the end of the auction, a lady next to us said: ‘did you buy that?’ She and her family had stayed there every year and asked if we would mind if they carried on camping there, so we acquired a group of campers, who still come to the property, only those who were children back then have grown up and now bring their own families.”

Enjoying their beachfront haven for the last 29 years, they’ve added a series of improvements, including a three-bedroom house. Following Bert’s death just over two years ago, Judy and family have decided to put it on the market. Daughter Tracey Parrish, of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Whangārei is offering the 4.5-hectare property for sale.

“Located right on the beach, with access limited to either a boat or a causeway, only able to be used when the tide permits, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of paradise,” says Tracey.

Stunning views and the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the shore ensure every day feels like a holiday.

“Whether you are swimming, collecting seafood, out in the boat, or enjoying long walks by the sea, life here is truly idyllic,” she says.

While it’s been used as holiday accommodation, the property could easily serve as a permanent residence.

“In the early days, we went up with wider family. In the first summer, a large group of us stayed in tents, a horse truck and a camper van. It rained for five days solid, and everyone was flooded out,” remembers Judy.

A double garage with a sleepout was the first permanent addition, which they lived in each time they went up. Then in 2009 they relocated a Lockwood building, trucked along the causeway while the tide was safely out.

Judy says it’s been a lovely property.

“Ōhawini is a wonderful community. Although a little isolated, over the summer we all regularly congregate in one or other of the houses, to enjoy each other’s company over drinkies. Everybody knows everybody. It’s a very nice community,” she says.

Purchased at auction by the Parrish family 29 years ago, they are selling it by the same method: scheduled for 11.00am on 31 March at PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Whangārei.

View listing online > Click here.