Sold | Tauranga property with English-inspired gardens and river valley views is on the market

On the edge of the Wairoa River Valley, the meticulously renovated 1930s home “Aorangi” — meaning “Cloud in the Sky” — is a seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary country living. This home has been lovingly restored to offer a modern, comfortable lifestyle, surrounded by beautifully curated gardens that are just as impressive as the home itself. 

This historic home was carefully moved on a truck to its current riverside setting. When purchased by the current owners, it was surrounded by a bare paddock, without even a driveway — requiring five years of dedicated work to shape the landscape into the stunning retreat it is today.

Over the past five years, extensive plantings, retaining walls, and a travertine-paved pool were added. The owners followed a thorough and thoughtful landscape design plan by Michelle McDonnell Landscape Design. Thanks to Te Puna’s rich soil, hedges planted as small as 10-centimetre high plants have flourished quickly, shaping lush green borders throughout the property.

When entering the property, you are greeted by an expansive edible garden space. A series of 17 raised vegetable beds, framed by Japanese cedar, offer a productive and beautiful garden potager for growing fresh produce and cut flowers. A greenhouse adds to the charm, for year-round gardening opportunities.

The heart of the outdoor space is the pool area. Here, a heated self-cleaning pool and an in-ground spa create both a beautiful and functional spot for relaxation and fun. Sheltered and private, the pool area is a haven for both family gatherings and quiet evenings. Nearby, a formal garden adds a feeling of sophistication, with structured hedges and well-placed plantings.

The grounds also offer wilder spaces — a treehouse for children, hidden corners for exploration, and sweeping views that stretch out over the valley. This careful balance between manicured gardens and untamed nature speaks to the property’s overall design philosophy: a blend of elegance and practicality.

Inside, the home’s interior mirrors the thoughtful care given to the gardens. Generously sized rooms, original native timber accents, and large bay windows flood the home with light, connecting the indoor spaces to its surroundings. The custom kitchen, featuring Italian marble countertops and top-tier appliances, overlooks the dining and one of the living areas, where large windows offer uninterrupted views of the river valley and beyond.

Aorangi is a retreat that offers a lifestyle where nature, design and family living come together. With proximity to local amenities and recreational opportunities in Tauranga, this property delivers the best of both worlds: country living with all the convenience of the nearby city.

For those who value green spaces, landscape design, and the art of outdoor living, Aorangi presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of the Bay of Plenty’s most picturesque countryside.