Development-ready Ferncliffe Farm for sale

One of the most advanced and scalable residential land opportunities within New Zealand’s economic golden triangle is on the market, supported by agreements enabling near term development, confirmed infrastructure works, and strong alignment with housing demand in Tauranga, the country’s fifth largest city.

Located at 764 State Highway 29, Tauriko, Ferncliffe Farm forms part of the Tauriko West urban growth area, a strategic and priority growth node earmarked to deliver a well-connected, mixed-density “live, learn, work, play” neighbourhood to support Tauranga’s growing population.

Kāinga Ora purchased the then 95-hectare Ferncliffe Farm landholding in 2021 to support large scale private housing development. The agency has since made the land development-ready by securing zoning, consents, and roading upgrades so that new homes can be delivered quickly. 

Portions of the land will go to New Zealand Transport Agency for an upgrade to SH29, and to the Ministry of Education for the relocation of Tauriko Primary School, with both initiatives bringing community-wide benefits.

Now with a renewed focus on the cost-effective delivery of social housing, Kāinga Ora is divesting the remaining 82 hectares (estimated area post-subdivision), to enable a new owner to advance urban growth objectives in Tauriko West, alongside the delivery of vital transport and education infrastructure for the evolving community.  

Kāinga Ora has appointed Bayleys to sell Ferncliffe Farm by deadline private treaty closing 4pm, Thursday, 2nd April. The property will not be sold prior, and the campaign is being led by Mike Bayley, Ryan Johnson, and Mark Walton out of the Bayleys Auckland and Tauranga offices.

With commercial, industrial, and residential growth accelerating in Tauriko, Bayley says Ferncliffe Farm is now well advanced for development.

“The site occupies a prime position in Tauriko West and through proactive planning, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure coordination, the platform for residential development at scale has now been established. It is expected that 850 plus homes could be developed across the site over time.

“Over the past few years, Kāinga Ora has prepared the land for rapid development by securing zoning and consents and working closely with other agencies on roading upgrades, and a new school. This means the successful buyer will be able to quickly deliver new housing as part of a master-planned greenfield development which has relevance for the wider community.”

Key milestones include zoning progression to Medium Density Residential, allowing the construction of up to three dwellings, each up to three storeys (11 metres) high on most residential zone sections without needing resource consent. There will also be a signalised intersection on SH29, and there is a formalised infrastructure funding agreement in place.

A comprehensive Tauriko West masterplan has been developed to support a well-connected, mixed-density neighbourhood aligned with the city’s long-term housing outcomes. There is inherent flexibility for incoming developers to refine delivery strategy and product mix at Ferncliffe Farm, supported by a high-growth residential market, strong population fundamentals, and proven buyer depth.

Looking at the appetite for large-scale residential development nationally, Johnson says Tauranga offers highly desirable investment and lifestyle fundamentals. He cites the 5.23 percent house price growth seen in the 12 months to December 2025, more than double the New Zealand median of 2.28 percent, as evidence of the city’s fundamental appeal.

“Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions. A limited supply of greenfield residential land combined with a forecast deficit of supply of over 3,500 homes within the region by 2030 further supports the highly compelling investment case for Ferncliffe Farm.

“The development platform is well-advanced from a regulatory stance, with stormwater consent granted, boundary realignment established, supporting technical reports completed, alongside infrastructure and cost sharing agreements with Tauranga City Council.

“This consolidated planning and consent framework provides a streamlined, de-risked foundation for staged residential development.”

Ferncliffe Farm offers elevated rural views of the Kaimai Range and Wairoa River, along with distant views of Mauao, Mount Maunganui from parts of the property. Once developed, it will have connectivity to arterial routes and city infrastructure, with the wider Tauriko West masterplan including strong pedestrian and cycling connections, integration with public transport routes, and community facilities.

It is adjacent to Tauranga’s largest shopping centre, Tauranga Crossing, and the Tauriko Business Estate. Both precincts are thriving and in expansion mode creating a high level of local amenity and supporting an active workforce.

The Tauriko West Future Urban Growth Area is expected to provide around 3,650 residential dwellings and a residential population of approximately 8,000 people on completion.