High above the sea between Whale Bay and Rangihoua, this house by MAP Architects makes an art form of restraint. It sits lightly on the land — three cedar-clad pavilions arranged around a sheltered courtyard, carefully angled to capture light and the majestic views that stretch from the Hole in the Rock to the hills of Waitangi.
The house is part of Mataka Station — 1,169 hectares of protected bush and rolling pasture on the Bay of Islands’ northern coastline. Here, a 22-hectare freehold parcel sits like a promontory above the water, its modestly scaled home embedded in the land’s natural contours. Owners lease the balance back to the working station, allowing for privacy and space, without the weight of stewardship.
Here, Kiwi roam at night. The station has one of the largest populations of Kiwi on a single property in New Zealand. Two in particular frequent this home as the light slips away, often roaming around the deck and undergrowth, burrowing metres from the front door.
It’s a special place. From the base of the site, the journey upwards sets the tone: past a low-slung garage (which also houses a rumpus room and bathroom), then up a flight of exterior stairs that brings you, gradually, into the open arms of the home.
Its U-shaped form comprises arms housing a guest wing on one end and the main suite with study on the other, linked by covered verandahs rather than internal corridors. The central pavilion is devoted to living: a generous open-plan space squarely facing the sea. To the west, the courtyard acts as an anchor, sheltered from the elements, with a wood-burning fireplace and glimpses of the rural setting beyond.
Sunrise brings the first light across Motu Kōkako; dusk falls behind the hills. From nearly every room, the view is like a moving artwork — constantly shifting and changing.
Beyond the architecture, the land offers rare privileges. A private boat ramp is part of the property. There are walking trails that meander through the farmland high above the majestic islands beyond. Owners have shared access to boat sheds, a beach club, and multiple small, sandy bays. It’s a quiet kind of luxury.
This house, with its established landscaping and enduring clarity of design, is now seeking new custodians. The opportunity is rare. The setting, incomparable.
Whale Bay Ridge at Mataka Station is for sale through Future Isles. Expressions of interest are welcomed. Get in touch to arrange a private viewing.
