92 | TOURISM The Landing T T Sue Russell Paradise on hand in the Bay of Islands The Landing has a choice of four exclusive luxury homes from which to explore and enjoy all the environment has to offer. For those seeking a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy some time immersed in the beauty of the Bay of Islands, steeped in unique New Zealand history, nowhere in the world can replicate ‘The Landing’. General Manager, Garth Solly, describes The Landing as a place of immense beauty and peace. It’s owner Peter Cooper purchased land from the Mountain family whose lineage goes back to the settlement of the area on Northland’s Purerua Peninsula. “Peter had a vision for this land and a strong sense of its value, wanting to preserve and celebrate its unique history,” Garth says. Those who book to stay at The Landing have a choice of four exclusive luxury homes from which to explore and enjoy all the environment has to offer. Cooper Residence offers visitors a 360° view across the Bay of Islands. Built to reflect the use of stonework, so common in the founding days of the region. Gabriel Residence feels like a traditional hunting/fishing lodge but with a Pacific twist, while Vineyard Villa is nestled in The Landing’s vineyard. It has views looking out over wetland through to the sea beyond. Finally, there’s The Boathouse, on the water’s edge of Wairoa Bay. Next to The Landing is the site of the Marsden Cross, commemorating Rev Samuel Marsden’s arrival to New Zealand from Australia and first engagement with local Māori. This happened in 1814, some 26 years before the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. When Peter began developing the villas it also heralded regeneration of the landscape, including in 2007, establishment of The Landing vineyard. The Landing extends over 1000 acres of which the vineyard and villas sit in a footprint of approximately 6 acres. The whole vision behind welcoming guests on to the site is they have freedom and independence to do as much or as little as they choose. “With the water at our doorstep, our guests enjoy catching their own fish, exploring all the islands and surrounds. “We work with them, often long before they arrive, to create their own holiday experience. Chefs will prepare meals for them as requested and we respect their privacy at all times.” Recognition of the fine environment that has been achieved has come from within the tourism sector with The Landing receiving the Department of Conversation, Conversation Award at the NZ Tourism Awards last year. Asked what this means, Garth says, its an honour to be recognised by the sector and particularly with the Conversation Award. “Right from the start we have consulted with local iwi as we’ve regenerated native bush and wetland over 20 years. We’ve sought to preserve all the values of these spaces that align with the care of the whenua by the original settlers of New Zealand. Beyond the wetland, native bush and home spaces, a small section of the land is farmed with a number of paddocks leased to local farmers. “There’s really no end to the work we’re doing here. In fact we feel it is the beginning more than anything else. This land is constantly requiring care.” The vineyard is expanding with more plantings as well. It’s home to Chardonay, Syrah and Pinot Gris grapes. After further development The Landing vineyard will extend over 23 acres. Garth says that creating the perfect holiday begins through the booking process. “We talk to our guests about what they want to do and work up an itinerary before they arrive. With international guests that process could start 12 months before their arrival.” Located about 30 minutes drive from Kerikeri, The Landing pays homage to the rich history of the region. “Everyone who works here shares the same vision to nurture and sustain this this beautiful environment. “We want to see people who stay with us go away with experiences they won’t have anywhere else in the world.” “With the water at our doorstep, our guests enjoy catching their own fish, exploring all the islands and surrounds. We work with them, often long before they arrive, to create their own holiday experience.” Talk to Northpest for all your pest control needs – Whangarei based & covering the wider Northland area Northpest are proud to support The Landing 0800 26 26 26 09 955 1460 info@northpest.co.nz www.northpest.co.nz
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