= For Sale =
A Hidden Coastal Sanctuary in Gisborne, New Zealand.
Kauri Lodge is quietly hidden away within one of New Zealand’s most attractive coastal enclaves . It's a private attractive retreat immersed in native greenery just moments from the Pacific Ocean.
What exists today began life as a forgotten 1970s pole house; weathered, neglected and nearing the end of its story. Yet beneath the decay lay something remarkable: dramatic rooflines, split-level geometry, elevated outlooks and a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.
Rather than renovate the home, it was entirely reimagined.
In collaboration with Rimu Architects of Wellington, Kauri Lodge was reconstructed around the integrity of the original architectural vision, transforming it into a contemporary multi-level coastal sanctuary balancing warmth, privacy and flexibility. It is a home that feeds the soul!
Extensive earthworks reshaped the entire landscape, creating layered outdoor living spaces, integrated retaining structures, sheltered entertaining zones and multiple accommodation options -all designed to enhance both privacy and connection with the surrounding environment.
Fully completed in late 2025, Kauri Lodge exists as something far more compelling than a conventional residence.
It is a private retreat. A luxury coastal escape. A multi-generational lifestyle property. A potential wellness sanctuary and a home intentionally designed to create calm, restoration and connection.
The main residence unfolds across multiple levels with soaring ceilings, dramatic architectural lines and carefully curated living spaces that feel simultaneously expansive and intimate. The designer kitchen anchors the central living pavilion, flowing naturally toward outdoor entertaining areas, elevated decks and the swim spa courtyard.
A separate self-contained Kauri Cabin introduces an additional dimension to the estate — ideal for guest accommodation, boutique Airbnb income, wellness hosting or executive retreat use.
Beyond the primary accommodation, additional flexible spaces offer future potential for a wellness studio, infrared sauna, creative workspace or private recovery retreat, creating a rare level of adaptability seldom found within coastal residential property.
Every part of the estate has been designed to reveal another experience:
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filtered light through native trees,
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sheltered outdoor living,
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elevated architectural perspectives,
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and the constant sense of being removed from the outside world.
Yet despite the extraordinary privacy, Wainui Beach and the surf club remain only a short stroll away.
Positioned within sought-after Douglas Street — regarded as one of Gisborne’s premier coastal locations — Kauri Lodge occupies a unique space in the market:
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part architectural residence,
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part boutique retreat,
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and part lifestyle sanctuary.
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It is not simply a home.
It is an experience.
The owners, Melanie & Hugo are reluctantly having to relocate to the South Island for family reasons and offer this fabulous and truly unique property for purchase by a new owner.
Kauri Lodge
Kauri Cabin
Kauri Cabin has been thoughtfully established as a fully self-contained standalone tiny home of approximately 30sqm, cleverly designed to completely defy the typical “pinched space” feel often associated with compact living. Intelligent design, generous storage solutions, quality custom joinery and a warm contemporary aesthetic combine to create an accommodation space that feels both surprisingly spacious and wonderfully peaceful.
Recently introduced to Booking.com, the cabin has already enjoyed steady patronage in its first months of operation, highlighting its strong appeal as a boutique coastal accommodation option.
A substantial private deck extends the living environment outdoors, creating a sheltered and intimate setting perfect for entertaining or unwinding after a day at the beach, fishing, surfing or exploring the surrounding coastline.
Enjoy a glass of wine in complete privacy while immersed in the peaceful native surroundings.
Kauri Cabin also benefits from its own laundry facilities and generous secure off-street parking, comfortably accommodating multiple vehicles and additional recreational equipment such as surfboards, paddleboards or bikes.
The Pole Room
The Pole Room is a unique and intimate retreat thoughtfully created during the extensive redevelopment and sub-floor excavation of the original Kauri Lodge residence. Designed as a private standalone suite with its own ensuite bathroom, the space combines architectural character with warmth, comfort and tranquility. The exposed structural pole remains a central feature of the room, subtly reflecting the building’s original engineering heritage while contrasting beautifully with the contemporary fit-out and soft ambient lighting.
Fully insulated, heated, soundproofed and double glazed, the suite has been carefully designed to create a peaceful and restful environment removed from the outside world. The result is a surprisingly quiet and cocooned space where guests can relax, sleep deeply and unwind in complete privacy.
Rich timber tones, soft textures and minimalist styling contribute to the calm atmosphere, while the secluded positioning within the property gives the room a boutique, almost hidden retreat feel.
Whether used as a romantic getaway, a restful stopover after exploring the East Coast, or simply a quiet sanctuary to recharge, the Pole Room offers a distinctive accommodation experience unlike conventional hotel or motel rooms — private, warm, architecturally interesting and deeply relaxing.
