Beloved Sandspit Holiday Park awaits next chapter

A much-loved holiday park that has been a haven of seaside tranquillity for generations of holidaymakers is up for sale with diverse options for its next chapter.

Sandspit Holiday Park has charmed visitors with its sandy north-facing beachfront and mature bush backdrop since the 1930s. Under an hour north of central Auckland, the holiday park fronts onto Sandspit Beach in a much-loved coastal playground between Warkworth, Matakana and Snells Beach.

After two generations of stewardship by its family owners, the holiday park is now being offered for sale, with scope to further the operation or harness the site’s residential zoning to create a prestigious coastal residence.

Positioned on more than four hectares of freehold land, the holiday park accommodates guests in a mix of cabins, campsites, semi-permanent holiday caravans and privately-owned baches, with holiday season bookings generally sold out long in advance.

Chris Blair of Bayleys Warkworth said the diversity of accommodation contributed to a reliable gross revenue stream, estimated at over $1 million for 2025.

“The business is now ripe for buyers to further the current owners’ exploration into commercial expansion, capitalising its position next to Sandspit’s marina and wharf with the likes of boat dry-stack storage, valet services and maintenance facilities.

“New owners could also look to build waterfront apartments or townhouses with a long-term view to creating a private gated community, subject to necessary planning approvals. These options can be explored while benefiting from the existing income.

“Alternatively, future owners could take the residential-zoned site in a new direction by creating an impressive family estate, with park-like grounds and elevated platforms offering spectacular seaside views,” said Blair.

The freehold land, buildings and business behind Sandspit Holiday Park, located at 1334 Sandspit Road, Sandspit, are being marketed for sale by Blair, and Bayleys colleagues Wayne Keene, Dahnie Burton and Eddie Rizarri.

The freehold going concern is being offered by way of a set date of sale closing on Thursday 4 December, unless it is sold prior.

Keene, who is national director of hotels, tourism and leisure sale for Bayleys, said new owners had the chance to create a new chapter in a legacy built up over nearly a century.

“Two generations have proudly developed this premium waterfront property into a successful holiday park. The opportunity now awaits a new owner to take the helm.

“Having evolved into a successful holiday park, the property is well-positioned for future growth. Its proximity to Sandspit wharf and marina enhances the potential for commercial activities, balancing tradition with modernity,” Keene said.

Burton said the Sandspit site contained numerous buildings with a combined floor area of some 1,570 square metres – including an office/convenience store, manager’s accommodation, kitchen-and-bathroom facilities block, laundry and 20 cabins.

“Also on site, generating income from 12-month land leases, are 17 privately owned baches and 52 privately owned caravans. Further revenue is derived from 48 casual campsites plus long-term boat parking,” Burton said.

Other assets forming part of the sale include a barbecue rotunda, plus playground and watercraft equipment. The business has six staff, encompassing a full-time manager, part-time front-of-house staff and cleaners, and a part-time groundskeeper.

The holiday park facilities are underpinned by an estimated 4.14 hectares of land with extensive space for boat and car parking. The site features a mix of flat lawns, mature bush and elevated platforms.

Rizarri said the large, flat campground and waterfront area was well-suited for redevelopment, while an elevated area behind the campground provided options for development with wide north-facing views over the Matakana Coast.

“Residential – Large Lot zoning under Auckland’s unitary plan invites the creation of a large, exclusive family estate befitting the superb waterfront location, beach access and views, which can be enjoyed and admired for generations to come,” Rizarri said.

Such a home would emulate other grand residences in the area, which is popular for its stunning waterfront, outdoor recreational activities, and thriving boating culture. The small settlement of Sandspit sits at the edge of a large estuary fed by the Matakana River, making it a gateway to Kawau Bay and the wider Hauraki Gulf.