Urban Partners placed the former Waiwera campground on the market, offering nearly 18,000 square meters of beachfront land at the southern end of its Waiwera Spa Resort property. Colliers is marketing the site, which includes approximately one hectare of flat land with direct beach access.
According to an article published by Local Matters on March 4, Colliers agent Josh Coburn described the site as a premium opportunity, noting its development-ready status due to an existing wastewater agreement with Watercare.
“The Watercare agreement guarantees wastewater capacity for developments of scale on the campground site,” Coburn said. “This represents a significant opportunity for buyers, potentially putting the site years ahead of competing stock.”
The property’s geothermal potential adds to its appeal. Coburn said recommissioning an on-site bore could provide access to geothermal waters, enabling the development of wellness and sustainability-focused amenities such as private hot tubs and pools.
The Waiwera Thermal Pools site, adjacent to the campground, was listed for sale in 2020. At the time, Urban Partners explored both a sale and joint venture for a redevelopment project featuring a day spa, hotel, microbrewery, and apartments.
Urban Partners chief executive Greig Staples confirmed the company remains committed to restoring a world-class thermal resort at the pool site. “The thermal hot springs industry is highly specialized, with only a small number of parties possessing the expertise required to develop and operate a high-quality thermal resort,” he said.
Staples acknowledged that progress had been delayed by market challenges, including the impacts of COVID-19, the property downturn, and broader economic conditions.
The nearly two-hectare Waiwera property has been closed since 2018. Given its potential as a tourism and wellness destination, its redevelopment has been of ongoing interest.