"Is this your lifestyle dream?"
In that search for a corner of paradise, that little piece of dirt where a man or woman can surf and ride mountains without the crush of crowd, and with Australia and the US lost and with Russian nukes aimed at Europe, eyes point towards the lower South Pacific.
And, here, in the little South Island town of Kaikoura, population two thousand souls, the surf identity Negatron, who is famous, notorious to some, for his ability to manipulate a hundred different opinions into one coherent narrative on the BeachGrit commentary stream, is selling five-and-a-half acres of prime beachfront land for under one million US.
When I asked for a description of the waves, the divorced plumber wrote, “One paddock over a fence to one of the most consistent waves on the East Coast with multiple boulder bottomed peaks and a 10 minute walk along the railways tracks to a right point that’s been called the Rincon of the South Pacific.”
Why’s he selling?
“Divorce the main one but less mortgage more living. Five acres is 4.9 acres more than I need in my life.”
Negatron says he bought twenty acres from a local farmer and split it with another surfing family.
The selling agent’s prose is a little more flowery.
“Punching high in presentation where design & execution come together in perfect harmony…this special coastal location with the internationally acclaimed Mangamaunu surf breaks on your doorstep sets the scene for this incredible lifestyle opportunity in the most pristine of natural environments, a rare opportunity to secure a setting that is beyond compare with overwhelming appeal. The private position allows for picturesque views that encompasses the ocean or the impressive mountain range to the north, set in a natural native bush environment.
“Set on 2.23ha (5.51acres) surrounded by approximately 15 acres of protected native bush of which 2.5 acres are encompassed within this property. A true rarity this close to the ocean on the east coast, it enhances the natural landscape & offers a sheltered oasis from any sea breeze. This is home to many species of native Flora & Fauna, a wonderful place to explore to the sounds of the native birdlife. If you are a keen surfer, the famous surf breaks are only a hop, skip and a jump away. This once in a lifetime location makes you have the sense you are somewhere truly special, evoking the feeling of being on holiday permanently…is this your lifestyle dream?”