Te Rere Estate (R)

This vast mansion is undoubtedly the most impressive property on Waiheke Island and one of the most prestigious houses ever built in New Zealand. Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking. If you're a walker, explore the island's trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest. At the island's eastern end, the Stony Batter walkway leads you to a system of World War II gun emplacements and underground tunnels.

The main house is split into two areas, the main living area and the self-contained private wing, and there is a self-contained studio apartment adjoining the main property. The main living area is a split level, with the primary bedroom suite upstairs offering commanding views over the water.

On either side of the main bedroom are two en-suite bathrooms, two cavernous dressing rooms with cosy reading nooks. There is even a small kitchenette, with tea and coffee-making facilities and a fridge to keep drinks cold.

Downstairs is the living area. The designer kitchen boasts state-of-the-art equipment, a walk-in butler's pantry and a considerable amount of workspace, a true entertainer's delight and perfect if you choose to use our private in-house chef service. Alongside the kitchen is the main lounge, with large flatscreen TV and Sky. There is an Alfresco dining area with seating for 12 and a large fireplace, and next to that is the 2.6 metres-deep, heated indoor pool.

Next to the kitchen is one of two convenient powder rooms, and further down the hall, a well-equipped office and private study. Opposite the study is the formal dining room, with seating for ten and the billiards room, with an attached lounge and fireplace.

Moving to the end of the main hall, we reach the laundry area, complete with washers and dryers and a separate 'off the beach' shower area, perfect for rinsing off before entering the main house. There is also a second powder room. Before we reach the guest wing, we find a fantastic bunk room, great for kids and families with young children, complete with two double bunks and two single bunks.

At the western end of the main living area is a long corridor and art gallery that leads to the self-contained guest wing. The guest wing has a kitchenette with tea and coffee facilities, a fridge, microwave and dishwasher. A small dining area and a comfortable private lounge with flat screen TV exist. Off the living area are four king-sized bedrooms, each with luxury en-suite bathrooms and beautiful views over the water.

You will find a pilates studio and a fifth king-sized bedroom on a mezzanine level above the living area.

Moving outside, we reach the studio apartment, a great private space with a self-contained kitchen, large bathroom, dining area, king-sized bed and private balcony.

Below the main house is the beating heart of the property – the winery. A dark winding staircase takes you into the secret barrel hall, where some of the finest wines spend their time gracefully maturing. At the end of the barrel hall is a tasting room/bar area with all the facilities required to entertain guests for hours. The space opens onto the lawns and the spectacular sea views beyond.

Twenty-one acres of private gardens and vineyards give you a lot of potential for exploring. There is an area to practice your chipping, with a miniature golf green and a kid's playground with a small zipline, perfect for the family's youngest members.

For the more daring, a private bush walk leads you down to the beach and a concrete track that gives the sealegs direct access to the ocean, making fishing trips easy.