Hamilton site released after nearly a century

An elevated site in Hamilton’s northwestern growth corridor has come to market for the first time in nearly a century, offering investors and developers an opportunity to secure a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most dynamic residential markets, Bayleys brokers say.

Bayleys Hamilton’s David Cashmore, together with colleague Aaron Paterson, is marketing the 2.023ha (more or less) freehold site at 293 Rotokauri Road, Baverstock - held in the same family since 1930 - for sale by auction, scheduled at 2:00 pm on Thursday 30th October 2025 (unless sold prior).

Cashmore says the property forms part of the Rotokauri growth precinct, a strategic location earmarked for significant residential expansion.

“Surrounded by newly built homes and masterplanned communities, the site enjoys panoramic city views with the Hakarimata Ranges to the west and Mount Te Aroha to the east.

“This is a substantial offering with subdivision potential and a compelling long-term development play, underpinned by policy directed at increasing housing supply to accommodate Hamilton’s rapid population growth and its role as the metropolitan heart of the Golden Triangle economic area.”

The property is positioned within minutes of Hamilton Zoo, Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, and an interconnected network of walkways, cycleways, and green corridors.

Major transport links, including State Highway 1C and the city’s new commuter rail hub, provide efficient access to employment, education, and retail nodes such as The Base - Hamilton’s largest shopping centre, located just two kilometres away.

“Dual frontage to Brymer Road allows greater development flexibility, while supportive policy, including Hamilton City Council’s Plan Change 12 (Operative), seeks to unlock greater density across urban precincts, further enhancing the property’s strategic value.”

Hamilton is New Zealand’s fastest-growing metropolitan centre, with population growth outpacing national averages and fuelling sustained demand for new housing. The city’s economy is increasingly diverse, supported by education, logistics, technology, and health, alongside strong infrastructure investment.

“Hamilton sits at the heart of New Zealand’s Golden Triangle - the country’s most powerful economic region linking Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. Home to more than half of New Zealand’s population and GDP, the region continues to attract the lion’s share of infrastructure and development interest.

“In this context, residential land parcels of scale in that territory remain a highly sought-after asset class, particularly as costs to complete escalate and the availability of shovel-ready sites tightens.”

Cashmore says these fundamentals reinforce Rotokauri’s position as a strategic development node.

“Residential land in Hamilton’s growth corridors has proven remarkably resilient, and with the city dubbed the ‘City of the Future’, demand is consistent and enduring. This site offers the rare combination of immediate development potential and long-term value uplift as density provisions evolve.

“This is a boutique development site that balances scale with workability. For developers, it offers immediate pathways to subdivision, while investors will see an enduring landholding supported by some of the strongest growth fundamentals nationwide.”