Private Stewart Island eco-sanctuary listed for sale
Regenerating native forest and ancient Rimu at Dancing Star Reserve
The Xcluder predator fence on Dancing Star Reserve
Mamaku Point on Dancing Star Reserve
Lee Bay at Dancing Star Eco Reserve
A private Stewart Island eco-sanctuary could soon turn public after its California-based owners listed it for sale.
The 172-hectare Dancing Star Reserve was listed on Sotheby’s International Realty website on Wednesday with an asking price of $2.25 million.
The listing says it could soon become a top New Zealand tourist destination, an exclusive eco-retreat, or an education centre if the new owner decides to open it to the public.
Non-profit organisation Dancing Star Foundation has owned the reserve for the past 15 years as a private, protected ecological refuge for native flora and fauna.
The property adjoins Rakiura National park and is one of the largest pieces of privately-owned land on Stewart Island.
Calls to the Dancing Star Foundation on Wednesday went unanswered.
Stewart Island Rakiura Ward councillor Bruce Ford said he had not heard the reserve had been put up for sale and was not sure what the reason would be.
The reserve has garden meadows, five beaches, mountainous terrain and some of the oldest native forest in New Zealand, the listing says.
A high-tech fence surrounds the area to help keep predators at bay.
The reserve hosts more than 126 native species and has one of the highest concentrations of kiwi in New Zealand, the listing says.
Realty sales associate Matt Finnigan said the land had the potential to lead the world in conservation efforts.
A historic barn and environmental education centre are also housed on the reserve.
The Dancing Star Foundation is involved in active ecological restoration efforts and intensive environmental field research.
– Stuff
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