Our Story
Takapoto Estate is a living sanctuary and the Plaw family legacy. The 600-acres has been lovingly restored with nearly one million native trees and plants now providing a thriving eco-sanctuary to the neighbouring Mangatautari Mountain.
The name Takapoto encompasses all that is good about sustainability, traceability and leading by example. It is an exemplar across multiple levels, including a world class equestrian facility, boutique cottage accommodation, award-winning vineyards and wines, Angus bulls, a market garden and several function options that cover weddings to more intimate corporate meetings, as well as black tie balls and more.
With Sanctuary Mountain in the backdrop, Takapoto Estate offers the birds of Mangatautari a year-round pantry, including native flowers and flax. The forest has also started offering seeds and propagation materials to help grow other forests, wetlands, riparian restorations, subdivision projects, and garden designs.
Over the years, the gullies and sidelings have been retired to protect the waterways on what was previously farmland and rolling countryside. Likewise, an effective pest control program has been a critical investment in maintaining and protecting the Takapoto Estate forest, its native inhabitants, and its neighbors.
The property’s ‘river run’ has been planted extensively. However, a special spot is reserved for the vines that produce some of the Takapoto Estate’s Crossing Point wines. The air movement from the Waikato river keeps the grapes healthy and produces top wines with the help of Alex Coldicutt, Takapoto Estate’s Winemaker.
The Estate is also home to a market-style garden that produces honey, olive oil, fruit, and vegetables. This produce goes into healthy food boxes for ten families every week and is available for guests of the Lakehouse.
The next project on the horizon includes a nursery of native and exotic plants. In partnership with the local Tangata Whenua and the Maungatautari Mountain Ecological Island Trust, Takapoto Estate will be growing from the genetics of the mighty Maunga. Giving back is at the heart of Takapoto Estate. The development and management of the native forest and plantings will continue to be an area of ongoing investment to contribute to the future of our local ecosystem.
While Takapoto embraces all that is fabulous about the region, those behind the gate have a keen eye to the future, knowing only too well, they are just the guardians of this very precious piece of land. Discover more in a Takapoto Tour.