THE SECRET GARDEN
Address: 100 Spence Road, Lower Shotover, Queenstown
Record of Title: 753284
Legal Description: Lot 1 DP 502589
Estate: Freehold
Land Area: 3,840 m²
Some places in Queenstown you only find if someone shows you the way. The end of Spence Road, in Lower Shotover, is one of them.
Wind past the historic Ferry Hotel and a handful of old cottages, and the road simply runs out at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge, where the Queenstown Trail crosses the river. Right at the top, behind a tall screen of poplars and hedging, is 100 Spence Road: 3,840 square metres of established grounds on the river terrace, and one of the basin’s best-kept secrets.
In 1995, this was a bare paddock. The owners built a formal garden here for visitors to their peony flower farm, and it went on to become a wedding venue in its own right. At its heart is an ornate rotunda, framed by a parterre of clipped box, with dry-stone schist walls, stone steps and gravel paths winding beneath flowering cherries. Decades of growth have given it something money can’t buy: towering poplars, conifers and cherries that make it private and settled, and turn it into a sea of blossom every spring.
Within the grounds sits a large designated building platform of around 735 square metres, allowing a home with a footprint of up to 500 square metres, set well back from the road behind protected planting. Under the district plan, a home within the registered platform is a controlled activity. Its own driveway has been consented, and the new crossing approved, constructed, brand new gates installed, and treated water comes by easement from a private bore beside the river.
Then there’s what’s on the doorstep. The trail is a stroll from the gate, linking you by bike or on foot to Frankton, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown and Gibbston’s wineries. By car, Frankton is eight minutes away, the airport ten and central Queenstown fifteen.
Tucked away, rich in history and decades in the making, this is a rare chance to build something special in one of the most quietly beautiful corners of the Wakatipu Basin.
100 Spence Road. A secret garden at the end of the road, waiting for its home.
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Sale Method: Deadline Sale Closing 2 pm, 17 November 2026 (unless brought forward)
Collection: Spring ‘26 | Special Projects
Viewing: Video and private tours available on request
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OMEA SWANSON
Sales Partner
Oliver Road | Luxury Real Estate+64 21 151 5412
omea@oliverroad.co.nzCAM WINTER
Managing Director
Oliver Road | Luxury Real Estate
A Closer Look
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Location: 100 Spence Road, Lower Shotover, Queenstown
Legal Description: Lot 1 DP 502589
Certificate of Title: 753284
Estate: Freehold
Land Area: 3,840 m²
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Territorial Authority: Queenstown Lakes District Council
Operative Zone: Rural General Zone
Proposed Zone: Wakatipu Basin Lifestyle Precinct
Valuation Number: 2907121602
Rating Valuation: $1,750,000
QLDC Rates: $3,166.68
ORC Rates: $768.32
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Water Supply: Shared private supply with Lot 2 & 3 (108 & 107)
Lot 1 is entitled to a domestic water supply of up to 2,100 litres per day.
The Lot 3 owner is responsible for operating, managing and maintaining the scheme.
Water Supply Costs: Annual servicing, cleaning and UV filters are approximately $500 + GST for 100 Spence Road (one-third share). Any additional repairs and maintenance are also shared equally, with costs expected to be minimal but variable.
Potable water is supplied from a bore on the Shotover River flats, with full filtration and UV treatment.
Irrigation: Arrow Irrigation is connected at the gate, with one share available to 100 Spence Road, providing unlimited irrigation water at an annual cost of approximately $500 + GST.
Water Storage: Water Tanks Required
Need 20,000 litres for firefighting
Septic: On-site Septic System Required
Stormwater: On-site Disposal Required
Power: Public Connection (Boundary)
Gas: Bottled if Required
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Build Platform: 735m2 approx.
Build Height: Wakatipu Basin Lifestyle Precinct, has building heights of up to 6.5 m under the standard height rule, with heights up to 8 m requiring resource consent.
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Building location: All future buildings must be within building platform Area AA on DP 502589
Maximum footprint: 500 m² combined footprint of all buildings within the platform
Roof pitch: Primary building roof pitch must not be below 25°
Exterior cladding: Schist, horizontal or vertical timber, or plaster
Alternative cladding: Requires Council approval before use
Roofing materials: Steel (corrugated or tray), cedar shingles or slate
Exterior colours: Blacks, browns, greens or greys
Reflectivity: Pre-painted steel and roof finishes maximum 20%; other painted surfaces maximum 30%
Water tanks: Must be within the platform, buried or screened from public and neighbouring views; recessive colour, maximum 30% reflectivity
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Landscaping: Protected screening vegetation and mounding along identified boundaries, including minimum vegetation heights of 8 m and 4 m.
Roadside screening area, identified as Area AB on the deposited plan - Retain existing vegetation and mounding, with planting maintained at a minimum height of 8 m.
Other identified screening area, Area AC - Retain vegetation at a minimum height of 4 m.
Dead or diseased trees - Replace during the next available planting season.
Lighting: Any external lighting shall be directed away from adjacent sites and roads and shall be capped and directed downwards. Light spill shall be avoided.
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N/A
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RM230698 - 07/12/2023: To change Condition a of Consent Notice 1162227.5 to allow for the removal of trees to facilitate construction of a vehicle access.
RM211027 - 20/07/2022: For a five-lot subdivision and identify building platforms on lots 2-6 (107 & 108 Spence Road), copy decision attached for information.
RM151065 - 22/08/2016: to undertake a subdivision and to establish a residential building platform. A 224c Certificate was issued 16 March 2018.
AT THE HEART
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Travel Time: ~17 minutes
A vibrant hub with restaurants, cafes, boutique shopping, art galleries, and adventure tourism operators.
Highlights: Skyline Gondola, Queenstown Gardens, and the iconic waterfront along Lake Wakatipu.
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Travel Time: ~14 minutes
A historic gold-mining town with charming streets, boutique stores, and cozy cafes.
Highlights: Lakes District Museum, Arrow River trails, and the famous autumn colors.
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Travel Time: ~14 minutes
A hub for thrilling Shotover Jet boat rides and white-water rafting adventures through dramatic canyons.
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Travel Time: ~6 minutes
A tranquil lake perfect for walking, jogging, or picnicking.
Highlights: Lake Hayes Walkway, birdwatching, and photography opportunities.
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Coronet Peak
~23 minutesA premier ski destination offering excellent winter sports opportunities and summer mountain biking trails.
Amenities: Rental facilities, restaurants, and stunning panoramic views.
The Remarkables
~34 minutesOffers a family friendly ski experience for all ages and stages with lessons, rentals, and diverse trails for all skill levels.
Great views of Lake Wakatipu from the slopes.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
~1 hour 8 minutesA family-friendly ski resort offering extensive trails for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
Highlights: Terrain parks, beginner slopes, and alpine accommodation options. In summer, enjoy mountain biking and sightseeing.
Treble Cone Ski Field
~1 hour 40 minutesKnown for its advanced terrain, spectacular views, and uncrowded slopes.
Highlights: Long groomed runs, off-piste challenges, and stunning views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps.
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Jack's Point Golf Course
~20 minutesOverview: A championship 18-hole golf course renowned for its dramatic location at the base of The Remarkables mountain range and along Lake Wakatipu.
Highlights:
Impeccably maintained fairways and greens integrated into the natural alpine landscape.
Stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Clubhouse offering gourmet dining and a relaxing atmosphere post-game.
Arrowtown Golf Course
~12 minutesOverview: A charming and challenging 18-hole course set against the backdrop of Arrowtown's historic landscape.
Highlights:
Unique course layout that winds through natural terrain and old gold-mining sites.
Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Welcoming atmosphere, suitable for players of all levels.
Millbrook Golf Course
~13 minutesOverview: A world-class 27-hole championship golf course located within the luxurious Millbrook Resort.
Highlights:
Designed by renowned golf architects Sir Bob Charles and Greg Turner.
Spectacular scenery featuring rolling fairways, manicured greens, and a mountainous backdrop.
On-site facilities include a pro shop, driving range, and fine dining options at the resort.
The Hills Golf Course
~12 minutesOverview: An exclusive and prestigious private golf club offering a meticulously crafted 18-hole championship course.
Highlights:
Designed by Darby Partners, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape with water features and native plantings.
Hosts the New Zealand Open and other high-profile tournaments.
Features an impressive collection of outdoor sculptures and modern facilities, including a luxurious clubhouse.
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Five Mile Commercial & Shopping Precinct
~7 minutesOverview: A modern and convenient retail and commercial hub located near Frankton, Queenstown. Five Mile is a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and essential services.
Highlights:
Retail Stores: Hosts a variety of popular retailers, including fashion outlets, electronics stores, and home goods shops.
Supermarkets & Hardware: Features Countdown, Pak’n’Save, Bunnings and Mitre10 Mega.
Dining Options: A selection of cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries offering diverse cuisines.
Health & Wellness: Includes gyms, yoga studios, and healthcare providers such as pharmacies, dentists, and medical clinics.
Professional Services: Banks, offices, and other essential services are conveniently located within the precinct.
Parking: Ample free parking makes it easy to access for residents and visitors.
Five Mile is an essential destination for both everyday necessities and leisure shopping, offering a convenient and well-equipped commercial centre close to Dalefield.
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Travel Time: ~15 minutes
Known as the "Valley of Vines," this area is home to some of New Zealand's finest wineries.
Highlights: Gibbston Valley Winery & Cheesery, Peregrine Wines, and Chard Farm.
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Travel Time: ~9 minutes
Serves as the gateway to the region with domestic and international flights.
Includes car rental services, shopping, and dining options.
The Queenstown Trail Network
(on the doorstep of 100 Spence Road, Lower Shotover)
The Queenstown Trail Network is a diverse collection of easy to intermediate (Grades 2-3) cycling and walking trails that weave through the spectacular landscapes of the Whakatipu Basin. Spanning river terraces, lakeside tracks, historic bridges, native reserves, vineyards and alpine foothills, the network links many of the region’s most iconic destinations. Riders can follow routes beside the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, pass through remarkable features such as tunnels and suspension bridges, and enjoy seamless connections between Queenstown, Frankton, Jack’s Point, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Ayrburn and the Gibbston Valley. From Lower Shotover, the Countryside Trail and the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge are close at hand, linking you to the Twin Rivers, Tucker Beach and Shotover Gorge trails, or across the basin to Arrowtown. With countless options for scenic loops and longer adventures, the Queenstown Trail Network offers an outstanding way to explore the wider Queenstown region by bike or on foot.
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