For sale for the first time in a century, this original waterfront estate tugs at the heartstrings.

The sole property in Waihāhā Bay within the Western Bays of Lake Taupō, has been marvelled at by many when wistfully viewed from the lake.

The secluded property with its modest fishing cottage and boatshed is a landmark prime freehold Taupō waterfront estate, and has been in single family ownership for around 100 years.

The circa-1920s timber cottage, with a bunkroom added at a later stage, sits on a flat 1.2-hectare site, nestled into a bush clad hill and looking out across the lake to the snow-capped mountains of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe in the Tongariro National Park.

The simple yet homely dwelling has three bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living area with a woodburner, and there’s power connected to the site with water from a reliable bore.

This has been the perfect base for fishing holidays and family get-togethers across generations for the current owners, and they’ve treasured the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle here.

The location even has a Royal connection with then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, visiting the property during a Royal Tour of New Zealand in 1970 with his parents. His Royal Highness was flown into Waihāhā by R.N.Z.A.F Iroquois to fly-fish and reportedly said it was “some of the finest fishing" he’d ever experienced.

A different kind of helicopter lands on the front lawn these days, being the quickest way to get to Waihāhā Bay. A 20-minute private boat ride from Kinloch Marina, which is around 20km from Taupō town, is an alternative. There is also a walking track from the end of Waihāhā Road down to the property.

Alison Whittle of Bayleys Taupō said the property is a world-class waterfront landholding, unrivalled in the wider Taupō area, if not the country, and much-admired.

“People have a very emotional association with the property, despite never having set foot there.

“Anyone who has fished, cruised or holidayed in the area knows the cottage and has no doubt dreamed of owning it.

“It has a special mystique and this really is fly-fishing utopia – whether on the lake or in the nearby Waihāhā River.”

A spokesperson for the family said with busy lives that have taken some in different directions, including living overseas, the property is underutilised so it is reluctantly for sale.

“While it’s absolutely a heart wrench to be selling given the intergenerational memories made there, it’s time for someone else to love it and create their own legacy.”

Click here for more information on the listing.