Our philosophy of regeneration has guided our every step during the process of developing this subdivision.
Regeneration is at the heart of The Highlands. ‘Regeneration’ comes from the Latin, regenerare, to ‘create again’ and this is exactly what has been done with this unparalleled location. By transitioning the former pine plantation back to indigenous forest we have restored the natural, native ecosystem, thus creating a paradise to sustain generations.
Native Forest
Across the property, extensive native planting has supported the regenerating native bush to form an evolving ecosystem that continues to increase in diversity each year.
Across the landscape, pioneer and early-secondary species such as mānuka, kānuka, coprosma, wineberry and māhoe that naturally prepare the way for mature broadleaf forest species can be seen in abundance, together with developing and more mature indigenous forest, including rewarewa, pūriri, tōtara, kauri, nīkau, karaka, pigeonwood, to name a few. Beneath their canopy, numerous other indigenous species are establishing naturally through germinating seed spread by birds from the pockets of remnant hardwoods within The Highlands and surrounding it on three sides.
These forests provide:
- Habitat for native birds and insects
- Natural shelter from prevailing winds
- Erosion protection on steeper slopes
- Improved water quality through natural filtration
- An increasingly diverse ecological community
This is a landscape that will continue to improve with time.
Birdlife
One of the pleasures of living at The Highlands is experiencing New Zealand’s native birdlife every day.
Residents regularly observe:
- Tūī
- Wood Pigeon (Kererū)
- Fantail (Pīwakawaka)
- Morepork (Ruru)
- Silvereye (Tauhou)
- Kingfisher (Kōtare)
- Bellbird (Korimako)
- Quail
- Pheasant
Kiwi have also been recorded from The Highlands. As native vegetation matures, bird populations are expected to continue increasing as food sources and nesting habitat expand.
Morning birdsong is one of the defining characteristics of life at The Highlands.
Caring for the Landscape
The Highlands has been developed with a long-term vision of environmental stewardship. Ongoing management includes:
- Protection of significant native vegetation
- Restoration planting using eco-sourced native species
- Pest plant control
- Encouragement of natural regeneration
- Careful management of stormwater and waterways
- Maintaining ecological connectivity throughout the property
Rather than imposing upon the landscape, each homesite has been positioned to work with the natural contours and vegetation.
Living with Nature
Owning property at The Highlands means becoming part of an environment that will continue to evolve for generations.
As native forest matures, the ecological richness of the landscape will grow—creating larger areas of indigenous habitat, increasing biodiversity and strengthening the natural resilience of the land.
For homeowners, this means more than beautiful surroundings.
It means waking to birdsong, watching kererū feeding in fruiting trees, seeing native bush mature around your home, and knowing you are contributing to the protection of one of Northland’s outstanding coastal landscapes.
A Lasting Legacy
The Highlands has been created not simply as a subdivision, but as a place where exceptional homes can exist in harmony with an extraordinary natural environment.
It is a landscape to enjoy today, to protect tomorrow, and to pass on to future generations.
We invite you to be a part of this legacy.