Discover the thriving destination of Marsden Cove. This unique waterways development was brought to life by longstanding residential property developers, Hopper Developments. Conveniently situated just a 30-minute drive south of Whangarei, nestled within the breathtaking Whangarei Harbour.
Upon completion, this visionary development will encompass approximately 700 sections, featuring both waterfront and coastal properties, designed with public reserves and picturesque beach areas throughout, coming together to create an extraordinary lifestyle-focused community for residents to enjoy.
Adding to the residential development is the Marine Village including the Marsden Cove Marina, marine services, waterfront retail, supermarket and eateries, medical centre, Anchorage Retirement Village, and much more.
Key Locations
Lock & Weir
Marsden Cove is home to New Zealand’s largest sophisticated Lock & Weir system, designed to create a private and exclusive waterfront environment in the second and future stages of the canal development. Essentially, sections fronting the locked canal stages have the added benefit of an everlasting high tide, and private key access on the water to their waterfront properties. Watch below to see how easy and convenient it is to enter through the lock.
For more information about this, get in touch with our team today.
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Living at Marsden Cove is like a constant breath of fresh air. My family and I love it. We love the landscape, the ease for us to enjoy our hobbies, and have made so many new like-minded friends. It’s thrilling to be part of an energetic, diverse, and growing community. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Shana Hopper-McCully
Marsden Cove Resident | Sales & Marketing Manager
Timelapse of Canal Bund Opening
Watch the moment the canal opens to the sea.
Removing a canal bund and extending the waterways is a highly planned and precise operation. Before any excavation begins, the new section of canal is carefully flooded with seawater to gradually equalise flow and minimise disruption to the marine environment.
Over several days, skilled operators then use specialist diggers to methodically remove the bund, opening the sea to the newly created canal area. This is not a routine task — it is a carefully managed process overseen by an expert team to meet strict resource consent conditions and uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship and safety.
Each stage reflects the same commitment to precision, sustainability and care that defines the entire Marsden Cove Waterways development.
Marsden Cove Masterplan
Click the image to download the PDF.
Our Story: How Marsden Cove Waterways Began
Following the success of Pauanui Waterways in the mid-1990s, Hopper Developments set its sights on an even bolder vision. In 2004 the company acquired a prime parcel of land at One Tree Point, laying the foundation for what would become the landmark Marsden Cove Waterways project.
This undertaking was ambitious from the outset. It required navigating numerous resource consents and complex approvals to realise the first stage of residential sections — and embarking on the highly unusual task of developing one of New Zealand’s only inland marinas.
In November 2005, the dream became reality. The first release of sections was unveiled at a thrilling on-site auction, where more than 50 lots were sold in a single day.
Fast-forward to today, and Marsden Cove has blossomed into a thriving coastal community. Roughly 150 canal-front sections and 250 coastal sections have already been created, with future plans for approximately 120 additional waterfront and 150 coastal sections. Upon completion, the extensive canal network will span around 4.5 kilometres in total — a true testament to vision, persistence and passion for creating world-class waterfront living.
Hoppers Developments.
Creating communities and enriching lifestyles.
Marsden Cove is the third canal development by Hopper Developments. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Hoppers is a distinguished family-owned entity, flourishing under the watchful eye and of its seasoned team, including third generation family members. Unwavering in their commitment to deliver property options that foster vibrant communities and present unparalleled lifestyle choices.
While primarily a land development company, Hoppers has diversified into housing construction, retirement village development, civil construction and infrastructure financing and management. All projects undertaken by Hoppers follow a set of common principles which entail detailed planning and innovation resulting in excellent products and services.