Iconic Waiheke Island destination Poderi Crisci for sale

Fifteen years of love and labour went into Poderi Crisci to create a little slice of Italy on Waiheke Island, but chef and restaurateur Antonio Crisci is now looking to slow down and hand over the reins to a new passionate owner.

Located at 205 and 205a Awaawaroa Road, Awaawaroa Bay, Waiheke Island, Poderi Crisci is a 7.7 hectare vineyard and olive grove, featuring an award winning winery, established Italian restaurant, as well as a four-bedroom residence.

Originally from Naples, Italy, Mr Crisci moved to New Zealand more than 40 years ago and opened Toto Restaurant in Auckland which he ran for 25 years before selling it to his nephew. He then established Non Solo Pizza in Parnell before later selling it to Savor Group.

When Mr Crisci bought Poderi Crisci it was just a vineyard which he has developed into the destination it is today.

“The idea was to create something like we would in Italy. The idea was to create a self-sustaining place where we make wine and olive oil and we have a veggie garden,” Mr Crisci said.

“Eventually there is room and possibility to have accommodation where people can enjoy the pace and a little slice of Italy. We had the idea that if they wanted to participate in the life they could be part of the wine making or olive oil production. In Italy it's called agriturismo.”

Mr Crisci said he was at a stage in his life where he wasn’t looking to take on large new projects like building accommodation, and wanted to pass the baton to someone with the same vision he has.

“I always start to do these things because I like the concept, but I would like to be on the other side of the counter as a tourist. I want to slow down,” he said.

“Poderi Crisci is a kind of dream or passion, it's a beautiful property with a beautiful outlook.

“There is a house on the property with the possibility of building another house, and the business has been profitable since day one, so it's a combination of lifestyle and income.”

Located on Waiheke Island, Poderi Crisci has become a destination in its own right.

“People enjoy coming over here as it’s completely outside the hustle and bustle,” he said.

“They come with the intention of staying an hour and they stay four hours, it’s like a different dimension.

“It’s very relaxing and attractive for people coming from town.”

The property is being marketed by Ray White Waiheke agent Matthew Smith, who said Poderi Crisci was an amazing property full of opportunity.

“It feels like it's miles away from anywhere but it's only 10 minutes from Onetangi and 20 minutes from Oneroa,” Mr Smith said.

“It feels like you’re in Tuscany, it’s incredible. Antonio has created a real destination.

“There is a restaurant and bar, a winery, and a house with a pool, so you could live there permanently and run the restaurant, or live there temporarily like a bach and lease the restaurant out.

“There is a huge market garden where they have grown their own veggies for the restaurant. They also make their own wine and olive oil on site.”

Mr Smith said there was also plenty of room to expand the business.

“There is already a helipad and a glamping site which Antonio built for his family to visit,” Mr Smith said.