“A picture-perfect bay” is how some describe Pasadena Bay. That’s what former Air New Zealand boss Ralph Norris thought when he purchased property here. It is located at the extreme eastern end of Waiheke. It is an island sanctuary that has history dating back almost 100 years.
Pasadena Bay boasts lush gardens. Native bush thrives here. Kauri and nikau trees dot the landscape. A modest home sits on the property. There is also another cottage on the land. A boatshed completes the scene. For those who have access, the easiest way to reach the house is by boat. The private jetty awaits. Or you can arrive by helicopter.
The Snedden family of Auckland owned this land since 1927. Visitors have been signing a guest book in the cottage since 1929. Some of Auckland’s most prominent families have written their names here. The home has been lovingly restored.
Norris paid $6.5 million for this holiday hideaway. In 2005, Auckland City Council valued the property at $7.5 million. Norris seemingly got a bargain. The property had been on the market for about 16 months. Norris and his wife Pamela bought it three months later. Real estate agents kept the deal quiet. They even signed a confidentiality agreement.
Before buying Pasadena Bay, Norris earned millions as chief executive of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Prior to that, he headed Air New Zealand. The move to Sydney meant a substantial pay rise for Norris. He also still owns a home in Epsom, Auckland.
Pasadena Bay is more than just a place. It is a retreat. It is a place where Auckland’s elite have enjoyed peaceful moments for generations. It is a place of natural beauty. It is a place of privacy. As you stand here, imagine the stories this bay could tell. From the Snedden family to Ralph Norris, Pasadena Bay remains an island hideaway.