This ultimate New Zealand man cave has a million-dollar view

There are probably 500 to 600 golf balls sitting in the valley below Denis Wheeler’s man cave.

Wheeler built the cave himself two years ago at the front of his North Taranaki property, on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, where it looks out over the surrounding hills and right out to the ocean.

He and his buddies have spent many a night out there hitting many a golf ball into the abyss, never to be found again. Except, maybe, by a neighbouring farmer doing his rounds.

Every inch of the place is covered with antique tools, parts from ships, items from the war, and anything else that takes Wheeler’s fancy.

“Everything’s got a little story,” the 61-year-old said.

There’s a mint green claw foot bath, fully plumbed in to instant hot water, in which you can have a soak, glass of wine in hand, and look out to the sunset where all your golf balls have travelled.

The grandkids love it, he says.

He’ll proudly show off his knowledge of every item, the extent of which would make him a great addition to any quiz team.

“Bet you don’t know what this is,” he quips as he grabs each item off the wall.

Wheeler couldn’t tell you exactly how many items he’s collected; he’s been doing it for years. He doesn’t have a favourite either – “They’re all good.”

His eclectic collection includes 1920 hockey pads he found when he was involved with the demolition of the old Spotswood College gym, a 250-year-old German table, and compasses from old ships.

His preference is for items at least 100 years of age.

But Wheeler says the space will never be finished because he’s always adding to it.

Often when people come to visit they’ll end up gifting him all their grandad’s old tools, which may have sat in a draw collecting dust otherwise.

“When people throw away old tools, it breaks my heart,” he says. “Bring them here and I can restore them and people can appreciate them.”

Wheeler hasn’t counted how much he’s spent on creating his slice of paradise. He said it would scare him too much.

But at the end of the day, it’s worth it.

“You just do it; what it costs doesn’t really matter because you get what you want and it’s such a good feeling in here.”

His wife of 39 years, Debbie, was hesitant about the man cave at first but has come around to it and now spends just as much time out there as Wheeler. She even vacuums and cleans the place.

He says the space is no secret, and a bit of a museum. He has even been known to lend it out for work dos.

“It’s a dream come true. A privilege really.”

And with that, Wheeler takes off his Red Band gumboots, walks to the fridge in his thick socks, and opens the door.

“It’s not a man cave without a beer,” he says.

This story was first published by Stuff.co.nz