Where the 1% are buying in New Zealand
Luxury real estate is booming in New Zealand, with a surge in $10 million-plus sales reshaping the list of the country’s most expensive homes.
Four $10m+ deals have already settled this year, including two $28m sales that now rank in the top 10 of all time.
OneRoof has reviewed the 10 largest residential sales, totalling over $300 million, offering a glimpse into the rarefied world of New Zealand’s wealthiest homeowners.
$45.5m Dalefield estate tops the list
Address: Lower Shotover Road, Dalefield/Wakatipu Basin, Queenstown-Lakes
Price: $45,500,000
Date: June 2023
Chantecler, a 19-hectare estate in Queenstown, leads the pack at $45.5m.
Brokered by Hamish Walker of Walker & Co, the sale included a grand French-style mansion and additional subdividable land. The buyer was linked to Australian construction entrepreneur Karl Jameson.
“That stretch of Lower Shotover Road is earmarked for housing and commercial development, making the land extremely valuable,” Walker said.
Former top spot: $38.5m Orakei mansion
Address: Huriaro Place, Orakei, Auckland
Price: $38,500,000
Date: July 2013
Once New Zealand’s most expensive house, this mansion was built by financier Mark Hotchin and later sold to Chinese businessman Deyi “Stone” Shi.
Brokers Graham, Ollie and Andrew Wall of Wall Real Estate handled the deal. The 2,600sqm Sumich-designed home overlooks Paritai Drive and features an indoor pool and 12-car garage.
The Dotcom connection: $32.5m Coatesville sale
Address: Mahoenui Valley Road, Coatesville, Auckland
Price: $32,500,000
Date: June 2016
The sprawling estate once rented by Kim Dotcom was sold in 2016 to ZURU Toys founders Anna, Mat and Nick Mowbray in a deal brokered by Barfoot & Thompson’s Christina Tang.
Originally built by Richard Bradley, the Versailles-style mansion made headlines for its police raid during Dotcom’s tenure. It has since been renovated and now hosts lavish parties and fundraisers.
$29m Remuera Road retreat
Address: Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
Price: $29,000,000
Date: November 2021
Sold by Waikato-based entrepreneurs, this Sumich-designed 979sqm mansion sits on 4,200sqm and backs onto a private school. The Walls were again the brokers. The property has since undergone a full renovation. The neighbouring mansion is also on the market for those wanting a slice of Remuera luxury.
Tuscan-style Takapuna estate sells for $28.88m
Address: O'Neills Avenue, Takapuna, Auckland
Price: $28,888,000
Date: July 2017
Spanning 1,100sqm on 4,400sqm of waterfront land, this home was first owned by Craig Heatley and later sold to Mark Stewart in 2011. In 2017, it was quietly acquired by exporter Lichun Gao through a deal managed by Jim Mays and Jelena Freeman of Precision Real Estate.
Mansion swap: $28m Westmere and Mission Bay homes
Addresses: Rawene Avenue, Westmere & Ronaki Road, Mission Bay, Auckland
Price: $28,000,000 each
Date: March 2025
In a rare $56m mansion swap, a waterfront Westmere home once rented by Jason Statham was exchanged for a Sumich-designed home in Mission Bay owned by Steve Owen.
Built by Sharon Hunter and Tenby Powell, the Rawene property had sold previously for $17.68m. Broker Gilbert facilitated the unique deal after three weeks of negotiation.
Cremorne Street clifftop home fetches $27.5m
Address: Cremorne Street, Herne Bay, Auckland
Price: $27,500,000
Date: March 2018
Simon and Paula Herbert bought this waterfront home after selling their $26m Remuera mansion. Designed by Brent Hulena, the Herne Bay residence includes a helipad, beach access, boatshed, and a clifftop pool. It previously belonged to Steve Lockwood and was sold by the Walls.
$26.3m Mellons Bay mansion sets 2022 record
Address: Seymour Road, Mellons Bay, Auckland
Price: $26,300,000
Date: March 2022
Known as Greystone, this gated mansion was designed by William Algie in 2014 and features a library tower, Napoleonic-style dining room, and seven-car garage. Bayleys’ Angela Rudling and Michael Chi brokered the record-breaking sale.
Remuera landmark sells for $26m
Address: Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
Price: $26,000,000
Date: December 2017
The Herberts’ former home, a modernised Arts and Crafts mansion once owned by David Richwhite, was sold to an Asian buyer who now rents it out for $5,500 per week. The deal was brokered by the Wall Real Estate team.
Takeaway for mortgage advisers
While most of the housing market feels the pressure of high interest rates and cautious bank lending, the ultra-high-end segment remains largely insulated. These transactions are often cash-based or arranged through tailored finance, far removed from the constraints facing first-home buyers and investors.
For mortgage advisers, this presents a clear opportunity – many prestige buyers, including expats and offshore clients, require customised solutions such as private funding or structured, asset-backed loans.
With luxury sales continuing at record levels and many bypassing traditional lending channels, advisers who can facilitate high-value, non-bank finance are well placed to serve this elite market.
