Feature article
The 10 most expensive houses in New Zealand (2025)
Got $60m up your sleeve? NZ’s most expensive homes are ready for foreign investors eyeing our luxury property market.
4 September 2025
New Zealand’s luxury property market is back in the spotlight. With the government’s recent announcement that wealthy foreign investors can now purchase a single home valued at $5 million or more, interest in our most exclusive real estate is heating up again.
From private islands in the Hauraki Gulf to lakeview retreats in Queenstown, these listings showcase the very best (and priciest) homes on the market. Here are the 10 most expensive houses in New Zealand right now—each comfortably above the new $5m threshold for our foreign investor friends.
1. Private Island Paradise – Asking price $60,000,000
Location: 1 Pakatua Island, Auckland
It’s not every day an island in the Hauraki Gulf hits the market. This one comes with a retro resort built in the 1960s, but the real opportunity lies in its future—ripe for reinvention by the right visionary. With three private white-sand beaches and acres of untouched land, it’s easy to imagine this as New Zealand’s answer to Necker Island. Sir Richard, do you copy?
2. Remuera Icon – HomesEstimate $32,000,000
Location: 532 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
In this Remuera-meets-Bridgerton affair, a noble home designed by Roy Binney and built in 1914 has been turning heads for more than a century. Perched high on Remuera’s most prestigious ridgeline, it commands sweeping harbour views, lush gardens, and that grand old-world architecture so rarely found in New Zealand. Step inside and it’s all about entertaining in style, picture ballroom glamour with modern luxury, right in the heart of Auckland’s most exclusive suburb.
3. Clifftop Dream – Price indications: $30,000,000+
Location: 223 Constable Road, Muriwai Beach, Auckland
This expansive West Coast property has already had its share of fame, hosting The Great Kiwi Bake Off and even a few celebrity weddings. Just a short drive from Auckland, the property has been designed as a wellness sanctuary with contemporary architecture that maximises those sweeping Tasman Sea vistas. Future development plans are included in the package because, well, sometimes even paradise could do with a glow up.
4. Remuera Masterpiece – Capital Value $30,000,000
Location: 6 Garden Road, Remuera, Auckland
In the heart of one of Auckland’s most affluent suburb, this estate offers rare breathing room—set on 5,100 m² (1.26 acres), it’s one of the few remaining Remuera properties with over half a hectare of land. Whether you’re seeking a private sanctuary or eyeing future development, it delivers. Add in a four-car garage, wine cellar, pool, plus a tennis court with a pavilion, and this grand property leaves little to be desired.
5. Arrowtown Architectural Sanctuary – HomesEstimate $20,200,000
Location: 2 Millvista Lane, Arrowtown
Designed by Haden Emslie, this Arrowtown showpiece sits on more than 4,000 m² of land overlooking Lake Hayes and The Remarkables. Tucked inside Millbrook Resort’s gated community, it features schist-and-larch pavilions with some seriously luxurious surprises—a palace-door entry (yes, really), dedicated teppan room, New York-style guest loft, and a self-cleaning heated pool.
6. Waiheke Island Retreat – Buyer price guide: $20,000,000+
Location: 211 Te Whau Drive, Waiheke Island, Auckland
Looking for a slice of the European summer without leaving NZ? This grand Waiheke villa delivers in spades. Picture private beachfront access where you can launch straight into the Hauraki Gulf, sprawling landscaped gardens that rival any Mediterranean estate, and your very own vineyards producing world-class wine to complete the dream.
7. Absolute Waterfront in the City – HomesEstimate $20,000,000
So close to the sea you can hear it from the living room—this Sumich-Chaplin masterpiece claims one of Takapuna's most coveted beachfront positions. Built in 2020 with no expense spared, marble interiors flow seamlessly to a resort-style pool and spa, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping harbour views. It's the rare Auckland property where you get true waterfront living without sacrificing city convenience.
8. Landmark Remuera Estate – HomesEstimate $19,700,000
Location: 228 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
Another jewel on Remuera Road—Auckland's answer to Calabasas and the epicentre of New Zealand's luxury property market. This landmark estate transcends residential living, functioning more like a private resort in the heart of the city. Tennis court? Check. Pool and pool house? Tick. Harbour views? Absolutely. With its prime position on one of Auckland's most prestigious streets, this property exemplifies luxury living at its finest.
9. Pahoia Point Coastal Paradise – Asking price $18,500,000
Location: 340H Pahoia Road, Whakamarama, Bay Of Plenty
When Warren & Mahoney design you a modern masterpiece on 5.69 hectares of private peninsula, you know you've made it. The contemporary main house soaks up endless ocean views, while your very own beach house awaits, mere steps from the sand. Topped off with an infinity pool, tennis court, and putting green for those lazy afternoons, it's unlikely you would ever want (or need) to leave.
10. Queenstown Luxury Retreat – HomesEstimate $17,200,000
Location: 76 Hunter Road, Speargrass Flat, Queenstown
Welcome to Queenstown's golden triangle, where this luxury home commands 50 acres of pristine alpine paradise. Think wine cellar for your Central Otago collection, media room for a cozy night in, and a tennis court with The Remarkables as your backdrop. When dramatic peaks surround your morning coffee and the Southern Alps frame your sunset drinks, you've found your slice of New Zealand's most spectacular playground.
And that's a wrap
With New Zealand’s most expensive homes now on the radar for overseas buyers, the luxury market is entering an intriguing chapter. Whether you’re dreaming, browsing, or buying, these multi-million-dollar estates show there’s no shortage of real estate at the top end.
Keen to browse luxury homes in New Zealand?
If you’re a little curious (or cashed up) you’ll find the crème de la crème on Trade Me Property.
Just follow these steps:
- Visit Trade Me Property
- Hit the big blue Search button
- When the results load, choose Sort: Highest price
You’ll uncover everything from Ōrākei, Remuera and Herne Bay mansions to Queenstown and Wānaka estates, plus sprawling development sites nationwide.
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