There is a lot of property for sale right now, but which listing suits you best? OneRoof’s Buyers' Club series brings you the best in New Zealand real estate, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. We’ll highlight a range of homes from around the country that are worth your attention.
While some of us like to be able to stroll out for coffee and chew the fat with neighbours during our time off, others prefer solitude and several hundred kilometres between them and the next living soul.
For those who value their privacy and the land around them, OneRoof has curated six retreats that showcase remote Aotearoa at its best.
Some are more generous, family-style homes, while others are inspirational one-bedroom, off-grid escapes.
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Moonlight Peak, Carterton, Wairarapa | Tender June 9
Bayleys agents Jamie Taplin and Lindsay Watts are selling this luxury sanctuary: an architecturally-designed, off-grid escape that captures 360-degree views of the Wairarapa, Tararua Ranges and Cook Straight beyond. The contemporary one-bedroom dwelling is stylish in its simplicity, letting the landscape do the talking. It’s equipped with all the modern must-haves, including a hot tub out the front from which to savour the serenity.
Moonlight Peak is currently rented out as a short-term let. Photo / Supplied
The 36.97ha property is 90 minutes from Wellington and only accessible by four-wheel drive. It’s currently utilised as a boutique short-stay destination, so there are options for a buyer to continue with that business model.
Taplin says you really can just disappear here and that the view is incredible. “You can see from one end of the Wairarapa to the other. It’s off-grid, so has solar panels, gas hobs, gas hot water, but also Wi-Fi,” he assures.
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815 Pourakino Valley Road, Pourakino Valley | Asking price $1.95m
Two hours from Queenstown, this 23.26ha Southland estate is home to a 560sqm, four-bedroom luxury residence that overlooks the Pourakino Valley hinterland. It was architecturally designed by Dean Buckeridge and built by BJ Carter Homes for the current owners, now retired farmers who created their dream family home with a host of special features.
Ray White listing agent Jamiee McCabe says the value here is undeniable. “You cannot build a property to that standard, on land like that, in an area like that, for that sort of money in today’s market.”
The four-bedroom home for sale at 815 Pourakino Valley Road was designed by Dean Buckeridge and sits on 23.2ha. Photo / Supplied
“It’s surrounded by a really old Beechwood forest and sits on top of a hill overlooking the meadows. It’s quite magical.”
She says there are options here. “It could be an exclusive hunter’s retreat or wedding venue, as there are no wedding venues in Riverton. It would also suit retired farmers who are still after a big lifestyle block and plenty of space to entertain family and friends, as it’s equipped with an elevator.”
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1786 Port Underwood Road, Marlborough Sounds | Price by negotiation
https://www.oneroof.co.nz/property/marlborough/marlborough-sounds/1786-port-underwood-road/u4zQN
It’s out to the coast for this native bush-clad, Marlborough Sounds estate, which offers 38.6ha and a comfortable three-bedroom home. The property is a 25-minute drive from Picton and 48km from Blenheim. The grandstand position allows residents to be fully immersed in the view here, which stretches from Port Underwood across Cloudy Bay and towards Cook Straight in the distant horizon.
1786 Port Underwood Road, in Marlborough Sounds, is near a world of hidden coves and diving spots. Photo / Supplied
It’s the perfect spot to get the creative juices flowing, which is aided by the onsite 22m x 8.5m workshop, which will delight creatives, collectors and adventurers. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the proximity to Tom Cane Bay, where you can launch the boat and head straight into a world of hidden coves, diving spots, and enviable fishing.
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1640 Lilybank Road, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie | Price by negotiation
You’ll be living at one with nature at this showpiece of modern mountain living. The 406sqm, five-bedroom luxury home was designed by acclaimed architect Charlie Nott and sits comfortably in its high-country setting, thanks to its Siberian larch and western red cedar construction.
The inviting natural palette continues inside with oak and timber utilised throughout, while open fires and central heating create a cosy haven when the mercury drops.
1640 Lilybank Road, in Lake Tekapo, is a high-country retreat designed by architect Charlie Nott. Photo / Supplied
The 199.6ha freehold property is 17km from Tekapo but feels a world away within its untouched, rugged lakeside setting. It also incorporates a standalone 75sqm, air-conditioned boardroom with a studio bedroom and a modern country cabin around one kilometre away from the main house.
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty salesperson Laura Reidy says the property is "set within the vast beauty of the Mackenzie Basin, a place of true seclusion, yet within easy reach of Lake Tekapo’s amenities”.
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1107D SH 25 Manaia Kereta/Te Kouma, Coromandel, Thames-Coromandel | Price by negotiation
Located on a prominent Coromandel headland, this off-grid waterfront home presents a slightly different proposition, as it’s being sold as a leasehold property.
Richardsons listing agent Kim Radick explains: “For the price, you’re effectively purchasing the house and unobstructed use of the land until 2069.”
For context, he likens it to living in a retirement village, where units are sold with a licence to occupy.
The headland for sale at 1107D SH 25 Manaia Kereta/Te Kouma, in the Coromandel. Photo / Supplied
“This is a standard lease, like you’d have on a commercial property, but in this case it’s on this particular parcel of land.”
He says the privacy of the setting has driven a lot of interest so far, as has the location, which keen fishermen will be very familiar with. “The harbour that it overlooks is the Te Kouma harbour, which is very popular with the boating fraternity of Auckland.”
Te Kouma harbour cannot be accessed by road, which further enhances the privacy of the proposition.
The land incorporates 490m of foreshore coastline and is billed as an absolute playground for water lovers, plus it comes with a three-bedroom home that boasts dazzling views of the Hauraki Gulf from almost every room.
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74 Te Wai Komaru Way, Makara, Wellington | For sale
This simple yet stylish, one-bedroom cabin is aptly named Oceanview Sanctuary, thanks to its uninterrupted outlook across moody Cook Straight, Marlborough Sounds, and the Kaikōura ranges. It’s fully off-grid and set within a protected ecological reserve, offering its lucky occupants complete and utter seclusion. The deck is the perfect spot for a morning coffee, while the deep outdoor bath is a dreamy place to soak away the stresses of life.
74 Te Wai Komaru Way is private and still only 40 minutes from Wellington CBD. Photo / Supplied
It's only 40 minutes from Wellington CBD and is currently featured on a boutique short-stay accommodation website. So, as New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty agent Wayne Kemp points out in his listing, it offers an established income stream. “Enjoy it as your own weekend retreat, while generating income to help offset ownership costs when not in use,” he says.
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