New Zealand may be a relatively small country, but the range of landscapes – and lifestyles – on offer is remarkable. Whether you’re drawn to mountain lakes, lively cities or wild coastline, there’s a corner of the country that could be exactly what you’re looking for. Here are five locations worth putting at the top of your list.
Download the New Zealand Buying Guide
Contents
1. Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown has a reputation as the adventure capital of the world, but there’s much more to living here than bungee jumping and skydiving. The town sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, and the lifestyle it offers is genuinely hard to match anywhere else in the southern hemisphere.
The arts and dining scene has grown considerably in recent years, with a strong selection of restaurants and wine bars to explore. There are also some excellent wineries just outside town in the Gibbston Valley. Day trips from Queenstown put you within easy reach of Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Routeburn Trek trailhead at Glenorchy.
Property prices reflect the demand. According to the latest data, Queenstown has an average property value of around NZ$1,545,000, making it one of the most expensive markets in New Zealand – and one that has seen consistent long-term growth. If you’re considering a purchase here, speaking to a currency specialist early in the process can make a significant difference to what you’re able to afford. Our partner Smart Currency Exchange can help you lock in your exchange rate so that any movement in the pound-to-dollar rate doesn’t eat into your budget.
2. Kaikoura, Canterbury
If you’re after something more low-key, Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island is well worth considering. The town sits between the Kaikōura Ranges and the South Pacific Ocean, and the natural setting is genuinely striking – farmland rolling down to cliff-top views, with whales, dolphins, penguins and fur seals all regularly spotted just offshore.
Kaikoura has a creative, community-minded feel, with an active arts scene and a good range of bars, galleries and local events. Christchurch is just over two hours away by car, which makes it a viable base if you need to access city services without actually living in one. For those buying as a holiday or retirement base rather than a primary home, the relatively relaxed pace of life is a significant draw.
Average property values in Kaikoura sit at around NZ$700,000 – a notable increase on figures from a couple of years ago, reflecting growing interest in the area.
3. Dunedin, Otago
Dunedin is an interesting proposition for buyers who want coastal living without the price tag of New Zealand’s more well-known destinations. With a population of around 115,000, it functions as a proper city – there are viable job opportunities in publishing, tech, education, manufacturing and research – but it manages to hold on to something of a small-town character.
The city centre rewards exploration. There are second-hand shops, art galleries, markets, independent bars and a food scene that punches above its weight, particularly for Asian cuisine. The mix of students, families and retirees gives Dunedin a broad, inclusive feel, and the city has its own international airport for when you need to get somewhere quickly.
For buyers, Dunedin is one of the more accessible major centres in the South Island. The median house price sits at around NZ$650,000 – considerably less than Auckland or Queenstown, and with reasonable scope for capital growth as the city continues to develop.
4. Milford, Auckland
If you’re drawn to Auckland but want something a little quieter than the city centre, Milford on the North Shore is a suburb that consistently draws families and buyers looking for a practical, well-connected base. The suburb runs along a two-kilometre beach and borders Lake Pupuke, so there’s genuine waterside living on offer.
Getting into Auckland’s CBD from Milford takes around 13 minutes by car or 25 minutes by public transport, which makes the commute manageable. The area is well regarded for its schools, and the North Shore as a whole has good access to shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.
Milford sits at the more expensive end of Auckland’s market. Median prices for houses in the suburb are around NZ$1,363,000, reflecting both the location and the consistent demand for well-positioned North Shore properties. Again, it’s especially important to factor in currency risk when budgeting at this level – even a small shift in the exchange rate can move the sterling equivalent by tens of thousands of pounds.
5. Wellington
Wellington sits at the southern tip of the North Island – a compact, walkable city with more going on than its modest size might suggest. You’re never more than 15 minutes from the seafront, with farmland to the north and the Cook Strait to the south.
Lonely Planet once called it the coolest little city in the world, and the description has stuck – with good reason. Wellington has more cafés, bars and restaurants per capita than New York City, a strong regional wine culture, and a café scene that regularly draws comparisons with Melbourne. The city is also the centre of New Zealand’s film industry, with a rich cultural life that includes galleries, live music venues and a well-regarded arts festival.
The property market here is more affordable than many buyers expect, particularly in the city centre. The median sale price for an apartment in Wellington Central sits at around NZ$325,885 – a significant correction from the peak prices seen in 2021 and 2022. Standalone houses in the wider suburbs will cost considerably more, with the city’s broader median closer to NZ$850,000, but for buyers drawn to central urban living, Wellington offers genuine value by New Zealand standards.
Summary
New Zealand offers a genuinely varied property market – from the high-altitude lakeside living of Queenstown to the affordable, culturally rich streets of Dunedin. Whether you’re looking for a family base with good schools and city access, a coastal retreat, or a vibrant capital with a strong café culture, there’s a location here worth serious consideration.
