76 Wharfe Street, Oamaru, Waitaki, Otago
Queenstown, New Zealand
Guide Price
$457,620
789,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
5
BATHROOMS
2
Description
Positioned in an elevated, sun-soaked South Hill setting & surrounded by beautifully established, park-like grounds, this magnificent Oamaru stone residence offers a rare opportunity to secure a home rich in history, charm, & architectural presence while creating an interior that reflects your own style. From the moment you enter, the home showcases the warmth of native Rimu and the elegance synonymous with its 1920s heritage. Grand in scale and generous in layout, the residence offers multiple living spaces including a large separate lounge, formal dining room, & an adjoining study, allowing flexibility to create the living flow that suits your lifestyle. The spacious country-style kitchen
features a butler's pantry & connects conveniently to a separate laundry. One bedroom is located on the lower level, while four additional bedrooms are positioned upstairs, accessed via the impressive staircase. A modernised family bathroom services the upper level, while a cleverly concealed additional toilet is tucked discreetly beneath the staircase on the ground level. Recent upgrades enhance comfort & peace of mind, including a replaced roof in keeping with the home's original character in modern materials, rewiring throughout, insulation upgrades, a heat pump, & a new hot water cylinder (2025). Adding further warmth and ambience is a modern inbuilt pellet fire, perfectly complementing the home's character while providing efficient heating. The beautifully landscaped grounds offer privacy and tranquillity, while a garage with automatic door sits on the western side of the property and includes the added convenience of an EV charging plug. From this elevated vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping ocean views, mountain views, and an outlook across the town, also south toward Kakanui and Moeraki. With all the charm and grandeur of a bygone era, this remarkable property presents an exciting opportunity for those seeking a substantial character home where they can gradually enhance & personalise the interior while adding significant value over time. Buyer Enquiry Over $789,000 Contact Sheryl Heta on 0274 145 256 For Sale By Deadline closing at 4.00pm on Wednesday, 29 April at LJ Hooker, 193 Thames Street, Oamaru (unless sold prior)
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Queenstown
New Zealand's adventure capital set against dramatic Southern Alps scenery, popular with outdoorsy types who want skiing, hiking, and bungee jumping on their doorstep. It's a small town (about 50,000) that runs on tourism, meaning seasonal work is common and housing costs are inflated well beyond what the town's size would suggest. A stunning place to live if you can afford it and don't mind the isolation.
Morning surf before work, weekends tramping through Lord-of-the-Rings landscapes, and a laid-back culture where shoes are optional and nature is never more than ten minutes away.
Visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa — points-based system requiring a skilled job offer in NZ. New pathways opening August 2026 for trades workers and those with 5+ years experience. Accredited Employer Work Visa is the faster route if you already have a job offer.
Learn more: The Complete Guide to Moving to New Zealand→Key Fact
NZ has strict biosecurity laws — importing food, plants, or outdoor gear can result in heavy fines. The work-life balance is exceptional, but the job market is small and remote from everywhere.
Learn more: What You Need to Know Before Moving Abroad→New Zealand at a glance
How New Zealand scores for American expats
Cost of buying in New Zealand
Estimated fees and ongoing costs for this property
Closing Costs
3-5% of purchase price
- ·No stamp duty
- ·Legal/conveyancing: NZ$1,500-3,000
- ·Building inspection: NZ$500-800
- ·LIM report: NZ$300-400
Annual Costs
Property Tax
0.3-1.5% of government valuation (varies by council)
Insurance
NZ$1,500-3,000/yr
HOA / Condo Fees
NZ$300-600/mo for apartments (body corporate)
Good to Know
Agent Fees
Seller pays (2.5-4%)
Foreign Buyer Note
Foreign buyers BANNED from existing homes (2018 ban). Can only buy new-build apartments in large developments.
Legal help in New Zealand
Hire your own attorney — not the seller's. We'll match you with a vetted local lawyer.
Need a local attorney in New Zealand?
We'll connect you with an independent, English-speaking real estate attorney experienced with foreign buyers. Not the seller's lawyer — yours.
Contact Agent
Sheryl Heta - Robertson Real Estate Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - LJ Hooker, Oamaru
Next steps for moving to New Zealand
Interested in this property? Here's how to move forward.
Understand the buying rules
Foreign ownership laws vary wildly by country. Some welcome you, others restrict or ban foreign buyers entirely.
Sort out your visa
Owning property doesn't give you the right to live there. Research residency options before you buy.
Plan your finances
Understand currency risk, international wire transfers, and whether you can get a local mortgage.
Know your tax obligations
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income. You'll need to file US taxes from abroad and may owe local taxes too.
Set up healthcare
Medicare doesn't cover you overseas. You'll need international health insurance or a local plan.
Run the full checklist
Banking, mail forwarding, power of attorney, pet import rules — the complete pre-move checklist.
realestate.co.nz
NZD


