98 Ohau Drive, Lake Ohau, Waitaki, Otago
Queenstown, New Zealand
Guide Price
$399,620
689,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
2
BATHROOMS
2
Description
Positioned to capture views across Lake Ōhau and Lake Middleton, this charming 72m² home offers an exceptional opportunity to secure a foothold in the Lake Ōhau market. Thoughtfully designed, the home
features two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, providing privacy and convenience for owners and guests alike. The open-plan kitchen and dining area flows seamlessly onto a sun-soaked deck, creating the perfect space to relax or entertain while taking in the ever-changing lake and mountain vistas. Set on a generous 668m² section, the property offers ample outdoor space to enjoy the surroundings, with scope to further enhance or personalise. Year-round comfort is ensured with a heat pump and a cosy wood fire, while a single standalone garage provides practical storage for vehicles and recreational gear. Whether you are seeking a permanent residence, holiday escape, or investment, 98 Ōhau Drive represents an excellent and accessible entry into one of the Mackenzie Basin’s most desirable alpine destinations. Get in touch with Karan and the LJ Hooker Twizel team to find out more! Land Size: 668m2 House Size: 72m2
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
Karan MacDiarmid - Mackenzie Country Real Estate Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - LJ Hooker, Mackenzie
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