60 Hillcrest Road, Whakatane, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty
Whakatāne, New Zealand
Guide Price
$584,100
990,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
Nestled among established native bush, this two-level character home offers privacy, sun, and a tranquil lifestyle, with glimpses of the sea and Whakaari from the upper level, all while being just minutes from town, creating the rare feeling of a bush retreat without sacrificing convenience. Stonework at the entrance hints at the home's character and sets the tone for what's inside. Inside, wooden floors, new wool carpets, and open-plan living create a welcoming environment, complemented by two separate living areas, one with a closed fireplace for cosy winter evenings. The main living zone flows seamlessly to a paved patio, creating superb indoor/outdoor entertaining surrounded by native greenery. The kitchen enjoys peaceful bush views. Upstairs, all three bedrooms open to balconies capturing bush vistas and glimpses of Whakaari and the ocean. Comfort is ensured year-round with a ducted heat pump system installed in 2021, providing central heating and air-conditioning, and an HRV ventilation system for energy-efficient heating, cooling, and air circulation. Double glazing throughout adds to the comfort. The home has been repainted inside and out, maintaining a fresh, modern look. Outdoors, extensive landscaping and a large retaining wall enhance usability and privacy. The property
features a large double garage with internal access and automatic doors, plus ample off-street parking. Abundant fruit trees including pear, plum, feijoa, tangelo, persimmon, cherry guava, loquat, and blueberries mingle with native plantings like pohutukawa, kowhai, and cabbage trees. The property is alive with tui, piwakawaka, kereru, and weka, and sits within the Mokorua Scenic Reserve, home to the brown kiwi. This home will appeal to buyers seeking privacy, character, and a connection to nature - a peaceful sanctuary that feels worlds away, yet is literally only minutes from town.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Whakatāne
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
David Marshall - ETB Realty Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Harcourts, Whakatane
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


