1685C Thornton Road, Matata, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty
Whakatāne, New Zealand
Guide Price
$1,017,750
1,725,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
5
BATHROOMS
3
Description
Tucked away from the road and surrounded by nature, this property delivers the ultimate balance of space, style, and self-sufficiency. Designed for flexible living, it elegantly brings together two self-contained dwellings on one title, joined by an expansive, internal access double garage and generous covered decks that make outdoor living effortless. The main residence stretches across two levels, with a master suite plus two additional bedrooms overlooking the landscape. The second, single-level home offers two bedrooms, full kitchen and living areas - perfect for extended family, guests, or even as an income option. Indoor and outdoor living flow seamlessly here. Covered decks connect beautifully with landscaped gardens, a private studio, and wide-open rural outlooks. Entertain with ease in the well-equipped kitchen, relax by the fire in winter, or enjoy the air-conditioning in summer - the home is built for comfort all year round with 4 heat pumps and 2 wood burners included. Beyond the homes, the land provides room to play and grow. Established vege beds, fruit and herb gardens, and fertile paddocks invite you to live more sustainably, while great shedding and storage options keep rural life organised. A bore water supply, full fencing, and thoughtful design add peace of mind.
Highlights include: Two homes under one title - flexible for family or guests Expansive covered decking & landscaped gardens Private studio - ideal for work from home or hobbies 4 car garaging with dual laundries & storage sheds Large shed/workshop/garage 12m x 12m including a separate office Self-sufficient lifestyle: vege & herb gardens, fertile grazing land Year-round comfort: heat pumps x 4, air-conditioning & wood burners x 2 Fully fenced, secure setting with bore water system Ideal for multi-generational living, this is a property that offers privacy, versatility, and lifestyle. Arrange your viewing today and experience it for yourself.
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
Phillip Berry - Property Brokers Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - 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


