Back to Whangārei, New Zealand

16 Creswell Street, Opua, Far North, Northland

Whangārei, New Zealand

Guide Price

$1,475,000

2,500,000 NZD

PROPERTY TYPE

house

BEDROOMS

3

BATHROOMS

2

16 Creswell Street, Opua, Far North, Northland - Photo 2
16 Creswell Street, Opua, Far North, Northland - Photo 3
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Description

Nestled in a secluded bay in the Bay of Islands this beautifully renovated home blends character with modern comfort. With its prime north-east facing position on the water’s edge this property captures sweeping views across the waters of the Okiato channel to the islands beyond. At the rear the alfresco entertaining area with its open fireplace is surrounded by native bush offering privacy and birdsong. Life here revolves around the bay. Step off your deck for a morning swim, launch the kayak or paddle board, or cast a line from the rocks for dinner. Watch ferries glide past, yachts depart for distant horizons, and summer twilight races unfold in front of you, an ever-changing outlook that connects you to the rhythm of the tides, seasons and water. A private mooring ensures effortless access to your ocean backyard. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and three generous living areas, the home includes an open-plan kitchen and living space, a separate lounge with fireplace, and an additional living room for flexibility. A studio/boatshed wing provides space for water toys, a gym or creative retreat, while a private mooring for your boat sits directly in front. Immersed in nature and embraced by a warm, welcoming community, you are moments from Opua Marina, the yacht club, coastal walking tracks and village amenities. A home where family gathers with ease, cherished memories are made, and each day begins and ends with sea, sky and possibility. Contact me today for more information. Copy and paste the following to your browser to see a full fly-through video of the house: https://vimeo.com/1170121050

Location

Open in Google Maps

Living in Whangārei

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
See all New Zealand listings

New Zealand at a glance

How New Zealand scores for American expats

💰Cost of Living
Expensive
🛡️Safety
Very safe
🗣️English Spoken
Widely
🏥Healthcare
Excellent
🌬️Air Quality
Clean
📶Internet
Moderate
🚶Walkability
Moderate
🚇Transit
Limited

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

Irene Bremner - Mackys Real Estate Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Bayleys, Kerikeri

Next steps for moving to New Zealand

Interested in this property? Here's how to move forward.

1

Understand the buying rules

Foreign ownership laws vary wildly by country. Some welcome you, others restrict or ban foreign buyers entirely.

2

Sort out your visa

Owning property doesn't give you the right to live there. Research residency options before you buy.

3

Plan your finances

Understand currency risk, international wire transfers, and whether you can get a local mortgage.

4

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.

5

Set up healthcare

Medicare doesn't cover you overseas. You'll need international health insurance or a local plan.

6

Run the full checklist

Banking, mail forwarding, power of attorney, pet import rules — the complete pre-move checklist.

Source

realestate.co.nz

Portal listings

Currency

NZD