Back to Whangārei, New Zealand

729 Waikino Road, Karetu, Far North, Northland

Whangārei, New Zealand

Guide Price

$1,563,500

2,650,000 NZD

PROPERTY TYPE

house

BEDROOMS

7

BATHROOMS

5

729 Waikino Road, Karetu, Far North, Northland - Photo 2
729 Waikino Road, Karetu, Far North, Northland - Photo 3
1/19

Description

A rare and privileged offering in one of New Zealand’s most coveted coastal regions awaits. This exceptional waterfront estate combines natural beauty, privacy, and direct water access with the invaluable benefit of riparian rights, a private jetty, boat ramp and mooring -

features increasingly scarce and highly sought after. Set on 3.4677 hectares (more or less) of unspoiled native bush and lush subtropical gardens, the property enjoys absolute water frontage and uninterrupted views over the peaceful Waikare Inlet in the renowned Bay of Islands. The primary residence is expansive and thoughtfully designed, offering five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large entertainer’s kitchen, study, library, and music room. Polished hardwood floors lend timeless character, and the ground floor has been designed with

accessibility in mind. While already spacious and full of charm, the home presents an outstanding opportunity for further enhancement - a solid foundation on which to create a truly remarkable coastal retreat. A separate two-bedroom dwelling provides additional flexibility, ideal for guest accommodation, extended family, or as an income-generating asset. Your own private jetty is more than a feature - it is your personal access point to the region’s world-class boating, fishing, and marine lifestyle. This is not simply a property, but a legacy - a place of ultimate waterfront living and enduring value in a setting of rare natural beauty.

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