In a country renowned for its unspoiled landscapes and tightly regulated property laws, the opportunity for global buyers to secure freehold coastal land in New Zealand is exceptionally rare. Lot 15 at Ōmarino in the iconic Bay of Islands represents one of those rare moments—where international purchasers are not only welcome, but fully enabled through an Overseas Investment Act (OIA) exemption already in place. This carefully considered policy position allows overseas buyers to acquire one of the finest coastal lifestyle holdings currently available in New Zealand, with none of the usual barriers or delays.
Occupying 14.875 acres (more or less) of elevated land within a secure, private estate, Lot 15 is a crowning jewel in any real estate portfolio. Set within Ōmarino’s exclusive dress circle, this sanctuary offers what are arguably some of the finest views in the community. From its natural hilltop position, the property captures a sweeping panorama of land, sky and sea, stretching from Parorenui Bay to Te Korowhiti Rock and across the turquoise expanse of Waipiro Bay. The site’s graceful contours create an elegant build platform, perfectly poised for a residence that embraces both sun and serenity.
The landscape here is rich and undisturbed. Mature native forest surrounds the site, providing both privacy and a deep connection to nature. This is not manicured countryside—it is a living, breathing ecosystem filled with birdsong and native flora. Yet while the setting feels wonderfully remote, access to premium amenities is seamless. Residents of Ōmarino enjoy exclusive use of a private marina, capable of accommodating vessels up to 75 feet (22.8 metres), complete with secure moorings, launch and wash-down facilities, and a floating pontoon for effortless boarding. Private pathways lead directly from the estate to the beach, creating the ultimate retreat for those who value both luxury and nature.
A full-time onsite management team provides complete maintenance of the estate, from landscaping and infrastructure to guest services and security. This creates true lock-and-leave freedom for international owners. Whether visiting seasonally or year-round, owners arrive at immaculate grounds and a team ready to assist with every detail. Guest accommodation includes a beautifully appointed four-bedroom lodge and a separate one-bedroom apartment, both available for use by owners when hosting family or friends. A shared clubhouse and boatshed complete the offering, adding a sense of community without compromising privacy.
Design flexibility is another advantage. Lot 15’s natural elevation and sloping build platform are ideal for bespoke architecture, offering scope for a design that flows effortlessly into its coastal environment. Whether a modernist retreat, a coastal hideaway, or a contemporary lodge, the site lends itself to a home of unrivalled quality. The estate’s discreet pathways and dual access routes enhance both privacy and convenience, ensuring that lifestyle and logistics are equally well considered.
The Ōmarino estate itself is a masterpiece of planning and restraint. With only 17 landowners, the community is intentionally small, secure, and deeply invested in maintaining the value, appearance, and ecological integrity of the land. Building guidelines are in place to ensure architectural harmony and long-term preservation of natural elements such as native vegetation and wildlife corridors. The result is a coastal enclave that feels both exclusive and timeless—a modern sanctuary rooted in natural luxury.
While the property’s location within the Bay of Islands provides natural beauty in every direction, it also offers significant practical advantages. The region enjoys a temperate subtropical climate and is widely regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in the South Pacific. Marine life flourishes in its protected waters, and its 144 islands offer endless exploration by yacht, paddleboard or dive boat. For those arriving from abroad, the estate is approximately 45 minutes from Auckland by helicopter or a scenic 3.5-hour drive via State Highway 1. The estate’s helipads make air travel fast, safe and convenient.
What makes Lot 15 particularly compelling, however, is its accessibility to international purchasers. Very few freehold lifestyle properties in New Zealand are legally available to global buyers, and even fewer offer a combination of coastline, scale, services and seclusion. The OIA exemption attached to Ōmarino removes the usual layers of complexity, allowing buyers to move forward with confidence in both process and outcome. In a global market where certainty is increasingly rare, this legal clarity and ownership freedom holds significant value.
For those seeking a high-calibre, long-term investment in lifestyle and land, Lot 15 is a powerful proposition. It is an asset that offers not only natural beauty and luxury amenities, but also permanence—true ownership in a country consistently ranked among the most stable and desirable in the world. Whether intended as a legacy property, a seasonal retreat or a strategic foothold in the Pacific, this is an offering that combines rarity with refinement.
Lot 15 at Ōmarino is more than a property. It is a statement of intent—a chance to place roots in one of the last great unspoiled coastlines on earth, with all the privileges of space, security, and stewardship. With its unique position in New Zealand’s property landscape, its flawless integration of nature and design, and its unmatched eligibility for international buyers, this is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.
