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New Zealand

NZ’s most expensive suburb revealed - spoiler: it’s not in Auckland

A person's hand holds a set of keys with a house keychain, while numerous pink New Zealand 100-dollar notes float around them.

Published by Sophie van Soest

15 Apr 2026

The country’s priciest postcodes have been revealed.

New data from Trade Me Property, averaging the property asking prices for the first few months of 2026, shows a stunning South Island spot has come out on top.

Taking the crown is Arrowtown, with an average asking price of a casual $3 million.

What was once just a boujee holiday spot is now being dubbed a full-blown “status postcode”. 

"Arrowtown hitting the $3 million mark is a massive milestone. It’s no longer just a holiday destination, it’s fast becoming a status postcode for those looking for a mix of heritage charm and alpine luxury," says Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd.

Bad news (or good news, depending on how you take it) for Auckland, its suburbs no longer hold the top spot, but it’s still absolutely dominating the rankings, making up 15 of the top 20 suburbs.

Rounding out the top five is runner-up Parnell with $2.64m, Westmere ($2.59m), Remuera ($2.37m) and Ponsonby ($2.30m).

Places like Wānaka and Queenstown (Town Centre) are in the multi-million dollar club too, while Christchurch’s Fendalton is just shy, sitting with a $1.8m average.

Note: The data reflects the Property Price Index for Suburbs with 30 or more live listings in January - March 2026. 

Top 20 most expensive suburbs in New Zealand

  1. Arrowtown, Queenstown-Lakes: $3,026,2001

  2. Parnell, Auckland City: $2,640,3501

  3. Westmere, Auckland City: $2,598,9001

  4. Remuera, Auckland City: $2,378,5001

  5. Ponsonby, Auckland City: $2,300,6501

  6. Devonport, North Shore City: $2,139,7501

  7. Saint Heliers, Auckland City: $2,055,4501

  8. Kohimarama, Auckland City: $2,028,8001

  9. Ōrākei, Auckland City: $2,028,4001

  10. Mission Bay, Auckland City: $2,005,4001

  11. Wānaka, Wānaka: $1,974,3501

  12. Glendowie, Auckland City: $1,973,3501

  13. Town Centre, Queenstown-Lakes: $1,972,2001

  14. Epsom, Auckland City: $1,854,6001

  15. Greenhithe, North Shore City: $1,846,5001

  16. Riverhead, Rodney: $1,839,9501

  17. Fendalton, Christchurch City: $1,824,2001

  18. Takapuna, North Shore City: $1,791,8501

  19. Freemans Bay, Auckland City: $1,784,9501

  20. Oneroa, Waiheke Island: $1,761,050

Well, if I ever have a spare couple of mil lying around, I know where I’m going to flex it. Sadly, those chances are more than slim…

Published by Sophie van Soest

15 Apr 2026