Hollywood actor Jason Momoa has expanded his presence in New Zealand by buying a 4.92-hectare lifestyle property in Queenstown for NZ$15 million (£7.1 million). The property is in the rural area of Dalefield.
It once belonged to the late actor Sir Sam Neill before being passed on to his former wife. According to property records reported by real estate website OneRoof, the sale price was NZ$3.5 million above the property's official rating valuation. It was also the second-highest residential sale recorded in the Queenstown-Lakes district this year. Momoa officially took ownership of the large estate after spending several months looking for a permanent home in Central Otago.
He has visited the region many times for both work and leisure.
Premium price in a tight market
The multi-million-dollar sale highlights the strength of the high-end property market in Queenstown-Lakes. While property values have slowed in other parts of New Zealand, local data analyzed by OneRoof shows that average property values in the district have risen by more than NZ$300,000 over the past three years. The regional average is now close to NZ$2.2 million.
Market experts say prices remain high because the region has limited space for new development, with mountains restricting the amount of available land.
Steady interest from overseas buyers has also helped keep prices strong. Mark Harris, managing director of New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty, told OneRoof that wealthy buyers from overseas, especially from the United States and Australia, continue to show strong interest in the region.
"Celebrities are in that category as well. There's a wealth tax proposed for California, and that's playing on people's minds, but I think it's largely the privacy, the space and the raw beauty of New Zealand that attracts them," Harris explained to OneRoof. Recent changes to New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa rules have also made it easier for foreign nationals to buy high-end residential properties. This has renewed interest among international buyers looking for private retreats.
Deep ties to New Zealand
Momoa is best known for playing Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe and appearing in the Game of Thrones series. He has spoken publicly about his strong personal connection to New Zealand. "I came here when I was about 20 years old, and when I landed there, Hawaii is home, but there's never been anywhere in the world where I've ever felt more connected," Momoa told the New Zealand Herald during a recent interview. "I can't really explain it.
If it was my destiny, my ancestors ... don't know what it was, but the moment I stepped off that plane I felt it, and I've always been drawn to it." Along with buying property, the actor has expanded his business investments in New Zealand. The New Zealand Herald reported that Momoa's company, Āriki Group, which he co-founded with filmmakers Taika Waititi and Cliff Curtis, completed the purchase of Studio West, a production facility in West Auckland.Speaking about his business plans in the local film industry, Momoa told the publication that New Zealand offered a special environment for creative work. “There's a deep respect for story, for land, for community, and that's something I am drawn to,” Momoa said. “What excites me the most is the opportunity to build something lasting that supports local crews, nurtures talent, and creates pathways for the next generation of storytellers.
I am proud to be part of that journey, and to help champion stories that deserve to be seen and heard around the world.”
Local involvement in Queenstown
Along with his film production projects and property purchase, Momoa has also become involved in Queenstown's local entertainment scene. He owns a financial stake in Upstairs at The Bunker, a popular nightlife venue in central Queenstown. According to promotional announcements published by the venue, Momoa has appeared there for live music performances and guest DJ sets.
Local property experts say Queenstown continues to attract celebrity buyers because the surrounding landscape offers natural privacy.
Cam Winter, managing director of real estate agency Oliver Road, told OneRoof that well-known buyers often use representatives to complete property purchases discreetly. "They like it because people don't pay them too much attention. The hills around Queenstown are good at providing privacy and keeping secrets," Winter told OneRoof. Momoa's purchase in Dalefield ranks just below the district's most expensive sale of the year. That property was a luxury lodge on Mooney Road in Speargrass Flat, which sold for NZ$16.5 million.