On the Market: A Cliff-Top Home on a Remote Island in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands
Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Land: 2.54 ha (6.28 acres) Access: Boat or helicopter
Amenities: Guest house, garage, elevated position, twin lagoons, sheltered anchorage, panoramic coastal views, established infrastructure, on-island caretaker
In New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, a subtropical stretch of coastline in the far north of the country, a cliff-top residence on Motuarohia Island has come to market with Barfoot & Thompson, listed for NZD$10 million (about $6 million USD).
The listing agent, Andy Dalton, a former captain of New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, described the property as “a piece of paradise.”
The island was charted in 1769 by British explorer Captain James Cook, who anchored here during his first voyage to New Zealand. Also known as Roberton Island, Motuarohia sits just offshore from Russell, one of the country’s earliest European settlements, reached after a three- to four-hour drive north of Auckland followed by a short boat crossing. Access to the island is strictly by water or helicopter.
The island itself is defined by a dual condition: a protected scenic nature reserve alongside a tightly held collection of private landholdings. While much of Motuarohia, including its distinctive twin lagoons and walking tracks, is managed by the Department of Conservation, a small number of freehold sites remain. Just six private residences are positioned across the island, set apart from one another within a landscape of steep terrain and exposed cliffs rising directly from the sea.
Occupying one of the island’s highest points, the house is oriented toward both the twin lagoons and the wider Bay of Islands. From this elevated position, it commands uninterrupted 360-degree views, with both sunrise and sunset visible across open water.
The property spans 2.54 hectares (6.28 acres) and includes 3 bedrooms, along with a separate guest house for additional accommodation. The house is built around the landscape, with large openings facing the water and outdoor areas positioned to follow the sun throughout the day.
Below the house, Cook’s Cove provides a sheltered place to anchor and direct access to the water. The conditions in this part of the Bay of Islands are typically calm, with clear water suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The wider area is known for marine life, with dolphins regularly seen in the bay. The coastline and surrounding lagoons can be explored by kayak or paddleboard, with additional opportunities for fishing and walking through native forest areas.
While the setting suggests isolation, the property is structured for ongoing use. The property is set up for regular use, with established infrastructure and an on-island caretaker who manages the day-to-day upkeep. This makes it more practical than many private island properties, where access and maintenance can be more complex.
Motuarohia Island is part of a long-running conservation effort. It has been pest-free for nearly 20 years, allowing native plant and animal life to recover. The island functions as a wildlife sanctuary, with species such as kiwi reintroduced. Conservation work involving organizations including Auckland Zoo and Massey University has supported broader biodiversity efforts, including plans to reintroduce tuatara, a native lizard.
The property has also been reported to have hosted Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the region.
At this scale, privacy is not engineered but inherent. The house operates within a landscape shaped by water, weather, and conservation priorities, offering direct access to the surrounding environment while maintaining complete visual and physical seclusion.
All photographs belong to the listing agent, Barfoot & Thompson.
