Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, with a population of 1.76 million. So it’s easy to see why it’s also home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country. The city offers a vibrant mix of urban life, natural landscapes, world-class dining, and access to both harbours and beaches.
Auckland is an attractive city for its job opportunities, diverse communities, top schools and universities. It also has easy access to both beaches and bush. You may be drawn to the bustling energy of the CBD. Or prefer the relaxed feel of the North Shore or the leafy, established suburbs around the city fringe. Auckland caters to a wide range of lifestyles, albeit often at a premium price.
Love it or hate it, you can’t talk about Auckland without mentioning house prices. It’s the elephant in the room, particularly since the average house price hit the NZ$1 million mark in 2017. And it’s only risen further.
As of 2025, the average house price across Auckland was NZ$1.3 million, with central and coastal suburbs selling for a lot more.
While the property market has cooled from its 2021/2022 highs, Auckland remains the country’s most competitive real estate market. This is thanks to strong demand, limited stock, and its position as the country’s economic centre.
We explore Auckland’s most expensive suburbs to find out what to expect and whether they’re worth the hype. At the very top of the Auckland property ladder is Herne Bay, a suburb that continues to set the benchmark for luxury living in New Zealand.
Located on the southwestern shores of Waitematā Harbour and west of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Herne Bay has long held a reputation as a prestige address. The elevated harbour views, waterfront jetties, and early marine villas are what make this suburb so appealing.
As early as 2008, it ranked as New Zealand’s first 2 million dollar suburb. Today, it still tops the rankings of most expensive suburbs with a value of around NZ$3.67 million.
Herne Bay’s appeal lies in its prime location, architectural character, and private, leafy feel. Although just a short drive or ferry ride from the central city, the suburb feels like a peaceful retreat. You'll find quiet tree-lined streets, hidden beaches, and some of Auckland’s most remarkable homes.
It’s a neighbourhood that strikes a balance between urban convenience and suburban seclusion. Living in Herne Bay offers peace and serenity without sacrificing access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. It's just minutes away in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, and the CBD.
The suburb is renowned for its historic villas, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as ‘marine villas’ during these early years, many of these grand homes were often only accessible by boat.
Many large villas have since been subdivided into smaller sections (accessible by road) with the original homes still intact. You'll find many of these homes have immaculately restored facades, wraparound verandas, and large, well-kept gardens.
Herne Bay falls within the zones for Bayfield School and Ponsonby Primary, both sought-after co-ed schools.
Its proximity to reputable secondary options, including Western Springs College and Auckland Grammar via nearby suburbs, further illustrates why the suburb is so sought after.
Despite being primarily residential, Herne Bay enjoys easy access to an abundance of urban amenities.
A quick stroll or short drive takes you to Ponsonby Road. Here you’ll find designer boutiques, gourmet grocers, independent cafés, wine bars, and top-rated restaurants.
Living in Herne Bay comes at a premium.
Despite its prestige, even Herne Bay hasn’t been immune to the cooling property market. Since the peak of the market in 2021/2022, average property values have dropped by around NZ$550,000. This makes it the suburb with the largest nominal decline in the country.
To find Auckland’s second most expensive suburb, you’ll need to travel a little further north. Coatesville is located approximately 30 km northwest of the Auckland CBD.
Like Herne Bay, it offers a lot of tranquillity but this time in a much more rural setting. Here, the houses are big, the land is plentiful, and the Range Rovers are out in force.
With an average property value of about NZ$3.62 million, it now rivals, and in some analyses surpasses, Herne Bay as Auckland’s most expensive suburb
Coatesville is zoned for ‘countryside living’. The sections of land are large and demand far outstrips supply. Most homes sit on 1 hectare or more, which helps to preserve privacy and spaciousness, with plenty of space between neighbours.
What’s more, buyers are attracted to the large parcels of land with forest views. The space allows for luxury features, such as pools, equestrian facilities, tennis courts or even a few farm animals. With fewer than 650 genuine residences and a handful of annual sales, demand far outstrips supply.
While Coatesville’s residences are built for luxury living, the suburb also offers a lot in the way of privacy. Driving around the countryside, it might not feel that different from any other upmarket rural area. However, the area is home to plenty of sprawling luxury homes.
Here, you'll find the famed Mahoenui Valley mansion with its own private lake, formerly owned by Kim Dotcom (sold for NZ$32.5 million).
Many homes are recent builds from the 2000s onwards. You'll find some modern and sleek architecture designed for indoor-outdoor living. Other homes blend regional homestead styles with contemporary finishes.
Coatesville School is a rural primary school set in green surroundings. It's highly regarded for its academic and sporting programmes. The schools also offer a supportive environment and strong community vibes.
Families often choose Kristin School or Pinehurst School. These are both prestigious private schools within easy driving distance. State secondary alternatives include schools in nearby Albany or North Shore suburbs.
While this suburb is comfortably secluded, Coatesville is only a 20‑minute drive to Albany’s Westfield mall or major employment hubs. It's around 30 minutes to downtown Auckland.
Coatesville is an ideal option for people who value the peace and quiet of a rural lifestyle, but want all the advantages the city has to offer. This includes work opportunities and schooling.
The region offers pristine rivers for fishing, hiking trails, horse-riding paths, and notable gardens, like Mincher Garden of National Significance. Many residents are affluent families that are drawn to the lifestyle balance and privacy.
If you’re looking to buy in this area, demand is always high and houses tend to sell quickly.
If you can’t quite afford the NZ$3.6 million price-tag of Coatesville, then maybe paying a cool NZ$3.2 million for a rural property south-east of the Auckland CBD is more within your budget.
Whitford is located at the head of the Turanga Creek estuary and offers rural sections with coastal views.
Whitford is prized for the genuine rural lifestyle it offers. You get privacy instead of proximity, and nature views instead of bright city lights. The suburb's population is just 170, due to the size of the sections, which are often 1.8 hectares or more.
For many Aucklanders, it offers the rare opportunity to enjoy a rural lifestyle and open green spaces within a 30-minute drive of the city.
Most homes in Whitford are relatively new as the population grew by 13% between 2018 and 2025. Many homes date from the 1990s onward, and it’s common to find custom‑built houses on large lifestyle blocks. You can expect to see large modern country estates with spacious floor plans, multiple living zones, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Families in Whitford typically access schools in the nearby Howick. This includes the respected Howick College as well as local primary options in Howick or Beachlands. Access to quality public secondary schools is a positive draw.
Whitford strikes a balance between country living and convenience, being close to many shops and stores in East Auckland. The town itself provides a café, shop, petrol station, and community feel. The Botany Town Centre is just a 10-minute drive away for more extensive shopping and dining.
Outdoor life is one of the main reasons many people move to Whitford. You have access to estuaries, beaches, bridle trails, horse-riding, and walking in the native bush all close by. There are also great local community amenities to enjoy, such as seasonal markets, the Ayrlies Garden, the Bird Gardens and Whitford Park Golf Club.
It’s not surprising to see Waiheke Island on this list. Some people may be surprised to know that it clocks in as Auckland’s fourth most expensive suburb.
The island is best known for cycle tracks and wineries, as well as celebrity homes and helipads. The average house price goes for a whopping NZ$3.3 million.
Waiheke has what many prestigious addresses lack—a laid-back charm and a sense of connectedness with the bush and the landscape.
While it combines breathtaking coastal views, vineyards, beaches, and lush bush, the island maintains its low-density, residential feel. One that leans a bit hippyish.
Its limited housing stock and strict zoning mean supply is scarce, and desirability remains high.
You’re just as likely to find luxury coastal mansions, glitzy hilltop homes, waterfront villas and colonial restorations scattered across the island. Waterfront villas, contemporary clifftop designs, or modern retreats in sheltered bays are common. Everything from family homes to full-fledged estates exists on the island. The one thing they all have in common is an expensive price tag.
Waiheke Island has several primary schools and one high school (Years 7-13) on the island. Some residents will opt to send their children to boarding school or take the ferry to the city during their secondary years.
Waiheke offers a lifestyle like no other place on the mainland. From the best swimming beaches, to wineries, cafes and fine dining, the small island packs a big punch. What’s more, there are over 40 vineyards to cycle through, and much of the island is uninhabited.
As of mid-2025, the average home on Waiheke Island was valued at around NZ$3.3 million. Luxury sales can easily exceed NZ$8–10 million if they have clifftop views or expansive grounds.
Saint Mary’s Bay is located on the north-west of Auckland’s CBD with just 280 homes and a house value of NZ$2.9 million. It’s a small but prestigious address nestled between its equally prestigious neighbours, like Herne Bay and Ponsonby.
With fewer than 300 residences, properties stay tightly held. Many owners living there long‑term, leading to rare listings and fierce demand when one appears.
What’s more, its immediate proximity to the harbour, Westhaven Marina, Ponsonby Road, and the CBD, makes it even more in demand. Although close to the city, it has a peaceful shrubby suburban feeling and offers beautiful views of the water and across to the North Shore.
The majority of houses were constructed between 1900 and 1909, giving this small suburb a historic and elegant charm. Early-20th-century villas and colonial-style homes are common, with many of them lovingly restored.
You’ll still find modern conversions and upscale townhouses throughout the suburb as well.
Despite how expensive the suburb is, you may be surprised at the size of some of the homes. Medium-sized bungalows and 3-4 bedroom homes are common due to the age of the suburb.
Saint Mary's College and Parkside Special School are the only schools in this small suburb. However, families have access to some of the best Auckland schools in nearby Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Freemans Bay, and the city.
Saint Mary's Bay may surprise some buyers by carrying an average price tag near NZ$2.9 million. This is a level above better-known suburbs like Ponsonby or Remuera.
Yet its true allure lies in the combination of historic charm, limited housing stock and breathtaking views. Not to mention, the area's unmatched location is just minutes from the Auckland CBD.
No matter where you're moving to in Auckland, be it the countryside or near the cliffs, you’re moving into million-dollar home territory. And no matter what your new home is like, moving comes with a fair amount of logistics and a lot of planning.
Working with a trusted, experienced moving company can make all the difference. The right team won’t just move your belongings. They’ll handle them with care and ensure that your furniture and your new home are well protected.
Wise Move works with professional and trusted Auckland moving companies that take the stress out of your move. From packing delicate pieces to protecting your belongings from sudden rain showers, they’ve got you covered.
Simply enter your delivery request with your itinerary details. You’ll receive multiple quotes from vetted movers in your area—all in one place. Read real customer reviews, check credentials and insurance, and book your million-dollar move with the best team for the job.
