Queenstown is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most alluring destinations. With beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, lakes and mountains, it is also a favourite holiday and property destination for high-net-worth individuals worldwide.
For many Asian investors seeking a New Zealand lifestyle or overseas asset diversification, owning an apartment in Queenstown is more than a status symbol: it is an ideal way to invest in a lifestyle.
An especially attractive opportunity is now available: Mountain Oak, a high-quality apartment development created by New Zealand developer Safari Group, has officially launched sales and secured an Overseas Investment Office (OIO) exemption certificate allowing sales to overseas buyers who are not New Zealand residents.
Make your move and live amid the scenery
Imagine waking to snow-capped mountains glowing gold in the morning sun, then returning in the evening to enjoy a drink on the terrace as the sunset colours the sky. Mountain Oak makes a holiday lifestyle part of your everyday life.
Mountain Oak enjoys a prime location in the heart of Frankton, Queenstown. Close to the town centre yet away from congestion, it is an ideal place to combine convenient living with easy travel.
While leaving the town centre means navigating busy streets, Frankton feels as though it is already on nature’s doorstep, with lakes, mountains and outdoor adventures close at hand. Safari Group sales manager Phill Sharp described Frankton’s location advantage this way: “If you live in the town centre and want to explore the surrounding area, you first have to cross the whole town to get out. From Frankton, you’re already on the edge of town. Whether it’s a short trip, an outing or any kind of adventure, you can head straight out, saving time and hassle.”
More importantly, Frankton is growing rapidly. Emerging commercial areas continue to expand, with restaurants, cafés and major shopping centres opening and local amenities becoming ever more comprehensive. With convenient transport and everyday services, it is also a key driver of Queenstown’s future growth. Whether buying a home to live in or an investment, Frankton deserves a place high on the list.
Quality apartments for investment, living or professional management
Mountain Oak comprises a planned 141 modern apartments, with options including one-bedroom apartments from $639,000, two-bedroom apartments from $899,000, three-bedroom apartments from $1,299,000, luxury penthouses from $1,500,000 and dual-key apartments from $950,000.
Mountain Oak is among the few developments to have secured an OIO overseas investment exemption, allowing overseas buyers who are not New Zealand residents to purchase with ease. However, the exemption certificate is valid only until the development is physically completed, which is expected within two and a half years. Once construction is complete, the code compliance certificate has been issued and the properties are ready for settlement, the exemption expires. Buying earlier is therefore advantageous, as overseas buyers will no longer be able to purchase after completion.
Mountain Oak has consent for 365 days of short-term letting, allowing rentals throughout the year. An on-site property manager is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve both long-term and short-term residents. Whether you are buying as an investment or managing your own home, the development offers an effortless, move-in-ready experience.
According to the developer’s assessment, a two-bedroom apartment let short-term at an average of NZ$475 per night with 70% occupancy could achieve an annualised gross yield of 15% (subject to operating and market conditions), well above the average return on New Zealand residential property.
Meanwhile, Queenstown’s house prices have grown by an annual average of 7.4% over the past five years, making it one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions for house prices. Combined with the government’s gradual restoration of interest deductibility for investment properties, this makes Mountain Oak an ideal asset supported by both rental income and capital growth.
A trusted choice for Asian buyers
Lisa Huang, Safari Group’s sales specialist for Asian markets, has worked with Safari since 2019, serving hundreds of clients from mainland China, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and elsewhere.
Lisa said that for most Asian clients, buying at Mountain Oak was both an investment and an emotional choice.
“Almost every client who has visited Queenstown says, ‘I love it there.’ Many Asian people first discover New Zealand through Queenstown. It is one of the best-known towns in New Zealand and indeed the world, and a dream destination for many. They may not actually intend to live there permanently, but they want to own a holiday home.”
She shared a real example: “One client from Macau bought three apartments at once. I was surprised and asked why she was buying so many. Her reasoning was that buying one apartment came with 10 days of accommodation, so buying three would let her stay for a month. She valued more than the complimentary accommodation; she also saw the potential for New Zealand property to appreciate.”
More than 25 years of development expertise you can trust
Safari Group, the company behind the development, was founded in 1996 and has more than 25 years of development experience. With a strong reputation in New Zealand, it is a prominent integrated developer. Since 2016, Safari Group has successfully developed four projects in Queenstown, building extensive local experience.
One of the keys to Safari Group’s success is its integrated operating model covering the entire development process. It manages land acquisition, architectural design, construction finance, sales and marketing, and the construction itself. Safari Group has extensive experience across every stage of property development and building.
Safari Group sales consultant Lisa Huang said: “Asian clients pay close attention to a developer’s previous buildings, including whether the quality meets expectations. When buying, they consider the property itself as well as value and quality. Many clients compare Safari with other companies after getting to know us, and ultimately choose us because we are more dependable and trustworthy.”
“Safari Group is not a developer that simply builds, sells and walks away. We remain involved in operating our projects, with professional management teams in the buildings to ensure service quality after residents move in.”
Whether you want a second home in Queenstown,
want your assets to benefit from capital growth opportunities in quality markets worldwide,
or hope for easy ownership with worry-free professional management,
Mountain Oak will be a great choice for you.
Development website: www.mountainoak.co.nz