Jason Momoa’s Queenstown Interest: What the Hype Means for Property Investors
- Staircase Financial
- May 5
- 2 min read
A-List Attention Hits the Lakes
When Hollywood heavyweight Jason Momoa calls Queenstown his “favourite place on Earth” and starts scoping out a house while buying into iconic bar The Bunker, people notice. The Aquaman star has been spotted riding motorbikes through alpine roads, relaxing at local hot spots, and openly hunting for a base in town. A-list buzz like this doesn’t just fill tabloids—it quietly signals to investors that Queenstown’s international cachet is rising.
Celebrities, CEOs … and Private Jets
Momoa isn’t the only megastar drawn south. Pop icon Justin Bieber slipped in earlier this year for a friend’s wedding, adding to a steady parade of high-net-worth visitors arriving by private jet. Superstar Brad Pitt is also reportedly here filming his latest film Heart of the Beast. Agents report that “billionaires are in town” shopping for lakefront hideaways, sometimes handing over eight-figure sums for trophy properties.
Why Queenstown Keeps Winning Hearts (and Wallets)
Lifestyle with a Capital L – Four true seasons, award-winning vineyards, powder days in winter, lake days in summer, and a laid-back vibe that gives celebrities rare privacy.
World-Class Adventure & Tourism – Year-round visitor demand underpins hospitality and keeps rental occupancy strong.
Tight Land Supply – Hemmed in by mountains and lake, usable sections are limited, protecting long-term capital growth.
Market Performance – The district’s average property value is hovering around NZ$2 million, more than double the national average and still edging upward.
Robust Rental Yields – Median rents top $750 per week, among the highest in the country, offering attractive income for investors.
High-End Sales Are Surging
Recent deals back the hype: an off-market $45.5 million estate sale set the national record, and Queenstown-Lakes now claims 18 percent of all $5 million-plus sales nationwide, leap-frogging traditional luxury markets. Limited supply plus growing international interest creates a demand-and-scarcity cocktail that property investors dream about.
Momentum for 2025 and Beyond
Even after the national slowdown, Queenstown home values rose 2.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring resilience in a high-interest-rate climate. Analysts expect confidence—and prices—to keep edging higher as borrowing costs ease and tourism surpasses pre-pandemic levels.
Ready to Ride the Wave?
Jason Momoa’s house hunt is a fun headline, but it underscores a serious trend: global eyes are turning to Queenstown. If you’re considering a foothold in this alpine market—whether a long-term rental, or a short-stay Airbnb—Staircase can guide you every step of the way:
Acquisition Support – Tap our local network to source on- or off-market deals.
Full-Service Management – From tenant vetting to holiday-let turnover, we maximise returns while you enjoy hands-free ownership.
Market Insights – Get data-driven advice on pricing, yields, and compliance so your investment stays ahead of the curve.
Keen to explore opportunities? Drop us a line for a friendly, no-pressure chat about how we can make Queenstown property work for you.
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