Our newest North office opens

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty expands north with a new Russell office, connecting premium buyers with extraordinary lifestyle property in one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive coastal settings.

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Russell has long been a quiet favourite – big views, sheltered bays and a slower pace of life. With our new office on The Strand, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty is strengthening its commitment to Northland’s premium market.

Russell has been part of our world for years – we’ve listed, sold and supported locals across the Bay of Islands – and we’re excited to work even more closely with this warm, tight-knit community. To deepen that connection, we’ve welcomed two familiar faces to the team: Leigh Robertson, with 20 years’ real estate experience in Russell and the wider Bay of Islands, and Ash Boyd, who has returned home after 16 years in Auckland’s media industry as a producer and director, bringing strong storytelling and project leadership to the local property market.

“Our clients are increasingly looking to invest ahead of the curve,” says Ben Macky, Director of Sotheby’s International Realty North Shore and Northland. “They want privacy, connection to nature and a sense of community – and they see it here. Russell feels like the Queenstown of the north – unique, breathtaking and exactly the right fit for our brand.”

Why Russell – and why now

Northland’s momentum is building – from major energy projects to proposed transport upgrades that improve connectivity. At the same time, lifestyle migration out of Auckland continues, with buyers seeking space, coastline and calmer day-to-day living. Russell sits at the intersection of these trends – a destination for those who value beauty, seclusion and world-class boating and fishing, yet still want a township with character.

Growing interest - and a standout result

Russell is on the radar for buyers from across New Zealand – and, quietly, a few from overseas – who value privacy, nature and community. “Our buyers are typically from the United States and Europe,” Ben adds. “They’re community-minded, environmentally aware and drawn to New Zealand’s sense of space. It’s safe, it’s friendly – and the natural environment is the reason they’re here.”

That quality shows at the top end too. Our Northland team recently sold a Bay of Islands estate reported at $28m, underscoring the calibre of property here. Within the same enclave, a small number of parcels are rare in New Zealand for their Overseas Investment exemption – and two opportunities remain for eligible buyers. For those purchasers, the combination of setting, privacy and access is exceptionally hard to find.

For local and offshore buyers alike, Russell offers an enviable mix – sheltered bays, pristine islands, dramatic headlands and a refined selection of architectural and heritage residences. It is a market defined by scarcity and individuality.

Local expertise, global reach

The Russell office opens with a focused team backed by the wider New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty North network. Sellers benefit from our on-the-ground knowledge of a niche market – and the marketing power of a truly global brand.

Whether you’re ready to bring a special home to market or you’re searching for that once-in-a-lifetime coastal property, our Russell team would love to talk.