Understanding New Zealand's Proposed $5M Golden Visa (Active Investor Plus) Property Exemption — And Why Exceptional Properties Still Require Specialist Pathways

New Zealand is preparing for an important shift in how high-value global investors may access the property market. The Government has signalled a proposed exemption allowing certain overseas buyers under the Golden Visa (Active Investor Plus) pathway to purchase existing residential property valued over NZD $5 million, in limited circumstances.

This proposal has been covered by trusted media such as 1News, Reuters, and Business Insider.

It is important to note that this exemption has not yet been enacted, and details may evolve through the legislative process. Based on publicly available sources, here is what the policy is expected to allow, what it will not change, and why Rangi Aotearoa offers an aligned pathway for investors who wish to participate in truly exceptional properties that fall outside the scope of the exemption.

What the Proposed $5M Golden Visa (Active Investor Plus) Exemption Is Expected to Allow

According to Treasury’s 2025 OIA reform material (Treasury paper), the Government intends to:

“Introduce a targeted exemption for high-value investors to purchase existing residential property above a $5 million threshold, where residential land is the only sensitivity.”

This exemption would apply only if:

• The buyer is an Active Investor Plus (Golden Visa) applicant or holder
• The property is worth more than $5 million
• The land is sensitive solely because it is residential land
• No other sensitivity triggers exist

Legal commentary from firms like MinterEllison notes the exemption is intentionally narrow.

High-value residential properties may become accessible, but sensitive land restrictions remain.

What the Exemption Would Not Change

Despite public interest, the proposal does not remove the wider restrictions of the Overseas Investment Act (OIA). As Reuters noted, it will open access to “some luxury homes — not all.”

Under the OIA, the exemption would not apply if the land carries any additional sensitivity, including:

These sensitivities are extremely common across New Zealand’s most spectacular property locations — especially around Queenstown, Wānaka, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Fiordland, coastal regions, and islands.

In simple terms:

The exemption may allow Golden Visa investors to purchase some high-value suburban homes — but not the truly exceptional properties located in sensitive areas.

Where Rangi Aotearoa Fits In

For investors seeking involvement in remarkable properties that fall within sensitive-land categories, the exemption does not create a direct purchase pathway.

This is where Rangi Aotearoa provides an aligned and future-focused model.

A property-backed business model

Instead of purchasing sensitive land directly, investors participate in a property-backed commercial lodge venture. Their investment supports:

• The acquisition and development of extraordinary properties
• Expansion of the Rangi network of boutique luxury lodges
• Enhancement and uplift of the underlying asset
• Delivery of high-value visitor accommodation

Rangi Aotearoa enables investment in sensitive landscapes through commercial lodge ventures.

Capital growth + commercial income (VA)

Because these ventures are commercial accommodation businesses, investors participate in:

• Potential capital uplift as properties are enhanced
• Commercial income generated through luxury visitor stays
• Long-term returns linked to asset quality and business performance

Benefits for New Zealand and host communities

Rangi’s model supports New Zealand’s tourism strategy by attracting high-value, low-impact visitors. This generates:

• Local employment
• Stronger regional economies
• Increased high-value tourism activity
• Preservation of sensitive landscapes

Aligned with the intent and spirit of the OIA

Our approach keeps sensitive land New Zealand–controlled, while overseas investors participate at the business level, not as landowners.

This ensures that our model:

• Works within the OIA framework
• Supports New Zealand’s environmental, cultural, and economic values
• Contributes positively to high-quality commercial activity

Where a project requires interaction with the OIO, Rangi works with specialists to support that process.

May benefit Active Investor Plus applicants

Because investors participate in an active New Zealand business, investment into a Rangi lodge venture:

may be considered a “direct investment” for Active Investor Plus visa purposes, subject to Immigration New Zealand’s assessment and the investor’s personal circumstances.

This offers a rare combination of:

• Involvement in extraordinary locations
• Exposure to a property-backed commercial venture
• Capital growth and VA income
• Alignment with New Zealand’s tourism strategy
• Possible relevance for AIP visa applicants

A Responsible and Mutually Beneficial Pathway Forward

New Zealand’s proposed $5M Golden Visa exemption signals a shift toward welcoming global capital — while maintaining strong protections around sensitive land.

For investors whose ambitions extend into rare, sensitive, and iconic locations, the exemption will not create new purchase rights.

Rangi Aotearoa fills this gap in a way that:

• Supports regional tourism and economic uplift
• Enables overseas investors to back exceptional New Zealand properties
• Aligns with the OIA framework
• Generates commercial and community benefits
• Creates meaningful opportunities for capital growth and commercial returns

Explore Upcoming Lodge Ventures

You can explore current or upcoming opportunities here:

If you are a Golden Visa (Active Investor Plus) investor, buyer’s agent, or advisor interested in meaningful opportunities in extraordinary New Zealand locations, we welcome a confidential conversation.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, or immigration advice. Please seek professional guidance before making investment decisions.