Your Journey Starts Here..
Smartest Money is
Moving to NZ
Click the link below to request our exclusive crypto investment opportunity now!!
✽ Why the World’s Smartest Money is Moving to New Zealand ?
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals who’ve invested in NZ
Case Study 2. - Julian Robertson (Deceased 2022)
“Legacy of Luxury: The Hedge Fund Pioneer Who Helped Shape New Zealand’s Elite Retreats”
- Net worth (before death): ~$4.5 billion
- Origin: USA
- Famous for: Founder of Tiger Management hedge fund.
- Connection to NZ:
- Longtime investor and landowner.
- Owned luxury lodges in New Zealand: Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, and Matakauri Lodge.
- Made philanthropic contributions to art and conservation in NZ.
Case Study 1. - Peter Thiel
“Tech’s Futurist Makes NZ His Plan A”
- Net worth: ~$4 billion
- Origin: German-American
- Famous for: Co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, early Facebook investor.
- Connection to NZ:
- Gained NZ citizenship in 2011 after just 12 days in the country (controversial).
- Owns multiple properties in Queenstown and Wanaka, including a $13.5 million estate near Lake Wanaka.
- Has invested in NZ tech startups and funds.
Case Study 3. - James Cameron
“Hollywood Royalty Finds Home in the Wairarapa”
- Net worth: ~$700 million–$1 billion
- Origin: Canada/USA
- Famous for: Director of Titanic, Avatar, Terminator.
- Connection to NZ:
- Owns farmland and a residence in the Wairarapa region.
- Relocated to NZ with his family, seeking a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Advocates for plant-based food systems and sustainability.
Case Study 4. - Bill Foley II
“From Wall Street to Wine Country”
- Net worth: ~$1.6 billion
- Origin: USA
- Famous for: Owner of the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), major business holdings, owner of the new Auckland Black Knight Football Club (AFC), and owner of Wharekauhau: New Zealand's (and the world's) most luxurious Lodge.
- Connection to NZ:
- Acquired Mt Difficulty Wines in Central Otago and other NZ wineries through Foley Family Wines.
- Has made strong moves in NZ wine investment and tourism.
Just Notes - high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) interested in immigrating to New Zealand, along with their investment preferences:
SWOT Analysis
Strengths -
Economic Stability: New Zealand offers a stable economy and political environment attractive to wealthy individuals seeking security and long-term stability.
Quality of Life: Globally recognized high quality of life, strong education, healthcare, and pristine natural environment.
Investment Opportunities: A transparent and robust property market, solid banking systems, and established legal frameworks.
Ease of Doing Business: Ranked highly for ease of doing business, including straightforward procedures for investors and business owners.
Favorable Immigration Policies: Investor and business-friendly immigration pathways tailored specifically to wealthy individuals.
Weaknesses -
Geographic Isolation: Physical remoteness may discourage frequent international travel or connectivity.
Market Size: Relatively small local economy and domestic market might limit growth potential or scalability of certain businesses or industries.
Cost of Living: High living and operational costs in major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown.
Property Market Constraints: High entry price points in premium real estate markets can limit immediate returns.
Opportunities -
Real Estate Investments: Luxury residential properties, commercial real estate, land for development, and hotel/hospitality sector investments.
Technology and Startups: Growing interest and governmental support for innovation-driven startups, especially tech and green-tech sectors.
Agricultural & Viticulture: Premium agriculture (dairy, sheep, beef) and boutique wine industries offer significant investment growth potential.
Sustainability and Renewable Energy: Investment in clean technology, renewable energy projects, and eco-friendly developments aligned with New Zealand's sustainability goals.
Education and Healthcare: Increasing demand for private education, international-standard healthcare, aged care, wellness retreats, and related luxury services.
Tourism & Hospitality: High-end tourism, boutique accommodations, luxury lodges, experiential tourism products, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism
Threats -
Global Economic Conditions: Vulnerable to fluctuations in global financial markets, influencing investors' sentiment and capital inflows.
Regulatory Changes: Potential immigration or investment regulatory shifts or policy uncertainty impacting long-term strategies.
Environmental Risks: Vulnerability to earthquakes, natural disasters, or climate change, affecting property values and investment security.
International Competition: Competing investor immigration programs from countries like Australia, Canada, Singapore, and certain European nations.
Political Risk: Future governmental policy shifts, taxation changes, or foreign investment restrictions could affect investor returns.
Investment Interests of High-Net-Worth Individuals
1. Real Estate -
Premium residential properties in desirable locations (waterfront, lifestyle properties).
Commercial properties offering steady income streams and capital appreciation.
Hotel and hospitality sector investments, catering specifically to affluent travelers.
2. Business Ventures and Innovation -
Investing directly in promising startups, particularly technology, innovation, sustainability, and fintech sectors.
Venture capital and private equity investments into innovative and scalable enterprises.
3. Agriculture & Food Production -
Premium food production (organic, sustainable agriculture).
Boutique wineries, vineyards, and luxury agritourism experiences.
4. Renewable Energy and Sustainability -
Funding eco-friendly developments, renewable energy infrastructure (solar, wind), and clean technology.
5. Lifestyle, Leisure, and Hospitality -
Luxury hotels, lodges, private retreats, golf courses, and wellness resorts.
High-end private educational facilities or premium healthcare facilities serving affluent families.
✽ Latest Data
NZ Current AIP
OUTLOOK & Data
The recent modifications to the AIP visa, effective April 1, 2025, aim to attract more high-net-worth individuals by simplifying investment categories and reducing physical presence requirements. These changes have led to a significant increase in interest, particularly from American investors seeking residency options in New Zealand.
As of March 31, 2025, Immigration New Zealand reported receiving 115 applications for the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, involving 362 individuals since its inception in September 2022. Of these, 46 applications have been approved, 33 approved in principle, 13 withdrawn, and 23 are under assessment. The approved applications represent a total committed investment of NZD $594 million, with an additional NZD $463 million intended from applications approved in principle.
While specific data on applicant nationalities is limited, there is notable interest from the United States. Benny Goodman, Investment General Manager for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, indicated that approximately 40% of inquiries about New Zealand's "golden visa" program have come from the U.S. Additionally, reports suggest strong interest from Hong Kong, Germany, the United Kingdom, and China.
Your journey to New Zealand
starts with a conversation.
Book a private consultation with our licensed advisers and begin your NZ journey with confidence.