Coastal Northland appears to be becoming fashionable with the world's rich and famous.
Although real estate agents in the region are reluctant to name drop, American actor Susan Sarandon is believed to be the latest in a long line of celebrities to buy land in the region.
Other famous Northland property
owners are thought to include US musicians Neil Young and Red Hot Chilli Peppers bass player, Flea, boxer David Tua and model Rachel Hunter.
New York billionaire Julian Robertson owns Kauri Cliffs golf course, 20km north of Kerikeri.
US information technology tycoon Larry Ellison is reported to have been interested in buying land in the Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands real estate agent Jan Madden said maintaining client confidentiality prevented her and other agents from naming VIPs who had bought in the area.
"But they are out there."
Overseas interest in the Bay of Islands had skyrocketed over the past 18 months as New Zealand gained a reputation for being a "safe haven", she said.
Foreigners were tempted by a favourable exchange rate and the privacy the Bay of Islands offered.
"They are choosing the Bay of Islands for the climate and the lack of traffic.
"It's also only three hours to Auckland and it's close to the Kerikeri and Whangarei Airports," Jan Madden said.
- NZPA
Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/property
