PHOTO: Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen. SUPPLIED
Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen and his wife, Natasha, have sold their luxury Wānaka lifestyle property for an impressive $7.3 million—just 11 days after it was placed on the open market.
The sale comes as the Rugby World Cup-winning coach begins a new chapter in Sydney, having joined the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles as the NRL club’s football performance director.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property was purchased by the Hansens for $3.2 million in 2019 and had a current rating valuation of approximately $5.59 million.
Its latest sale price represents a gross increase of around $4.1 million over seven years, although that figure does not account for the substantial renovations completed by the couple, selling costs or other expenses.
Sold to an offshore buyer in just 11 days
The prestigious lifestyle block was purchased by an offshore buyer after attracting immediate interest.
Aspire Realty agents Craig Myles and George Wallis handled the sale, with Myles confirming that an agreement was reached only 11 days after the home reached the open market.
The speed of the result is notable at a time when many high-end New Zealand properties are taking considerably longer to sell.
It also highlights the continuing international demand for exceptional homes in Wānaka, where limited supply, dramatic scenery and proximity to the lake and town centre continue to attract wealthy buyers.
The Hansens’ stylish home was sold by Aspire Realty agents Craig Myles and George Wallis. Photo / Supplied
Luxury living in Wānaka’s Far Horizon enclave
The property is situated within Far Horizon, one of Wānaka’s most prestigious residential enclaves.
Its design combines the familiar luxury of Central Otago architecture with extensive spaces for entertaining and family living.
Features reportedly include:
- A schist exterior and large indoor schist fireplace
- Exposed timber beams and timber wall panelling
- A renovated gourmet kitchen
- A marble waterfall benchtop
- A scullery and butler’s pantry
- A wine cellar
- A teppanyaki cooking plate
- Multiple living and entertaining spaces
- A private bar overlooking the grounds
- A putting green
- Expansive lawns
- Panoramic lake and mountain views
The Hansens are understood to have completed significant renovations during their ownership, adapting the property around their love of entertaining and spending time with family.
Wānaka will remain part of the Hansen story
Despite selling the property, the couple are not completely leaving Wānaka behind.
Their agent indicated that Wānaka would remain an important New Zealand base for the family. However, with their time now divided between Christchurch, overseas commitments and Sydney, they reportedly no longer required a property of this scale.
The decision appears to be less about abandoning Wānaka and more about “right-sizing” their property requirements to suit an increasingly international lifestyle.
From the All Blacks to the Sea Eagles
Hansen stepped down as All Blacks head coach following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
He had led New Zealand to victory at the 2015 tournament after previously serving as assistant coach during the All Blacks’ 2011 World Cup triumph.
His move into rugby league is a significant appointment for Manly.
As football performance director, Hansen will bring decades of experience in leadership, high-performance environments and building successful sporting cultures to the Sea Eagles’ football programme.
The club is based at Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, meaning Hansen will now spend considerable time in one of Australia’s most desirable—and expensive—coastal property markets.
Will the Hansens buy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches?
There is currently no confirmation that Sir Steve and Natasha Hansen have purchased a home in Sydney.
However, their Wānaka sale and Hansen’s new Manly role will inevitably fuel speculation that the couple could enter the Northern Beaches property market.
The area stretches across some of Sydney’s most sought-after suburbs, offering beaches, harbour access, luxury homes and easy proximity to the Sea Eagles’ headquarters.
The Hansens would also be joining a growing community of prominent New Zealanders based in the area.
Former prime minister Dame Jacinda Ardern and husband Clarke Gayford have reportedly purchased a A$5.3 million home in Dee Why, close to Manly’s Brookvale base.
For now, the only confirmed transaction is the remarkable $7.3 million Wānaka sale.
But with a new job, a new city and a significant property settlement behind them, the Hansens appear well positioned for their next move.
The Property Noise view
The sale demonstrates that truly distinctive New Zealand homes can still command exceptional prices—even in a more cautious property market.
A $7.3 million result achieved within 11 days suggests that the right combination of location, presentation, scarcity and international exposure can produce strong competition at the top end.
Sir Steve Hansen may be trading the mountains of Wānaka for the beaches of Sydney, but his latest property result is another considerable victory.