Stewart Island’s Only Locally Based Real Estate Agent
When you’re buying or selling property on Stewart Island, there’s a difference between an agent who visits the island and one who calls it home.
Jeanette Mackay has lived on Stewart Island since 2000 and is the only real estate salesperson based on the island. That means viewings whenever you are there, not when the agent schedule allows. It means honest, first-hand knowledge of every street, every bay, and every section. And it means a trusted network of local connections that only come from over 25 years of island life.
If you’re catching the last ferry home and want to squeeze in a viewing, or you need advice on island logistics, and council questions, Jeanette is already there. That’s the advantage of having a local on your side.
Selling Property on Stewart Island
When you are selling on Stewart Island, having your agent on the ground makes a real difference. No need for her to organise ferry or flights for every viewing. Jeanette lives here, she can show buyers through your property at short notice, accommodate last-minute viewings, and follow up with interested parties face to face.
Jeanette’s intimate knowledge of the island market means your property is accurately valued based on real local insight, and experience. She understands what Stewart Island buyers are looking for and markets your property to the right buyers based on their motivations.
Backed by Todd & Co Realty’s full marketing and sales support across Southland and beyond, your listing gets wide exposure while benefiting from the personal, on-island service that only a resident agent can provide.
Buying Property on Stewart Island
Stewart Island offers something genuinely rare in New Zealand, untouched native bush, pristine coastline, dark sky sanctuary status, and a community where everyone knows your name. With approximately 85% of the island protected as Rakiura National Park, available land is limited, which makes every property here something special.
What’s Available on Stewart Island?
The island’s property market is compact but diverse. You will find everything from modest holiday cribs to luxury homes, many overlooking Halfmoon Bay, Paterson Inlet, or Foveaux Strait. Bush-clad sections offer the chance to build your own retreat surrounded by native forest, while commercial properties cater to the island’s tourism and hospitality sector.
What to Know Before You Buy on Stewart Island?
Buying on Stewart Island involves some unique considerations. This is exactly where having Jeanette right there on the island pays off. She can walk you through the practical realities of island ownership, from freight logistics to building costs, local knowledge and no surprises.
Stewart Island Properties For Sale
Browse Jeanette’s current Stewart Island listings below. For properties not yet publicly listed, or to discuss upcoming opportunities, contact Jeanette directly at 027 681 8589.
Why Choose Todd & Co Realty & Stewart Island’s Only Local Agent?
Buying property on Stewart Island isn’t like buying anywhere else in New Zealand. With a resident population of around 400, a one-hour ferry ride or twenty minute flight from the mainland and the unique considerations of Island life, working with Jeanette makes a real difference:
Viewings When It Suits You - Not the Ferry Timetable
Jeanette lives minutes from every listing on the island. Want to view a property before your ferry back to Bluff? Need a second look - she can always make it happen at short notice because she’s already there.
Local Knowledge You Can’t Get From the Mainland
Jeanette knows the whole island, and this kind of intimate, ground-level knowledge only comes from living on the island day in, day out, and it’s the kind of detail that can make or break a property decision.
Trusted On-Island Connections
On an island this size, relationships are everything. Jeanette has spent over 20 years building connections with local tradespeople, Southland District Council contacts, and long-standing residents. She can assist with builders, advice on council requirements, or an introduction to your future neighbours, Jeanette’s network is your network.
A Professional You Can Trust
Jeanette holds a Law degree from Otago University and brings a sharp, detail-oriented approach to every transaction. She’s backed by Todd & Co Realty, Southland’s oldest real estate firm established 1865, with a full support team across Invercargill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stewart Island Real Estate
How do I buy property on Stewart Island?
The process is the same as buying elsewhere in New Zealand, but with some unique considerations around access, building logistics, and the limited availability of land. Jeanette from Todd & Co Realty can guide you through every step, from identifying the right property to navigating island-specific practicalities like freight, building consents, and infrastructure.
Can I arrange a property viewing on Stewart Island at short notice?
Absolutely. Because Jeanette lives on the island, she can arrange viewings at very short notice, including if you’re visiting for the day and want to fit in a viewing before your return journey.
What should I know about building on Stewart Island?
Building on Stewart Island requires careful planning. Materials need to be transported to the Island across Foveaux Strait, which affects costs. Jeanette can connect you with experienced local builders, can guide you on Southland District Council consent process, and has an understanding of the island’s water, power, and sewage infrastructure.