Homes of New Heights

A future-focused Kiwi developer is leading the way in luxury living.

The Sanderson Group is a company that often flies under the radar, yet it has been the driving force behind some of New Zealand’s most sought-after communities.

Its latest development at Kawarau Heights, Queenstown, is a worldwide masterclass in smart subdivisions. Nearly 40 years in the business brings unrivalled knowledge and expertise that empower the developer to create places where people want to live, from premium residential precincts to beautifully designed retirement villages.

Sanderson Group CEO Jared Baronian believes their success is inextricably linked to three key values: award-winning design, high‑quality builds, and customer happiness.

“We are a family-run business and stay true to our word, and always deliver on time,” he says. “Trust is an important attribute with any development, and we take pride in always putting people first."

“Our proven expertise from project concept to operation means we can take our developments through the entire process from the initial land purchase to the feasibility and design, including architectural and engineering, earthworks and infrastructure through to the construction, completion and operation of the development.”

Founded by the group’s chairman – Fraser Sanderson – in 1987, the company has developed more than $2.3 billion in NZ projects, including 14 luxury retirement villages and multiple residential subdivisions.
Kawarau Heights is somewhat of a favourite project on the books, not only for its incredible location, with views of the Remarkables, but for its innovative masterplan which aims to elevate the standards of traditional high-end developments.

“The concept of Kawarau Heights started with one fundamental question: what is true luxury?” says Jared. “There were several aspects that formed the foundation of the development; merging eye-catching architectural features with five-star comfort, celebrating the natural surroundings by linking indoor and outdoor living, and maximising the views.”

Having previously worked for one of the best architectural firms in NZ, the Sanderson Group’s lead designers Josh Curtis and Adam Locke are passionate about transforming mundane details into life-enhancing experiences. Their approach to residential design explores the intersection between functionality, the natural world and the daily rituals of the home.

Every home within Kawarau Heights is unique, and materials such as natural schist and Western red cedar convey opulence. But it’s not just about aesthetics. An attractive attribute of the development is the wide range of on-site services offered by another Sanderson Group project – Kawarau Park – just a short walk away. The Park is a community hub with a gourmet restaurant and bar, minimart, medical centre, hair salon and Pilates studio.

“Every home is built to exceed the latest best practice in terms of insulation and energy efficiency,” Jared adds. “This is complemented by full underfloor heating throughout, including in the garages, and in‑built ducted air-conditioning systems to ensure an extraordinary level of comfort. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces make for great year-round entertainment and warmth, and every home features top-of-the-range kitchen appliances. We never compromise on quality.”

The exclusive Kawarau Heights development will eventually encompass around 100 homes. To date, 13 have been completed (nine already sold) and another four are under construction. Varying in size and views, they range from $2-$5 million-plus.

The standard of luxury is on par with another Sanderson Group project, The Pitau, a multi-level beachside retirement complex in Mount Maunganui. The complex includes more than 220 five-star, hotel-grade apartments, enhanced by an on-site café, restaurant, gym, fitness and medical facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Construction on the complex has begun, with apartment presales already exceeding expectations.

“We are beyond excited to embark on the next stage of our evolution as a group,” says Jared. “We’re always looking at new ways to deliver more life-enhancing projects, whilst staying true to those key values.”