Up the coast and over the strait, it was a Wellington home that captured the judges' attention. The Mt Victoria home was chosen for the supreme award for Renovation of the Year.
More than 500 people from the building and construction industry gathered at SkyCity in Auckland to hear who was to be honoured in the awards' 27th year.
The most coveted award, House of the Year, went to John Creighton Builder Limited. The Christchurch company also won the New Home over $2 Million Award and the Craftsmanship Award.
In a statement, judges described the Mt Pleasant home as exciting, elegant and both blending in and complimenting the surrounding neighbourhood. The work covered 407 square metres.
"The home consists of three bathrooms, four bedrooms, living and dining area with effortless flow to an elevated outdoor living area. A home theatre, ground floor living and den completes the package."
It was a challenging and difficult build requiring precision workmanship, they said. "[It was] a truly deserving winner of this award."
Renovation of the Year award winners, Wellington's Planit Construction, were also winners more than once — they received the national category win for the Renovation over $1m Award.
The magnitude of 270sq m renovation of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom, two living room home should not be underestimated, the judges said.
"The overall success of this project is a classic example of the builder, architect/owner working in a collaborative manner, utilising their skills and knowledge to the maximum to produce a stunning result.
"[It's] extremely well crafted — judging this renovation was a rewarding experience for both judges."
Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly said the number of top-quality homes and diversity within the range of price categories showed what could be achieved within the country's changing housing market.
"All of the winners and finalists have showcased the wide range of materials and approaches the industry can use to meet the increasing demands of the sector. They are the examples the industry can look to."
The Mt Victoria home was chosen for the supreme award for Renovation of the Year. Photo / Supplied
All Supreme, Lifestyle and Category winners were selected from the Gold Reserve National Finalists, which were all award-winners in the 10 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand during July and August.
As well as new home and renovation categories across various price ranges up to $2m, awards were also given for top work in kitchens, bathroom, outdoor area and in sustainability.
A Belco Homes Ltd build in Tauranga was named the top new home in the $1m to $2m category.
The cedar-and-clay-brick family home with oak floors and custom copper wall linings makes sure every square metre of the 230sq m floor plan is utilised, with joinery maximising views minimises heat loss and louvres creating an all-weather deck space.
