The Dotcom mansion is being marketed as "distinguished and magnificent" but many people will recall the unusual spectre of police swooping on the property at Coatesville, northwest of Auckland.
Whether you prefer to take a dip off a private jetty, in a heated pool or designer tub with stunning seaviews - these luxury properties will whet the appetite.
Chandeliers from Italy, balustrades from France, infinity pools, boat sheds, wine cellars, and helipads - all pretty standard on the list of features for these multi-million dollar digs, now on the market.
Auckland house prices continue to skyrocket, but they don't have anything on these five Auckland homes with price-tags well out of reach of most New Zealanders.
Lucky the imported doors are still open for a sneak peek.
Bayleys real estate agent Gary Wallace says the turn-of-the-century solid masonry home on Omana Ave in Epsom is a stunner.
The private tree-lined driveway leading to 3108sq m of flat, sunny freehold land running alongside Government House is a great start. Known as "Omana", the 865sq m house has five bedrooms, a large study, grand ballroom, formal lounge and a children's playroom above the three-car garage. It also has an adjoining two-bedroom apartment.
It has a CV of $7.2m but is expected to sell for more at tender.
15 Arney Rd, Remuera. Photo / Supplied
Around the corner at the prestigious address of 15 Arney Rd in Remuera is a restored, picture-perfect villa for sale by Boulgaris Realty.
Michael Boulgaris said the full renovation was faultless and, despite the city address, the colonial style home was in an almost rural setting.
"It incorporates the latest in modern technologies and conveniences, such as internal sound system, LED lighting, a butler's pantry, gymnasium and wine cellar.
"It is very unusual to see a full renovation from top to bottom on such a large scale in one of the best streets in Auckland."
The large 548sq m home includes five bedrooms and four bathrooms and sits on 1522sq m of elevated freehold land. The property has a CV of $5m.
Along the motorway north to Coatesville is the fairytale-like mansion built by the Chrisco hamper family then tenanted by Kim Dotcom.
The circular drive to 186 Mahoenui Valley Rd is recognisable as the spot armed police swooped on the internet mogul in 2012.
Omana Ave Epsom. Photo / Supplied
Barfoot and Thompson agent Christina Tang said the sprawling 12-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion is a masterpiece. "It really is a work of art."
From the manicured parkland with sculptures, native plantings and vineyard to the picturesque greystone bridge over the lake to the boathouse it is like something from a movie set.
"It has chandeliers, a walk-in wardrobe imported from Italy and the staircase is from France," she said.
"It is an amazing property and everyone who looks at it, whether they are 3 years old or 83, stands back and says 'wow'."
Tang said there had been strong interest from New Zealand and overseas and she had taken through many "qualified buyers". "We have to make sure they are serious buyers otherwise I am just a tour guide," Tang said.
The property has a CV of $23.5m but is widely regarded as being worth upwards of $30m. The international tender closes on April 21.
With the helipad on site in Coatesville it is easy to hop in the chopper to the next open home at Kauaroa Bay, Waiheke Island.
341 Gordons Road, Waiheke. Photo / Supplied
The waterfront property at 341 Gordons Rd is described by Bayley's agent Clive Lonergan as one of Waiheke's finest.
The 34ha private estate with five bedrooms has its own heli-pad, which makes Auckland's CBD just a six-minute ride away.
"It has everything and is so private," Lonergan said.
"There is the 2.1km of riparian water frontage, a boatshed, infinity pool and spa and a flood-lit tennis court. It is an amazing property."
The property is for sale by negotiation and has a CV of $7.2 million. Interest had been strong.
Still on Waiheke and just a quick drive away is a Richard Priest-designed architectural masterpiece.
The long drive sweeps up to the 5.0646ha address, and Ray White agent Harry Howe said the views from the cliff-top property are breathtaking.
"The extensive glass gives you the most incredible view across the water to Maraetai and Beachlands, Browns, Motuihe and Rangitoto Islands. You really have to see it. It is quite amazing."
