Strong sales as The Grove moves into construction

Construction is now underway at The Grove at Wooing Tree in Cromwell, marking a pivotal milestone for the masterplanned community that has already captured strong buyer interest, with 60 percent of homes sold as activity ramps up on-site.

Bayleys Residential Projects general manager, Gavin Lloyd, says the commencement of works this week signals confidence in Central Otago’s residential market, as buyers move decisively to secure well-located, design-led housing in one of New Zealand’s premium lifestyle regions.

“Breaking ground at The Grove is a significant moment – not just for the project and its developer, Redwood Group, but for what it represents in the current market. Buyers are recognising the opportunity to secure a foothold in Central Otago at a price point that remains accessible relative to neighbouring Queenstown and Wānaka, without compromising on quality or location.”

Positioned within the established Wooing Tree Estate and winery precinct, The Grove comprises 47 architecturally designed residences, alongside a new Wooing Tree Cellar Door and underpass linking directly into Cromwell Village.

The development is seeking 365-day visitor accommodation consent, which appeals to a broad selection of purchasers, including first-home buyers, investors, and those seeking a flexible lifestyle asset.

Bayleys Cromwell Residential and Lifestyle Sales specialist Renee Harrold says a noticeable shift in buyer behaviour has underpinned demand.

“We’re seeing a growing cohort of purchasers acting with urgency,” she says. “First-time buyers remain active as lending conditions stabilise, while investors are increasingly motivated by the dual-income potential and strength of the region’s visitor economy.”

That investment case is being reinforced at a national level. New Zealand’s renewed focus on international tourism, supported by increased funding and global marketing initiatives, is driving visitor flows back to key destinations, with Central Otago among the primary beneficiaries. “In markets like Cromwell, where tourism and lifestyle are intrinsically linked, that matters,” Harrold says. “It supports both short-term accommodation demand and long-term versatility, particularly for high-quality homes in desirable communities.

Set among the vines of the Wooing Tree Vineyard, and within easy reach of Cromwell’s expanding amenity, The Grove offers proximity to cycling trails, wineries, golf courses and lake-based recreation, while remaining connected to the wider region – just 50 minutes to Queenstown and 40 minutes to Wānaka.

Lloyd says the pace of sales also reflects a broader structural shift within the region.

“Cromwell has evolved into a primary destination. As affordability constraints persist in neighbouring centres, buyers are looking to locations that offer the same lifestyle fundamentals with greater value. The Grove sits squarely within that narrative.”

Architecturally, the homes draw on a restrained material palette of timber, stone, and metal paired with clean lines and functional layouts. Floorplans of up to 85sqm include two-and three-bedroom typologies with open-plan living, landscaped outdoor spaces and considered fittings.

With construction underway and limited availability remaining, Harrold says the project has entered a new phase.

“Once buyers can see progress on site, it brings the vision into focus. For those considering their options, the window to secure within this release is narrowing.”

As Central Otago’s growth trajectory continues to gather pace, The Grove offers a compelling entry point into one of New Zealand’s most sought-after lifestyle markets at a time when access remains within reach.