Jason Momoa Purchases Sam Neill's New Zealand Estate

Hollywood actor Jason Momoa has purchased a sprawling estate in Queenstown, New Zealand, previously owned by the late actor Sir Sam Neill. The property was reportedly acquired for NZ$15 million, which is approximately AU$12.1 million.

Neill, an actor born in Ireland and raised in New Zealand, died in July at the age of 78. His death followed a battle with cancer, from which he had announced he was cancer-free just months prior. The cause of death was pneumonia.

The 4.92-hectare lifestyle property features a swimming pool and jetty, situated in a rural setting with surrounding woodland and hills.

Momoa, known for his role as Aquaman and his work in 'Game of Thrones,' has expressed a deep connection to New Zealand, having first visited Queenstown in his early twenties. He has stated that while Hawaii is home, he has never felt more connected to a place than New Zealand. He has also shared aspirations to divide his future projects between New Zealand and Hawaii.

This acquisition follows Momoa's involvement in other New Zealand ventures. He is part of Ariki Group, which purchased a film studio in West Auckland alongside director Taika Waititi and actor Cliff Curtis. Momoa stated that the studio aims to support the local film industry, nurture talent, and create opportunities for emerging storytellers.

Sam Neill owned several properties throughout New Zealand during his career, including his organic wine estate, Two Paddocks, in Alexandra. He had also previously owned a home in Sydney, which he sold in 2020 for over $3.6 million.

Neill's estate in Queenstown had been transferred to his ex-wife, Noriko Watanabe, following their divorce in 2017. The average home price in the Queenstown region was reported as $1.6 million in September, an increase of 6.6 percent compared to September of the previous year.