Summit Real Estate was founded in 1992 and, from small beginnings in Stoke, quickly grew to become the Top of the South Island’s market leaders and has maintained that position for over 30 years.




Locally owned and operated, with over 30 years of operation, Summit has grown its office network to Blenheim, Picton, Nelson, Stoke, Richmond, and Motueka. It continues to explore the opportunity for offices in new locations.

Our mission statement includes;

‘you’ll be glad you chose Summit’,

and to achieve that, every Summit team member aims to provide a real estate service that is second to none. We value relationships. We have maintained a close connection with our community since our first day of operation. Summit has grown with the region through numerous events, sports, cultural and other community-based initiatives, including 5 years as principal sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. While we source an ever-increasing percentage of inquiries from our high-profile, web-based marketing, the vast majority of business is still completed face-to-face with our clients and salespeople.

Summit maintains a simple strategy; we provide our salespeople with the best resources, marketing, training, technology, and management support to achieve the best result possible for every client. Built on a solid foundation of many years of ethical trading, Summit is a member of the NZ Realtors Network - the most successful group of Real Estate companies in New Zealand. Summit has unique advantages; salespeople enjoy the benefits of working in a progressive multi-office environment, no franchise fees sent out of town, and the region’s largest real estate agency.

1992
Established Office at
526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke

2001
Opened Commercial Office
Nelson

2002
Opened Motueka
102 High Street

2006
New Stoke Office opens
506 Main Road Stoke

2009
Opened Summit House Nelson
60 Rutherford Street

2010
Opened Picton Office
56 High Street

2013
New Richmond Office opens
203 Queen Street

2019
New Blenheim Office opens
30 Alfred Street

2026
Expanded Property Management Richmond Office opens
201-203 Queen Street

About Us

Summit understand what makes the Top of the South Island unique, from the majestic bays of the Sounds, the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman, to the vibrant communities of our provincial towns.

Our People

Our real difference is our culture and people. Summit’s success is the results of the many outstanding people who have joined us. We have the largest team of qualified, experienced real estate specialists, and we’re well equipped to deal with all facets of real estate. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and working as a team makes Summit the region’s most preferred real estate agency by far.

Our Community

It’s the support from our local community that we gratefully acknowledge when looking at Summit’s achievements to date and our current position as market leaders. We show our gratitude in very real ways, giving back to our local community.

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Spring Reasons to Connect with Summit – One Team for Every Property Need

The season of fresh starts is the perfect time to make smart moves with your property. At Summit Real Estate, our team across the Top of the South is here to help you take advantage of everything spring has to offer — from fresh buyer energy to market confidence and new opportunities for homeowners and investors alike.

A Spring in the Market’s Step

The property market across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough continues to show steady growth and strong buyer activity. Median prices remain resilient, and our regional results reflect that confidence:

174 properties sold by Summit between July 1 – September 30, 2025231 new listings signed by the team across the region1,008 open homes hosted, giving buyers plenty of chances to find their next move

At Summit, we work as one team to achieve outstanding results — connecting sellers with buyers, landlords with tenants, and clients with trusted mortgage and insurance advice.

Find out how Summit can get you results this spring

1. Fresh Market Insights

Curious about what your home is worth this spring?
Summit’s local experts can provide a free and honest market update or appraisal, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.

Request Your Free Appraisal

2. Stress-Free Property Management

Maximise your returns and minimise the hassle with Summit Property Management — the Top of the South’s largest, most trusted team of specialists.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or renting out your first home, our dedicated managers across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough ensure your property is well cared for and your tenants are happy.

This spring, take the opportunity to reassess your management and experience the Summit difference.

Get Started with Summit Property Management

3. Smarter Mortgage & Insurance Advice

Through our trusted financial partners, Summit can connect you with expert mortgage and insurance advice that fits your goals.

With one-year fixed mortgage rates now nearly 40% lower than the February 2024 peak, now could be the perfect time to review your loan or secure pre-approval before the market heats up.

Find Out More from Mortgage Money

This spring, there are so many reasons to connect with Summit — your one team for every property need.
From sales and residential property management to mortgages and insurance, we’re here to help you make confident moves and achieve great results.

Your success is our Summit.

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Tenancy Changes & Pets: What You Need to Know

As more Kiwis look to rent with pets, the Government has recognised the need to balance pet ownership with landlords’ rights and property protection. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 introduces new rules around pets in rental properties — and while these provisions haven’t yet taken effect, they’re on the horizon for late 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of where things stand and what both landlords and tenants should prepare for.

Where Things Sit

The key changes are set out in the new section 18AA – “Pet Bonds” of the Act. These provisions are not yet in force, but are expected to commence in late 2025 by Order in Council.

Once active, landlords will have the right to require a separate pet bond in addition to the general tenancy bond.

What Is a Pet Bond?

A pet bond is a separate payment (of up to two weeks’ rent) that landlords may request when approving a tenant’s pet.

Only one pet bond can be held at a time, regardless of how many pets live at the property.The bond is intended to cover pet-related cleaning or damage beyond fair wear and tear.The pet bond can only be applied to pet damage – not to general tenancy issues.

Pet Consent: Requests & Reasonable Grounds

Tenants will still need written consent from the landlord before bringing a pet into the property.

Under the new law, landlords must not unreasonably refuse consent. However, there are still reasonable grounds where a refusal or specific conditions are permitted — such as:

Body corporate or insurance restrictionsUnsuitable property type (e.g. no outdoor space, polished timber floors)

Landlords may also set reasonable conditions, for example:

Professional carpet cleaning at the end of tenancyRestricting pets from certain areas (like bedrooms)

It’s important to note that disability assist dogs are covered by separate legal protections — these rules do not apply to them.

Amounts, Adjustments & RefundsMaximum amount: Up to two weeks’ rent at the time the pet bond is requested.If rent changes during the tenancy, the pet bond may be adjusted (either topped up or partially refunded).If a pet permanently leaves or passes away, the pet bond must be refunded. A new pet bond can then be requested if another pet is later approved.


How Pet Bonds Will Be Managed

The Bond Centre will handle pet bonds in the same way as standard tenancy bonds — including lodgement, refund applications, and dispute resolution via Tenancy Services and the Tenancy Tribunal.

Both landlords and tenants should keep clear records such as:

Entry and exit inspection photosCleaning or repair invoicesVet records (if relevant)

Tip for tenants: When applying for a property, consider providing a pet profile with references and a cleaning commitment — this helps build trust and demonstrate responsibility.

Read more Finding a Rental Property with Pets


Examples from the LegislationOne bond only: If a tenant has consent for three pets, the landlord may still collect only one pet bond (up to two weeks’ rent).Change in pets: If the pet leaves permanently, the pet bond is refunded. If a new pet is later approved, a new bond may be requested.

Timeline & What to WatchThe legislation passed in 2024, but pet-related provisions await commencement (expected late 2025).Tenancy Services and HUD will release detailed guidance closer to that date.At Summit Real Estate, we’ll be updating our tenancy documents, systems, and landlord information as soon as final details are confirmed — ensuring we’re ready to go from day one.


The upcoming changes are a positive step toward giving more tenants the opportunity to own pets while providing landlords additional reassurance through the pet bond system.

At Summit Property Management, we’ll continue to help our landlords navigate these changes and ensure their investments — and their tenants — are well cared for.

If you have questions about how the new rules might affect your tenancy or investment property, get in touch with your local Summit Property Management team.

Read More Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024

Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 – Status and How It Will Work (as at 10 October 2025). By Stew Henry, Summit Property Management

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First Summit Office

Opened at 526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke in 1992

The Summit Property Weekly

Our first issue of the Summit Weekly published in September 2004, this has become an integral part of establishing Summit as the region's most preferred real estate agency.

Find a Salesperson

Across the Top of the South and every corner of our region, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.

Find a Property Manager

Managing thousands of rental properties throughout the top of the South, the region's trusted name in property management saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.

Find a Branch

With a team of over 100 strong in 6 locations throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough a friendly Summit branch is likely not too far from where you are.