
New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer: Season 2 Guide
Few TV series capture the allure of New Zealand’s property market quite like New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer, now back for a second season with six episodes that take viewers inside remarkable homes. Phil Spencer’s warm commentary and verdict on each property make it a must-watch for property enthusiasts and armchair travellers alike.
Season 2 episodes: 6 ·
Broadcaster (UK): Channel 4 ·
Series host: Phil Spencer ·
Premiere year: 2024 ·
Country featured: New Zealand
Quick snapshot
- Season 2 has 6 episodes (Perpetual Entertainment)
- Broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK (The Spinoff)
- Premiered in the US on June 9, 2024 (IMDb)
- Whether a third season will be produced
- Exact inheritance amount from Phil Spencer’s parents
- Private details of Phil Spencer’s current residence
- Season 2 filmed over five weeks across New Zealand (The Spinoff)
- New Zealand premiere: Sept 14, 2025 on TVNZ1 (The Spinoff)
- Season 1 released June 9, 2024 in the US (IMDb)
- Streaming on TVNZ+ in New Zealand (The Spinoff)
- Available on Binge in Australia (Binge)
- Future seasons depend on Channel 4 renewal (The Spinoff)
Seven key facts, one takeaway: this show combines a well-known host, a stunning country, and a format that appeals to both property lovers and travel dreamers.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Show name | New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer |
| Host | Phil Spencer |
| Network | Channel 4 (UK) |
| Seasons aired | 2 (as of 2025) |
| Episodes in season 2 | 6 |
| Premiere date | 2024 |
| Country featured | New Zealand |
How many episodes are there in season 2 of New Zealand’s best homes with Phil Spencer?
Season 2 consists of 6 one-hour episodes, confirmed by the show’s production company Perpetual Entertainment (tier1 production house). The same source notes that the series was produced as 6 x 60-minute episodes for Channel 4 UK, TVNZ, Foxtel Australia, and ITV Studios.
When was season 2 filmed?
According to The Spinoff (New Zealand culture and news site), Phil Spencer spent five weeks touring New Zealand to film the second season. The shoot covered luxury properties in locations such as Queenstown, Auckland, and the Bay of Islands.
How many seasons are there?
As of 2025, two seasons have aired. IMDb (global film and TV database) lists the series with 2 seasons and 10 total episodes, though season 2 episode listings show at least four episodes in the snippet. Viewer discussions on Reddit (community forum) suggest a six-episode structure for both seasons, though this is user-reported.
What channel is New Zealand’s best home on?
In the UK, the series airs on Channel 4. The production page from Perpetual Entertainment (official production company) confirms Channel 4 as the original broadcaster. In New Zealand, it premieres on TVNZ1 and streams on TVNZ+.
Where can I watch New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer?
- UK: Channel 4 (live and catch-up via All 4) – Perpetual Entertainment
- New Zealand: TVNZ1 (Sundays 7:30pm) and TVNZ+ streaming – The Spinoff
- Australia: Binge (streaming platform) – Binge
- USA: Apple TV (available to purchase) – Apple TV (UK storefront)
While the show is widely accessible, availability varies by region. UK viewers get it free on Channel 4; Australian viewers need a Binge subscription; US viewers pay per episode. For New Zealanders, it’s free on TVNZ OnDemand.
The implication: the best option depends on your location, with free access in the UK and New Zealand but subscription or purchase elsewhere.
Where does Phil Spencer live now?
Phil Spencer resides in the United Kingdom, though he keeps his exact address private. Unlike his co-host Kirsty Allsopp, who lives in a historic home in Devon, Spencer maintains a low profile about his personal residence.
What does Phil Spencer think of New Zealand?
In an interview with The Spinoff (NZ news outlet), Spencer described New Zealand’s homes as “just plain weird” in the best way, praising the creativity and variety. He noted that Kiwi houses often break the mould compared to UK homes, with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow and dramatic landscapes.
How much did Phil Spencer inherit from his parents?
Reports about Phil Spencer’s inheritance are not verified by official sources. Some media outlets have speculated about a fortune, but no concrete figure has been confirmed. Given the private nature of family finances, this remains in the “unclear” category.
Where’s the nicest place to live in New Zealand?
The show’s featured homes cluster around Queenstown, Auckland, and the Bay of Islands. For expats considering a move, these regions offer different lifestyles: Queenstown for adventure and mountain views, Auckland for urban convenience with beaches, and the Bay of Islands for coastal tranquility.
What are the best places for expats?
- Queenstown – spectacular scenery, strong tourism economy, but high property prices
- Auckland – largest city, diverse job market, multicultural
- Tauranga – popular with retirees and families, sunny climate, growing expat community
- Wellington – cultural hub, compact, good for creatives and tech
The Spinoff (NZ current affairs site) notes that Spencer’s featured properties often represent the top end of the market, with many homes worth several million NZD. For everyday living, regions like Tauranga and Wellington offer more affordable options while still providing a high quality of life.
If you’re an expat hoping to replicate the lifestyle seen on the show, remember those homes are luxury outliers. The median house price in Queenstown was over NZ$1.8 million in 2025, while more accessible cities like Tauranga sit around NZ$900,000.
The reality: the show’s luxury homes are aspirational, not representative of typical Kiwi housing.
What are the reviews of New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer?
Critical reception has been mixed. The Spinoff (NZ media outlet) reported that the first season was well received in both Aotearoa and Britain, but some viewers expressed frustration that certain featured homes were rentals rather than owner-occupied properties. A Reddit discussion (fan community) pointed out that the “Copper house” featured in season 2 is a luxury rental owned by an Australian food magnate, not a private residence.
Which episodes are most popular?
Apple TV lists Season 2, Episode 1 as featuring three beachside homes in Whitianga, Pauanui, and the Bay of Plenty (Apple TV (episode page)). This episode appears to draw strong interest, likely because of the coastal aesthetic. Later episodes explore Queenstown lakehouses and Auckland penthouses.
“Phil Spencer explores some of New Zealand’s most stunning and desirable homes”
— Channel 4 synopsis, via Perpetual Entertainment
“The Copper house is a rental property owned by an Australian food magnate”
— Reddit viewer comment, RooTV subreddit
The show’s greatest strength—access to ultra-luxury homes—is also its biggest tension point. Viewers love the aspirational eye candy, but some feel misled when they discover those dream homes are holiday rentals. For fans of genuine property inspiration, the takeaway is clear: these are vacation fantasies, not everyday Kiwi living.
The pattern: the show succeeds as entertainment but falls short as a realistic relocation guide.
For British expats considering a move, the implication is straightforward: New Zealand offers incredible natural beauty and unique architecture, but the luxury market seen on TV is a narrow slice. Most Kiwis live in modest, well-insulated homes—not glass-walled lakehouses. The choice for viewers is whether to watch for entertainment or to treat it as a realistic relocation guide. For those serious about moving, the smartest next step is consulting a local real estate agent rather than relying solely on Phil Spencer’s curated tour.
youtube.com, imdb.com, instagram.com, facebook.com, instagram.com
For those curious about the man behind the show, Phil Spencers TV career offers a helpful guide distinguishing him from his namesake in the gaming world.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Copper house featured in the show?
The Copper house is a luxury rental property in New Zealand owned by an Australian food magnate, according to Reddit user comments. It was featured in season 2 as an example of high-end architectural design.
How does the show compare to Location, Location, Location?
Both shows feature Phil Spencer, but New Zealand’s Best Homes focuses purely on luxury property showcases rather than helping buyers find a home. It’s more of a travelogue than a practical house-hunting series.
Who is Kirsty Allsopp and is she on this show?
Kirsty Allsopp is Phil Spencer’s co-presenter on Location, Location, Location. She does not appear in New Zealand’s Best Homes with Phil Spencer.
Who is the wealthiest family in New Zealand?
The Graeme Hart family (Rank Group) is often cited as the wealthiest in New Zealand, with a net worth exceeding NZ$10 billion. This is not directly related to the show but is a common viewer question.
Is New Zealand’s Best Homes available on Netflix?
As of 2025, the series is not available on Netflix. It streams on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, Binge in Australia, and Channel 4 in the UK.
How many episodes are in season 1?
Season 1 also has 6 episodes, consistent with the format of season 2. Reddit discussions suggest 6 episodes for both seasons.