James McElrea brings a rare blend of craftsmanship, hospitality and hard-won real estate experience to Tutukaka — and it shows in the way he looks after every property, and every person, he works with. For twenty years he worked as a winemaker in Central Otago and around the world, learning the discipline, patience and attention to detail that comes from coaxing the best out of a single vineyard, vintage after vintage. That passion for craft led him to launch his own boutique label, Black Peak Wines, before he and his wife took on a second adventure: owning and operating Riverview Lodge, a luxury bed and breakfast in Wanaka. Years spent welcoming guests from around the world taught James what genuinely great hospitality looks like — and how much a warm welcome and a well-told story over a glass of wine can shape the way people feel about a place and get the most out of it. That combination of precision and people-first hospitality found its natural home in real estate. Over six years selling property in Wanaka, one of the country's most sought-after lifestyle areas, James built a reputation for honest advice, calm guidance through the ups and downs of a sale, and a genuine investment in getting the best outcome for his clients — not just the fastest one. Now James has brought that same energy north, relocating with his wife Nicky (and their new Cavoodle) from Wanaka to the Tutukaka Coast to be closer to the ocean, feel the sand between his toes, and immerse themselves in the close-knit coastal community. It's a move that mirrors the one so many of his clients are making themselves — trading pace for perspective and choosing a life closer to nature. That's the spirit behind Nautilus Property — a boutique agency operating under the eXp banner, built to bring highly personalised service to what is often one of the largest assets a person will ever sell. James understands, on a personal level, what draws people to this coastline and what makes a property here special — whether it's a family bach, a lifestyle block, or a forever home with a view of the water. He combines genuine local knowledge with an experienced, story-driven approach to marketing, presenting each property in a way that connects with the right buyers. Selling can be one of life's more stressful experiences, and James's role is to make it feel anything but. Straightforward advice, meticulous preparation and analytics, and a marketing approach built on the same care and attention to detail that's shaped everything he's done — because getting this right matters, to him as much as to you. If you're thinking about selling on the Tutukaka Coast, James would love to hear from you for an easy, unhurried conversation about your property, no pressure attached. James McElrea
Nautilus Property | Tutukaka
