10 Best Places To Live In New Zealand In 2025

Living in New Zealand is one of the best lifestyle choices you can make. Known for its breathtaking scenery, clean environment, and friendly culture, New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s top countries for quality of life. From its low crime rate to its strong healthcare and education systems, the country offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere for individuals, families, and retirees alike. With a relaxed pace of living and access to both modern amenities and outdoor adventure, New Zealand is the kind of place where settling down feels like a natural step. Explore the 10 best places to live in New Zealand in 2025, each offering its own unique blend of affordability, and opportunity.

The real estate estimates in this article use data from realestate.co.nz.

Wanaka

Wanaka is surrounded by the Southern Alps and nestled beside the glacial Lake Wānaka. This South Island gem offers one of the most balanced areas in New Zealand. It’s a destination where you can ski in winter, paddleboard in summer, and enjoy world-class Central Otago wine year-round.

Tourism, hospitality, and a growing remote work scene support Wānaka’s economy, attracting both professionals and lifestyle seekers. The median home price is around $1.4M, reflecting its popularity and limited housing stock. Families benefit from schools like Wānaka Primary School and Mount Aspiring College, while the Wānaka Medical Centre provides modern healthcare services. It is the kind of place where community spirit, nature, and high quality of life come together seamlessly.

Arrowtown

For those drawn to timeless charm and alpine elegance, Arrowtown is the place to be. Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, it provides a more refined alternative to its bustling neighbor. With Gold Rush roots still visible in its preserved architecture, Arrowtown invites residents to enjoy a slower, story-rich way of life.

Learn about its mining past at the Lakes District Museum and Gallery or stroll through the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, a reminder of its 19th-century immigrant history. The average home price sits at $2.1M, reflecting Arrowtown’s exclusivity and appeal among retirees, professionals, and creatives. Families have access to Arrowtown School, with secondary options available nearby, and healthcare is handled at Queenstown Lakes District Hospital.

Waikanae

Located along the Kāpiti Coast, Waikanae offers a relaxed pace of life just an hour north of Wellington. Known for its sunny weather, friendly atmosphere, and access to nature, it’s a favorite among families, retirees, and commuters alike. Locals enjoy easy access to the Nga Manu Nature Reserve, where native birdlife thrives, and the Hemi Matenga Memorial Park, which offers forested walking tracks and scenic viewpoints.

With a median home price of $800K, Waikanae is more affordable than nearby Wellington, especially for those seeking space and tranquility. The local economy is built on small businesses, tourism, and remote work, with many residents commuting to Paraparaumu or the capital. Waikanae School and nearby Kāpiti College provide education, while health needs are met through Waikanae Health Centre and the larger Kāpiti Health Centre. Waikanae combines coastal ease with a strong sense of community, making it a standout place to live on the North Island in 2025.

Te Anau

Set against the backdrop of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is one of New Zealand’s most scenic communities and a gateway to world-famous trails like the Milford and Kepler Tracks. With Lake Te Anau at its doorstep and a quiet charm year-round, it is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to escape urban life.

With a median home price of around $639K, Te Anau provides good value for retirees, seasonal workers, and those craving a slower pace in a tourism-driven economy. Its workforce is largely connected to hospitality, conservation, and part-time seasonal roles, making it ideal for flexible lifestyles. Education is available through Fiordland College and Te Anau Primary School, while healthcare needs are handled by the Fiordland Medical Centre, with further options accessible in Invercargill.

Oamaru

Situated along the South Island’s east coast, Oamaru feels like a step back in time due to its famous Victorian architecture and dramatic seaside views. This slow-paced urban area is more than a tourist stop, it is a welcoming and affordable place to call home. The tranquil Victorian Precinct, with its cobbled streets and artisan shops, pairs perfectly with Steampunk HQ, a quirky museum that captures the town’s offbeat charm.

With a median home price of around $455K, Oamaru ranks among the most budget-friendly places to live in the region. Its economy is anchored in heritage tourism, agriculture, and the arts, with remote work steadily gaining traction. Schools such as St Kevin's College and Waitaki Girls’ High School offer strong education options, while Waitaki District Hospital supports local healthcare needs.

Cromwell

Set in the heart of Central Otago, Cromwell combines golden hills, orchards, and vineyard-draped landscapes into a picture-perfect setting. Its peaceful atmosphere and sunny climate make it increasingly popular with both retirees and young families in 2025. On weekends, locals often head to Lake Dunstan for walks, swims, or a quiet moment by the water. The Cromwell Heritage Precinct, with its restored buildings and artisan shops, adds a historic charm to the everyday lifestyle.

With an average home price of $835K, Cromwell offers solid value for a region steadily growing in demand. The economy is powered by agriculture, viticulture, and tourism, offering healthy seasonal and long-term employment. Families benefit from education options like Cromwell Primary School and Cromwell College, while the Cromwell Medical Centre provides reliable healthcare services.

Taupo

With its crystal-clear lake and volcanic landscape, Taupō offers the best of small-town living with big-time scenery. Located in the heart of the North Island, it is a magnet for those who love the outdoors but also want cafés, shops, and amenities close at hand. Residents enjoy regular outings to Huka Falls, where rushing waters create stunning photo ops, and Craters of the Moon, a geothermal wonderland dotted with bubbling craters and steam vents.

The median home price sits at approximately $690K, a little higher than average, but a fair trade for the lifestyle it offers. Its economy is driven by tourism, energy, and outdoor recreation, with a growing number of roles in hospitality, education, and services. Families have access to strong education options like Tauhara College and Taupō-nui-a-Tia College, while Taupō Hospital ensures reliable healthcare. With friendly neighborhoods and incredible natural surroundings, life in Taupō feels like an endless getaway.

Akaroa

Akaroa, situated in the sheltered waters of Banks Peninsula, is a picturesque village where French heritage meets the seaside. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, this charming enclave is known for its narrow lanes, historic cottages, and a harbor filled with Hector’s dolphins. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with ocean air and end with harborside dining. Landmarks like the Akaroa Lighthouse and scenic harbor walks add to its timeless appeal.

The average home price is around $850K, offering a moderately affordable entry point into an ambiance of peace, community, and natural beauty. Local schooling is provided by Akaroa Area School, while the Akaroa Health Centre ensures everyday medical care, with larger hospitals accessible in nearby Christchurch.

Waitara

Waitara is the largest settlement in North Taranaki and holds deep cultural significance as one of the first areas settled by the Māori in the region. Its position near the Waitara River and coastline provides locals with easy access to surfing, fishing, and kayaking. Waitara Beach is a favorite weekend spot, while Tikorangi Jury Garden offers a beautiful space to explore native flora.

With a median home price of around $478K, Waitara stands out for its affordability, making it especially attractive to first-time buyers and retirees. The local economy is anchored by agriculture and manufacturing, with a growing interest in tourism and local crafts. Education is covered by Waitara High School and Manukorihi Intermediate School, and the Waitara Health Centre supports healthcare.

Brighton

A short drive south of Dunedin, Brighton is a seaside village where sea breezes, quiet streets, and wide ocean views set the tone for daily life. Locals enjoy estuary kayaking, beach walks at sunrise, and a slower rhythm that makes every weekend feel like a holiday.

With a median home price of $690K, Brighton is considered one of the more affordable seaside communities near Dunedin in 2025. Its laid-back setting appeals to families, retirees, and creatives seeking space and inspiration without losing access to city amenities. Residents benefit from Dunedin’s schools, job market, and healthcare, including services at Dunedin Hospital, while enjoying a stronger sense of community in a smaller setting.

Life in New Zealand is scenic and full of opportunity. From the alpine beauty of Wanaka to the coastal ease of Brighton and Te Anau, they reflect the heart of what makes living in New Zealand so special. Whether you're a retiree seeking tranquility, a young family looking for space to grow, or a professional craving balance, these communities offer affordability, access to nature, and a welcoming spirit. Choosing to live in any of these towns in 2025 means investing in lifestyle, well-being, and a place you will be proud to call home.