6 Best Towns In New Zealand To Retire Comfortably

New Zealand is a geographically diverse island nation known for its expansive coastlines, mountains, lakes, and protected landscapes. Roughly one-third of the country is designated as conservation land, preserving vast natural areas that shape everyday life across both islands.

Beyond its varied scenery, New Zealand offers retirees practical advantages that extend beyond its environment. A strong healthcare system, reliable infrastructure, and a high overall quality of life make it an appealing option for those planning their retirement years. This article highlights eight towns in New Zealand where retirees can find a comfortable, well-balanced lifestyle. All figures are listed in US dollars.

Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay

Marked by its strong Māori identity and tradition, Wairoa began as a settlement and blossomed into a vibrant, tight-knit community shaped by a beautiful coastline, agricultural land, and other wondrous natural landscapes. Start your adventure at Whakamahia Beach, where you can appreciate sweeping ocean views along rolling hills. This beach is not as well-known as others and thus offers a perfect opportunity for a gentle walk or run along the black pebble sand.

Not too far away lies one of the most important and historic landmarks: Wairoa Old Portland Island Lighthouse. Unlike most lighthouses, this one sits adjacent to the Wairoa River and is surrounded by numerous amenities, including cafés and various shops. While it's open during the day, it offers particularly striking views after dark, when its lights illuminate the surrounding area. Wairoa and its stunning landscape are surprisingly budget-friendly, with the median sale price at 313,750 NZD.

Kawerau, Bay of Plenty

From Kawerau, it’s an easy day trip to Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), near Rotorua. True to its name, the vividly blue water, bordered by the dense green forest, offers a unique color contrast. Coming here is ideal for thrilling outdoor activities, including swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. If you're up for a fun challenge, the Blue Lake Track delivers an excellent hiking path to unwind and soak up the fresh air.

For a lighter activity, the Kawerau Golf & Squash Club Inc welcomes golf-lovers of all skill levels to soak in the sun amid river and mountain views while forging new friendships. The median sale price in Kwerau is 398,000 NZD.

Patea, Taranaki

Residents of Patea have one of the region’s most scenic viewpoints at Bourke's Lookout. This calendar-worthy landmark offers 360-degree views of the ocean and mysterious-looking black sand, which is colored by iron-rich minerals. While any time is a good time to visit, dawn and twilight hours are the best times to capture mesmerizing views as the smell of the sea breeze fills your nostrils.

Another feature of Patea is the Aotea Utanganui - Museum of South Taranaki, granting residents and visitors alike an opportunity to step back in time to learn about the rich history of the South Taranaki region, with curated exhibits, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a vast mix of items to explore.

A quick two-minute drive away lies Glascroft Gardens, home to 12 individual garden rooms featuring pohutukawa trees, rhododendrons, and more. Apart from trees and plants, there are Victorian-era stumps that add a nice historic touch. Joining Patea and experiencing its coastal scenery and close-knit community comes at a surprisingly affordable cost, with a median sale price of 257,000 NZD.

Runanga, West Coast

Rūnanga roughly translates to "assembly" in the Māori language. This town's history is full to the brim with stories of heritage, hard work, and industrialism. Retirees living in Rūnanga have access to a wide network of outdoor options. Among them is Coal Creek Falls, a family-friendly park with a rich biodiversity of trees and, best of all, a seven-meter-high waterfall. The park also features a lookout to pause and admire the scenery.

For a gentler exercise, the Westfleet Runanga Community Pool grants access to a neat indoor swimming pool. The facility is very community-oriented and has previously hosted several events, including barbecues, community meetings, and more.

If you're into photography, a must-see landmark is the esteemed Point Elizabeth Lookout, which gifts hikers unparalleled, open-sky views of the ocean and enormous, towering sea stacks that pierce through the blue waters. That's not it. On a clear day, visitors will also have the luxury of gazing at Mt Cook from afar. The median sale price in Runanga is 235,000 NZD.

Gisborne, Gisborne District

With more than 2,200 hours of sunshine, there is a lot to do and love about Gisborne. A short 1.6-mile drive east of town is Titirangi Reserve, offering a 360-degree view of the vast coastline, the town of Gisborne, and the ocean as far as the eye can see. Visitors have described the outlook as one of the "most prized possessions" of the region. Another perk of visiting Titirangi Reserve? Princess Diana's tree. Back in 1983, the late royal family member planted a pohutukawa tree located near the top of the lookout.

Another well-known landmark is Gisborne Botanical Gardens, a family-friendly park that includes flora from across the world, including Australia, Japan, and California. Beyond its vast selection of flora, the garden offers attendees a relaxing picnic area, trails, and a romantic riverbank stroll.

Finally, spend some time in the sun at the Sponge Bay Beach. Climate change has changed this area, causing palpable environmental changes. That said, the beach attracts thousands of visitors who come to swim and surf, especially at sunrise and sunset. Given Gisborne's premier nature spots and amenities, the median sale price is 633,750 NZD.

Ashburton, Canterbury

Last but far from least is Ashburton. This quirky town is home to several museums and historic landmarks such as the Ashburton Aviation Museum, Ashburton Fire Museum, and the Plains Heritage Park. Despite their love for history, residents also love their outdoor spaces. The Ashburton Domain park gives 37 hectares of land to explore, walkways, a seasonal paddling pool, and a garden. The best time to go is spring, but really, any season is fine. Patrons witness seasonal blooms and stunning rose gardens around late spring, enjoy a delicious BBQ picnic in summer, and relish fall foliage from March through May.

For a different activity, consider visiting the Ashburton Raceway to witness horses thundering across the race track. Aside from racing, the venue also offers perks like face painting, a kitchen to grab a bite, and an overall fun, rustic vibe to meet people and enjoy each other's company. Based on data compiled from the last 12 months, the median sale price in Ashburton is 510,000 NZD.

Key Takeaways

To sum it up, New Zealand is a remarkable country with top-notch nature spots and hospitable towns to explore various landmarks. These towns offer something for people from all walks of life. Active retirees will relish every second of ascending to the Point Elizabeth Lookout to observe panoramic views of the ocean, while low-impact outdoor lovers can delight in the wide selection of trees and plants at the Gisborne Botanical Gardens.

The cherry on top? Many of these towns boast median sale prices far below those of other developed nations, giving you less time to worry about your wallet and more time to focus on what our beautiful planet has to offer.