9 Best Places To Call Home In New Zealand In 2026
Home means something different to everyone. For some, it’s Edwardian façades lining a tidy main street. Others prefer harbor towns where fishing boats drift along wide rivers. Still others feel at home in communities where the sun seems to linger for far longer than anywhere else in the country. Of course, there are some who like a little bit of everything — and in New Zealand, one can find towns shaped by extraordinary variety.
Across the North and South Islands, small towns pair heritage precincts and preserved theaters with regenerative rainforests, limestone formations, river trails, and sweeping beaches. Many offer housing prices below the national median, easy access to regional hospitals and respected universities, and community centers, recreation hubs, and local parks. No matter one's preferences, New Zealand proves that "home" can be both beautiful and truly livable.
Feilding
A 16-time winner of the "Most Beautiful Town" award from Keep New Zealand Beautiful, Feilding is known for its wonderfully preserved Edwardian central business district. Feilding’s median house price in August 2025 sat at approximately NZ$569,626 — comfortably below the national median of $761,000 — making it an appealing option for buyers seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Families benefit from nearly 30 primary schools across the wider Manawatū District, while institutions such as Massey University, the University College of Learning, and International Pacific University are just a short drive away. With reliable local services like Feilding Health Care and strong community spirit at its core, Feilding offers a balanced, beautiful place to raise a family, build a career, or enjoy a slower pace of life.
Dargaville
Families and retirees seeking rural living may find it in Dargaville, a small Northland town of around 5,000 residents often described as the “Heart of the Kauri Coast.” Along the banks of the Northern Wairoa River, the town provides abundant access to outdoor life, from fishing and boating on the river and nearby Ripiro Beach to scenic walking and scrambling routes around local landmarks like Tokatoka and Maungaraho Rocks.
Property prices in Dargaville remain relatively affordable compared with the national median, with recent data putting typical home values near the lower end of the spectrum. Residents can access local health care services and community amenities while enjoying the warm hospitality of this rural community — all within reach of Northland’s wider natural attractions and coastal landscapes.
Oamaru
Oamaru is a fantastic place to call home for families and retirees alike. With Ōamaru Hospital nearby, health care is always within easy reach, and community facilities like the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre offer activities for all ages. Median house prices sit around NZ$450,000, comfortably below the national average, making the town an affordable option. Its 19th-century Victorian Precinct, built from the town’s signature limestone, gives Oamaru a historic charm that makes daily life feel picturesque.
Hokitika
Known as “The Place to Regenerate,” Hokitika is one of the best small towns in New Zealand to call home, whether you’re looking to relax or explore the wild landscapes of the West Coast. The town encourages residents to lace up their boots and take on miles of scenic walking trails, from the Hokitika Heritage Trail and the Tunnel Terrace Walk to the Lake Kaniere Walkway.
With a population under 4,000, Hokitika fosters close knit community life where neighbors know each other and local history shows up at every turn, from the refurbished Regent Theatre to the historic Carnegie Building, home to museums and exhibits. Property prices in the area remain relatively affordable compared with many parts of the country, with typical houses often listed in the NZ$500,000 and NZ$600,000 range, according to recent market data, making it an appealing choice for buyers seeking character, nature, and value.
Tirau
While some seek the high energy of a city, Tirau — with a population of about 800 — offers a peaceful, quiet atmosphere and plenty of character. The town is famous for its whimsical corrugated‑iron buildings, including sheep, dogs, and other animals that celebrate its rural heritage. Residents also enjoy local tennis courts, golf opportunities, and the historic War Memorial Hall.
Nearby, the Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway offers pristine water and tranquil walks, while the Waikato River provides scenic riverside adventures. Recent property data shows typical houses in Tirau selling in the NZ$600,000s, making homeownership more attainable than in many larger centers. For those who value community, natural beauty, and quirky charm, Tirau is the perfect place to hang your coat and call home.
Masterton
Masterton, with a population of about 22,000, is the largest town in the family friendly Wairarapa region. Queen Elizabeth Park is a hub for families, with a playground, paddle boats, miniature train, skate park, and mini golf. Culture and history lovers can explore Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art & History and the Wool Shed Museum, which includes exhibits on the famous Golden Shears sheep-shearing competition.
Nearby, Castlepoint and Riversdale Beach, Henley Lake Park, and the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre offer outdoor adventures for all ages. Recent property data shows typical houses in Masterton listed in the NZ$520,000 to NZ$660,000 range, which might make the town an appealing choice for families and first-time home buyers.
Greymouth
As the largest town on the South Island’s West Coast, Greymouth is home to around 8,000 residents and is situated between coastline, forest, and mountains. Residents enjoy access to some of the country’s best hiking and cycling trails, including the nearby Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the West Coast Wilderness Trail. With a median house price of NZ$500,000, below the national average, Greymouth offers affordable living alongside attractions at the town’s core, while top destinations like Shantytown Heritage Park and the Point Elizabeth Walkway are just a short walk or drive away.
Ashburton
Ashburton offers a comfortable lifestyle within a tight-knit, friendly community, with services for residents of all ages, including Ashburton Hospital and the EA Networks Centre. Lake Hood provides rowing and boating opportunities, while Ashburton Raceway lets residents enjoy horse riding. Those interested in history and creativity can explore the Ashburton Art Gallery and Heritage Centre.
Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options, too, from Ashburton Domain and Riverstone Park to hiking and cycling along the Hakatere River Trail and Rakaia Gorge walkway, with river access points perfect for adventurous outings. Recent property data shows typical houses in Ashburton selling in the NZ$500,000 to NZ$620,000 range. With its mix of amenities and open space, Ashburton provides a balanced and welcoming place that allows for the creation of new and possibly adventurous memories each day.
Whakatāne
Whakatāne, home to about 16,000 residents, soaks up more sunshine than almost any other town in New Zealand. In fact, the Whakatāne district enjoys up to 2,600 hours of sunshine annually, with an abundance of outdoor activities to ensure residents enjoy their time in the sun. Cyclists and hikers can visit the Motu Trails Cycleway, Whakatāne Gardens, or Latham's Hill Track, while others can kayak and surf the Eastern Bay and the West End, respectively.
Recent property data shows typical houses in Whakatāne selling in the NZ$650,000 to NZ$800,000 range, sitting around or slightly below the national median. With a mix of townhouses, riverside apartments, and beachside homes, Whakatāne offers a bright, coastal lifestyle well suited to families and retirees alike.
Home Is Different For Everyone
Families searching for strong schooling and community spirit will find it in towns like Feilding, while retirees seeking a slower pace may feel right at home in Hokitika. From the rural calm of Dargaville to the sunshine of Whakatāne and the heritage of Oamaru, each town offers its own version of comfort and character. Across these small communities in New Zealand, “home” can mean coastal walks at sunset, weekend markets in a historic precinct, or simply neighbors who know your name.
