9 Best Towns In New Zealand For Retirees

Are you considering retirement and a change in scenery? If you prefer a slower, more intimate setting and a balance of convenience and affordability, New Zealand has much to offer. These nine towns all have populations under 50,000, natural beauty that never gets old, and access to quality services and amenities. What's more, as of mid-2025, many of the regions listed here track well below the national median house price, which sits around $770,000 NZD ($445,500 USD), without giving up what makes New Zealand great.

Whanganui

On the lower North Island's wild west coast, river life meets history. The average listing price of a home in this area is $460,000 NZD ($266,000 USD), which sits well below the national average. The area also has many fun activities for the active senior. For starters, there are the panoramas of the Durie Hill Elevator and Tower, a unique experience that allows you to ascend a hilltop tower to take in the surrounding beauty.

The beautiful Bason Botanic Gardens are another great option, as they host a dazzling variety of local and international flowers and plants. Lastly, the pristine markets along the water and paddling on the Whanganui River are enjoyable. Whanganui Hospital (Te Whatu Ora) serves as the local hospital, and Kowhainui (Enliven) and Summerset in the River City are popular villages with a range of options for retirement living.

Timaru

Timaru, a gem in the South Canterbury region, is an excellent choice for ocean lovers. It is a port town with stunning beaches, lush gardens, and breathtaking views. Moreover, South Canterbury's median house prices are below the national average and far more affordable than those of major cities like Auckland or Hamilton, and Timaru's average is a reasonable $617,500 NZD ($357,000 USD).

The Caroline Bay promenade is Timaru’s crown jewel, hosting a lively summer carnival with rides, concerts, food stalls, and fireworks. The South Canterbury Museum brings the region’s history to life with exhibits on natural heritage and Māori culture, while the Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre is another highlight, showcasing traditional cave art with modern storytelling. Another plus is the Timaru Hospital (Te Whatu Ora - South Canterbury), as well as the Strathallan and Highfield Lifecare facilities, which provide assisted living and specialized elderly care.

Masterton

The Wairarapa region hub mixes leafy parks and gorgeous countryside appeal. With average house listing prices of around $560,000 NZD ($332,000 USD), Masterton is more affordable than nearby Wellington, not to mention quieter with a slower pace of life. However, there's more to Masterton than just good deals on housing and a low cost of living.

Visit Queen Elizabeth Park Lakes & Miniature Train. This local institution has shimmering lakes and a cute half-sized train, great for the grandkids. The Aratoi Museum of Art & History offers a unique experience in local Māori art and Masterton culture, and the nearby Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, located at majestic Mount Bruce, is genuinely breathtaking. This sprawling complex of trails and native animals is a great way to see unique species only found on the islands, including the national bird, the kiwi. For excellent healthcare, Wairarapa Hospital in Masterton is a solid choice, and Lansdowne Park and Lansdowne Estate, in neighbouring Arvida, are standout retirement villages that cater to the discerning senior and retiree.

Levin

Being halfway between the capital and Palmerston North, Levin offers leisurely walking, fertile gardens, and bargain-friendly homes to choose from. Horowhenua, as a region, trends below the national average in terms of home prices, and Levin boasts a median listing price of just $538,000 NZD ($315,000 USD), making it a classic first-home and retiree district. Like most of New Zealand, the Levin area is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty.

Papaitonga Scenic Reserve is a flat lakeside jaunt that is appropriate for all fitness levels. It's a wetland reserve with boardwalks and bridges, offering lovely views of Lake Waiwiri. For family-friendly fun, Levin Adventure Park is ideal with extensive jungle gyms, murals, and a miniature train. Tararua Forest Park is another excellent choice for easier foothill walks, though it also provides tougher routes for the adventurous, such as climbing Mitre Peak. Healthcare is handled by the Horowhenua Health Centre (Te Whatu Ora), though it does not have an emergency department, and Summerset by the Ranges is a substantial village for seniors that is well regarded by its residents and their families.

Ashburton

A sun-drenched Canterbury service town with rivers, trails, and a leisurely pace, Ashburton is particularly appealing due to its proximity to central Christchurch. It also has solid value, with median listing prices of around $482,500 NZD ($286,000 USD) despite the town's amenities and strong connections to larger centres.

For local amenities, the Ashburton Domain contains leisurely garden strolls, an eclectic aviary, a cricket pitch, and a small lake. For more robust adventures, head to nearby Lake Hood, a man-made lake designed for water sports and recreation. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Ashburton Art Gallery & Museum, a must-see that blends history with modern creativity. For healthcare needs, Ashburton Hospital is centrally located, while Millstream and Coldstream also offer retirement village options.

Gisborne / Tūranganui-a-Kiwa

This East Coast sunshine capital is blessed with surf beaches and a proud wine scene that is internationally renowned. Gisborne's market is among New Zealand's more affordable regional centres, with a median house listing price of $675,000 NZD ($400,000 USD), well under Auckland or Wellington area averages.

Tītīrangi/Kaiti Hill lookouts, which offer breathtaking scenic ocean vistas over Poverty Bay, are not to be missed. For a taste of authentic Kiwi culture, the Tairāwhiti Museum is home to Māori art, waka, and taonga. A more adventurous day trip is Rere Rockslide & Falls, where smooth rock formations create a natural waterslide amid lush greenery. For healthcare, the town is well served by Gisborne Hospital, and Beetham Lifestyle Village is a highly regarded and safe option for retirees seeking a communal setting.

Greymouth

Gateway to the fabulous West Coast, the area around Greymouth features dramatic landscapes and small-town friendliness. It remains one of New Zealand's best-value regions, with a median house listing price of only $482,500 NZD ($264,000 USD). The Shantytown Heritage Park is a preserved, gold rush-era settlement where visitors can try gold panning, ride a heritage steam train, and explore period buildings. The Point Elizabeth Walkway snakes along coastal clifftops, offering expansive views of the Tasman Sea, and the West Coast Wilderness Trail nearby provides a multi-day cycling route, though short sections are perfect for leisurely day rides. Healthcare is supported by the Te Nīkau Grey Hospital, while Granger House and Dixon House offer retirement and care home facilities.

Oamaru

Victorian stone, little blue penguins, and gentle living on the Waitaki coast… who could ask for more? Oamaru is truly special and has a charm not found anywhere else in the country. The median listing price of $479,000 NZD ($285,000 USD) remains well below South Island hotspots like Queenstown, making it a strong choice for retirees. The Victorian Precinct transports visitors to 19th-century New Zealand with intact limestone architecture, boutique shops, and heritage streets.

Steampunk HQ adds a quirky twist, with interactive sculptures, retro-futuristic machines, and imaginative art installations. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is another nearby adventure, allowing you to see the world’s smallest penguins return to shore at dusk. For healthcare, Oamaru Hospital serves the area, while Iona (Enliven) retirement village offers both independent living and full-time care options.

Tokoroa

A laid-back South Waikato mill town turned outdoor adventure base, Tokoroa is one of New Zealand's best-priced markets. With South Waikato’s average value at around $450,000 NZD ($260,000 USD), Tokoroa sits lower still at $425,000 NZD ($252,000 USD), making it one of the most affordable central towns. Besides exceptional value, Tokoroa offers unique attractions. The Talking Poles sculpture trail features dozens of carved wooden artworks blending Māori and Western traditions.

Lake Moananui is a popular local spot for picnics and walking loops, while segments of the Waikato River Trails are easily accessible from town, and day trips to the Te Waihou Blue Spring are a must, though swimming is discouraged to protect its pristine waters. Tokoroa Hospital (Te Whatu Ora - Waikato) is a modern facility covering most healthcare needs.

New Zealand is a truly special place to call home. From the subtropical north to the mountain ruggedness of the South Island, this land down under truly has something for everyone. With its excellent climate, robust social services, and overall great quality of life, New Zealand is a great place to retire. Being so spoiled for choice is a double-edged sword, however. This can make the choice of seniors slightly daunting. This collection helps narrow down the search and provide clarity for the landing spot of your golden years.