11 Best Places To Retire In New Zealand
In both a literal and figurative sense, New Zealand is merely the tip of what happens to be a very large iceberg. The visible landmass of the island country is only the highest part of Zealandia, a mostly submerged continent concealed beneath the Pacific for millions of years. Its magnificent terrain rises above the cloud lines and plunges below the ocean's surface for miles. Between these extremes, though, lies an extraordinary range of surroundings that capture serenity, ease, and a quietly compelling atmosphere.
These are not merely communities for adventure or tourism, but some of the most fitting towns for sustained habitation. Particularly for retirees, these places provide long-term peace and the purest form of nature without requiring any compromise in accessibility. Compared to metropolitan hubs like the capital, Wellington, or Christchurch, these smaller towns maintain adequate infrastructure and reliable access to healthcare, transit, and community essentials at a much lower housing cost. The local warmth from people, climate, and sometimes the friendly kiwis, transforms them into practical retirement ventures in 2025.
Kerikeri
With winsome views of the northernmost part of New Zealand's Bay of Islands, Kerikeri allows its residents to experience a subtropical climate that contrasts with the cooler temperatures in the country’s hillier regions. The townscape features the Kerikeri River flowing into the Pacific Ocean, emphasizing the area’s coastal landscape. Kerikeri is home to popular spots like Charlie’s Rock Waterfall and Opito Bay Beach, where residents enjoy walking trails, picnics, and other outdoor leisure. The region features Wharau Road Beach and preserves historic structures such as the over 200-year-old Mission House, the oldest surviving building in the country, alongside St. James Church and the Stone Store, sustaining the much sought-after countryside character.
Kerikeri Retirement Village offers various living arrangements and continues expanding to accommodate growing demand among older residents. The Department of Social Services also aids the senior population. The town celebrates its creative tradition through the annual Kerikeri Open Art Studios Trail (KOAST) during Labour Weekend, presenting work from local artists and galleries. As of the 2023 national census, the town has a population of about 8,000, with nearly one in four people aged 65 or older, contributing to a median age slightly above 51. In 2023, the Far North District recorded its lowest crime rate in a decade (according to Infometrics), with 279 incidents per 10,000 residents, less than half the figure from 2016.
Blenheim
The heart of Marlborough's wine country, Blenheim, contains one of the largest clusters of vineyards in New Zealand. Long before colonial settlement, Māori communities flourished here for almost a millennium, particularly near the riverbanks where food and trade routes thrived. Now a favorite among retirees, the town has nearly 30,000 residents, many of whom prefer its dryness and relaxed pace. Lake Grassmere not only meets a large part of the nation’s salt requirements but also serves as a recreational site. Inside the town, walkability remains a highlight. Pollard Park provides open green relief while Seymour Square delivers symmetry and detail with its central clock tower. Seniors find extra comfort in the Blenheim Golf Club and the nearby tennis and croquet clubs, all within reach. The roads follow suit, with properly marked crossings, broad pavements, and well-maintained walking routes reinforcing the town’s pedestrian friendliness.
The appeal extends further. Wairau Bar Recreation Area opens to the South Pacific and lies at the mouth of the Wairau River, while the nearby Wairau Lagoons Walkway adds wetland beauty. The Richmond Range and Wither Hills stand guard around the Wairau Valley, blocking thunderstorms and helping Blenheim register one of the sunniest climates in the country. This consistent weather pattern supports year-round agriculture and explains why so many retirees settle here permanently. As of the 2018 census, nearly 6,000 residents were over 65. As per Numbeo, both the Pollution Index and the Traffic Commute Time Index registered a "very low" rating. The Property Price to Income Ratio was also rated "low," while the Healthcare Index received a "high" rating. As expected, the weather earned an almost perfect score of 97.24, categorized as "very high.”
Taupō
Taupō surrounds New Zealand’s largest lake and invites those who prefer distance from commercial clutter. Mount Tauhara’s dormant volcanic form and geothermal undercurrents throughout the basin sustain multiple hot springs, where bathing spots remain consistent year-round. Walkways run along the Waikato River and through Hipapatua Reserve, leading directly to Huka Falls. Further south, Tongariro National Park remains conveniently accessible and forms a regular destination. Reflecting upon the history and wildlife, Taupō Museum contains many preserved documents and skeletal remains of extinct birds, including the moa.
Recreational activities in Taupō do not cease with natural sites. The town also holds multiple golf courses, including two under Taupō Golf Club, known as the Tauhara Course and the Centennial Course. These grounds regularly attract elderly residents for recreation and social bonding. The climate in Taupō follows a stable oceanic pattern. Winters stay mild. Taupō Hospital operates at all hours. Wharewaka, once a quiet corner, has grown into a major subdivision in Taupō with its full-scale retirement villages, proving monumental in raising the local median age above 57 by the 2018 census. The town also hosts a Senior Services division under Social Services, attending to elderly-focused assistance across its limits.
Greytown
A part of the Wellington Region and about 80km (50 miles) from the national capital, Greytown’s Māori name is Hūpēnui. The land here was purchased from the namesake tribe in the 19th century. In the last 20 years, the population here has increased by nearly 35%, reaffirming its reputation. Elderly individuals make up 30% of its residents. In 2017, the Masterton District was named Greytown, New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town, and not much has changed in 2025. It lies just a short drive away from the exquisite Lake Wairarapa and the lagoons and beaches of Lake Ferry. The area is particularly appealing for seniors due to its horticultural richness and fruit-bearing lands. Trees hold special significance, with the country’s first tree-planting festival organized here in 1890.
For transportation, the Wairarapa Line runs through Woodside Railway Station, linking Greytown to Wellington and other major cities across the North Island. For older adults fond of traditional sports like Test cricket and rugby, Greytown carries a magnificent legacy dating back over 150 years. Its cricket and rugby clubs remain active, with enthusiasts often enjoying full-day summer matches. The Wairarapa Times-Age has noted that with the lowest crime rate in the Wairarapa, the town may go for weeks without a single reported incident, with averages between zero and two reported crimes weekly. Greytown's safe, suburban communities include Greytown Orchards Lifestyle Retirement, while Ultimate Care Palliser House provides dedicated aged care.
Tākaka
Tākaka in New Zealand's Tasman District maintains a mild climate and a community-driven lifestyle that appeals to many retirees. Cultural and recreational options are plentiful. The Golden Bay Museum - Te Waka Huia o Mohua presents exhibits on Abel Tasman's 1642 encounter with Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri, the region's industrial past, and a pilot whale skeleton. Local points of interest include Tākaka Hill, Tasman Bay, and Paine's Ford. Such natural spots reflect New Zealand’s signature character, providing outdoor engagement and coastal scenery, particularly for the elderly. The nearly century-old Golden Bay theatre now functions as a neighborhood café, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
According to the latest census, the township's population includes 23% aged 65 or older and 46.5% aged 30 to 64, highlighting a mature age group. Basic services remain easily accessible. The Bank of New Zealand keeps a branch in Tākaka, maintaining financial convenience. Facilities suited to seniors include the Senior Citizen Hall and Memorial Library, which encourage interaction and enrichment. The Golden Bay Community Gardens & Sustainable Living Centre encourages cross-generational collaboration, emphasizing practical skills and community wellness.
Ōmokoroa
Part of Greater Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s largest cities, Ōmokoroa’s oceanic views over the Bay of Plenty region elevate the spirits of all who pass through. The area stretches in a strip-like formation, surrounded by sea from three directions, with the towering island of Matakana looming to the east. Tauranga lies nearly 13 miles south, visible across the splendid vistas from Minden’s lookout spots and the Puketoki Reserve. Medical provisions remain within easy reach, with Tauranga Hospital and Grace Hospital in the city, and Omokoroa Medical Centre handling immediate healthcare needs.
With a median age of 58 (according to the 2018 New Zealand census), the township reflects the lifestyle preferences of its older residents. Ōmokoroa Country Estate functions as a retirement village within walking distance from the beach and Cooney Reserve’s bird roosting habitat. The national reserve protects species such as the Australasian swamphen while allowing visitors controlled access, with a designated dog exclusion area. Ōmokoroa Country Club, designed for a more indulgent lifestyle, includes resort-style living arrangements and on-site care, enabling residents to enjoy an active, uninterrupted retirement along Tauranga Harbour’s lush edge.
Alexandra
With its pleasantly warm climate, Alexandra stands out as a quintessential retirement destination. Bordered on three sides by the Manuherikia and Clutha (Mata-Au) Rivers, the town occupies an almost insular terrain. The neoclassical Alexandra Bridge is a prominent spot to observe their confluence. Downstream, the river broadens toward Clyde, where the Clyde Dam presents another notable sight. Stone fruit orchards also remain integral to Alexandra’s identity, often contributing to scones, preserves, and local markets.
Pioneer Park provides open space, incorporating the Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery alongside a botanical garden that transforms during the Blossom Festival, when the area becomes a large flowering meadow. According to RealEstate.co.nz, the median property price is NZD 720,000, which is more affordable than neighboring Clyde. Clyde's medical facilities include a helipad for emergencies to Dunstan Hospital. Alexandra itself hosts the Central Otago Maternity Unit and Centennial Health. Preferred aged care facilities in town include Castlewood Nursing Home and Ranui Court Retirement Village, both accommodating dependable care with built-in comfort.
Richmond
The Tasman District Council seat, Richmond, lies just southwest of Nelson. The town is home to over 19,000 people, nearly a fourth of whom are seniors. Retirees often select Richmond for its balance between small-town calm and easy access to urban facilities, being part of the wider Nelson metropolitan area. Richmond West, a neighborhood particularly popular among older adults, reported a median age of 56.4 years as of 2018 statistics. Moreover, the NZ Town Directory cites a safety score of 8.4 on a scale of one to ten, supported by a crime rate of just 2.88%, drastically lower than the national average of 4.86%. Richmond maintains proximity to several leisurely landmarks and classic relaxation spots such as Gardens of the World, Foster Reserve, and the bayside overlooks near Waimea Inlet.
The local greenery and favorable weather conditions contribute to cleaner air, reinforcing wellness and making morning and evening walks more inviting for seniors. The Richmond Fire Lookout helps monitor potential threats during dry seasons, proving crucial for early wildfire prevention. A varied range of elder care facilities, including Stillwater Lifecare & Village, maintain pleasant atmospheres and well-kept grounds. Medical coverage is strong, with Lower Queen Street Health, several other clinics, and additional medical institutes in the town’s center for general and urgent care. Nelson Hospital in the namesake city remains a short drive away for advanced care when required.
Pauanui
Pauanui rests beside the Tairua River in such a way that the narrow inlet carves the settlement into what resembles an inland island. Among the oldest holiday locales in the Polynesian country, Pauanui now attracts a largely older population. Nearly half the residents exceed the median age of 62, around 60% higher than the national median. This status comfortably places both the township and the wider Thames-Coromandel District among the most preferred destinations for the aging population. The gorgeous settlement's roots stretch back to the 1960s when it became the first New Zealand township designed entirely with families in mind. This planning included consciously laid red roads, intended to alert oncoming drivers and favour foot traffic. The setup naturally assists older inhabitants, making their mobility far easier than in conventional suburbs.
To the east, the beaches of Pauanui face the outer edge of the Coromandel Peninsula and the Pacific beyond. On the west and north lie riverside reserves, family-friendly zones, and cycling paths. The Mount Pauanui ascent begins from the southern side, following the Tangiteroria Stream towards its namesake waterfall and the broader Tairua Forest, which hosts several picnic clearings. The Lakes Resort Golf and Country Club at the southwestern corner remains a staple in the everyday routine of most longtime inhabitants. The township also contains an airstrip, Pauanui Sports & Recreation Club, and the Pauanui Pines Retirement Resort, each one steadily contributing to the settlement's elder appeal. Sporting activities hold priority across all age brackets, not just among golfing regulars but also those involved in aquatic pursuits like surfing, fishing, and diving. While the permanent population scarcely crosses 1,100, summer inflow can raise the headcount more than tenfold.
Collingwood
Collingwood rests along Golden Bay / Mohua, where a gentle sea breeze moves through the aging township. Once a center for coal, asbestos, gold, and mineral pursuits, the Tasman District town has eased into dairy farming, aligning with the growing presence of older residents. As per the census, nearly 80% of residents are aged 30 or older, and one-third are over 60. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) recorded a median sale price of NZD 587K, reflecting moderate demand within a sparse population. St Cuthbert's Church, dating back to 1873, acts as a regular meeting ground for elderly residents, hosting social moments in a familiar setting.
Bodywork service provider David Wakeling offers Shiatsu therapy nearby, filling a niche need within the senior community. On the coast, Farewell Spit stretches in golden sand while Aorere and Tākaka rivers carry echoes of Collingwood’s past. For those interested in exploring, the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park is accessible from the town, offering one of New Zealand's Great Walks. These natural fixtures continue to partake in everyday life, just as citizens maintain long-standing customs.
Pukekohe
Part of the Franklin ward, Pukekohe lies in a fertile valley between the Bombay Hills and the remnants of ancient volcanoes from the South Auckland Volcanic Field. The eruptions between 500,000 and 1.5 million years ago enriched the soil and sculpted the landscape. The Tāmaki Māori and various Waiohua tribes had cultivated life across the region, with habitation dating back to the 13th or 14th century. The Bombay Hills derive their name from the ship Bombay, which brought settlers to the area in the 1860s. A large and diverse township, Pukekohe includes broad representation from Māori, Pasifika, and Asian communities, as per the latest census.
There are dozens of retirement options in Pukekohe, including Chatswood Village, Possum Bourne Retirement Village, and Lakeside Retirement Lodge, the last overlooking the stream of Whangapouri Creek. Though motorsports and mountain biking dominate Pukekohe's public identity, its quieter facilities hold greater appeal for the elderly. The Auckland Metropolitan Clay Target Club remains a standout, with activities ranging from shooting sports to leisure gatherings. Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre caters to swimming, aquarobics, and health-based routines. As of the past 12 months, median home prices stood at NZD 830,000, markedly below the regional Auckland standard, according to the Real Estate Directory. For further needs, Auckland lies nearly 39 miles north of Pukekohe, reachable across gorgeous corridors flanking the Pahurehure Inlet.
New Zealand Lets Retirement Breathe Easy
New Zealand, affectionately known as Middle-earth, effortlessly pulls in everyone from retirees to tourists and young adventurers. While the dramatic ridges and volcanic plateaus of the North and South Islands defined cinematic juggernauts like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Avatar," there's equal value in the slower, quieter topographical scale its towns preserve. As one of the southernmost inhabited regions near the edge of Antarctica, New Zealand offers a unique place to arrive and resume the best living.
The country is also unimaginably broader than being acknowledged as Australia’s cooler cousin or a temperate stand-in for Hawai‘i. It exists as its own presence in the South Pacific Ocean, with the Māori people forming its culture for centuries before global attention ever arrived. In 2025, retirees join that evolving story, not just as visitors but as residents who value space, safety, and self-paced days. Whether settling in the orchard towns of Alexandra or by the shores of the Bay of Plenty, there’s a grounded quality to life awaiting those looking beyond the obvious.
