With a population of just over 5 million people, New Zealand is an ideal destination for a happy retirement. This country is beautiful, relatively laid back and peaceful, and most importantly, this country is a developed country. But to retire in this beautiful country, you’ll need to choose some charming and welcoming towns that suit its prospects as the perfect retirement destination. Thankfully, these towns offer the best opportunities for a great retirement, including smaller populations, slower pace of life, lower crime rates, affordable housing, access to health care facilities, and large senior populations. It meets all the requirements. If you’re looking to say goodbye to full-time work life and find the ideal destination for a peaceful retirement, here are seven New Zealand towns to call home.
Kerikeri
The Stone Store at Kerikeri Mission Station in New Zealand is the country’s oldest remaining stone building.
Kerikeri is one of New Zealand’s oldest towns and is considered the country’s oldest European town, having been founded in 1822, so it’s the perfect place for retirees with an interest in history. 29% of the population is over 65 years old. , low crime rates and average home prices make retirees quickly settling in this beautiful, laid-back, historic town. Historic attractions in this town that retirees love include: – Kerikeri Mission House, an existing building in New Zealand. A stone store that is the oldest stone building in Japan. Interestingly, these historic buildings overlook the Kerikeri River, making them even more visually stunning. Additionally, the town is home to pear trees, one of the oldest fruit trees in the country. Apart from history, Charlie’s Rock Falls is a natural attraction in town and is just a 30-minute walk away, which is nicely compensated by a swimming hole to beat the heat. There’s also the Little Black Gallery, where art lovers can explore and appreciate local creativity.
Clyde
Beautiful scenery of Clyde, New Zealand.
Clyde is a retirement town in Central Otago, close to Alexandra and bordering the Clutha River. It has a small population of just over 1,000 people, which results in a quiet and less chaotic environment with a lower crime rate. Homes are reasonably priced, and nature is right on the town’s corridors. Approximately 30% of the population is over the age of 65, making this place popular with older people. When it comes to activities, retirees can always visit Clyde Cinema to enjoy an epic movie or head to Clyde Village Vineyard for a wine tasting experience. . Outdoors, there is a laid-back scenic area along the Clutha River, and Lake Dunstan is perfect for boating and fishing. For history buffs, the Clyde History Museum is the perfect place to relive a bygone era through historic photographs, exhibits and gold mining stories.
west port
Buller River (Kawatiri) in the South Island of New Zealand.
West Port is a quaint and beautiful town on the west coast of the South Island, and is the oldest European settlement on the coast, founded in 1861 or 1862. This historically charming town sits at the mouth of the River Buller, bringing retirees closer to nature. Home prices here are near-unbeatable, with the average three- to four-bedroom home costing about $470,000, but the area, which has a population of about 4,200, is quiet and has a low crime rate. For retirees here, the nearby Buller River is a prime recreational spot for kayaking, boating, and canoeing. Tauranga Bay, near Cape Foulwind, is home to a colony of fur seals that you can admire and photograph, with views of the ocean and waves crashing against the rocky shore. Nearby Carter’s Beach is also a great spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. History buffs can always visit the Coaltown Museum to learn about the area’s coal mining history and how it relates to the town’s development. For entertainment, NBS Theater offers thrilling shows and performances.
Masterton
Observation tower at Lake Henry in Masterton, New Zealand.
Masterton is one of New Zealand’s larger towns and has a very peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, with a large elderly population. Ideal for retirees, the town’s crime rate is low and decreasing over the years, but housing options are inexpensive (compared to the nation’s largest cities), with the average home price hovering around $550,000 . With such great conditions, retirees can always relax in Queen Elizabeth Park along the Waipoua River, ride the mini-railway, or hike around the lake or through the beautiful gardens. Henry Lake Park is another scenic outdoor recreation spot in the city, featuring the visually appealing Lake Henry. There are walking paths around the lake and spots where you can have a picnic on the lush lawns overlooking the lake. Meanwhile, the Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History is a great spot in town where you can delve into the area’s glorious past and artistic heritage, with over 4,000 objects on display. If you want to enjoy premium movie entertainment with thrilling moments, Regent 3 Cinemas is highly recommended.
alexandra
Historic bridge in Alexandra, New Zealand.
Alexandra is a sparsely populated town in the Central Otago region on the banks of the Clutha River, with almost 30% of the population aged over 65, making it retirement friendly. Even better, crime rates are low and access to health care for seniors is amazing. Plus, there’s plenty to see and do in the city. Firstly, the Clutha River is a beautiful sight for nature lovers, and a walk around it is both mentally refreshing and physically fulfilling. Retirees can also learn more about the town’s gold mining history at the Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery, which is also a great place to view local artwork. Additionally, the museum is located in Pioneer Park, a prime recreation spot with beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and picnic spots. Seniors can also visit Gray Ridge Vineyards, one of the town’s many vineyards, to explore and sample a variety of wines.
greymouth
Charming homes sit near the Grey River in Greymouth, New Zealand.
Greymouth is a natural West Coast town with 20% of its population over the age of 65, a low crime rate, and a median home price of approximately $430,000. Alongside activities, the town invites art lovers to explore the amazing exhibits at the Left Bank Art Gallery, especially the Pounamu Collection, which features sculptures made from solid stone. Beach lovers can go to Rapahoe Beach to relax, admire the ocean, sunbathe, and stroll on the sand. Retirees can also walk the nearly 7-mile Point Elizabeth Walkway, which begins at the beach, detours around old gold mining sites, and ends at an amazing cliff-top overlook with impressive views. For even more history, visit the nearby Shantytown Heritage Park to see a replica of a 19th-century mining town featuring gold panning activity.
Coromandel
Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island.
Retiring at Coromandel is a rewarding and blissful experience. In addition to its large population of over 65 residents and its laid-back atmosphere, the town is close to nature and has many beaches, coves, and forests to explore. Retirees can spend the day at Hot Water Beach, digging in the pool or enjoying a warm bath inside. You can also go on the Coromandel Coastal Walk and explore the beaches and town’s charming coastal scenery. For kayaking and diving enthusiasts, nearby Cathedral Cove is a great spot to visit. For even more excitement, retirees can book a Driving Creek Railroad Tour. In some cases, you can even take an hour-long ride on New Zealand’s only mountain railway, which takes you over bridges and through tunnels, taking in impressive views of the island and forest.
Why these New Zealand towns are perfect for retirement
Retirement can be a harrowing experience or a heavenly experience, depending on where you are. New Zealand is by far the most peaceful and blessed country to retire to, but some towns are better suited for seniors and retirees than others. That’s because retirees have special needs, such as seamless access to healthcare, interaction among retirees, a closer relationship with nature and history, and, of course, a peaceful environment. These towns tick all the boxes and offer a haven for seniors to spend the rest of their work-free lives with joy, peace and comfort.
