Retirement could be one of the best times of your life if you invest it in a manner you would enjoy. This could be the time you spend with your loved ones and family and indulge in all the leisure activities that you love and could not practice because of time crunch or responsibilities or work and such. This is the time you have all by yourself, and you could spend it making yourself happy. There is no right way to retire, and no one can ever teach you how to retire. But, we have a list of the best places to retire in New Zealand so that you have everything you need near you.
Why should you Retire in New Zealand?
One of the best reasons to consider New Zealand is the low cost of living and high quality of life. The rent and housing prices here are relatively low. They offer some of the most beautiful, untouched, and rugged wilderness in the world, and it is suitable for biking, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. They offer many rights and benefits to the ex-pats, like the right to vote and access to the same government-subsidized services as the citizens, which would include healthcare and public education. The quality of healthcare here is top-notch and very reliable.
Best Places to Retire and Live in New Zealand: 2023
Take a look at some of the picturesque cities to retire in New Zealand.
1. Queenstown: Best Adventure Capital to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
The fact that Queenstown is the number one destination in New Zealand is unsurprising. It is a fantastic place and a year-round destination and offers a lot to do throughout the year, including skiing in the winters. You will find people from all walks of life here. However, it is the most expensive place in the country and recently overtook Auckland to have the highest housing prices, so people prefer the suburbs and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Great
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
2. Napier: Best Scenic Place to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
Situated right in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, Napier is a great place to consider. The cost of living here is lower than the bigger cities like Auckland, making it all the more attractive and preferable. The town has sunshine throughout the year and is very warm and pleasant. Here, you would find some of the best vineyards, gorgeous coastlines, fantastic golf courses, and cycleways, so you pretty much have a lot going on here.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
3. Rotorua: Best Tourist Place to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
One of the best places to stay and retire in New Zealand, Rotorua is a tourist hotspot and super great in the job market. The city is very famous for its geothermal attractions, making it a hotspot during the winter months. Its central location on the North Island makes it super accessible. It is a couple of hours’ drive away from Auckland, Napier, the Coromandel Peninsula and Mt Maunganui, and the ski fields of Mt Ruapehu.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
4. Auckland: Best City to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
One of the most popular places in New Zealand, Auckland, is more than a city full of jobs. It is one of the best places to live and has one of the world’s best waterfronts. You will find many beaches, restaurants, regional parks and watersports, and more around here. The housing prices are pretty high, and the terrible traffic is one of the drawbacks. The City of Sails is undoubtedly one of your best choices.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Average
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Terrible
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
5. Tauranga: Most Beautiful Place to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
Over the past few years, the popularity of Tauranga has skyrocketed as a famous spot for ex-pats. The stunning waterfront city is located on the east coast of North Island and has some of the best jobs since it is a busy port city. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations because of its gorgeous beaches and amazing nightlife. It is also very close to Taupo, Rotorua, and the Coromandel.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Average
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
6. Wellington: Best Beach Place to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
The capital city of New Zealand is known to be one of the most incredible capital cities in the world. It is slightly small, but it has a lot going on and is the second-largest city, concerning population. The national museum here, Te Papa, is one of the best places around. The waterfront location here is excellent, and Oriental Beach is one of the best in the world. The connectivity around here with a good train and bus network is pretty great. The suburbs around here are pretty cool too.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
7. New Plymouth: Best Place to Stay and Retire in New Plymouth
Situated in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s North Island, New Plymouth has put itself on the map and became popular among retirees very recently. The town has seen a significant increase in ‘hipsters’ and has one of the best art scenes, with many galleries and a boho art vibe. You will also find a lot of surfing and such going around here, and the beaches here are some of the best.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Terrible
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
8. Hamilton: Best Place to Retire and Stayin New Zealand with Beautiful Greenery
A couple of hours’ drive away from Auckland, but very different from Auckland, Hamilton is situated on the Waikato River banks, which runs through the heart of the city and forms a beautiful backdrop for the city. The central location offered here is stunning, and the house prices are more affordable than in other places in the country. The town provides gorgeous greenery and a lot to do because of the proximity to Taupo, Rotorua, and the Waitomo Caves.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
9. Dunedin: Best Historic Place to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
Dunedin was the best city to live in New Zealand because of affordable housing, civic pride, and a strong sense of safety. The city houses the only castle in New Zealand and has its best wildlife living in the closeby Otago Peninsula. The historic train station here is stunning, and they have the most beautiful gardens. It is considered to be one of the coolest places to base yourself in.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Average
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
10. Christchurch: Best Place to Stay and Retire in New Zealand
The biggest city on South Island has a huge population of expats and is a wonderful city that is also in redevelopment. The thriving community here makes it one of the best places to live in. It is set on the banks of River Avon and is a very peaceful city with some very beautiful beaches nearby. Sumner here is one of the most famous tourist destinations during the summer.
- Monthly Rent:
- Property Purchase Cost:
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Average
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Average
What are the Drawbacks of Retirement in New Zealand?
The public transport system here is very poor, and if you have been relying on it, you need to change your habits once you move here. Only the larger cities have bus systems, which too are not very reliable. The housing here is not always of good quality and could have poor insulation and heating systems.