Coastal strips known for their plentiful sunny days, and major centres, are the most popular locations for Kiwi retirees.
That’s the conclusion which can be drawn from the latest New Zealand Retirement Villages White Paper, by real estate advisory firm JLL.
Released in September 2024, the white paper tracks the percentage of an area’s 75 plus population which was living in a retirement village during 2023.
So let’s take a look at the nation’s retiree hotspots, and how you can search for your perfect village home within these areas.
Bay of Plenty
Across New Zealand in 2023, according to the JLL report, some 14% of Kiwis aged 75 plus were living in a retirement village.
In the Bay of Plenty region, this figure (known as the retirement village penetration rate) sits at a far higher 18.4%.
This represents the highest retirement village penetration rate of any region across the nation, and is a sign of the popularity of the Bay of Plenty as a downsizing destination.
With a coastline stretching some 260km, retirees find the region appealing due to its mild, sunny climate which is ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
The Bay of Plenty coastline.
The Bay of Plenty region has among the highest number of annual sunshine hours of any New Zealand area. It’s also within a two-five hours’ drive to Auckland, making it possible to return to the big smoke (and friends and family) in a day.
According to the JLL report, there’s currently a cluster of new retirement villages being constructed at the sunshine-rich and seaside Bay of Plenty suburb of Papamoa.
The region also includes the inland centre of Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders and rich Maori culture, which offer retirees a unique blend of relaxation and cultural experiences, along with healthcare services.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in the Bay of Plenty
Auckland
As New Zealand’s largest city, and given the fact many retirees like to retire close to their family, it’s no surprise that Auckland has the second highest penetration rate of 16%.
Auckland also has an abundance of amenities and attractions which mean retirees will never be short of things to do and see – from the museums and sporting events to beautiful beaches.
Some new ‘vertical village’ type retirement villages are being developed within Auckland, including villages catering for luxury living. There are also more traditional low-density villa-type villages being developed on the city’s outskirts.
Auckland has the nation’s highest concentration of retirement villages, with 106 villages offering 12,613 dwellings in 2023. This means retirees have plenty of options.
Find our more: Search available retirement village homes in Auckland
View on CBD from Auckland Domain, Auckland, New Zealand.
Gisborne
Retirees are often drawn to the Gisborne region for its relaxed, small-town charm combined with beautiful coastal scenery and sunny weather.
The area is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, coastal environment, walking trails, clear skies, food and wine and rich Maori heritage.
The city of Gisborne.
It also has the nation’s third highest retirement village penetration rate, at 15.4%.
There are, however, only a small number of villages in the region, and these villages don’t always have available dwellings. This means that, when you find an available Gisborne retirement village dwelling, it may well be worth grabbing it.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Gisborne
Everything you need to know.
Canterbury
With over 70 retirement villages, the Canterbury region offers plenty of choice for those looking to downsize. Though most retirement villages are situated in the main centres of Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton and Rangiora, there are also plenty to be found in rural areas.
The Canterbury region is home to most of the larger retirement village operators, including Ryman Healthcare, Summerset, Arvida, Ultimate Care Group, Oceania and Bupa, alongside smaller, more boutique options. Some villages cater solely to independent living, whilst others also offer assisted living options and may have an on-site care home.
Being a larger New Zealand region, there are often new villages coming online.
All up, in 2023, 15.1% of local over 75s were living in a retirement village - the 4th highest rate in the nation. This represents an increase from 2022, when 13.5% were in a village.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Canterbury
Christchurch city tour tram.
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is a picturesque part of the world to retire. The region features majestic mountains, rolling green hills, breathtaking coastlines, and an abundance of vineyards and orchards.
There are plenty of retirement villages in Hawke’s Bay — most are located in Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North. Most retirement village operators have a presence in the region, including Ryman, Summerset, Oceania, Arvida, and Bupa.
It’s also one of the best regions for overall sunshine hours. A total of 14.8% of Hawkes Bay-based over 75s were living in a retirement village.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Hawkes Bay
Hawke’s Bay.
Wellington
Wellington offers a rich variety of retirement living options, in locations ranging from eclectic and historic inner-city suburbs, through to suburban and coastal hamlet locations.
It also has a fantastic array of theatre and cultural institutions to enjoy, along with a wide variety of renowned restaurants and eateries.
Wellington harbour.
There are many retirement villages in Wellington and its surrounding areas, from Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt out to Masterton and Kapiti.
The JLL report notes that the sunny and relaxed Kapiti Coast in particular is booming, with a number of new villages underway in Waikanae. This centre has the advantage of being accessible to the centre of Wellington via train and now improved highway access.
The JLL reports that Wellington has a 14.2% retirement village penetration rate.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Wellington
Waikato
There are several retirement villages located throughout the Waikato region, which has a 13.3% retirement village penetration rate. Many of the villages are in one of the region’s three major centres: Hamilton, Cambridge, or Taupō. There are also plenty of retirement villages in Waikato’s smaller towns and rural areas.
Waikato also includes the popular Coromandel peninsula, with its low-key coastal townships and pristine coastal areas and beaches (including the famed Hot Water Beach).
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Waikato
Fairfield Bridge over the Waikato River.
Taranaki
Taranaki, with a 12.4% retirement village penetration rate, is home to numerous villages.
Many of these are situated in New Plymouth, the region’s main centre, though you will also find several in South Taranaki and Stratford. With a gorgeous coastline and a humming township, this area may just be the perfect place to retire.
Many of the larger retirement village operators have a presence in Taranaki, including Ryman Healthcare, Summerset, Arvida and MiLife.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Taranaki
Taranaki coastline, New Plymouth and Mount Taranaki in the background.
Manawatu-Whanganui
There are over 24 retirement villages across the Manawatū-Whanganui region, which has a 11.4% village penetration rate. Whether you’re looking for independent or assisted living, in a large village or something smaller, there is a wide range of options available.
There are retirement villages throughout the main centres of Palmerston North and Whanganui, and plenty to be found in the region’s rural areas.
This area has become more popular as a retirement destination, thanks to improved access from the Transmission Gully road project to Wellington.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Manawatu-Whanganui
Town of Whanganui, New Zealand.
Tasman, Nelson, and Marlborough
This South Island region has a 11.3% retirement village penetration rate, rounding out our list at 10th spot across the nation.
With year-round sunshine, a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful rolling hills, Nelson has long been a popular place to retire. You’ll find retirement villages in Nelson itself and throughout the Tasman area, including Motueka and Richmond.
Nearby Marlborough is a peaceful place to retire, and offers several options for retirement living. It’s also known for its famous wineries and stunning sound. Most of the retirement villages are in Blenheim, the region’s main centre.
Find out more: Search available retirement village homes in Tasman/Nelson and Marlborough
Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson.
Further reading
The Costs of Living in a Retirement Village
