Top locations to retire in New Zealand for a sea change

For Kiwis, the call of the ocean is in our blood. The vast majority of us live next to coastlines, we all know the secret to a good sandcastle, and there’s nothing that lulls us to sleep faster than the gentle sounds of light waves caressing the shore.

It’s no wonder that when retirement is on the horizon, so many of us start seeking a sea change.

Fortunately for us, there’s no shortage of them. Here are some of the very best locations to retire in New Zealand for a sea change.

Golden Bay

Is there anywhere in the world that sounds more appealing? Golden Bay is just that; a glorious stretch of sand, backed by lush nature and a welcoming artistic community that loves the sea and the outdoors as much as you do. This is very much the place to be if the beach isn’t enough on its own – it’s also sunny for roughly 2,400 hours every year!

Mount Maunganui

Affectionately known simply as ‘The Mount’, this spot is a stone’s throw from Tauranga but with more of a relaxed vibe. As a peninsula, the beach is quite literally all around you, with a convenient little mountain to walk up to stretch the legs and the eyes all the way to the horizon.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is for sea-change-seeking retirees who are a little wild at heart. From seals to penguins to the locals, there’s always some interesting wildlife to encounter, and you’ll never be short of awe-inspiring views with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Alps on the other. Not to mention, the fresh seafood here is some of the best on offer.

Gisborne

If Gisborne wasn’t known for being the first city in the world to see the sun, it would probably be known for its surfing. Or perhaps its restaurant scene. This small city has it all, and you’ll never get tired of figuring out what ‘it all’ holds.

Waiheke Island

Just separated enough from Auckland to feel like it’s a world away, but still close enough to have all the lights and attractions of the big city on your doorstep, Waiheke is a masterclass in fusing the beach with the metropolis. There are almost as many wineries as there are beaches, the laid-back lifestyle is made for retirement, and the walking tracks are a postcards dream.

The benefits of making a sea change

Aside from having the beach at your doorstep and the knowledge that you can put your toes in the sand any time you want, there are genuine additional benefits to moving by the ocean.

A research poll found that the West Coast was the happiest place in NZ. And with the word ‘coast’ right there in the name that can’t be a coincidence.

A visit to the ocean is the perfect way to destress, and you hardly need research to tell you that, when a simple barefoot walk on the sand leaves you feeling lighter than a feather.

So when it comes to planning your retirement, perhaps a sea change is exactly what you need. And when it comes to arranging your funeral insurance, we can help with that too.

28 Mar 2022