Whether you're dreaming of rural vistas, coastal charm, or mountain views, New Zealand is full of stunning lifestyle destinations that offer more than just a place to live - they offer a way of life.
Residential and lifestyle sales consultants for PGG Wrightson Real Estate in Rangiora, Jo and John Priebee, say that multigenerational living has become more attractive in recent years, along with the desire for space, the ability for people to grow their veggies and have somewhere to raise the kids outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
“We certainly see that the period from 2020 to 2022 changed many people’s outlooks on life and played a part in the growing interest in lifestyle properties.”
And while it’s certainly hard to narrow down, in 2025 these 10 lifestyle regions are stand outs for their unique appeal, growing communities, and incredible value. Ready to explore?
- Far North
- Kaipara
- Waipa
- Rangitikei District
- Central Hawke's Bay
- West Coast
- North Canterbury
- Mackenzie
- Clutha
- Southland
1. Far North
From the top of the North Island to the Bay of Islands, the Far North delivers breathtaking scenery, a subtropical climate and relaxed rural and urban living. Perfect for those seeking a slower pace, the region offers everything from pristine beaches to subtropical gardens. Kerikeri, in particular, is a growing hub with great schools, boutique shops, and orchards galore.
Generally you’ll find lower housing costs compared to the rest of New Zealand, making home ownership more accessible, and close-knit towns and rural communities foster a genuine sense of belonging.
Along with excellent fishing, diving, surfing, boating, hiking, and camping, the Far North allows you to explore remote harbours, ancient kauri forests, and iconic sites like Cape Reinga and Te Rerenga Wairua.
With fertile land and space for gardening, orchards, or small-scale farming, the region is popular with creatives, artists, and those pursuing alternative or sustainable ways of life. From Ninety Mile Beach to Doubtless Bay, the coastline is world-class and largely uncrowded - the Far North is coastal living at its purest.
Olives and a view! So much on offer - Kerikeri
Low maintenance and well-presented - Waipapa
Pictured: 205 Tinopai Road, Matakohe
2. Kaipara
Tucked between Auckland to the south and Whangārei to the north, Kaipara is the quiet gem of the north - gaining attention for its affordable land and peaceful countryside. Named after the expansive Kaipara Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, the district is characterised by rolling farmland, peaceful rural communities, unspoiled beaches, and a strong sense of heritage.
Compared to Auckland, Kaipara offers much more attainable land and housing options and small towns like Dargaville, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, and Ruawai foster a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.
The region’s fertile soils and ample space provide great opportunities for gardening, farming, or eco-living projects and its mild climate is ideal for year-round outdoor living. And infrastructure and development plans are attracting investment and revitalisation in many towns.
Kaipara is perfect for people seeking a laid-back, nature-connected life, whether you're raising a family, starting a new chapter in retirement, or working remotely. With its mix of rural charm, affordability, and growing potential, it’s a hidden gem among New Zealand’s regions.
Modern coastal living - Baylys Beach
A slice of paradise overlooking Kaipara Harbour - Matakohe
Waipā is a thriving and picturesque district in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. Towns like Cambridge and Te Awamutu boast excellent schools, growing café scenes, and a community-focused lifestyle.
Known as the ‘Home of Champions’, Waipā has a rich agricultural heritage, a strong equestrian and sporting reputation, and a steadily growing population. With rolling green landscapes, fertile farmland, and historic significance, it’s a region that blends rural tranquillity with modern lifestyle opportunities.
At the heart of the Waikato, it’s also a short drive to Hamilton, making it ideal for commuters.
Two homes on 13 Hectares - Tauwhare
Lifestyle Haven with Development Opportunity - Cambridge
Breathtaking Views & Minutes from Pirongia Village - Pirongia
Pictured: 161 E and H Rowes Road, Hunterville
4. Rangitikei District
The Rangitīkei District is located in the central-western part of New Zealand’s North Island, within the Manawatū-Whanganui region. The district gets its name from the Rangitīkei River, one of the country’s longest rivers, which flows through the area and offers both striking natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
It’s a largely rural area known for its rolling hill country, dramatic river gorges, and traditional Kiwi heartland communities, all while being well-connected by State Highway 1 to Palmerston North, Whanganui and even Wellington. Key towns in the district include Marton (the largest), Taihape, Hunterville, and Bulls.
Rangitikei has a strong farming tradition, with sheep, beef, and cropping at its core, however adventure tourism and scenic stays are on the rise, creating business and lifestyle opportunities.
’Yellow Church’ Gallery plus Cherry Cottage, Mangaweka
Tranquil lifestyle home or weekender, Hunterville
Charming character home, Marton
5. Central Hawke’s Bay
Central Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, forming the southern portion of the wider Hawke's Bay region.
While Central Hawke's Bay has a robust farming economy, with growing agritech and horticulture interest, more recently, Central Hawke’s Bay has been quietly transforming into a hotspot for lifestyle seekers. With stunning coastlines, boutique wineries, and charming towns, it’s a place of rural tranquility, modern convenience, and where vineyards meet village life.
Rivers, and coastal areas like Kairakau Beach and Pourerere offer scenic backdrops and recreational options and because the region enjoys a sunny, temperate climate, it’s perfect for gardening, farming, and outdoor living. And with traffic at a minimum, and there’s room to grow - whether you’re building a home, business, or simply a new chapter.
Central Hawke’s Bay offers the best of both worlds - a relaxed country lifestyle with close proximity to the larger urban centre of Hastings (about 45 minutes away) and Napier.
Beach two minutes away - Kairakau
Owners have found their new home - Takapau
6. West Coast
The West Coast is a rugged, rainforested region stretching along the western edge of the South Island, between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps. It’s one of the country’s most sparsely populated areas - remote, wild, and incredibly scenic.
From towering mountainscapes to wild beaches, ancient forests, glaciers and limestone cliffs, its natural beauty is often described as wild and untamed. Key communities include the largest town of Greymouth, along with neighbouring Hokitika, Westport, and smaller settlements like Reefton and Karamea.
Compared to many places in New Zealand, property prices are significantly lower on the West Coast and it’s growing in popularity with people from all walks of life, including - nature lovers, remote workers (or creatives wanting peace and space), families wanting a quieter upbringing for their kids and people looking to escape the city and urban hustle.
A hidden gem with a raw beauty, the West Coast is a must-view for those seeking a lifestyle change.
Lifestyle opportunity with wonderful views - Arnold Valley
Authentic log cabin and lifestyle - Kaiata
Picturesque, private with pines - Coal Creek
A great spot with terrific neighbours - Ruatapu
North Canterbury, just north of Christchurch, is a diverse and growing region known for its mix of coastal beauty, rolling farmland, boutique vineyards, and alpine landscapes. It’s a place where rural charm meets modern convenience i.e. close enough to the city, yet far enough to feel peaceful and spacious.
“We have a fairly strong lifestyle market at the moment. The strongest price bracket is anything from $900,000 to $1,500,000 especially if it is neat, tidy and unique,” says Jo.
“Interest is also high in anything offering the potential for multigenerational living, whether over the above price bracket or not!”
Key towns include Amberley, Waipara, Culverden, Cheviot, and the popular alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Many people also live on lifestyle blocks or farms throughout the region.
From vineyards and farmland, to braided rivers like the Waipara and Hurunui, the dramatic inland Kaikoura ranges, and hot pools nestled in alpine forest, it covers a range of landscapes. And generally dry, sunny, and temperate, it enjoys warm summers and crisp winters - the region also gets less rain than many parts of the South Island.
When it comes to some of the ‘hidden treasures’ that he can share without getting in trouble from the locals, John says he thinks that property prices are good value here compared to some other districts. But it’s the outdoor lifestyle that really shines a spotlight on the region.
“There’s hunting, fishing, tramping, a multitude of water sports, snow, wonderful beaches, mountain bike parks, and quality rural town eateries, as well as the amazing local bush walks around Oxford and Rangiora, and easy access to huge DOC areas for bigger tramps.
“A still developing Christchurch city rebuild also offers so many opportunities from theatre, to shows, shopping and much more.”
Community-minded, in North Canterbury you’ll find plenty of events, school fundraisers, local shows and sports clubs - bringing people together and creating a strong sense of belonging. And compared to Christchurch or Central Otago, land and property prices are more affordable, making it attractive for those wanting a lifestyle block, small farm, or just more room to move.
Don’t miss this one! - Amberley
Lifestyle and business opportunity - Waipara
Your own private sanctuary - Okuku
Begin living the dream - Amberley
Private and appealing lifestyle - Cheviot
Pictured: 457 Hamilton Road, Ashwick Flat
8. Mackenzie
The Mackenzie Basin (also known as the Mackenzie Country) is a stunning, high-country region located in the South Island, within the Canterbury region. It's home to iconic landscapes including Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook (Aoraki), and wide-open tussock plains framed by the Southern Alps.
Towns like Tekapo and Twizel are seeing thoughtful development and an influx of new residents, especially remote workers and lifestyle seekers. The region enjoys crisp winters and dry, warm summers, ideal for seasonal activities and those who prefer less humidity.
Famed for its wide skies and stunning mountain vistas, it’s also a Dark Sky Reserve. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is world-renowned for stargazing - perfect for astronomy lovers or those who simply enjoy star-filled nights - while the nearby Southern Alps and lakes attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Lifestyle blocks here come with views you'll never tire of.
Live. Work. Play. Relax - Ashwick Flat
Ideal on the outskirts of Fairlie - Ashwick Flat
From the Catlins to Balclutha, Clutha is the embodiment of southern spirit and unspoiled beauty - rich in both character and natural wonder. It’s a region defined by rolling farmland, river valleys, rugged coastlines, and friendly rural communities.
The Catlins coast is a hidden gem, with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, wildlife (like penguins and sea lions), and scenic beaches. And while enjoying a rural lifestyle, residents are still within a 1 to 1.5 hour drive of Dunedin for tertiary education, healthcare, and city services.
Small towns like Balclutha and Milton offer strong community spirit, good schools, and a slower pace of life. And settlements like Lawrence and Kaitangata reflect the region’s gold rush and pioneering history, adding depth and character to the district. The region is also becoming more popular with eco-tourists and domestic travellers, creating opportunities in hospitality and tourism ventures.
With affordable land, strong farming traditions, and increasing interest from those looking to leave city life behind, it’s one of the South Island’s best-kept secrets, but maybe not for long.
Quality lifestyle overlooking Kaka Point
Substantial home in parklike setting - Milton
Pictured: 1059 Hillside Manapouri Road, Manapouri
10. Southland
Southland offers genuine Kiwi living with wide open landscapes, rural traditions and strong community values and continues to attract lifestyle buyers looking for quality of life, space, and opportunity.
The backbone of Southland’s economy is farming, dairy, sheep, and deer, providing stable employment and economic resilience and towns like Gore, Winton, and Riverton offer great schools, community facilities, and a safe environment for raising children.
Southland offers fishing, tramping, hunting, boating, and skiing, often just minutes from your doorstep and the region is home to rare species, like the yellow-eyed penguin and kiwi, in some of the country’s most unspoiled habitats.
As well as agriculture, Southland has growing roles in engineering, tourism, food processing, and renewable energy. And anchored by its largest city, Invercargill, residents of Southland can access the Southern Institute of Technology and enjoy its zero-fees education.
Your Countryside Haven Awaits, Manapouri
Myross Bush modern family lifestyle, Myross Bush
Bare land opportunity in excellent location - Branxholme
John and Jo’s tips for anyone looking to move to a lifestyle block:
- Always do your research to find out information about things such as ground conditions, soil types, schools, what close by towns and amenities offer, market conditions.
- Give consideration to what you actually want to use the land for as this may determine which areas and regions are more suited to your purpose. Being clear as to what you want to achieve is the key.
- Find out who the dominant agents are in the area. A good agent will work just as hard for a buyer and this will also make the move to a new area so much easier. The beauty of our PGG Wrightson Real Estate network is that we can all work together to help buyers find the right property and not only that, we have experts in livestock and rural supplies available at our fingertips.
Thinking of making a move?
Here at PGG Wrightson Real Estate we understand that finding the right lifestyle property is about more than just location, it's about finding your place to thrive. Whether you're relocating, retiring, looking for a more affordable place to raise children - with plenty of space to play - or searching for your forever home, our local experts across New Zealand are here to help you every step of the way.
Start your journey today, your dream lifestyle awaits - find your expert local.
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