If you’re reading this feeling like you’re surrounded by too much concrete, and not enough fresh air, you’re in good company.
The ‘quarter acre dream’ was once an aspiration of many New Zealanders - to own a home on around 1,000 square metres, with enough room for a garden and perhaps even an animal to graze. However as property prices continued to increase and urban life became the norm, section sizes got smaller and the dream slipped further from most everyday Kiwi’s grasp.
But it does seem there is a change in the wind, with PGG Wrightson Real Estate Agents right across the country seeing an increasing number of buyers who are looking for something more than just a house. It’s about room to breathe, the freedom to work remotely, good schools, strong communities and access to employment - all without sacrificing the relaxed pace that comes with living semi-rural.
So if you’ve been thinking about moving to hit that sweet spot where lifestyle meets livelihood, here are some of the regions which have been really heating up over recent years, becoming some of New Zealand’s most desirable places to live.
1. Mid Canterbury
According to Jeff Donaldson, Rural and Lifestyle Sales Consultant in Ashburton, Mid Canterbury is quietly becoming one of the most attractive lifestyle destinations in the country. Its biggest strength? Its balance of affordability, location, and natural advantages.
“Ashburton is extremely well positioned,” Jeff says “We’re an hour from major cities and airports, close to ski fields, rivers, lakes, and all things outdoors. Low crime, great schooling, and excellent connectivity all add to the appeal.”
But the real magic lies in the land itself.
“The four things Mid Canterbury has that make us stand out are flat land, fertile soil, abundance of fresh water, and a predictable climate. These are the secrets to growing successful crops and thriving towns.”
Jeff says demand is rising, particularly from North Island buyers who are seeking better value without sacrificing lifestyle. And most are looking for properties within 30 to 60 minutes of key amenities, and Mid Canterbury delivers that with ease.
“We’re seeing young families stepping out of town homes into lifestyle, returning Kiwis coming back for space and affordability, and generational farmers downsizing.
“Affordability here is hard to beat - we offer strong value for money without the big market fluctuations other regions are vulnerable to.”
With a booming agricultural sector, the region is expecting continued interest in lifestyle blocks, mixed-use farms, and new town-edge subdivisions as growth continues through 2026.
2. Central Hawke’s Bay
Central Hawke’s Bay is well and truly in the lifestyle property spotlight and according to Waipukurau’s Branch Manager and Sales Consultant, Megan Dallimore, it’s not hard to see why.
“The new road through to Palmerston North has been a total game-changer,” she says. “Suddenly places like Norsewood, Dannevirke, and even Takapau feel much more accessible for people who still need to commute.”
And that accessibility is paired with the long-standing drawcards - nearby Hastings and Havelock North, the warmth of the community, and the genuine lifestyle on offer.
“CHB has that rare mix of space, fresh air, good honest living, and people who genuinely look out for each other,” says Megan.
“Parents love it because the schooling options are strong right across the district. Kids just get a better lifestyle here and families feel that the moment they arrive.”
Proximity to the region’s bigger centres matter, especially for commuters or those needing bigger-city services, but the smaller town locals don’t feel far away.
“If we want a night out or a weekend away, we jump in the car and go,” she says. “It’s close enough to be convenient but far enough to still feel like a proper lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.”
First-home buyers and lifestyle seekers are leading demand, drawn in by value for money that remains competitive nationally. And as growth continues, small lifestyle blocks, mixed-use properties, and town-fringe opportunities in places like Takapau and Dannevirke are expected to stay highly sought after in 2026.
3. Waikato
The Waikato continues to build its reputation as one of the country’s strongest lifestyle-livelihood regions, because for many buyers, it’s the perfect blend of space, opportunity, and connectivity.
“The Waikato offers the best of both worlds,” says Camron Meade, Sales Manager for the Central North Island.
“You can live on a block with room to breathe while still being close to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.”
And remote work has certainly been a game-changer for the region. Buyers no longer need to commute every day, which has expanded demand across semi-rural towns such as Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Matamata, and Morrinsville.
“Cambridge is leading the way with its boutique feel, great schools, and sporting culture,” Camron explains.
“Te Awamutu attracts families who want value and community, Matamata offers rural charm with good access to Tauranga and Rotorua. And Morrinsville appeals for its affordability and dairy heritage.”
Good infrastructure, reliable broadband, and strong schooling networks have supported ongoing growth. And the definition of ‘close to town’ has shifted.
“People are comfortable being 45 minutes from Hamilton if they’re only commuting a couple of days a week. Others are choosing to live further out for lake access and recreation around Taupō - lifestyle is taking priority.”
Affordability also stacks up well against Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, with many buyers gaining land and lifestyle without the premium price tag.
Camron expects that small lifestyle blocks, mixed-use farms, and town-fringe sections - especially those offering development potential - will remain hot property through the coming years.
4. Marlborough
Marlborough has long been known for its vineyards and sunshine, but in recent years it has emerged as a lifestyle favourite for buyers seeking rural charm with excellent access to work and recreation. The region offers a unique blend of productive land, mild climate, and an easy-going pace - all while remaining well connected through Blenheim and its surrounding townships.
Semi-rural areas like Renwick, Spring Creek, Fairhall, Grovetown, and the fringes of Blenheim have seen growing interest from families, remote workers, and returning Kiwis who want to enjoy space without leaving employment opportunities behind. And proximity to Blenheim’s services, the hospital, the airport, and the wider wine industry makes Marlborough particularly attractive for those who want both lifestyle and livelihood in one place.
Lifestyle blocks here often come with established fruit trees, vineyards, or grazing land - ideal for buyers wanting to supplement their income or embrace a more self-sufficient way of living. And strong schooling options and a tight-knit community feel add to the appeal, while the region’s natural assets - from the Marlborough Sounds to mountain biking, tramping, and fishing - make it a true outdoors lover’s paradise.
With reliable sunshine, steadily growing property values, and versatile semi-rural options, Marlborough is set to remain a standout hotspot for buyers looking for land, lifestyle, and long-term opportunities.
5. Southland
In recent years, Southland has become a quiet achiever in New Zealand’s lifestyle property market - a region where buyers can still find genuine space, exceptional value, and strong rural communities. For those wanting a relaxed semi-rural lifestyle without stepping away from work or education opportunities, Southland delivers on all fronts.
Areas such as Winton, Wallacetown, Makarewa, Woodlands, and the outskirts of Invercargill offer easy access to town while still giving homeowners the privacy and land size they’re looking for. And combined with some of the most affordable lifestyle properties in the country, Southland continues to attract young families, lifestyle seekers, and farming families wanting to downsize but stay connected to the land.
The region’s strength lies in its stability - Southland is known for its dependable farming economy, strong dairy sector, and deep agricultural roots. This creates a consistent level of employment across town and country. Reliable schooling, growing investment into Invercargill’s town centre, and improving infrastructure add even more weight to the region’s appeal.
For outdoor lovers, Southland offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat: world-class fishing, tramping, hunting, and Fiordland on the doorstep. Many lifestyle buyers are choosing Southland not just for affordability, but for the quality of life the region naturally provides.
For those considering a move, now is the time to explore these regional gems - because where lifestyle meets livelihood, people are finding not just a property, but a place to belong. Get in touch with the PGG Wrightson real estate agent today, we’re only a phone call away.
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