Why Paeroa Is One of New Zealand's Best Places to Retire

Looking for the best place to retire in New Zealand?

Think Paeroa’s in the middle of nowhere? Most people do until they visit. The truth is, Paeroa is right in the middle of everywhere that matters.

Affordability. Paeroa property prices are a fraction of Auckland and Tauranga. Your money goes further and your retirement savings stretch longer.

Climate. Paeroa sits in the Hauraki District, one of the sunniest parts of the North Island. Longridge itself is set on 60 north-facing acres with Coromandel views.

Healthcare access. Paeroa is close to both Thames and Hamilton hospitals, giving residents genuine peace of mind without living in a city.

Community size. Paeroa is small enough to feel safe and connected, but close enough to Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland when you need them.

Location. You are genuinely central. An hour from Hamilton, an hour from Tauranga, and less than two hours from Auckland.

Neale and Sue on their scooters at Longridge, they visited 27 villages before choosing Paeroa.

Most Longridge residents aren’t locals. Some have come from as far north as Kerikeri, others from the South Island. They’ve chosen Longridge because yes, it’s an incredible retirement village in New Zealand, but also because the location makes sense. It’s even close to both Thames and Hamilton hospitals.

Here’s something else we hear often:

"It's right between where our children live."

"We actually see more of our family now."

That’s the bonus of being in between. Got a son in Tauranga and a daughter in Auckland? You’re an easy drive from both. Hamilton is just down the road. It’s easy and central to get to so everyone meets in the middle.

Nestled in the heart of the Hauraki District, Paeroa puts you close to everything without the hustle. Whether you're into coastal drives, historic walks, fishing spots or great cafés, it’s all either minutes away or just an easy day trip.

Longridge residents cycling Karangahake Gorge, one of the region’s most scenic and accessible spots.

Things Retirees Love Doing in Paeroa

Plus, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do.

• Walk Karangahake Gorge with its swing bridges, Windows Walk gold mining tunnels and riverside bush tracks

• Cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail (to Thames, Waihi or Te Aroha) from right here in Paeroa

• Ride to the Waikino Gorge, hop on the steam train to Waihi and back

• Take a dip at Waihi Beach just 30 minutes away or relax in the Athenree hot pools

• Check out the amazing birdlife at Miranda Shorebird Centre

• Cast a line in the Waihou River

• Fish in the Firth of Thames

• Browse local antiques and retro stores. Visit the Thames Saturday markets

• Soak in Te Aroha’s hot pools or wander the Domain gardens

• Okoroire Hot Springs

• Catch local festivals, classic car shows, the NZ String Quartet and more year round

  
  

Fishing near the Firth of Thames Mussel Farms. Some of our residents head out every couple of months on local charters. It’s relaxed and well set up for fishing.

Hot pools, close and easy

Living at Longridge means you’re surrounded by some of the best hot pools in the region. Athenree hot pools are just 30 minutes away and great for a quiet soak with coastal views nearby. The mineral spas at Te Aroha are around 25 minutes from Longridge and offer a heritage setting that is perfect for unwinding any day of the week. Okoroire Hot Springs near Tīrau feels like a hidden gem. It is peaceful, tree lined and just under an hour’s drive. You don't have to travel far to feel like you have had a proper break.

Athenree hot pools are just 30 minutes from Longridge and a favourite for a quiet soak

Okoroire Hot Springs is peaceful and tree-lined, just under an hour’s drive from Longridge

Te Aroha tracks and wetlands

Te Aroha is not just about hot pools. It also offers peaceful walking tracks close to town. One local favourite is the Howarth Memorial Wetlands Walk, a flat, easy path with native birdlife and mountain views along the way.

The Howarth Memorial Wetlands Walk offers flat tracks, native birdlife and views of the mountain. Just a few minutes away, Te Aroha Domain is home to the town’s mineral spas and gardens

Need to get somewhere? Easy.

• Hamilton is an hour away

• Tauranga is about an hour

• Auckland Airport is often quicker from here than the North Shore

• Hamilton Airport now offers flights to Australia

  
  

Other spots just around the corner:

• Thames

• Waihī

• Katikati

• Tirau

• Te Aroha and Athenree hot pools

• Mount Maunganui

• Matamata

• Cambridge

• Coromandel townships

Cost of Living in Paeroa for Retirees

At Longridge, the weekly fee of $169 covers rates, insurance and all exterior maintenance, fixed for life from age 75. That predictability means your retirement budget stays stable, not climbing year on year.

Combined with the lower entry price of our villas compared to city-based retirement villages, Longridge offers genuine value for money in retirement living.

You don’t have to be from Paeroa or even know the area to live at Longridge. Just ask Neale and Sue. They visited 27 retirement villages. Yes, twenty seven. And they chose Longridge.

See our available villas

That’s a story for another day, but let’s just say it ticked all their boxes and a few they hadn’t thought of.

So no, Paeroa is not remote. It is relaxed, well placed and surprisingly central. The location makes life easy and the space you get at Longridge really is something else.

Why not book a visit? We’d love to show you around.

There’s plenty to see, and once you’re here, you’ll see just how well located we are.