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Paeroa Just Might Be the Best Location to Retire. Just Ask Longridge Residents

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.


Neale and Sue riding scooters at Longridge Country Estate after visiting 27 other retirement villages
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, but also because the location makes sense. It’s even close to both Thames and Hamilton hospitals.


Map showing Paeroa’s central location in the North Island, near Thames, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Auckland

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 on bikes crossing a swing bridge in Karangahake Gorge surrounded by bush and native trees
Longridge residents cycling Karangahake Gorge, one of the region’s most scenic and accessible spots.

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 mussel farms in the Firth of Thames. Includes charter boat scenes and a Longridge resident with a freshly caught snapper
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.


People enjoying the Athenree hot pools under shade sails on a sunny afternoon
Athenree hot pools are just 30 minutes from Longridge and a favourite for a quiet soak
Natural rock-lined pools surrounded by native bush at Okoroire Hot Springs near Tīrau
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 in Te Aroha with boardwalk and mountain views, alongside Te Aroha Domain with its historic building and landscaped grounds
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


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.

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.


 
 
 

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