Help me plan my retirement

[72andsunny]

No hurry, this is like a 15 year plan, but since it's almost not freezing cold over at least some of the country, I thought I'd start planning today.

First up: Location
1) Not super cold. This might only be a part of the year thing, so I might not be too worried about winter. Also, if I can afford to heat my house the next time around...
2) Near the water; preferably water front, but I'll need at least a little elevation, as who knows where sea level might be in 20 years.
3) Within a half hour of civilization. I don't need Auckland size civilization, but maybe a movie theatre and a supermarket.

That's it so far. I'm thinking maybe the Marlborough Sounds. Maybe a small lifestyle block in case the end of the world happens and I need room to grow my own carrots.

Who's got suggestions?

Haole Mike

[JandM]

Oh, hello again!

[diallta]

Sounds a lot like Rotorua/Lakes District, where incidentally my partner is from and we're planning a return move to.

[72andsunny]

Sounds a lot like Rotorua/Lakes District, where incidentally my partner is from and we're planning a return move to.

I had not considered non-ocean bodies of water. Is there a non-sulphery side of the lake?

[jawnbc]

If you're an ocean person, a big lake won't cut it. I lived on Lake Ontario for 3 years...not the same as the sea.

[diallta]

If you're an ocean person, a big lake won't cut it. I lived on Lake Ontario for 3 years...not the same as the sea.

Rotorua is less than an hour from the ocean if you really need to see it. Compared with where I live now, that's basically on the ocean.

As for a "non-sulphery" side, when we had a look at a house on the north side of the lake (Hamurana) I wouldn't have even realized there was volcanic activity in the area if I didn't already know. There are other lakes in the area as well (Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Tarawera[$$$]) if you're OK with driving to the city center.

On the other hand, I shouldn't be trying to convince you to live there--I'm trying to buy a house in the area and I don't need the prices any higher than they are...

[everest]

Whakatane/Ohope on the beach with beautiful Bay of Plenty weather.Or position yourself in Edgecombe/Kawerau cheaply and access Whkatane(30 mins),Tauranga and Rotarua(1 hr)

[ScottNZ]

Napier. Beautiful seafront views, but much of the city is on a hill or at elevation. Affordable, cute city center, excellent walk-ability, and away from the crowded population centers. Still big enough to have a Pack N Save and movie theater however. I debated between Napier and Nelson, but Nelson gets too touristy and crowded. Plus its very expensive, and not as warm year round as Hawkes Bay.

[72andsunny]

We lived in Napier for five years. Might end up going back to Hawke’s Bay...maybe Waimerama, or somewhere.

[Carey]

Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Matakana......near to the town of Warkworth which is set to grow x 5 in the future. AKL an hours drive away, Albany 45 mins. Beaches, Regional Parks, stunning views, peace and quiet if you want it. Winter mild.