Retirement travel destinations, New Zealand – here are the top five places to visit

Kia Ora! When it comes to retirement travel destinations, New Zealand is a popular option. And it’s not just because they are our neighbours across the pond. New Zealand is renowned for breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality and a diverse range of attractions.

At First Financial, we help our clients build wealth and retire life ready. True wealth is having the freedom to live the way you choose, and if travel is your choice, you need to see New Zealand.

It was hard to narrow down the list, but here are our five top places to visit in New Zealand.

Coromandel on the North Island of New Zealand is a must-see destination with awe-inspiring natural beauty and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. With pristine golden beaches, rugged cliffs and lush forests, Coromandel feels like a serene, remote getaway, yet it’s relatively close to Auckland.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape, a bit of adventure or a little of both, Coromandel has it all. That’s why it’s known as the place Kiwis go to holiday. Water activities include swimming, surfing, kayaking and more, and at Hot Water Beach you can even dig your own hot spring pool in the sand.

The Coromandel Peninsula is also home to the famous Cathedral Cove, an enchanting beach with an iconic rock arch and crystal-clear waters. You can also discover the lush trails of the Kauri Grove and savour the tranquillity of the stunning Karangahake Gorge.

Also in close proximity to Auckland is Piha Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area for locals and tourists alike. Celebrated as one of the premier surfing spots in New Zealand, Piha Beach spans two kilometres and stands out with its striking black iron-sand.

However, Piha Beach offers far more than just waves and shoreline. Set amidst the captivating Waitakere Ranges’ sub-tropical forest, this coastal paradise also features daring bush tracks and the majestic Lion Rock landmark, which is perfect for hiking. If you want to see some beautiful waterfalls, stop by Karekare Falls and Kitekite Falls.

Within the township, you can visit the local art gallery and other charming businesses. Life in Piha Beach is laidback and friendly. We definitely recommend including Piha Beach on your New Zealand travel itinerary, and strongly encourage you to watch a sunset from one of many amazing lookouts before you head home.

If you love snow and snow sports, you will love Taupo. Located in the centre of the North Island and featuring multiple premier ski fields, Taupo is ideal for the adventurous traveller. Mount Ruapehu on the Taupo Plateau enjoys the longest ski season in Australasia (June to October).

With over 1500 hectares, ranging from beginner to intermediate to extreme, Taupo is the perfect place to discover and build on your love for skiing and snowboarding. And while you’re there, have a coffee at New Zealand’s highest cafe – Knoll Ridge Chalet – Whakapapa. The view is beyond spectacular.

At the end of a big day, visitors typically unwind with a glass of wine in front of a lodge fire, or allow their muscles to recover with a soak in a geothermal hot spring. And the fairy lights of Taupo town provide the perfect setting for an evening meal.

Amidst the untamed wilderness of the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand you will find Glacier Country. With an extensive variety of activities, accommodation, cafes, restaurants and natural wonders, it’s no surprise Glacier Country made our top five.

Take a trip back to the ice age and visit Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier in the heart of Glacier Country. You will see some of the most accessible rivers of ice in the world, plunging all the way to almost sea level. Take part in walks and expeditions for all fitness levels, guided glacier hikes, scenic flights and experience the Waiho Hot Tubs.

Some of the other natural marvels in Glacier Country include high mountains, dramatic beaches and peaceful rainforests.

Our fifth and final must-see destination in New Zealand is Rotorua. From colourful crater lakes, to mud baths and natural hot springs, this is a wonderful place to rest, relax and rejuvenate.

Considered a volcanic wonderland, Rotorua is located within the Pacific Rim of Fire and is one of the most active geothermal fields in the world. Rotorua showcases astonishing landscapes and geothermal attractions, all featuring rare flora and fauna, and teeming with Maori history and mythology.

Make sure you add the famous Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia to your list of things to see. Just five minutes from the city centre, Pohutu Geyser erupts up to 20 times a day, up to a height of 30 metres. While you will detect a strong smell of sulphur, Rotorua remains a top spot to visit in a nation full of famous landmarks and beautiful vistas.

New Zealand might be our closest neighbour, but there is so much to see and explore. If you have the travel bug, make sure you add New Zealand to your list.

The personal enrichment gained by experiencing different places, cultures, traditions and cuisines is priceless. However, travelling often requires significant financial investment.

At First Financial, we want to help our clients reach their life goals, both before and after retirement. That includes having the resources to see the world.

“A solid financial plan is the essential foundation you need to build the future you see for yourself.”

For personalised advice on financial planning, retirement planning or savings, or to start your journey on the pathway to wealth, contact our expert team today.