10 quirky small towns to buy a home in New Zealand

Whether you are after a sea change, tree change, or even an Alp change, I’ve handpicked ten Kiwi locations offering a laidback, outdoorsy lifestyle. Additionally, each has a little flair to its character, be it a great vintage car scene, well-preserved Victorian architecture or beautiful thermal springs. Find the town that suits you best.   

1. Whangamata, Coromandel Peninsula

Swim, surf, stroll through the forest, repeat. Sound like you? Whangmata is located on the Coromondel Peninsula. It has a resident population of 4,000, though this swells during the summer months as it is a popular spot with Kiwi holidaymakers. Your go-to spot for snorkelling and fishing will be the breathtaking Onemana Beach while the Coromandel Forest Park will be the place for mountain biking. Plus, Whangmata is home to New Zealand’s number one nostalgia fest, Beach Hop, where you can bop to 60s and 70s tunes and browse through gorgeous vintage cars.

Median price of property: $1,150,000.

Best for: rockers & foresters.

2. Cambridge, Waikato Cambridge

From the town hall to the fire station to the Anglican Church, Cambridge is populated by pretty heritage buildings, they contribute to Cambridge’s old-timey, close-knit community feel. Though the population is a little bigger than others on this list at 20,000. Plus, the natural surroundings are beautiful too: the nearby Lake Karapiro is a manmade river on the Waikato River is the perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing, powerboating and more. While the Sanctuary Mountain contains 3,400 hectares of forest and is populated by endangered species and native birds. Moreover, Cambridge has a reputation for being home to sporting champions, especially equestrians and cyclists, earning the title ‘Home of Champions’. Who wouldn’t want to add their name to its an address book?

Median property price: $1,012,500.

Best for: sportsman & those looking for a slightly busier atmosphere.  

3. Raglan, Waikato

Advanced surfers will be in for a treat in Raglan, as Manu Bay is one of the world’s most celebrated point breaks. Meanwhile, hikers will want to head Mount Karioi Summit. If your partner is busy hiking or surfing, you could perform your best yoga moves in a group class on the beach. Plus, thanks to its annual October arts festival, Raglan is fast becoming a hubbub of creativity.

Median price of property: $900,000.

Best for: advanced surfers & aspiring artists.

4. Methven, Canterbury

If you are after an active lifestyle, Methven is the place to be. During the winter, you’ll have Mount Htt, voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for eight years in a row, in easy access. Outside of slope season, Metheven has an incredible park for forest biking and skating. Other favourite activities include golfing and hot air ballooning. With a population of just 2,000, Methven has a warm, intimate community vibe.

Median property price: $749,500.

Best for: adventure seekers.

5. Akaroa, Canterbury

A home in New Zealand with a flavour of Français, does such a place exist? Back in 1840, Akaroa was almost a French settlement, with the French leaving a legacy in the best way possible: the cuisine. Akaora is known for its delectable cheese, its indulgent fudge, its successful markets selling locally made, fresh food and a host of incredible restaurants. For a town of under 1,000 residents, Akaora got quite a lot of traction for its history, its lighthouse and its dolphins.

Median price of property: $899,000.  

Best for: Francophiles & foodies.

6. Oamaru, Otago

Is your vibe more Victorian than French? Oamaru is famous for its Steampunk HQ, which takes the title of being New Zealand’s premier steampunk experience. If you’re wondering why steampunk has found its home in Oamaru, that’s because it has some of the most complete Victorian and 19^th century streetscapes and architecture in the southern hemisphere. Oamaru’s name is also on the map for its penguin colony. Additionally, Oamaru is known for its breweries, artisan cheeses and award-winning restaurants. Oamaru has a population of 14,000.

Median property price: $450,000.

Best for: Steampunk & penguin fans.

7. Russell, Bay of Islands

Once dubbed the ‘hellhole of the Pacific’ because it was a shore leave destination for sailors and whalers in the 19^th century, Russell has since cleaned up its image to be more of a heavenly spot in the Pacific. Before then, it was New Zealand’s first seaport and European settlement, so if you are an amateur historian, there will be plenty to interest you. Today, it is home to about 800 residents (and thankfully, no 19^th century sailors); life in Russell moves at a slow, easy pace. Its promises days mulling over a coffee in a waterfront café, afternoons fishing and a dinner with views of the beautiful white sands of Oneroa Beach.

Median property price: $880,000.

Best for: hobbie historians.

8. Māpua & the Ruby Coast, Tasman

Once a sleepy seaside village, Māpua is growing in popularity with Kiwi second homeowners and retirees. It has fashioned a relaxed, warm vibe, populated by boutique shops, galleries and breweries. At Easter, Māpua hosts a fair, flocked to by artisans, crafts and scrumptious eats. Plus, it is a hotspot for cyclists with the Great Taste Trail. You have an easy getaway by ferry to Rabbit Island, which is known for its beautiful beaches and barbecue culture.

Median property price: $1,000,000.

Best for: craftsman & cyclists.

9. Kaikōura, Canterbury

For regular sightings of marvellous marine life and regular feastings on fresh crayfish, Kaikōura is the place to be. The northernmost district of the Canterbury region, Kaikōura has a population of about 2,000. It boasts of great opportunities for whale watching, swims with dolphins, birdwatching and even llama trekking. Plus, if you have a craving for outdoor adventure, you can snorkel, scuba dive and hike.

Median property price: $750,000.

Best for: marine life enthusiasts.

10. Hamner Springs, Canterbury

Keen to luxuriate in a warm natural spring? An easy 30 minutes from Christchurch, Hamner Springs is a lovely alpine resort village. It is a stand-out location due to its extensive complex of naturally heated thermal mineral waters, including pools and waterslides, for which it has won Tourism Awards multiple times in a row for. In the winter, Hamner is the perfect place for hitting the slopes. Meanwhile, in summer, it is great for bungee jumping, forest trekking and horse-riding.

Median property price: $839,000.

Best for: skiers & relaxers.

Finally, you might also enjoy reading:

• How New Zealand is turning the heads of US buyers 
• Living – New Zealand Property Guides
• Settling in – New Zealand Property Guides

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