Birchwood at Brambleton
Brambleton, Virginia
Kerikeri, New Zealand
What It Is Like to Retire in Kerikeri
With the slogan attributed to a visiting backpacker - "So nice, they named it twice" - Kerikeri is a small town and popular tourist destination about three hours drive north of Auckland. With a population of 6,500 it is the largest town in Northland New Zealand. Known for its laid back, beach-oriented lifestyle, it is favored by many British retirees. Kerikeri was the site of the first permanent mission station in the country, and has some of the most historic buildings in the country. This area on the Bay of Islands is a subtropical region for horticulture. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia: The Kerikeri Mission Station with the Stone Store at the left, St James at the rear, and Mission House on the right by Pseudopanax and Wikipedia in the public domain, photo of the historic pear tree, the oldest fruit tree in New Zealand, and still bears fruit, by Wikipedia and Moriori in the public domain.
Where to Retire in Kerikeri and Home Prices
There are numerous estates built in former orchards that are suitable for retirees to live. Homes listed for sale range from the high $200's to over $1 million ($NZ). The New Zealand $ was worth about .81 $US in 2013.
What Is Special about Kerikeri
Kerikeri is a former winner of the "New Zealand's Top Small Town" title bestowed annually by North and South magazine. Mission House is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store is the oldest stone building in New Zealand. There are over 150 islands in the area. Outdoors activities are plentiful and enjoyed by residents and visitors.
What Is Not Special about Kerikeri
Kerikeri and all of New Zealand, while beautiful and blessed with a moderate climate, is far away from just about everything. Living here full time is difficult for non citizens (see our mini-retirement guide to New Zealand).
Who Will Like Retirement in Kerikeri
People who like small town life and who also enjoy outdoor life involving the water might like Kerikeri. We understand that it is popular with British retirees.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and retirement.
Climate and Physical Environment
Kerikeri is in the Far North District of the North Island and lies at the western extremity of the Kerikeri Inlet. It is said that Kerikeri has the mildest climate in New Zealand. The average high is 75 and the average low is 43.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The historical buildings are an attraction in Kerikeri. The Art and Craft Trail features dozens of arts and crafts enterprises in the Kerikeri area.
Crime
The crime rate is very low.
Medical facilities
The Kerikeri Medical Centre provides emergency services. For more serious matters Auckland is 3 hours away.
Transportation
Kerikeri has an airport with connections to Auckland.
Valuable Links
This hat, "Not My Problem Anymore" makes a great retirement gift!
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