Looking for the sweet spot between peaceful, small-town living and the convenience of city life?
Well, you’re in luck, because right across New Zealand, there are regional gems that offer exactly that - more space and more affordable homes, all within an hour’s drive of a major city.
For Kurt Snook, Branch Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate in Cromwell, he’s seeing plenty of people from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch choosing to relocate to smaller towns, like Cromwell, for a slower pace of life.
“It’s reducing those work commuting times along with seeking a sense of community and connection with others - where you know your neighbours. And the lower priced properties are in extremely hot demand, especially here. Our entry-level and mid-priced houses always sell very quickly.”
So if you’re looking to snap up a property in provincial New Zealand, here’s a closer look at 10 towns where you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
- Dargaville – 55 minutes to Whangārei
- Waiuku – 50 minutes to Auckland (via SH22)
- Katikati – 40 minutes to Tauranga
- Cambridge – 25 minutes to Hamilton
- Feilding – 20 minutes to Palmerston North
- Motueka – 45 minutes to Nelson
- Darfield – 35 minutes to Christchurch
- Balclutha – 55 minutes to Dunedin
- Cromwell – 50 minutes to Queenstown
- Winton – 30 minutes to Invercargill
1. Dargaville – 55 minutes to Whangārei
Nestled beside the Northern Wairoa River and close to the Kaipara Harbour, Dargaville is rich in history and heart. Known as the ‘Kumara Capital’ of New Zealand, it’s surrounded by west coast beaches (like Baylys Beach), rivers, and native forests (like Waipoua Forest), making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The town has a welcoming, small-town feel where people know and support each other and a relaxed pace of life - all under an hour from Whangārei. Property prices are generally lower than in larger urban centers, making it attractive for first-home buyers or retirees.
New shops, cafes, and amenities are slowly developing, with local council investment and community projects and the town's primary industries offer solid job prospects for skilled workers.
2. Waiuku – 50 minutes to Auckland (via SH22)
Waiuku is a town near the Manukau Harbour, offering coastal walks, a growing arts scene, and a strong community feel, appealing to those looking for a balance of country charm and urban convenience. Once a colonial port and farming hub, Waiuku retains its charm with a mix of heritage buildings alongside modern amenities.
Surrounded by beaches (like Karioitahi Beach), rolling farmland, and the Waikato River, Waiuku is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. And with Auckland just a short drive away, it’s ideal for commuters or families wanting a quieter home base without giving up big-city amenities.
While prices have risen, Waiuku still tends to be more affordable than many other parts of the Auckland region.
3. Katikati – 40 minutes to Tauranga
Known as New Zealand’s ‘Mural Town’, Katikati has a vibrant local culture and plenty of character. Located at the western gateway to the Bay of Plenty, it’s close to beaches, orchards, and hiking trails, while Tauranga’s jobs, schools, and shops are just down the road - making it a sought-after location for a range of home buyers.
Nestled between the Kaimai Ranges and the Tauranga Harbour, Katikati offers a lifestyle that blends rural charm with coastal access. It’s a hub for kiwifruit and avocado farming, offering employment and business opportunities in the horticulture sector and with a mild climate, good amenities, and friendly community, Katikati is popular among retirees. It's ideal for those seeking a slower pace without complete isolation.
4. Cambridge – 25 minutes to Hamilton
Known as the ‘Town of Trees and Champions,’ Cambridge boasts leafy streets, heritage architecture, boutique shopping, river walks and a strong equestrian and sporting reputation. With a population of around 20,000, Cambridge offers a sophisticated rural lifestyle with urban conveniences - it’s also one of Waikato's fastest-growing towns.
Popular with those wanting space, there are many small blocks or rural homes available for hobby farming or privacy and a strong local economy and desirable lifestyle also means property in Cambridge is often seen as a solid investment.
Just a short commute from Hamilton, Cambridge blends small-town charm with modern cafes, excellent schools, friendly locals, active clubs and regular events like the Cambridge Farmers’ Market.
5. Feilding – 20 minutes to Palmerston North
Named New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town multiple times, Feilding in the Manawatu is a picture-perfect farming centre with a strong community ethos. It offers a relaxed rural vibe, stunning heritage buildings, and a famously friendly atmosphere, all within easy reach of Palmerston North’s employment and education hubs.
Popular with lifestyle block owners, families and retirees looking for space and serenity, without being too far from the action, there are regular community events and a strong appreciation of history. It’s also a hub for farming and agri-business, including New Zealand’s largest saleyards.
Feilding appeals to those seeking a balance between country life and urban convenience, with a proud rural atmosphere that makes it feel like more than just a country town.
6. Motueka – 45 minutes to Nelson
A gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, Motueka is a laid-back, sun-drenched town full of creativity, orchards, and adventure, near the top of the South Island. Just 45 minutes from Nelson, it offers an enviable outdoor lifestyle and a close-knit feel, without compromising on accessibility to city services or an airport.
Boasting a warm climate, vibrant art scene and a strong sense of community, Motueka is ideal for people seeking natural beauty, and a healthier pace of life, whether for raising a family, working remotely, or retiring in paradise.
A safe town with good local schools, sports clubs, and community events, Motueka’s proximity to nature is a significant selling point - here you’ll find easy access to Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes national parks which are perfect for hiking, kayaking, and beach lovers alike.
7. Darfield – 35 minutes to Christchurch
Darfield sits in the heart of the Selwyn District, offering wide open spaces, quality schools, and a great mix of rural and residential living. Christchurch is just a half-hour drive away, making it a practical spot for those working in the city but craving that classic country lifestyle.
Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains, Darfield is known as the ‘Gateway to the West Coast’ and offers a peaceful lifestyle with stunning alpine views. Generally more affordable housing and land prices than Christchurch or other urban centres, Darfield is great for skiing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, with Porters Ski Area and Arthur’s Pass nearby.
Here you’ll find a close-knit, supportive rural community with friendly neighbours and a strong sense of belonging, as well as solid educational options for families. Well-serviced with essential shops, cafes, medical facilities, and community amenities, it offers a safe environment to enjoy a more outdoor-orientated lifestyle.
8. Balclutha – 55 minutes to Dunedin
Set along the banks of the Clutha River, Balclutha is a quiet and affordable town in South Otago, with a strong farming backbone and a proud local spirit. Dunedin is under an hour away, providing access to universities, healthcare and cultural events, while you enjoy a quieter pace and great value housing back home.
Serving as a central hub for the surrounding rural and coastal areas, Balclutha has good local amenities - including supermarkets, schools, a hospital, recreational facilities, and essential services - and very little traffic means residents enjoy short travel times and more free time.
A classic Kiwi provincial town, Balclutha offers a genuine, down-to-earth lifestyle with access to some of the South Island’s best natural wonders. Surrounded by lush farmland, riverbanks, and close to the Catlins, it’s a great fit for nature lovers, families, and those wanting to escape the hustle of urban life.
9. Cromwell – 50 minutes to Queenstown
Cromwell is a charming Central Otago gem with fast-growing appeal. Queenstown’s international airport and job market are less than an hour’s drive, making Cromwell a popular base for families and professionals looking for more space and better value.
Nestled between Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, and mountain ranges, Cromwell is known for its stunning landscapes, rich gold mining history, and world-class fruit orchards. Originally a small service town, it has grown into a thriving destination for both tourism and lifestyle.
Close to some of New Zealand’s best vineyards and home to seasonal farmers markets and gourmet producers, Cromwell enjoys a dry, sunny climate with hot summers and crisp winters, ideal for those who like four distinct seasons. And Kurt thinks this is one of the town and region’s best kept secrets.
“Yes it gets cold here, but it’s a dry cold - not a wet cold that I personally don’t find very nice. And the summer heat is fantastic, it isn’t humid like some places further north. The environment here really is the best.”
While retaining a small-town feel, Cromwell has supermarkets, cafes, healthcare, and a rapidly improving retail hub. Combining small-town friendliness with access to adventure, wine country sophistication, and breathtaking landscapes, Cromwell is a great choice for those wanting balance between work and play, community and nature.
“For those choosing Central Otago as a region to move to, Cromwell is still relatively well-priced if Queenstown and Wanaka are over budget,” adds Kurt.
Kurt’s advice for those looking to move to a new provincial town:
- Consider how it fits with your current friends and family connections - will they be able to visit easily or will you be able to visit them (think about cost and travel time). Do you need public transport to get from A to B?
- Healthcare. Has the town you’re considering got access to the services you need? Or will you need to factor in access to required healthcare.
- What is your overall appetite for travel? Are you quite happy to drive an hour for things such as retail and leisure amenities - or perhaps you and your family want these closer to hand.
- Beauty is the eye of the beholder. Choose somewhere that appeals to you and your lifestyle, not just a town that everyone else is moving to.
10. Winton – 30 minutes to Invercargill
Just a half-hour from Invercargill, Winton offers a peaceful country atmosphere with a supportive community and excellent local schools. It’s a favourite among Southland families for its affordability and easy access to the city, the Catlins, and the mountains beyond.
Known for its strong agricultural roots, particularly in dairy and sheep farming, the town serves as a service hub for the surrounding farmland and has a long-standing reputation for being clean, tidy, and welcoming.
Blending rural charm with essential amenities like supermarkets, cafes, and medical services, the town also hosts agricultural shows, local markets, and community fairs. And larger section sizes and open land allow for lifestyle blocks or hobby farming.
Winton is also a great base for outdoor lovers - close to fishing rivers, scenic cycling routes, and Fiordland National Park, and opportunities in agriculture and related industries make it a solid choice for rural professionals.
Why choose a regional New Zealand town near a city?
- Lower house prices – Compared to nearby urban centres, these towns typically offer far more bang for your buck, whether you're a first-home buyer or looking for a lifestyle block.
- Community connection – Smaller towns tend to have a stronger sense of community, where neighbours know each other and local clubs and events keep everyone connected.
- Commuter convenience – With cities less than an hour away, you can easily access higher-paying jobs, top schools, healthcare and entertainment, without paying city premiums.
- Lifestyle perks – From mountain biking in the Southern Alps to beach walks along the Bay of Plenty coastline, these towns place you closer to the outdoors, and far from the stress of the city.
Thinking of making the move? Whether you’re after a quiet country section or a character cottage close to the coast, regional towns like these ones above are calling.
You don’t have to choose between lifestyle and convenience, you can have both. Find your expert local today.
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