How to Retire in New Zealand

Head almost halfway around the world to New Zealand and you will be impressed with how similar life is there compared to what we find in the United States, and that is especially true for those nearing or past traditional retirement age. Over the past 20 years or so, New Zealand has turned from a country that relied on its British roots to one that will make it seem like home. Now you can find Denny’s, Burger King, KFC, Starbucks and Subway. You can turn on the TV and catch up with Oprah and Dr Phil, or pick up any women's magazine and be up to date on the latest with Brad, Angelina and Jennifer. You can tune into a dozen satellite channels like ESPN, Cartoon Network, Disney and Discovery and feel as if you are sitting right there in your living room in Cleveland. Here are a few ways to make your new life special in New Zealand.

Instructions

1. Think about buying real estate there. Housing is really cheap in New Zealand. Couple that with local currency that has fallen against the U.S. dollar, and you could pick up a house there for much less than you would pay in the U.S.

2. Be prepared to enjoy a reduced cost of living. Because New Zealand’s currency has fallen so far against the U.S. dollar, your cost of living will be far lower than if you remained here. Everything from food, clothing, entertainment and most hard goods sell for pennies on the dollar.

3. Go fishing. Settle around Lake Taupo on the North Island and you’ll find the most famous trout-fishing lake in the world with 500 tons of them taken from the lake each year. Furthermore, land there goes for as little as $400 per acre and you can find your retirement dream-house for $150,000 or less.

4. Get a job and earn some money to have more fun. The population is aging faster in New Zealand than it is in the U.S. Consequently, employers are paying top dollar to attract people. With so many employment opportunities, surely you’ll find the job you have waited a lifetime to have.

5. Go to the doctor when you want because health care can be very inexpensive. Unlike the U.S. where health care is a private issue, the government of New Zealand covers the health needs of all of its citizens. Therefore, many people in New Zealand do not have private health insurance because, unlike the U.S., the government will take care of them if they are in an accident or face an emergency. Some do have private coverage because they don’t like the long wait, In New Zealand, you may not be able to get an appointment with a doctor for a year or longer if your condition is not life-threatening.