Why More Retirees Are Choosing Whangārei’s Coastal Lifestyle

For many, retirement is less about slowing down and more about choosing how, and whereto live life fully. In recent years, a quiet migration has been underway, as active retirees discover the charm of Whangārei, Northland’s vibrant, sea-breezed gem.

Set between forested hills and a picturesque harbour, Whangārei is where life takes on a new, more considered rhythm. The subtropical climate means long lunches on sun-dappled decks, year-round gardening, and spontaneous beach walks without bundling up in layers. There’s something inherently uplifting about the place. Maybe it’s the air. Maybe it’s the people. Most likely, it’s both.

A Lifestyle Shaped by Nature and Neighbourliness

The city itself is perfectly sized: big enough for artisan markets, galleries, and gourmet cafes, yet small enough to know your barista by name. Whangārei Heads, a local favourite, offers hiking trails that trace volcanic peaks and end in sweeping ocean views, while the famed Hatea Loop provides a level, art-lined waterside stroll for more leisurely days.

Whether it’s soaking in the colour of the Quarry Gardens, browsing the boutique shops of the Town Basin, or catching live jazz on a balmy evening, Whangārei’s pace is enviable. There’s no urgency here, just opportunity-the kind that lets you shape your day as you please.

And then there’s the sense of community. It’s not manufactured. It’s not scheduled. It’s simply there, woven into the fabric of the city, where people greet each other on walking tracks and neighbours share lemons over the fence.

Elevated Retirement Living, Quietly Nestled in Maunu

On the western edge of the city, perched on a sunlit plateau, lies Ashbury Heights Lifestyle Village. It’s the kind of place you notice for its serenity-a peaceful setting that feels both close to town and blissfully removed from its bustle.

Designed with comfort and dignity in mind, the village offers a selection of beautifully finished, architecturally designed homes. These are spaces made to be lived in: light-filled, airy, and complete with private gardens or patios that overlook the green folds of Maunu below. For those looking ahead, the inclusion of a modern care centre on-site means reassurance is always close at hand, without having to sacrifice independence or aesthetics.

What truly sets Ashbury Heights apart, though, is its outlook-both figuratively and literally. The views stretch beyond rooftops to rolling hills and distant sky, a daily reminder that retirement can be as expansive as you make it.

The Best of Both Worlds

As more retirees seek places that offer not just a home but a richer, more connected way of living, Whangārei quietly rises to the top of the list. Here, life feels spacious-framed by natural beauty, shaped by community, and supported by thoughtful living options like Ashbury Heights. It’s not just about retiring; it’s about choosing a place where every day feels like it’s truly yours.

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Where Art Meets Lifestyle: Discover the Sculpture Trail at Alpine View

By Dylan Beardsley • December 6, 2025

At Alpine View Lifestyle Village, nestled in the cultural heart of Christchurch’s vibrant northeast, beauty doesn't just bloom in the gardens - it stands tall in steel, wood, and imagination. Welcome to the Alpine View Sculpture Trail: a meandering, open-air gallery where every turn reveals a new tale, a fresh perspective, or a playful surprise. This is no ordinary village walk. It's a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of discovery - a trail that blends art and landscape into one immersive, uplifting experience. As part of a welcoming retirement village known for its connection to retirement communities and peaceful retirement living, the trail enhances daily life in a meaningful way. Let’s take a stroll, shall we? Begin at the Clubhouse: Racing Legends and Sun Guns The trail begins at the beating heart of Alpine View - the Clubhouse on Mt Lodge Drive - where community life thrives and conversation flows as freely as the coffee, reflecting the warmth often found in thoughtfully designed retirement homes and retirement houses within a modern retirement village. First stop: Ron Rutherford, a tribute by Ian Lamont to the fearless 1961 South Island Beach Car Racing Champion. Captured in steel, the piece pulses with nostalgia and momentum - an ode to both grit and glory. Nearby, you’ll find Sun Gun by Roy McDougall - a former star of Sculpture on the Peninsula that now shines permanently at Alpine View. Its form seems to harness the sun itself, radiating energy and artistic boldness. And then there’s the Rearing Horse by Southland sculptor Roderick Hall. Crafted from driftwood, this majestic creature - raw, natural, and intricately detailed - embodies the spirit of freedom. A true showstopper, it draws admiration from every angle. Metal, Memory, and Motion: Porter Heights Drive As you wander down Porter Heights Drive, the theme of transformation emerges in a manner that mirrors the thoughtful planning seen in a continuing care retirement community . Here stands Steam, a piece by Gary Baynes that reimagines an old hot water cylinder salvaged from Alpine View’s original care centre, built in 1992. It’s industrial and poetic - a quiet homage to the past with an eye on the future. Just beside it is the enigmatic Vintage Ride. Its creator remains unknown, but its presence speaks volumes. Half relic, half riddle, it invites smiles and speculation in equal measure. Aoraki Drive: Songs, Legends, and Swinging Men Skirting the serene pond along Aoraki Drive, art meets music and myth, adding to the charm residents experience as part of relaxed retirement living. Nobody Takes Me Seriously, by Bryn Jones, captures the wit and spirit of the 1980 Split Enz song it’s named after. Playful and kinetic, it’s a tribute to Kiwi culture, music, and motion. Nearby, Water Reeds - another Gary Baynes creation - sways gently in the breeze, echoing the movement of real reeds. Commissioned by Qestral, it’s not just a sculpture; it’s kinetic poetry, engaging both eye and ear. Then, there's Kupe’s Waka ‘Matahorua’, a symbolic piece honouring Kupe, the legendary Polynesian navigator believed to have discovered Aotearoa. Though its sculptor is unknown, the mana it holds is unmistakable. Dobson Place: Where Science Meets Sentiment On Dobson Place, ideas take shape in steel. Opposites Attract, another work by Gary Baynes, is inspired by both Coulomb’s Law of physics and Plato’s philosophy. A sculptural metaphor, it reminds us that connection - like magnetism - often defies logic but feels undeniably right, much like the sense of community shared throughout retirement communities. Trail Highlights for the Art Lover 15+ installations dotted across gardens, courtyards, ponds, and village paths Works by celebrated New Zealand artists, including Gary Baynes, Roy McDougall, and Bryn Jones Sculptures crafted from salvaged steel, native wood, corten, driftwood, and industrial materials Themes of motion, memory, history, heritage, and joy Fully integrated into the village’s architectural and landscape design for a seamless, immersive experience that enriches retirement homes and retirement houses within the community Why the Sculpture Trail Matters The Alpine View Sculpture Trail reflects Qestral’s commitment to wellness and enrichment. It’s part of the wider TRILife philosophy - encouraging movement, mindfulness, and moments of inspiration. For many residents, the trail becomes a favourite walking route within one of Christchurch’s most welcoming retirement communities. For others, it’s a talking point with visiting family, a sketching spot for hobbyists, or simply a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate. Plan Your Visit Whether you’re a resident, a guest, or someone curious about joining the Qestral lifestyle or exploring retirement living options within a thoughtfully designed retirement village , the Alpine View Sculpture Trail is the perfect reason to pop by. Pick up a map at The Lodge. Take your time. Let art guide your steps and let the trail surprise you.