Kerikeri

One of the fastest-growing areas in the country, people are moving to Kerikeri from around New Zealand and overseas for lifestyle opportunities. With a population of about 3500 - including international yachting personalities and others interested in water sports, Kerikeri is rich in history. It is the home of two of New Zealand's oldest buildings - Kemp House (circa 1819) and the Stone Store (circa 1832) - and is known as "the cradle of the nation".

The sections are a good size, about 1600 sq m and town is not far from most homes.

You can expect to pay between $200,000 and $400,000 for a three-to-four-bedroom home, depending on location. And properties with sea or river views can reach the million-dollar mark, with some exclusive properties with water access fetching even higher.

A thriving community, Kerkeri's horticultural and farming-based economy is now being bolstered by town and waterfront property development.