"We have a 5300m2 garden to develop and have planted over 500 plants so far. Many more to go - a lot of digging," Williams told the Herald.
"We had been contemplating a complete lifestyle change from Auckland city life to live in a more rural setting. We chose Taupo, having holidayed here since childhood and having our honeymoon here in 1981."
Williams said when he and Jane aren't in the garden, they play golf, get out on the lake, bike, tramp and camp in the region.
He still had an interest in politics and kept in touch with some who were still involved, but he doesn't bother watching Question Time anymore.
"I miss the engagement of politics having been an MP and Mayor, and so I do follow what's happening in both central and local government."
Williams said he felt his predictions that the creation of Auckland's "super city" would hurt local community representation had played out, and that was a "great pity".
Reflecting on his political career, Williams said he found being an MP provided a genuine opportunity to help people and make a difference.
"It is disappointing that a lot of the work MPs do, much of it behind the scenes, is not known to most of the public.
"The media tends to focus on the leaders and the major news of the day, but the work of select committees and individual MPs and their staff goes mostly unnoticed."
