Provincial New Zealand is a great place to raise a family and Taumarunui in the middle of the North Island has plenty to offer those thinking of buying real estate at a great price. It is in the heart of the King Country region and has developed as a service town for the surrounding rural farmland as well as those travelling to the nearby ski fields.

Taumarunui is a fabulous place for those who love the outdoors. The town is the meeting place of the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers, making it an excellent venue for recreational water sports including canoeing and jet boating. Skiers and trampers also love to base themselves in Taumarunui because it lies between two of New Zealand's national parks – Whanganui and Tongariro.

Nature and its associated activities and sports abound, from hunting and trout fishing to horse riding and bush walks. The hot pools are only 40 minutes’ drive away and there is also a wonderful golf course which is ranked among the top 50 courses in the country. The temperature is higher than some of the surrounding areas because Taumarunui is sheltered from the wind by the surrounding hills, making it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities.

Real estate in and around Taumarunui is extremely well priced, making it possible for families to buy a house and land for a fraction of the cost of a similar set up elsewhere in the North Island. Small nearby villages and rural areas include Owhango, Ngapuke, Ongarue and Kakahi and these all feature inexpensive houses and farmlets where you can have a few animals, create a garden and really live the good life.

With the range of telecommuting opportunities available to business people these days and the options available for real estate in Taumarunui, it makes sense to keep the mortgage to a minimum and bring up the family in an environment where life is peaceful and there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer. House prices are attracting buyers looking for investment properties, cheaper commercial premises and a lifestyle change. One investor recently bought four properties which are all rented out and giving him a good return.

It’s also a great option for those looking at retiring from city life. You can sell an average house in Auckland and buy one of the nicest ones that Taumarunui has to offer, for half the price. With Lake Taupo, Mt Ruapehu and the Whanganui River all close at hand, Taumarunui is the perfect place to spend the golden years doing all those things you didn’t have time for when you were living in the city.