Many of us look forward to retirement as a time where we will be able to fully live life on our own terms, and for good reason. It can be one of the most fulfilling chapters of life.

If you’ve recently retired and are no longer navigating the demands of full-time work or raising a family, you may be reflecting and asking yourself, “What do I want to do now? What have I been putting off because I’m too busy? What actually lights me up?” 

Quick links

• How to stay busy and fulfilled in retirement
• What to do in retirement quiz
• More retirement activity ideas for men and women
• Unusual and exciting ideas
• How Ryman supports a fulfilling retirement
  

Time is well spent with old friends – and making new ones.

How to stay busy and fulfilled in retirement

One of the most common questions people ask is, “What will I do in retirement?”

Without the daily structure of work or the hustle and bustle of family life, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to do with all your newfound free time, but it’s your time to focus on you and what you enjoy. After a lifetime of working or caring for others, you’ve earned it.

Keeping active – physically, mentally, and socially – will boost your overall wellbeing, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and enhance your quality of life. From lacing up the tramping boots to creating your own art studio, to learning a new skill, there are many ways to stay engaged.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach:

• Some people love the buzz of community groups and shared hobbies.
• Others thrive on solo projects, volunteering, or creative pursuits.
• The key is to follow your interests and remain open to trying something new.

In New Zealand, retirees have endless opportunities to make the most of this stage of life. From joining local clubs and volunteering to exploring scenic walking tracks, cycling trails, and immersing yourself in arts and culture, there’s something for everyone.

Ready to find your perfect spot? Check out our guide to the best places to retire in New Zealand and start planning your next adventure!

They’ve still got the moves!

Quiz - what to do in retirement

Take the quiz to discover activities that match your personality and interests. If more than one option appeals to you, select all the ones that feel most like you.

1. How do you like to spend your free time?

1. Exploring new places and seeking adventure
2. Reading, learning new things, and engaging in discussions
3. Giving back to the community and making a difference
4. Relaxing in nature, practicing mindfulness, and being creative

2. What excites you most about retirement?

1. Adventure and ticking off goals
2. Having the time to learn new things
3. Being able to give back and support others
4. Taking life at a slower pace and enjoying hobbies

3. What’s your ideal way to stay active?

1. Hiking, outdoor sports, or adventure holidays
2. Exercising my mind through activities such as reading or learning new skills
3. Working with others on meaningful projects such as a community garden
4. Yoga, gardening, or creative arts

4. What is something you’ve always wanted to do?

1. Drive across Australia, learn to scuba dive, or walk the Camino de Santiago
2. Write a book, go to university, or learn a new language
3. Mentor others, volunteer for your favourite charity, or help your family
4. Create a beautiful garden, learn to paint, or start a yoga practice

5. How do you prefer to spend time with friends?

1. Traveling, outdoor activities, and sports
2. Engaging in deep discussions or attending lectures and workshops
3. Volunteering, mentoring, or working on community projects
4. Crafting, gardening, or catching up with friends in a relaxed setting

Your results

Mostly A’s – The adventure seeker

You thrive on excitement and variety and feel happiest when you’re trying something new. This is the time to book some trips or hit the road in an RV – and maybe even jump out of a plane or off the Sky Tower! If you prefer not to travel alone, a great option is to form or join a travel group with other adventure seekers.

Mostly B’s – The lifelong learner

You love knowledge, so retirement is the perfect time for you to explore online courses, take swimming lessons, go to some U3A meetings, or learn a language. You could even go to university to gain that qualification you’ve been thinking about for years.

Mostly C’s – The community spirit

Helping others makes you happy, and there are many volunteer organisations that would benefit from your experience. Some options to consider include business mentorship, fostering for the SPCA, volunteering for a good cause, or conservation projects.

Mostly D’s – The creative relaxer

You enjoy peaceful activities, and if you can flex your creative muscles, even better. Some retirement activities to consider are contributing to a community garden, taking a yoga class with a friend, or forming your own paint and sip group with friends.

More retirement activity ideas for men and women

• Creative activities – Spark creativity and improve your concentration with woodworking, painting, photography, writing, model building, pottery, and knitting.
• Social and community – Keep it social with community gardens and workshops, volunteering, mentorship, book clubs, sports clubs, and social groups.
• Health and fitness – Keep your body moving with golf, cycling, hiking, strength training, martial arts, yoga, walking groups, dance classes, and sports clubs.
• Travel and adventure – Explore new horizons with road trips, fishing expeditions, cultural tours, RV travel, group tours, and voluntourism.
• Lifelong learning – Feed your curiosity with online courses, history research, cooking, language learning, music, genealogy. 

Unusual and exciting things to do in retirement

Looking to try something a little more unconventional? Here are some things to do in retirement that you may not have considered before:

• Craft brewing or winemaking – Learn to create your own unique blends
• Beekeeping – Support pollinators and harvest your own honey
• Classic car restoration – Get hands-on with vintage vehicles
• Drone photography – Capture the beauty of New Zealand from above
• Stand-up comedy or amateur theatre – Share your stories with an audience
• Astronomy and stargazing – Join a local club and explore the cosmos

How Ryman supports a fulfilling retirement

Ryman retirement villages are designed to help you live a full, active, and independent life with plenty of opportunities to stay connected and inspired.

What Ryman can offer you

• State-of-the-art amenities – Enjoy cafes, hobby rooms and workshops, swimming pools, libraries, and cosy social spaces.
• An inclusive and welcoming community – Live in a place where your neighbours become your friends.
• Health and wellness – From fitness classes to activities and creative workshops, there’s always something happening.
• Support to age in place – Ryman offer independent living, assisted living, and a range of care options including rest home, hospital, and dementia care.

Why not come and see for yourself? Visit your nearest Ryman village or call 0800 000 290 to learn more.