It's official - New Zealand is the best country in the world to retire in.
At least, that's according to an annual survey by US News and World Report, in conjunction with global marketing communications company Y&R's BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
New Zealand was named number one in the Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement, and 14 in the overall Best Country ranking.
Eighty countries were ranked by 21,000 survey participants.
For best retirement, people at least 45 years old and self-defined themselves as "upper class" scored countries based on seven attributes: affordable, favourable tax environment, friendly, is a place I would live, pleasant climate, respects property rights and a well-developed public health system.
An overview of New Zealand on the US News website highlights our beautiful scenery people can explore, our stance as a nuclear-free zone, and historical figures including Lord Ernest Rutherford and Sir Edmund Hillary.
But if you're looking at moving out, the overall best country went to Switzerland, which also came third in Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement.
However this survey was completed before Prime Minister Bill English announced the retirement age would rise from 65 to 67 in 40 years' time - a promise which was immediately lambasted by other politicians.
It's not known what affect that would have on our ranking.
Newshub.
