The Verdict: Clear Path
You can apply for the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa. Before you do, be sure a renewable two-year visitor visa is what you want, because it never becomes residence.
The tests are: aged 66 or older, NZ$750,000 to invest in New Zealand, a separate NZ$500,000 to live on, and annual income of at least NZ$60,000. The investment must be in acceptable New Zealand investments and held for the life of the visa. A partner can be included, and most applications are decided within about five weeks.
The visa lasts two years and can be renewed. Because it is a visitor visa, time on it does not count towards residence or citizenship, however often you renew.
If you want permanence, Active Investor Plus grants residence with no age limit and no English requirement, from NZ$5 million over 36 months. A partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident is the other way to residence.