A report to the Treasury says more people stop working because they are entitled to superannuation rather than because they are not well enough to work.
The report looks at attitudes towards staying in paid work of those aged between 54 and 70 from data collected in two new surveys.
The surveys show people also retire because of age discrimination in the workforce and limited opportunities to retrain and upskill.
Earlier this year, the Treasury suggested New Zealand raise the age people are eligible for superannuation.
The report says more people will retire later if employers offer part-time work so people can move into retirement in phases.
The report noted that those who live in high income households are more likely to retire early and that people whose marriages break up are more likely to continue working for longer.
