Eldernet provides older people and those supporting them comprehensive information about moving to aged residential care (including rest homes, private hospitals, dementia care, and respite). Eldernet lists all Residential Care facilities in New Zealand.
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Residential Care
Consider all your options. View a complete list of all care homes in New Zealand. Filter results by level of care, location, and other considerations.
View AllCare Home Vacancies
Sometimes time is a factor. If you need to move to a care home immediately you can view those with current vacancies here. Filter results by level of care, location, and other considerations.
Search VacanciesCare Suites
As an alternative to paying daily accommodation charges, you can “purchase” your room in a care home. Find out more and view currently available care suites.
Find Out MoreWhat is a rest home?
A New Zealand rest home, also known as a care home or residential aged care facility, is a place where older adults can receive around-the-clock care and support in a comfortable and secure environment. There are four levels of care delivered in residential care facilities in New Zealand: Rest Home, Hospital, Rest Home Dementia, and Psychogeriatric Specialist Hospital Care. All care home facilities are certified by the Ministry of Health, which involves an audit process to identify providers that deliver high levels of care.
What situations lead to a move into a care home?
While there are a variety of reasons for this; the most common is that the person has experienced a deterioration in health and is having difficulty with managing at home. (Note: an assessment by an authorised service is required prior to entry to residential care.) The following are five typical...
Is a rest home and care home the same thing?
In New Zealand, a rest home is called a care home or residential care home. A rest home is a name people commonly use to mean a place where a person can live and get long term nursing care. Strictly speaking, a rest home is just one type of care...
Can I transfer to a care home in a different region?
You can transfer to a rest home in another region of New Zealand if you choose to, or you may have to transfer if your care needs change. Before you transfer, you or someone from your current residential facility need to contact your local NASC team so that they can...
Can I move to a rest home now?
To move into a rest home or care home in New Zealand you will need to have an assessment, known as interRAI. This determines whether you need this care and whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria are high and include a financial means assessment. You need to have...
What should I look for in a rest home?
A New Zealand rest home, also known as a care home or residential aged care facility, is a place where older people live and receive care and support in a comfortable and secure environment.
Rest homes provide a range of services, including assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as medical care and supervision. They also offer various social and recreational activities, such as outings, hobbies, and entertainment, to help residents stay active and engaged.
There is no such thing as ‘the best’ rest home, as what suits one person doesn’t suit another: for some, being near family, friends and familiar places is crucial, while for others it’s the size and type of room available that's most important. The most important element in an ideal rest home is the philosophy and delivery of care.
Rest homes vary considerably and there can be a wide range of rooms to choose from – such as standard rooms, premium options that offer additional services, and care suites, which combines retirement village and residential care elements. Regardless of which room or residential care facility you choose, you will receive the same standard of care.
Make sure you visit a rest home more than once before you make a decision – you may want to try out a rest home first, either via a trial period or by booking short-stay respite care. When you are ready to consider a rest home, our checklist can help you navigate the process. Then start browsing care home and residential care vacancies.
Your options
Home and Community
Fully independent and living at home. There are many services to make life at home easier.
Retirement Village
Independent living in a purpose built property with varying levels of support.
Residential Care
The full service options for all the support and levels of care you could need.
News in the community
Want to read the latest news and events? See what's going on around NZ. This newsletter is created by contributions direct from the Eldernet community and is filled with good news and updates.

Terence Kennedy House - Hospital
Anzac Day 2025 - Lest we forget

Terence Kennedy House - Rest Home
Anzac Day 2025 - Lest we forget

Nazareth Care - Rest Home
Dear Aged Care Providers You're warmly invited to attend the official launch of "Excellence in Care: A Guide for Managers and Nurses" by Gillian Robinson-Gibb. This newly updated 2025 edition builds upon Gillian's earlier publication, offering expanded and updated content designed to support excellence in care. Essential reading for all...

Highview Rest Home & Hospital - Hospital
We have a hospital bed available now... please call Lee on 027 508 3809 to come and see our beautiful 'gem' on High Street! The food is delicious and the staff are friendly, professional and welcoming... our recently renovated facility offers fantastic activities for all to enjoy :-) Put Highview...