With 77 retirement villages in Canterbury, the region boasts one of the largest choices of retirement living in New Zealand. From the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, down to coastal Timaru, or head north to Amberley for some fresh country air, you’ve got everything on your doorstep in Canterbury.
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Villages in Canterbury
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Why choose a Retirement Village in Canterbury?
Canterbury offers one of the largest choices of retirement living anywhere in New Zealand. Even the city of Christchurch has so many options: the leafy suburbs of Merivale and Fendalton, the bustle of Riccarton and Papanui, or the relaxed feel of beachside Sumner. Close by there’s the new and growing satellite town of Rolleston in the Selwyn district, with its roots in the country but a distinctly modern urban feeling as well. Slightly further afield you’ll find Akaroa, with its French aura, quaint architecture, and beautiful beachside atmosphere, or Kaiapoi, famous for its historic woollen mills. And just to add to your difficulty choosing, there’s the long-established provincial Canterbury towns of Amberley, Ashburton and Rangiora.
Heading south from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains, you’ll come to Timaru. Set on the coast, this busy port city is the industry hub for South Canterbury as well as the supply centre for its surrounding farmlands. The pretty town of Geraldine is on the inland loop; in the heart of a well-established and prosperous farming area, it also has a range of boutiques and galleries that reflect its artistic aspect.
In this region you’ll find a group of retirement villages, each offering different options. Perhaps you’re returning to your roots in retirement or coming into town off the farm. You can choose from villas, cottages or apartments; resort-style independent retirement living and villages offering a full range of care, should you ever need it.
All about retirement villages
A retirement village is a community specially built to cater towards the needs and lifestyles of older people. Many retirement villages offer units, villas, suites, or serviced suites. This gives you the option to choose to live independently within the village environment or to get extra help with cleaning or meal delivery.
What is the role of a retirement village manager?
Retirement Village Manager The retirement village manager is the legal representative of the owner or operator of a village. In practical terms, they're the one keeping things running smoothly day-to-day. Their responsibilities can include hiring staff, overseeing the maintenance of buildings and facilities, coordinating village activities, and making sure residents...
What kind of homes are in a retirement village?
When you're exploring retirement villages in New Zealand, you'll find a wide range of accommodation options. Here's a simple breakdown of the most common choices and what they offer. Villas are standalone homes, usually with one to three bedrooms (sometimes more). They often come with their own garden or outdoor...
Rates Rebate in a retirement village
Retirement village residents who hold a Licence to Occupy may be eligible for the Government's full Rates Rebate, as long as they meet the income criteria. Each year, usually in mid-June, the Government updates the income and rebate thresholds. You can find more information on rates rebates in retirement villages...
Thinking of retirement living? Start here
Retirement villages in New Zealand vary greatly – in size, location, on-site offerings, ownership, philosophy and of course price. Choosing the right one really comes down to finding a village that fits your lifestyle, expectation, and future needs. Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit,...
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.
What's New
Curious about what’s happening in the Eldernet community? This is where you’ll find the latest updates and news from people across the motu.
Coastal Villas - Metlifecare - Retirement Village
Wellness Expo at Coastal Villas Join us for our Wellness Expo on Friday 23 October 2026, from 10.00am to 12.00pm, at the Leisure Centre, Spencer Russell Drive, Coastal Villas. Discover a range of services, products and support available to help you stay active, independent and well. Representatives from 16 wellness...
Rose Lodge - Retirement Village
Rose Lodge Takes Home Two Awards It was a big night for Alden Rose Lodge at the Enliven Rest Homes Wearable Arts Event, and the judges (and the crowd) certainly noticed. Vee was voted People’s Choice, wearing a Queens Park-inspired gown made with flowers. Daphne received Highly Commended Construction for...
Amberley Country Estate - Retirement Village
"October Open Days" Come explore our brand new villas and Join us for our Open Day. Friday October 30th and Saturday the 31st from 10am to 4pm. Come see Canterbury's Most Spacious Retirement Village. Discover Amberley Country Estate, an exciting new 250 home Retirement Village. just 35min from Christchurch, at...
Remuera Gardens - Retirement Village
Exclusive Dark Destroyer Q&A at Remuera Gardens Remuera Gardens is proud to host the legendary Dark Destroyer for an exclusive Q&A. Don’t miss your chance to come along and meet Shaun Wallace, hear fascinating stories from his life and career, and discover the man behind one of television’s most formidable...