With 80 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
Showing 6 of 80 results.
Retirement Village
- 123 Fendalton Road
- Fendalton
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 429 Papanui Road
- Strowan
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 71 Middleton Road
- Upper Riccarton
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 96 Harewood Road
- Papanui
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 115A Rose St
- Somerfield
- Christchurch
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.
What Retirement Villages have to offer
A retirement village is a community specially built to cater for the needs and lifestyle of older people. Choosing to live in a retirement village can be a great option for those wanting to maintain their independence while living among a like-minded community of people.
Research shows most people enjoy a high level of satisfaction when living in a lifestyle or retirement village. For residents, the benefits can be numerous; these may include giving you peace of mind, new and varied activities and interests, new friendships, and time to be able to spend on the things you most enjoy.
Villages vary greatly – you’ll notice different-sized villages, from very few units to some with hundreds; different types of units within the same complex; newer villages and older villages. You will discover the community offering a wide range such as swimming pool, bowling green and café. Eligibility age differs across villages too – some villages may allow residents to enter at 55 while others commonly have an entry age between 65 and 75.
As well as providing a range of different accommodation options, many villages now offer alternatives, such as care suites, which combine village offerings and residential care components. Make sure you visit a village more than once before you make a decision, and if possible visit more than one village to get a feel for how each has its own culture.
When you are ready to visit some retirement villages, our checklist may help you with your assessment.
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 best retirement village for my lifestyle?
When looking to a move to a retirement village, it’s important to consider how your new surroundings will suit your lifestyle. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when making your shortlist: Village life Is it easy for loved ones to visit? Can your friends/whānau (such as grandchildren) stay?...
Should I choose retirement village that belongs to the RVA?
The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) is a voluntary association that represents retirement village operators, managers, and commercial organisations across New Zealand. Their aim is to provide a high standard of living for village residents. Choosing an RVA member retirement village means that you are protected under the Retirement Villages Act...
What is the Code of Residents Rights?
The Code of Residents' Rights outlines the basic rights you have as a resident living in a New Zealand retirement village under the Retirement Villages Act. A copy of it must be given to intending residents with their disclosure statement, as well as to any resident or potential resident if...
I want to read reviews of retirement villages
The Eldernet Group prides itself on being an independent and unbiased source of information for older people and their families. While we acknowledge that reviews may be used by some people to make decisions about where to live, we also recognise that no one person’s experience is the same as...
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.

Rawhiti Estate - Independent Living - Retirement Village
What's Happening... Library Visit- fortnightly 1 st and 3 rd week Weekly Communion- Saturday morning [Catholic] Shopping – fortnightly 2 nd week and 4 th week Pastoral Visits - 3 rd Thursday of the month- at 2pm in Upland Library [Anglican] 4th Thursday of the month -at 2pm in Upland...

The Russley Village - Retirement Village
Setting New standards for retirement village living in Christchurch The Homestead At the heart of the village is the impressive new Homestead which is purpose built for the village's residents. The ABODE Café & Brasserie, a culinary delight that combines fresh, fulsome and creative fare with customer service that is...

Oracle at Highgate - Retirement Village
The lounge located on the ground floor is a popular destination for our residents to come together for various activities and social events; as shared but one of our residents, " t he common areas are particularly well planned , luxurious and enjoyable places to relax and to meet up...

Coromandel Lifestyle Village - Retirement Village
We're excited to announce the addition of stylish new steel-framed covers for our BBQ area! These fabulous structures provide both shade and shelter, making this outdoor space perfect for year-round gatherings. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a cozy winter evening, our updated BBQ area offers the ideal...