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
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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 Retirement Villages Code of Practice?
This Retirement Villages Code of Practice establishes minimum requirements that retirement village operators must comply with to meet their legal obligations in New Zealand. These include some occupation right agreement terms and different types of policies an operator must have. Areas covered under this code include: Staffing of retirement villages...
Do residents need to move from the village to receive care?
While it is true that some village residents may need to receive care in an alternative facility, it is by no means the most likely scenario. In fact, only 12.8% of Kiwis living in villages end up being moved to a different facility to receive care and more than half...
Mythbusting - Will I get access to care on site?
If I live in a retirement village will I get access to the care home on-site? The truth is that if you need a high level of support and can no longer stay in your village unit, you are likely to be able to access care in the onsite care...
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...
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
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Waiapu House Lifecare & Village - Retirement Village
Come and see our great value retirement living options at Waiapu Village in Havelock North. Spacious, modern and surrounded by park-like grounds, a villa or apartment at Waiapu Village offers the perfect combination of freedom and security in a close-knit community. Secure your future and visit our open home on...

The Botanic, Silverdale - Retirement Village
How to embrace your retirement years Retirement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life and it can open up a world of possibilities. You can enjoy the fruits of your labour, pursue a new passion, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. Yet many New Zealanders approach this stage...

Cantabria Lifecare & Village - Retirement Village
Great Views of Rotorua in our Fully Refurbished 2 Bed Apartment Come and see what Cantabria Lifecare & village has to offer. Golf Wing Apartment 2 has been fully refurbished and is located on private village grounds, has a light and spacious interior, a brand new kitchen, separate bathroom and...

Stillwater Lifecare & Village - Retirement Village
Discover a comfortable and secure lifestyle at Stillwater Lifecare & village in Nelson’s picturesque surroundings. Designed to cater for your needs, these serviced apartments offer a range of services and facilities, ensuring a fulfilling and relaxed living experience. Located in a peaceful setting, Stillwater Lifecare & Village, Richmond provides residents...