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Retirement Villages Canterbury

With 78 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 78 results


Retirement Village
  • 200 Dunns Crossing Road
  • Rolleston
  • Rolleston

Retirement Village
  • 95 Grants Road
  • Papanui
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 27 Somme Street
  • Saint Albans
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 155 Salisbury Street
  • Christchurch Central
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 488 Greers Road
  • Bishopdale
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 8 Brunel Road
  • Prebbleton
  • 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.

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.

Retirement villages
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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,...

Retirement villages
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What is the cost of leaving a village?

The major cost of leaving a village is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) that is deducted from the original capital sum you paid when ‘purchasing’ into the village. It is to cover the cost of the management and refurbishment of the village (roading, footpaths, lighting, communal amenities etc). The industry...

Retirement villages
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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...

Retirement villages
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How can I leave a retirement village? Can I change my mind?

You have the right to leave a retirement village whenever you choose but you need to be aware that there are costs associated when you do. Learn more about the costs of exiting a village. Remember: even after you sign an ORA, you have a ’15-day ‘cooling off’ period during...

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