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
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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.
Thinking of retirement living? Here are the legal must-dos
Buying into a retirement village is quite different from purchasing a home in the traditional sense. There can be some legal 'fishhooks' to get your head around, the terminology is specialised, and there are important rights and responsibilities that you'll want to fully understand. That's why getting proper legal advice...
Do all retirement villages have care on site?
Not every retirement village in Aotearoa New Zealand offers aged care on site, so it's important to understand exactly what support is available before you make a move. The questions below can help you compare villages and get a feel for the level of care you can expect. What services...
Do all villages have to be registered?
Most retirement villages in New Zealand are officially registered with the Registrar of Retirement Villages, which sits within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). If you’re living in a registered village, you’re protected by the Retirement Villages Act. This protects you if the village you're living in faces...
What are the costs of entering a village?
Depending on where you want to live in New Zealand, the cost of ‘buying’ into a retirement village can vary greatly – some units can be priced in the $100,000s while others can reach into the millions. This ‘purchase’ price is known as the Capital Contribution. You can search for...
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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Epsom Village (Real Living) - Retirement Village
Open Days Join us at one of our Open Days and experience retirement your way. Epsom Village offers an unbeatable location — just a short stroll from Newmarket’s shopping, theatres, cafés, and train station. We have Open Days coming up every Thursday from 11am to 2pm throughout February, March, and...
Remuera Gardens - Retirement Village
Apartment and Garden Tours Not all retirement villages are created equal — especially when gardens take centre stage. Remuera Gardens isn’t called the Garden Village by chance. This established, family-owned village — now home to brand-new apartments — is set among eight acres of cottage and tropical gardens, filled with...
McKenzie Lifestyle Village - Retirement Village
Lumin Has Arrived! We are pleased to announce that McKenzie Lifestyle Village has introduced Lumin, a user-friendly digital communication and engagement platform designed specifically for retirement living. Lumin provides residents with an easy way to stay informed and connected. Through the app, residents will be able to access village news...
Apārangi Village - Retirement Village
Open Home Come and visit one of our newly built two bedroom homes, at 5 Northcrest, Apārangi Village. Hosting an exclusive open home this Saturday, experience what makes Apārangi a unique place to live and enjoy your retirement.