With 79 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.
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...
At what age am I eligible for a Retirement Village?
The age that you need to be to enter a Retirement Village in New Zealand varies by village. Some villages may allow residents to enter at 55 while others commonly have a minimum entry age of between 65 and 75. Find out more on retirementvillages.co.nz - we have every village...
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...
What is the Retirement Villages Act?
All registered retirement villages in New Zealand are governed by the Retirement Villages Act 2003. The Retirement Villages Act and its regulations are designed to protect the interest of residents, and sets out basic standards for operating a village. These include disclosure of information to all residents (current and intending),...
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.
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. Call Brett on 027 295 2181 for a personal...
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...
Country Club Huapai - Retirement Village
We’re thrilled to share that Country Club Huapai has been recognised as the Best Medium/Large Retirement & Lifestyle Village, North Island at the 2025 Seniors NZ Best Awards! This award reflects the dedication of our team and the warmth of our community. It’s our residents, families, and friends whose experiences...
The Sterling, Kaiapoi - Retirement Village
Excitement is mounting at The Sterling, Kaiapoi as construction officially begins on the highly anticipated amenities building; an essential step toward completing the thriving North Canterbury retirement village. Designed to be the heart of The Sterling, Kaiapoi community, the new amenities building will house the village’s reception, a clubhouse, lounge,...