Jump to Content

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.

Let us help you find somewhere

Villages in Canterbury

Showing 6 of 78 results


Retirement Village
  • 6 Glenwood Avenue
  • Highfield
  • Timaru

Retirement Village
  • 578 Springs Road
  • Prebbleton
  • Prebbleton

Retirement Village
  • 350 Selwyn St
  • Addington
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 40 Head Street
  • Sumner
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 191 King street
  • Rangiora
  • Rangiora

Retirement Village
  • 1 Hilton Drive
  • Amberley
  • Amberley

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
card icon
What is a Retirement Village?

Retirement villages are becoming an increasingly popular choice for older New Zealanders who want to live independently among a like-minded community of people. But what exactly is a retirement village, and what can you expect if you decide to move into one? Here's the legal definition Under Section 6 of...

Retirement villages
card icon
What to weigh-up if considering a retirement village?

Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit, take your time to look around and gather as much information as you can. Talk to friends who've already done their research or who have moved into a village themselves. Explore all your options, and make sure you...

Retirement villages
card icon
I want to read reviews of retirement villages

At the Eldernet Group, we're proud to remain an independent, unbiased source of information for older people and their families. While we know reviews can be helpful for some when choosing a place to live, they don't always tell the full story. No one's experience is the same as another...

Retirement villages
card icon
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...

find more articles in the Knowledge Lab

Sign up for our e-newsletter and receive the latest information to support you on your ageing journey.

Join Eldernet