Jump to Content

Retirement Villages Canterbury

With 77 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 77 results


Retirement Village
  • 300 Island Road
  • Silverstream
  • Kaiapoi

Retirement Village
  • 21 Windermere Road
  • Papanui
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 120 Hawthornden Road
  • Avonhead
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 135 Awatea Road
  • Wigram
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 1 Methven Chertsey Road
  • Methven
  • Methven

Retirement Village
  • 5 Corbett Crescent
  • Aidanfield
  • 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
card icon
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
card icon
What services and facilities do retirement villages offer?

Villages vary greatly – you’ll notice different-sized villages, from very few units to some with hundreds; different types of units within the same complex; newer villages and older villages. You will discover the community facilities can vary, with some villages offering a wide range such as a swimming pool, bowling...

Retirement villages
card icon
My village unit has been flood damaged. What are my options?

If your retirement village unit has incurred damage as a result of a natural disaster (such as a flood), your village operator should let you know what happens next. If you need to evacuate , your village operator should give you clear instructions about what to do and where to...

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