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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
  • 420 Wai-Iti Road
  • Gleniti
  • Timaru

Retirement Village
  • 147 Cavendish Road
  • Casebrook
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 77 Walnut Avenue
  • Allenton
  • Ashburton

Retirement Village
  • 131 Wairakei Road
  • Bryndwr
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 437 Armagh Street
  • Linwood
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 429 Papanui Road
  • Strowan
  • 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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Will I have to pay if I move within a village?

Every time you relocate within a village - whether it's to a different unit or to receive care - there are some costs to be aware of. Here's how they typically work: If you're shifting between independent living options (for example, downsizing to a smaller unit), a transfer fee is...

Retirement villages
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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...

Retirement villages
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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
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What is a serviced apartment?

A serviced apartment is a common retirement village option which provides certain services to people who are paying privately for these services. Commonly these people are reasonably independent. Services range from meals and cleaning services to, in some cases, high-end services such as a personal chef and chauffeur. High levels...

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