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Retirement Villages Canterbury

With 81 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 81 results


Retirement Village
  • 60 Hawford Road
  • Opawa
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 73 Roydvale Avenue
  • Burnside
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 40 Head Street
  • Sumner
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 115A Rose St
  • Somerfield
  • Christchurch

Retirement Village
  • 12 Park Lane
  • Highfield
  • Timaru

Retirement Village
  • 123 Fendalton Road
  • Fendalton
  • 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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What costs will I still need to pay once I enter a village?

You are responsible for paying for your personal costs, such as personal contents insurance, internal maintenance to your dwelling, power, phone and paid television/streaming services. You may also find that some activities/outings incur additional costs too. The majority of retirement villages in New Zealand also charge weekly fees, which covers...

Retirement villages
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Do all villages have to be registered?

The majority retirement villages in New Zealand are registered with the Registrar of Retirement Villages, a part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Residents living in a registered village are protected by the Retirement Villages Act 2003. This includes protecting residents from mortgagee sales, liquidation or receivership, and...

Retirement villages
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Thinking of retirement living? Start here

Villages in New Zealand vary greatly – in size, location, on-site offerings, ownership, philosophy and of course price – so it comes down to choosing the village that best suits your needs. Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit, spend plenty of time studying your...

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...

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1 week ago - Methven
Methven Central - Retirement Village

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