Central Auckland

Why choose a retirement village in Central Auckland?

Sited elegantly around the iconic Waitemata, Auckland’s known as the City of Sails, given its proud yachting heritage and the vast marine playground of the Hauraki Gulf. But it’s equally defined by the chain of volcanic cones which shape central Auckland’s sprawl of suburbs: Parnell, Remuera, Epsom and Meadowbank; Mounts Albert, Eden, Roskill and Wellington; Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, Hillsborough and Point Chevalier, and more besides. There’s even a retirement village nestled on Waiheke Island in the Gulf.

Each of these villages is connected with its suburb, and the clubs and amenities there, as well as the village’s own activities and trips. Living in the centre of New Zealand’s largest city, you’ll never be short of things to do. In the city and suburbs there are bustling new precincts offering dining and shopping. There’s a constantly changing choice of exhibitions at galleries and museums, plays and concerts, and sporting events. Grandchildren coming to visit? They (and you) can enjoy Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland Zoo and the Museum of Transport and Technology, plus playgrounds, skate parks, or a ferry ride to Waiheke.

Perhaps you’re looking to retire where you’ve worked, lived and shopped. Or maybe this is an opportunity to move closer to family or the city. There is a huge amount of choice too – from boutique offerings to larger villages, modern designs or villages housed in retrofitted and modernised landmark buildings and sites.

A retirement village is a community specially built to cater for the needs and lifestyle of older people. Choosing to live in a retirement village can be a great option for those wanting to maintain their independence while living among a like-minded community of people.

Research shows most people enjoy a high level of satisfaction when living in a lifestyle or retirement village. For residents, the benefits can be numerous; these may include giving you peace of mind, new and varied activities and interests, new friendships, and time to be able to spend on the things you most enjoy.

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 offering a wide range such as swimming pool, bowling green and café. Eligibility age differs across villages too – some villages may allow residents to enter at 55 while others commonly have an entry age between 65 and 75.

As well as providing a range of different accommodation options, many villages now offer alternatives, such as care suites, which combine village offerings and residential care components. Make sure you visit a village more than once before you make a decision, and if possible visit more than one village to get a feel for how each has its own culture.

When you are ready to visit some retirement villages, our checklist may help you with your assessment.