There are 10 retirement villages in Central Otago. You’ll find surprising variety in the region – from the laid-back, country towns of Clyde, Cromwell and Alexandra, to the lakes and alpine lifestyle of Queenstown and Wānaka. So too will you find a diverse array of retirement villages options, including some new and up-and-coming developments.
Let us help you find somewhere
Villages in Central Otago
Showing 6 of 10 results
Why choose a retirement village in Central Otago?
While the 1860s lured many hopeful gold miners to the region, Central Otago is just as attractive these days if you’re looking for a diverse region to spend your retirement years.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Queenstown and Wānaka offer just that. From Queenstown’s four world-class ski fields to the numerous mountain bike trails of Sticky Forest in Wānaka, this region is definitely for those who don’t want retirement to slow them down!
Heading inland to Central Otago, you’ll find lifestyle villages, some with care options as well, in Arrowtown, Wanaka and Cromwell. You can enjoy closeness to nature and a bit of history too with walks through early goldmining areas or cycles along the Central Otago rail trail.
Whether golf, skiing, cycling or tramping is your passion, this is the place for it. Or enjoy the beautiful scenery from indoors, curled up by a crackling fire with a good book!
No matter your choice, this region offers a variety of options – from the long established to brand new, modern facilities – where you can experience the community spirit and ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle of village life.
What Retirement Villages have to offer
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.
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.
What does it cost to live in a retirement village?
All retirement villages in New Zealand have associated costs, such as weekly fees. These generally cover things such as council and water rates, building insurance, external maintenance (including gardening), upkeep of communal facilities, staff costs, gardening and management of the village. You are responsible for paying for your personal costs,...
Is a villa in a retirement village the right option for me?
There is a range of different accommodation options to choose from in retirement villages across New Zealand. A popular choice for many people is a villa. A villa is a good option for people wanting to maximise space. Villas are commonly free standing and offer a modern open plan kitchen,...
Retirement Village Living in New Zealand - JTJ Gold

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...
Your options
Home and Community
Fully independent and living at home. There are many services to make life at home easier.
Retirement Village
Independent living in a purpose built property with varying levels of support.
Residential Care
The full service options for all the support and levels of care you could need.
News in the community
Want to read the latest news and events? See what's going on around NZ. This newsletter is created by contributions direct from the Eldernet community and is filled with good news and updates.

Matamata Country Lodge - Retirement Village
Get in quick, there is only one apartment available. This apartment has one bedroom, a full kitchen and bathroom and a laundry. The grounds are expertly managed by our staff. For additional piece of mind, personal emergency alarms are included. Radius Matamata Country Lodge Village - Radius Care

Longridge Country Estate - Retirement Village
Free Retirement Presentation & Morning Tea - Māngere Boating Club, Auckland Is Auckland still where you want to retire? With new developments and rising density across South Auckland, more people are starting to ask: is there a better option? We’re hosting a free morning tea and retirement presentation at the...

Aspiring Village - Retirement Village
In 2023 we opened 24 assisted living apartments. Pembroke Apartments are 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with added services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and medication supervision. The majority of our residents live independent lives - but sometimes needs may change. The Our Village team will work with you and...

Cantabria Lifecare & Village - Retirement Village
Great Views of Rotorua in our Fully Refurbished 2 Bed Apartment Come and see what Cantabria Lifecare & village has to offer. Golf Wing Apartment 2 has been fully refurbished and is located on private village grounds, has a light and spacious interior, a brand new kitchen, separate bathroom and...