Christchurch

Why choose a retirement village in Christchurch?

Christchurch, located in the heart of Canterbury, offers a vast array of retirement living options, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Whether you seek the leafy charm of Merivale and Fendalton, the vibrant energy of Riccarton and Papanui, or the beachside tranquillity of Sumner, Christchurch has it all. Beyond the city, the expanding town of Rolleston provides a blend of country roots and modern urban living, while Akaroa charms with its French-inspired architecture, and Kaiapoi offers a nod to its historic woollen mills. The picturesque Canterbury towns of Amberley, Ashburton, and Rangiora further expand the range of choices available.

Christchurch, a city of resilience and renewal, combines modern architecture and sustainable design with its traditional roots. The city boasts all the amenities you could desire, from shopping and dining districts to a state-of-the-art city library, theatres, concerts, and sports events. The vibrant suburbs, strengthened by community spirit post-earthquakes, mirror these offerings, providing a rich array of activities and services.

The wider Canterbury region features hot, dry summers and cool, crisp winters, with stunning views of the Southern Alps and the expansive Canterbury Plains. This diverse climate and landscape enhance the appeal of living in the region, where you can choose between villas, townhouses, and apartments, or opt for lifestyle villages with comprehensive care facilities.

Explore our website to find your ideal retirement community in Christchurch or the surrounding Canterbury towns. Whether you're drawn by the city's dynamic revival, the serene provincial settings, or the scenic beauty of the region, Canterbury offers a fulfilling retirement lifestyle to suit every taste.

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.