There are 17 retirement villages in Otago. From Oamaru in the north, through Dunedin and Mosgiel to Arrowtown, Cromwell and Wanaka, and down to Balclutha, there are villages to suit your lifestyle and budget in Otago. From the urban hub of Dunedin, the vineyards of Central Otago, or the rugged coastal Catlins district, Otago has so much to offer.
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Results
Showing 6 of 17 results.
- 7 Meadowstone Drive
- Wanaka
- Wanaka
- 64 Essex Street
- Balclutha
- Balclutha
- 40 Fenton Crescent
- St Clair
- Dunedin
Why choose a retirement village in Otago?
Otago’s creative pulse beats strongly – it’s home base for some of New Zealand’s iconic restaurateurs, writers and artists, as well as adventurers.
If you’re into steampunk and history, check out Oamaru. Further south, the historic and boutique city of Dunedin may be known for its student scarfie culture but has plenty to offer retirees as well. From the golf course and beaches of St Clair and St Kilda to the iconic city centre architecture, and over the hill to the tightknit community of Mosgiel, there are plenty of villages – and activities – to choose from. It’s home to some of New Zealand’s best fashion designers, as well as a venue for sporting events and concerts, and the Farmers’ Market is one of the best in the country.
Heading inland to Central Otago, you’ll find lifestyle villages, some with care options as well, in Arrowtown, Wanaka and Cromwell. Whether golf, skiing or tramping is your passion, this is the place for it. Or you can curl up by a crackling fire with a good book! At the southern end of this region is Balclutha, gateway to the unspoiled Catlins district, famous for its penguins and fur seals, rain forests, waterfalls and secluded beaches.
While some of the smaller towns in this region may have only one or two retirement villages, across the region there’s a range of styles and prices on offer. Whether you’re retiring where you’ve always lived, returning to your roots, or exploring new options, your next adventure awaits in Otago.
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 apartments, 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, apartments, or serviced apartments. This gives you the option to choose to live independently within the village environment or to get extra help with cleaning or meal delivery.
Follow the retirement village journey
The following example shows how the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is worked out in New Zealand and how it affects the final payout. Example – Mr C Mr C chose a unit in a village near to his old home. He did his homework which included: Using the village checklist...
How do I choose the right village for me?
More than 45,000 people live in retirement villages throughout New Zealand and research suggest that most people enjoy a high level of satisfaction living in a village. Of course, it all comes down to choosing a village that is right for you. Make sure you visit a village more than...
How can I leave a retirement village? Can I change my mind?
You have the right to leave a retirement village whenever you choose but you need to be aware that there are costs associated when you do. Learn more about the costs of exiting a village. Remember: even after you sign an ORA, you have a ’15-day ‘cooling off’ period during...
My village unit has been flood damaged. What are my options?
If your village unit has incurred damage as a result of a natural disaster (such as a flood), the village operator should communicate next steps with you. ConsumerNZ has provided an outline of your rights if you live in a food damaged village unit: Residents who need to evacuate a...
Your options
Home and Community
Fully independent and still living in your own home. There are many options to help you.
Making Life EasierRetirement Village
Independent living in a purpose built property with varying levels of support.
Retirement VillagesResidential Care
The full service options for all the support and levels of care you could need.
Residential CareNews 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.

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