Wellington City

Why choose a retirement village in Wellington?

Wellington, the vibrant capital of Aotearoa New Zealand, offers an array of enticing retirement options, blending urban sophistication with natural beauty. Nestled within the city's suburbs are established retirement villages, providing easy access to Wellington's diverse cultural offerings. Enjoy the city's renowned cafés, restaurants, museums, galleries, and theatres, or indulge in high street shopping. For a touch of nature, take a stroll through the botanical gardens or enjoy a picnic on Parliament's grounds, right after a scenic ride on the iconic cable car.

The region's excellent public transport connects you seamlessly to nearby areas, including the picturesque Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa, known for its wineries and countryside charm. While Wellington may be famed for its occasional windy days, locals and visitors alike appreciate the unbeatable beauty of the city on a clear, sunny day.

Just a short journey from the city, the sunny Kāpiti Coast offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with its own array of retirement villages. Here, you can enjoy the peacefulness of sandy beaches and bush walks, while remaining within reach of Wellington's city life. It's the perfect balance of serene seaside living and urban convenience.

With access to top-tier medical care, thanks to Wellington's medical school and university campuses, retirees can enjoy peace of mind in their healthcare needs. Choose from a variety of retirement villages, ranging in size and accommodation types, ensuring a personalised retirement experience in Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast.

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.