With 80 retirement villages in Canterbury, the region boasts one of the largest choices of retirement living in New Zealand. From the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, down to coastal Timaru, or head north to Amberley for some fresh country air, you’ve got everything on your doorstep in Canterbury.
Let us help you find somewhere
Villages in Canterbury
Showing 6 of 80 results.
Retirement Village
- 192 & 200 Dunns Crossing Road
- Rolleston
- Rolleston
Retirement Village
- 472 Linwood Avenue
- Woolston
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 73 Bryndwr Road
- Fendalton
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 166 Colombo Street
- Sydenham
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 5 Corbett Crescent
- Halswell
- Christchurch
Retirement Village
- 95 Grants Road
- Papanui
- Christchurch
Why choose a retirement village in Canterbury?
Canterbury offers one of the largest choices of retirement living anywhere in New Zealand. Even the city of Christchurch has so many options: the leafy suburbs of Merivale and Fendalton, the bustle of Riccarton and Papanui, or the relaxed feel of beachside Sumner. Close by there’s the new and growing satellite town of Rolleston in the Selwyn district, with its roots in the country but a distinctly modern urban feeling as well. Slightly further afield you’ll find Akaroa, with its French aura, quaint architecture, and beautiful beachside atmosphere, or Kaiapoi, famous for its historic woollen mills. And just to add to your difficulty choosing, there’s the long-established provincial Canterbury towns of Amberley, Ashburton and Rangiora.
Heading south from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains, you’ll come to Timaru. Set on the coast, this busy port city is the industry hub for South Canterbury as well as the supply centre for its surrounding farmlands. The pretty town of Geraldine is on the inland loop; in the heart of a well-established and prosperous farming area, it also has a range of boutiques and galleries that reflect its artistic aspect.
In this region you’ll find a group of retirement villages, each offering different options. Perhaps you’re returning to your roots in retirement or coming into town off the farm. You can choose from villas, cottages or apartments; resort-style independent retirement living and villages offering a full range of care, should you ever need it.
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 is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF)?
The DMF is an amount you pay when you leave a village, rather than when you join. The figure is defined in your contract. The deferred management fee is a delayed (and deducted) payment you (or your estate) make on exiting the village. It is to cover the cost of...
What is the cost of leaving a village?
The major cost of leaving a village is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) that is deducted from the original capital sum you paid when ‘purchasing’ into the village. It is to cover the cost of the management and refurbishment of the village (roading, footpaths, lighting, communal amenities etc). The industry...
What is the role of a retirement village manager?
The retirement village manager is the legal representative of the owner/operator of a village. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of the village – from employing staff and overseeing building maintenance, to arranging activities and ensuring all residents get the care and support needed. A retirement village manager also...
What is a Retirement Village?
Retirement villages are an increasingly popular choice for older New Zealanders who want to live independently among a like-minded community of people. But what exactly is a retirement village, and what should you expect if you decide to move into one? Under Section 6 of the Retirement Villages Act 2003,...
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.

Oracle at Highgate - Retirement Village
The lounge located on the ground floor is a popular destination for our residents to come together for various activities and social events; as shared but one of our residents, " t he common areas are particularly well planned , luxurious and enjoyable places to relax and to meet up...

Amberley Country Estate - Retirement Village
At Canterbury’s Most Spacious Retirement Village This Saturday 12 April, 10am-4pm Amberley Country Estate, Canterbury’s most spacious retirement village, is having a Special Open Day and you’re invited! Come and enjoy our amazing Amberley hospitality, with a Sausage Sizzle and Devonshire Teas. Visit us this Saturday, explore our latest brand...

Rawhiti Estate - Independent Living - Retirement Village
What's Happening... Library Visit- fortnightly 1 st and 3 rd week Weekly Communion- Saturday morning [Catholic] Shopping – fortnightly 2 nd week and 4 th week Pastoral Visits - 3 rd Thursday of the month- at 2pm in Upland Library [Anglican] 4th Thursday of the month -at 2pm in Upland...

Apārangi Village - Retirement Village
Apārangi Village is currently in the process of building 3 brand new homes, with the first ready in May 2025. These two bedroom, modern homes will be available for viewings soon, and we look forward to welcoming new residents into the village. With 7 more new homes planned in the...