Hutt Valley

Why choose a retirement village in Hutt Valley?

The Hutt Valley nestles between two ranges of protecting hills, with the Hutt River-Te Awa Kairangi snaking its way through the valley – possibly the only urban river where you’ll see whitebaiters in season. The valley’s climate is kinder than Wellington’s; it’s usually two or three degrees warmer, as evidenced by the roses and leafy streets for which the area is known. Originally the site of market gardens and dairy farms to supply Wellingtonians, now the Hutt, as it’s known locally, is home to people who commute to the neighbouring capital city.

The Valley’s flat land, so scarce in Wellington, gives the Hutt plenty of sporting amenities – Trentham racetrack, golf courses, recreation and rugby grounds. Shopping’s a drawcard too, with one of the country’s larger malls in Lower Hutt, and quirky boutiques in Petone alongside its legendary cafes. The picturesque seaside suburbs of Day’s Bay and Eastbourne offer beach and bush walks, plus the city is only a ferry ride away from the Day’s Bay jetty. Public transport is easy to access: there are frequent trains and buses to Wellington, plus a network of bus routes connecting Hutt suburbs with the central rail line.

That flat land and the walkability of the city and its suburbs also make it an ideal retirement location. And there’s plenty of choice of retirement villages. From well-established villages in mature grounds with villa and townhouse options, to newer apartments overlooking the river or hills (and even one with a grandstand view of an iconic racecourse) you’ll find a range of options in the Hutt Valley.

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.