Northland

Why choose a retirement village in Northland?

At the tip of the North Island you’ll find a string of retirement villages scattered along the stunning coastline towns of Northland, and a cluster of them in the city of Whangārei. Known as the winterless north, this region offers something for everyone – world renowned beaches and fishing, bush and beach walks for the active retiree, plus cafes and shopping, and plenty of clubs and activities for the joiners.

Many of the Northland towns are coastal, but others, like Dargaville, reflect their history and farming heritage. And this region is certainly rich in history. From Tāne Mahuta to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Aotearoa New Zealand’s sense of self is grounded in the north.

You’ll find a choice of not only retirement lifestyles but also of types of villages through this region. Some are owned by local community trusts or charitable foundations. There are villages under development and long-established ones. Some offer contemporary style apartments, others have cottages and townhouses. You can choose from lifestyle villages, and those with care facilities on site.

Do you want to be near the beach or close to town amenities? Are your green fingers itching to garden in the warmth? Or are you looking to keep your bridge or bowling skills in trim?

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.