Whanganui

Why choose a retirement village in Whanganui?

Whanganui, nestled at the mouth of the historic Whanganui River, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy for those considering retirement. The city, deeply connected to the longest navigable waterway in New Zealand, is renowned for its thriving creative arts scene. As you stroll through the city, you'll discover an array of studios, workshops, galleries, and craft shops, where you can watch artisans at work and enjoy a leisurely coffee or lunch at one of the charming cafés.

For retirees in Whanganui, the River Traders Market is a weekly delight, offering fresh, locally sourced produce and gourmet treats. Evenings can be spent enjoying performances at the beautifully restored Opera House, followed by a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant.

Family visits are enriched with activities like riding the Durie Hill Elevator for breathtaking views or exploring the scenic paths around Virginia Lake. Whanganui's strategic location also means you're just a short drive from Wellington, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, or the ski fields and Taupō, making it a convenient base for regional exploration.

Explore our website to find the ideal retirement community in Whanganui. Whether you’re attracted to the city's artistic flair or its rich historical roots, Whanganui offers a fulfilling retirement lifestyle amid natural beauty and cultural charm.

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.