When it comes to retirement villages, it should be no surprise to discover that New Zealand boasts some truly exceptional ones. After all, this is a country that doesn’t do things by half – as evidenced by its jaw-dropping natural landscapes, world-class wines, dominant rugby legacy and legendary Māori culture.
Spread across both the North and South Island, the very best establishments in Aotearoa offer fantastic accommodations, stunning settings, highly skilled and friendly staff and plenty of amenities to keep you entertained.
But which are the best of the best?
Here are eight villages we think are worthy of recognition.
James Wattie Retirement Village
The team at James Wattie are dedicated to creating communities where residents thrive, find happiness, and build solid friendships with like-minded people.
It is obviously something they do well, as The Reader’s Digest have voted them the country’s most trusted provider of retirement villages for nine consecutive years.
Offering a range of care options, including rest homes, assisted living and living apartments and specialist dementia care, it is fair to say they are committed to looking after their residents both at present and in the future.
Situated within Havelock North, just a quick drive to local cafes, shops and restaurants, the village is notable for offering superb views of Te Mata Peak. It also encourages a very active lifestyle laying on a gym, heated indoor swimming pool, spa, library and all-weather bowling green. Additionally, there is a library, movie theatre, hair and beauty salon and cafe on-site too.
At the heart of the community lies the belief that, like a fine wine, people improve with age. So, it does everything it can to challenge pre-conceptions to the contrary.
Address: 122 Te Aute Road, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
Phone: +64 6 877 0700
Website: https://www.rymanhealthcare.co.nz/retirement-villages/hawkes-bay/james-wattie
Bupa Mary Shapley Retirement Village
Over in the charming Whakatane township, which lies within the eastern Bay of Plenty region, the retirement village at Bupa Mary Shapley enjoys a serene rural setting. Its peaceful nature and stunning gardens rather belie the fact that the town centre, replete with cafes, restaurants, parks and supermarkets, is just a short distance away.
Comprising 22 apartments and 29 villas, the village prides itself on offering accommodations that
instantly make residents feel at home. They all feature open-plan dining and lounge areas, modern kitchens and ensuite bathrooms. Throughout the properties, they also have contemporary appliances, as well as air conditioning units and heat pumps.
Residents can also access a community centre where they can watch their favourite shows on a large flat-screen TV while sitting on comfortable seating. Alternatively, they can borrow a book from the on-site library or visit an on-site wellness clinic.
The village also lays on transportation for weekly shopping trips to the local supermarket and other excursions, as well as regular social events.
Best of all, residents can live an independent lifestyle, but with the peace of mind of having a 24-hour emergency call system at their disposal. Moreover, should they ever need it, they also will receive priority access to the Mary Shapley Rest Home and Hospital, which is adjacent to the village.
Address: 4 Spence Lane, Whakatāne 3080, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 308 8980
Website: https://www.bupa.co.nz/care-homes/find-a-care-home-near-you/bay-of-plenty/mary-shapley-care-home/
St Johns Retirement Village
If you are over the age of 70 and currently reside or want to live in Auckland, St. Johns is a terrific place to consider.
This close-knit and friendly community is perfect for seniors who value their independence but also desire the reassurance of having a social network of neighbours close by.
Tucked away in a quiet, leafy enclave, this lovely village provides residents with a nice mix of suburban tranquillity and close proximity to shops and services at Hunters Corner. Overall, it offers one- or two-bedroom tile and brick villas that have been refurbished tastefully with stylish kitchens, heat pumps, and quality woollen carpeting.
Seniors have the freedom to live out their lives as they want in the knowledge that someone else will take care of the maintenance. This includes everything from exterior cleaning and building repairs to gardening and lawn mowing. Moreover, by paying a weekly fixed fee, they can enjoy financial surety, which makes budgeting much easier.
If you like to be active in the community, there are several local clubs and societies you can join. Additionally, if you are driving, access to the Southern Motorway is literally around the corner, while non-drivers will be able to get to the local shopping centres or meet up with their family and friends due to convenient public transport.
The village also has a van that can take you on weekly shopping trips, while residents of St. Johns are also given priority for any available rooms at the nearby Takanini and Elmwood Rest Homes if they ever need to move into them.
Address: 7A Konini Avenue, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 268 5689
Website: https://oceaniahealthcare.co.nz/location/st-johns
Enliven Peacehaven Village
Invercargill is one of the nicest places in New Zealand to live out your golden years. Should you want to do this, the Enliven Peacehaven Village is an excellent option.
Situated just outside the centre of town, this comely establishment is set on well maintained and spacious grounds, which offer an excellent supported living option.
Prioritising independence and safety, the village offers guests a good mix of amenities to help residents get as much out of life as they can. They include a massage room, gym, raised bowls table, cafe and library. If you are into making things, The Shed, is the perfect place for crafty types to hang out. People of all faiths can partake in various services at the chapel, which are run by a dedicated Pastoral Visitor and are open to individuals of any background, belief or race.
Peacehaven is renowned for being one of the original retirement homes in Invercargill, so it has developed a good reputation over the years within the Southland community for being a top-quality care provider. They offer townhouses, which are sold under the process of an occupation right agreement and are well set up for supportive living, as well as different levels of care.
Address: 498 Tweed Street, Newfield, Invercargill 9812, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 216 9099
Website: https://pss.org.nz/enliven/services/retirement-living/peacehaven-village/
Ultimate Care Bishop Selwyn
For more than 25 years, the retirement community of Selwyn Village has been a massive part of the town of Spreydon. It is well known for offering residents the best of both worlds – the freedom and joy of independent living and outstanding care should you ever need it.
Overall, their village comprises 29 villas, which come with one or two bedrooms. They all have modern kitchens, big open-plan living areas and internal access to garages. Most have garden courtyards as well. In addition, there are also 15 care studios for those who need more assistance.
Situated not far from Hagley Park, the community is close to several shopping centres, cafes, libraries and a local bowling club. It is also known for being a quiet and secure environment which has a very homely community feel.
That said, Bishop Selwyn prides itself on offering a comprehensive program of activities for residents. This includes regular shopping trips, social outings, happy hours and entertainment offerings. It also provides residents with the added peace of mind of an adjoining rest home and hospital complex should they ever need to use it.
Address: 350 Selwyn Street, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 379 4044
Website: https://www.ultimatecare.co.nz/homes-and-villages/canterbury/bishop-selwyn.html
Palmerston North Village – Metlifecare
Situated in the heart of Palmerston North, this delightful village is known for fostering a strong sense of companionship and community.
Nestled within well-maintained gardens, residents have the option of choosing cosy one and two-bedroom villas or a one-bedroom ‘English style’ brick chalet. Each is unique and features spacious living areas and also comes with either a single internal access garage, a carport or car parking space.
Residents can enjoy independent living within a secure environment that also offers the added reassurance of being connected to a state-of-the-art 24-hour emergency call system. Moreover, for those residents who need additional services like laundry, cleaning, personal care and meals, their serviced apartments offer tailor-made packages to meet all individual needs.
That said, if your particular needs were to change, they also are able to provide residents with on-site rest home and residential hospital level care.
In addition to easy access to the many cafes, bars, shops, galleries and other entertainment attractions Palmerston has to offer, residents can enjoy several facilities at the village. This includes everything from a cafe, outdoor barbecue area, hairdressing salon, billiards and community centre to a spa pool, swimming pool, inter-denominational chapel and library.
If you are an active type, you’ll love the variety of social programs that staff run in the village. Designed to enable residents connect with each other, they include tai chi classes, housie, morning teas and card games. All of which makes living in the community alot of fun!
Address: 7 Fitchett Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
Phone: +64 6 350 6400
Website: https://www.metlifecare.co.nz/our-retirement-villages/manawatu-whanganui/palmerston-north-village
Arvida Queenstown Country Club
If you are a fan of the Southern Lakes region, then Queenstown Country Club is the perfect place for you. It is ideally situated to offer stunning scenery, hiking, biking, golfing, and delightful dining experiences. Positioned between Lake Hayes and Frankton, this community provides independent living with all the amenities for those aged over 65.
With Arrowtown to the north, Queenstown to the west, and the Gibbston wineries to the east, Queenstown Country Club boasts an unbeatable location. The Five Mile Shopping Centre is just a five-minute drive away, while Millbrook’s golf course is just eight minutes from the community. For those who are skiing enthusiasts, the Coronet Peak and Remarkables ski areas are easy to access.
The Queenstown Country Club accommodates a stunning alpine-style clubhouse that is fully equipped for residents. It has a movie theatre, café, billiards room, bar, swimming pool, gym, and library among its amenities. It also has a lovely lounge area with an open fire that you can relax in when the weather gets chilly.
Address: 420 Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway, Frankton, Queenstown 9304, New Zealand
Phone: +64 800 111 410
Website: https://www.arvida.co.nz/living-with-arvida/communities/queenstown-country-club
Greytowns Orchards Lifestyle Retirement
Arguably, one of the most stunning of all retirement villages in New Zealand is the Greytown Orchards.
Set on the grounds of a 100-year-old orchard within the town of Wairarapa, the community offers a stunning selection of architecturally designed retirement villas. Seniors can choose between two- or three-bedroom villas which boast a nice blend of historic and modern charm.
The villas’ facade reflects the village’s orchard legacy and historic homes in the area, featuring high stud ceilings, weatherboard cladding, and covered patios. However, the use of modern conveniences and low-impact materials ensures that these homes are warm and easy to live in.
Residents enjoy secure and safe living in a friendly and gregarious community which accommodates a bar, lounges, cafe, gym and indoor swimming pool as part of its amenities.
Additionally, all the amenities of Greytown are right at your doorstep, such as pubs, cafes, markets, and a fantastic bookstore. At the same time, it’s also an easy drive to many other picturesque towns in the region, with New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington only being an hour’s drive away.
Address: 67 Reading Street, Greytown 5712, New Zealand
Phone: +64 508 843 672
