Choosing a retirement village in Auckland is a big step. With over 16% of New Zealand’s population aged 65 and over, there are plenty of options for every stage of retirement.
From coastal communities with ocean views to resort-style luxury villages or homely suburbs near family, it helps to be clear on what matters most before you call a new place home.
Lifestyle, level of care, facilities, location, and community are all worth weighing up. The right choice ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences.
This guide highlights the key factors to consider when exploring retirement villages in Auckland, helping you make a confident, informed decision.
While many people move to Auckland for job opportunities, the city is often overlooked as a place to retire. It is in fact a great place to retire, whether you’re a local or someone looking for a sea change.
Auckland is a big city with many suburbs. With around 109 villages spread out across these suburbs, you don’t have to choose the retirement village nearest you. You could opt for a village with ocean views, one near the beach, or a community-focused spot closer to the city.
Auckland is famous for having four seasons in one day, but the one thing you can usually count on is that it’s never going to be too cold. The Coromandel and Mt Maunganui might be popular for their warm weather, but you’ll get just as much sunshine in the city.
Being New Zealand’s biggest city comes with perks. Auckland is home to some of the country’s best healthcare facilities. If you require specialist hospitals, private clinics or just want the reassurance that you’re close to all types of care as you age, Auckland is a great choice.
For many people, staying close to family is a priority in retirement. With villages spread across Auckland’s suburbs, you can choose just how near you want to be.
If you have family overseas or plan on jet-setting during your retirement, having easy access to an international airport might be a priority for you. Auckland’s international airport services all routes coming into and out of the country. This can make seeing friends and family all the easier.
You may hear people use the term rest home, aged care homes and retirement villages interchangeably, but there is a difference.
This is your go-to option if you're looking for independent living along with lifestyle options. Although care options are often available if you need extra assistance, their main aim is to provide a community for ageing residents.
Rest homes or aged care homes predominantly provide care for elderly residents who can no longer live independently. Whether you need that extra bit of assistance or a lot of daily care, aged care homes provide a much-needed healthcare service.
In short, rest homes are a form of healthcare for residents, whereas retirement villages provide more of an accommodation or lifestyle option. This article focuses on the best retirement villages in Auckland, but includes a couple of aged care options that are highly rated as well.
Before you choose a retirement village in Auckland, it’s important that you also understand the fees and contracts of the apartment or home you are buying, as these differ from buying a home in the usual way.
Most villages use an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) or a Licence to Occupy (LTO). This gives you the right to live in the unit, but you don’t actually own it. Unlike a house that you purchase, an apartment or unit can’t usually be left in your will.
Because of this ORA or LTO, you won’t benefit from any increase in the property’s value if you decide to leave. On the other hand, if property values fall, you generally won’t carry the capital loss either, as that risk sits with the village operator. You’ll need to clarify both of these scenarios with your provider before making a purchase, as some providers do share gains with their residents.
Most villages charge a deferred management fee, which is deducted when you leave. The setup varies by provider, so ask questions and make sure you understand the details before deciding.
Make sure you’ve factored in the extra costs of paying for power, wifi and any other amenities or services. These often aren’t included in the purchase price.
There is no single ‘best’ retirement village in Auckland. The place that’s right for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. However, we’ve rounded up a list of well-regarded villages that are known for their excellent facilities, exceptional care and come highly rated by their residents.
Summerset Heritage Park in Ellerslie combines modern accommodation with resort-style facilities. With 314 dwellings, the village is set within landscaped grounds and is close to both central Auckland and the eastern bays.
Although there are several Summerset Care Villages to choose from in Auckland, Summerset at Heritage Park was the most highly rated (when taking into account the overall number of votes). It was also voted the top provider in New Zealand in 2023.
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This village may suit you if you want to stay close to the city while enjoying a secure, community-focused lifestyle. It will appeal if you value a busy social calendar, on-site amenities, and the reassurance of future care options.
State-of-the-art care centre, allowing you to transition from independent living to higher levels of care if needed
Keith Park Village is located in Hobsonville, with easy access to North Shore beaches, the Waitākere Ranges, and the CBD in just 20 minutes. The village also sits close to ferry services, giving residents freedom to travel even if they don’t drive.
With 190 dwellings in total, the village offers a mix of independent apartments, serviced apartments, and full care facilities. You can retire here comfortably from the age of 70 and enjoy a balance of city convenience and coastal lifestyle.
Ryman Healthcare was voted the top provider nationwide in 2024 and features a high volume of positive reviews.
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This village is a good choice if you want the flexibility of independent living with the option to move into higher levels of care later. It’s ideal for those who enjoy staying active, with a gym, bowling green, and pool, or for social residents who appreciate a busy activities calendar. It also works well if you’re after a lock-up-and-leave home close to Auckland.
Country Club Huapai is a newer retirement village in a semi-rural setting, around 35 minutes from central Auckland. The location is close to Kumeū, Riverhead, and the wider wine country, giving residents both peace and convenience. With 125 dwellings, it combines villas and apartments in a resort-style environment.
Hopper Living was a finalist for the top provider nationwide in 2024 and has an exceptionally high number of positive reviews.
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This village may suit you if you’re looking for a modern, resort-style retirement with strong community facilities and a semi-rural atmosphere. It also appeals to those entering retirement earlier, as the minimum age is 60.
Settlers Lifestyle Village offers resort-style living in a leafy setting while keeping residents close to shops, cafés, medical centres, motorway access, and East Coast Bays beaches. Known for its friendly community atmosphere, the village has 246 dwellings offering private, self-contained homes for residents.
Settlers Lifestyle Village was voted the best Large Retirement/Lifestyle Village in the North Island in 2024.
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It’s a great option if you want the best of both worlds. You have access to a lively community, strong social connections, and access to resort-style facilities. You can also enjoy having a private space in your own home. The minimum age is 65, so ideal if you’re not ready for fully assisted living, but want a village lifestyle.
Maygrove Village in Orewa is part of the Hopper Living provider group. Between 2015 and 2024, they were ranked as finalists in the Aged Advisor Retirement Awards a whopping nine times. In 2019, they won the Medium/Large Retirement/ Lifestyle Village award for the North Island.
Open since 2001, Maygrove Village is a master-planned retirement community surrounded by the Orewa Estuary and just five minutes from Orewa town centre. With 190 dwellings in total, it offers a wide range of homes and facilities designed to suit different lifestyles, from independent living to supported care.
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It’s a great fit if you’re aged 55 and over, want a coastal lifestyle, low-maintenance living, and the option of extra support as your needs change. Maygrove is also popular with younger retirees who may still be working, but want the benefits of a retirement community.
Located on Rangatira Road, it offers panoramic views over Kauri Point. The village comprises 306 modern apartments, landscaped gardens and a wealth of social and well-being facilities.
Bert Sutcliffe Retirement Village is located in Birkenhead. The retirement village was a finalist in the Best (Medium/Large) Retirement/Lifestyle Village Awards in 2023 and 2020. We chose to highlight this retirement village due to its awards and high number of positive reviews.
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If you’re over 70 and want independent living with the option of assisted living or care if needed, this is your sweet spot. The village may appeal to those who value security, low-maintenance living, and a community lifestyle, with the reassurance of long-term care options on site.
Remuera Rise is a small retirement village based in Auckland, made up of a total of 58 dwellings. It's a more affordable price point and continuous care options, meaning you can access higher levels of care as their needs change over time. Remuera Rise was a finalist in the 2023 Best Small Retirement / Lifestyle Village category.
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This village may suit you if you’d prefer a smaller, community-focused environment with the reassurance of future care options. The minimum age for entry is 70.
Located on Rathgar Road, Henderson, Roseridge Rest Home is a care home for elderly residents who need higher levels of assistance than your average retiree.
As a small, owner-operated rest home, it has a homely, family-like environment with 18 private rooms, many with garden access. It is close to local shops, large retail centres on Lincoln Road and West City Mall, and nearby healthcare facilities, including Waitākere Hospital.
It was a finalist in the 2024 Best Aged Care Facilities in the North Island.
This facility is a good option if you need higher levels of daily assistance, including long-term care, short-term care, or respite care. It is available for people aged 65 and over, as well as those under 65 with chronic health conditions.
CHT Royal Oak is a small rest home with 40 beds set in a peaceful garden environment, offering a homely atmosphere for residents. The facility is close to local shops, churches, public transport, and Cornwall Park, giving residents easy access to the surrounding community. Residents who later require hospital or dementia care can transition to CHT St John's Care Home, just five minutes away.
With an entry age of 65+ (enquire for exceptions), this rest home is suitable for older adults who need daily support, including long-term care, respite care, or adult day care. Palliative care is also available.
No. Most villages in Auckland use an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) or Licence to Occupy (LTO). This gives you the right to live in the unit, but you don’t legally own it or benefit from property value increases.
A DMF is an exit fee charged by most villages when you leave. It’s usually a percentage of your entry price (often capped after several years).
Yes, costs can be high. Entry prices often start around the mid-NZ$500,000s for smaller apartments, with larger villas costing more. On top of this, weekly maintenance fees and utilities (power, internet, phone) are usually extra, which is a common concern raised by families online.
Many Auckland villages offer a continuum of care, meaning you can move from independent living to assisted living, hospital-level, or dementia care without leaving the community. However, not all villages provide this, so it’s important to check before signing.
Deciding on the right retirement village or aged care facility for you or a loved one is a big step. One thing that can help the move from your own home into your new village be seamless and stress-free is hiring movers that you trust. Wise Move makes it easy to book professional movers in the Auckland area. We can take care of all the heavy lifting so that you can focus on settling into your new community and enjoying this new stage of life.
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