Christchurch offers a wide range of highly rated retirement villages, each designed to help residents live independently, stay social, and enjoy everything the Garden City has to offer. If you’re planning to retire in Christchurch, this guide will help you find the best village for your lifestyle and needs.
Many Kiwis move to warmer climates for their retirement, with Tauranga, the Kapiti Coast, and the Coromandel being popular hotspots among retirees. Christchurch shouldn’t be overlooked. The city is famous for its beautiful gardens, English heritage, and access to the great outdoors.
If you’re planning a move to the city, our Christchurch relocation and moving checklist can help you prepare for a smooth and stress-free transition into your new home.
Whether you were born and raised in Christchurch or are relocating for a fresh start, retiring here gives you the benefit of being closer to family. Living near loved ones means more time with the grandkids and more opportunities to create lasting memories together.
Christchurch’s seasonal weather is part of its character. The city experiences four distinct seasons, from occasional winter snowfall and spring blossoms to warm summer days and bright autumn leaves.
Christchurch offers excellent healthcare facilities, including both public and private hospitals, giving you peace of mind when it comes to ongoing care and medical support.
Christchurch is famous for its beautiful gardens, and there are a lot of options when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. From Hagley Park to the Port Hills, Sumner boardwalk, and New Brighton Beach, Christchurch makes it easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Since the 2011 earthquake, Christchurch has rebuilt itself into a lively, modern city full of culture, cafés, and entertainment.
Before choosing a retirement village in Christchurch, make sure you understand the financial side. Buying into a village is different from purchasing a regular home, so it’s important to know how fees and contracts work.
These are just some of the terms you may come across in your search:
When choosing the right retirement village, it’s important to think about what really matters to you. Lifestyle, levels of care, facilities, proximity to loved ones, and the overall community atmosphere all play a part.
Fortunately, Christchurch has a wide range of options, from peaceful suburban villages with garden views to modern, amenity-rich communities near the city centre.
Diana Isaac Retirement Village, located in Mairehau, Christchurch, is part of the Ryman Healthcare group. The village is known for its beautifully landscaped grounds, vibrant community, and full continuum of care. It has a resident satisfaction rating of over 96% and has received multiple awards, including Best Large Retirement Village – South Island and the Enduring Excellence Award. This long-standing reputation makes it one of the best places to retire in Christchurch.
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Perfect for retirees who value independent living with the reassurance of on-site healthcare. The village offers a full continuum of care, from independent and assisted living to rest home and specialist dementia care.
Oderings Garden Centre sits right outside the back entrance, making it especially appealing for garden lovers, and Christchurch Hospital is less than 10 minutes away.
Summerset on Cavendish is located in Casebrook and is close to Northwood Supa Centre, parks, and transport links. It’s highly rated by residents and families and has been recognised in national awards, including the AgedAdvisor People’s Choice Awards, for its excellent facilities and community spirit.
It is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quieter, suburban environment close to Northwood and the city’s northern amenities. The village offers a range of options for independent living, including cottages, villas, and serviced apartments, as well as rest home and hospital-level care. With its strong social calendar, on-site café, and resort-style amenities, it’s perfect for those who value connection, comfort, and an active retirement lifestyle.
Named after New Zealand tennis champion Anthony Wilding, this leafy Aidanfield village near Halswell offers a warm and well-established community set among beautiful gardens and walking paths. Home to around 250 residents, it is designed to maximise comfort, accessibility, and connection.
This village is a great option for retirees seeking a strong sense of community, modern living, and access to a full continuum of care. It’s perfect for those who want to remain close to Christchurch city while enjoying a peaceful, semi-rural setting. It has everything from independent apartments to serviced units and aged care rooms to choose from.
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The Russley Retirement Village is a premium lifestyle and care community located in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch. It’s close to Christchurch Hospital and major city amenities, including shopping centres and transport links.
The 280 dwellings are set on eight acres, with elegant design, spacious villas and apartments, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Residents enjoy modern, resort-style living with a strong focus on wellbeing, comfort, and community.
Its central location and high-end facilities make it one of Christchurch’s most sought-after retirement options.
The Russley is ideal for retirees who appreciate high-quality, spacious living in a secure and friendly environment. It suits those who want to remain close to Christchurch city amenities while enjoying a peaceful suburban setting and the reassurance of rest home or hospital-level care in the future.
Lady Wigram Retirement Village is located in the heart of Wigram, Christchurch. With 131 villas and apartments, it offers a blend of independent and supported living options. Established in 2015, this family-owned village is known for its quality facilities and strong sense of community.
Lady Wigram caters to retirees seeking a balance of independence and support. It’s ideal for those who want a sophisticated living environment with the reassurance of on-site care if needed. The village is particularly suited for individuals or couples who value a close-knit, welcoming community in a peaceful suburban setting.
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Park Lane Retirement Village, operated by Arvida Group, is situated in the vibrant suburb of Addington, Christchurch. Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds, mature oak trees, and modern facilities designed for comfort and well-being. The contemporary accommodation, shared gardens, and community spaces are matched by a holistic approach to retirement living.
With apartments, villas, serviced apartments, care rooms, and suites available, Park Lane caters to a wide range of lifestyles and care needs. Its resident-led excursions and activities make it a great choice if you want to stay involved and social.
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Arvida Good Friends Living Well Centre, offering fitness classes, physiotherapy, and health programmes.
The village’s standout feature is the Arvida Good Friends Living Well Centre, which focuses on health and wellbeing. This holistic approach not only supports residents’ fitness and mobility but also keeps them connected and engaged with the wider community.
Finding the right retirement village can feel like a big step. Fortunately, Christchurch has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re seeking independence, community connection, or extra care, there’s a retirement village to suit your lifestyle.
If you’ve chosen a retirement village and are looking forward to moving day, we can help with that too. At Wise Move, we make it easy to book the best moving team in the Christchurch area. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, leaving you to focus on settling into your retirement.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
