Choosing the right retirement village for yourself or someone you love is an important decision. Whether you’re planning on moving to the Kāpiti Coast or want to retire in the city, the Greater Wellington Region offers a wide range of lifestyle options.
Our guide will help you find the best retirement village in Wellington that suits your lifestyle, budget, and care needs.
Top retirement villages in Wellington
Why retire in Wellington?
From the Kāpiti Coast to the city’s suburbs, Wellington offers plenty of reasons to retire here.
Stay close to family
If you were born or raised in Wellington, retiring here just makes sense. It’s also a great choice if you want to be closer to family and familiar surroundings.
Enjoy the coast
We’re not just talking about the Kāpiti Coast. Whether you settle in Wellington City or the Hutt Valley, the region’s 500km of coastline means scenic waterfront walks and relaxed seaside living are part of everyday life.
Access to quality healthcare
Wellington has many public and private hospitals and medical centres, renowned for excellent aged care and accessibility. Having healthcare close by gives both you and your family peace of mind.
Cafés, culture and community
From vibrant cafés and restaurants to theatre, shopping, and local arts, retiring in Wellington combines comfort with culture.
Understanding costs and contracts
When you start researching your retirement options, make sure you understand the terms and fees of your agreement. In most places, you’ll be purchasing an apartment or townhouse. This process is quite different to buying a regular home.
- Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) or a Licence to Occupy (LTO): This allows you to live in a unit or apartment for as long as you wish, but you can’t sell the house or include it in your will, like you can with a regular home.
- Capital gains and losses: As you don’t own your apartment or townhouse, you won’t benefit from any capital gains. The flipside is that you also won’t be affected if the price of your home drops.
- Deferred Management Fees: This fee, usually 20–30%, is deducted when you leave and covers long-term village maintenance. The fee structure and percentage can vary between providers. Always check the structure and cap, so you understand exactly how and when it’s applied.
- Ongoing additional costs: Everyday expenses like power, internet, and personal services are typically excluded, so include them in your budget.
What to know before you choose a retirement village
Before choosing a retirement village in Wellington, it’s important to think about what lifestyle and level of care you want. The Greater Wellington Region includes Wellington City, Petone, Upper and Lower Hutt, Porirua, and the Kāpiti Coast.
Retirement life can look very different depending on location. The facilities, activities, and care levels at each village also have a major impact on day-to-day living.
With this in mind, let's dive into the top retirement villages in Wellington.
Bob Scott Retirement Village (Ryman), Petone
The Bob Scott Retirement Village, part of Ryman Healthcare, is located in Petone, Lower Hutt. It offers a mix of independent living villas, apartments, and an on-site care centre. It’s known for strong resident ratings, convenient access to Hutt services, and Ryman’s national reputation for aged-care excellence (2025 NZ’s Best / Seniors NZ awards).
Who’s it ideal for
With a set of 114 apartments, the village is a good option if you’re someone who enjoys:
- The simplicity and low-maintenance lifestyle that these compact dwellings offer.
- A busy social calendar with plenty of organised events on offer.
- Easy access to both Lower Hutt and Wellington City.
Facilities and activities
- Village café / communal lounge and gardens
- On-site care centre (rest home/hospital/dementia care)
- Activities programme, including social events, exercise, and wellbeing sessions
- Transport links to Petone and central Hutt
- All-weather bowling green
- Café
- Heated indoor swimming pool and spa
- Gym
- Beauty and hairdressing salon
- Movie theatre
- Library
Services and care
Ryman villages offer a continuum of care, featuring independent living, rest-home, hospital, and dementia care all on the same campus, with 24/7 clinical support available in the care centre.
Accommodation options
- 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and serviced apartments.
Cost and contract
- Contract model: Licence / Occupational Right Agreement
- Deferred management fee: 30%
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fees apply (vary by unit)
- Extra costs: Utilities excluded
- Capital gain: Operator retains gains
- Capital loss: Handled under ORA terms
- Current listings: 1-bedroom from NZ$648,000, 2-bed from NZ$870,000
- Minimum age of entry: 70+
Malvina Major Retirement Village (Ryman), Khandallah
Perched above Wellington with harbour views, Malvina Major combines architecturally designed living with an on-site care centre. Located in Khandallah, scenic views across the city and the sea, and easy access to Wellington’s northern suburbs are a great drawcard for this village. It was also a finalist in the 2025 Best Aged-Care Facility Awards.
Who’s it ideal for
It’s a great choice if you want independent living with straightforward access to higher levels of care within the same environment.
Facilities and activities
- Communal lounges and gardens with harbour views
- On-site care centre offering rest-home/hospital care
- All-weather bowling green
- Café
- Indoor heated swimming pool
- Spa
- Library
- Gym
- Hair salon
- Bar
- Shop
- Movie theatre
Services and care
You’ll get a full continuum of care on-site, from independent living to rest-home, hospital, and dementia care, with certification and auditing in line with Ministry of Health requirements.
Accommodation options
- 1, 2, 3-bedroom and serviced apartment options.
Cost & Contract
- Contract model: Licence / Occupational Right Agreement
- Deferred management fee: 20-30%
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fees apply and vary by unit
- Extra costs: Utilities excluded
- Capital gain: Depends on ORA terms
- Capital loss: Handled under ORA terms
- Current listings: 2-bedroom with harbour views from NZ$942,000
- Minimum age of entry: 70+
Village at the Park (Arvida), Berhampore
Located in the suburb of Berhampore near Island Bay, Village at the Park offers a balance of city convenience and green open spaces. Architecturally designed villas and apartments create a calm community atmosphere with on-site care.
Who’s it ideal for
Retirees seeking a cosy, connected community close to the city, Island Bay, and Lyall Bay.
Facilities and activities
- BBQ and entertaining area
- Café
- Community centre
- Croquet and petanque
- Cycling without age
- Dance floor
- Gym/exercise equipment
- Hair salon
- Hobby room
- Library
- Lounge with a large screen TV
- Movie room or cinema
- Piano
- Pool table and residents' bar
- Residents' workshop
- Spa pool and a swimming pool
- Table tennis
- Van outings and activities
Services and care
- Arvida provides independent living with a care continuum via its care centre.
- Residents can move to higher levels of care within the same community as needs change.
- 24-hour specialised care is available in individual rooms when needed.
Accommodation options
- 2-3 bedroom villas
- 1-2 bedroom apartments
- 24/hour specialised care rooms
Cost and contract
- Contract model: Licence / Occupational Right Agreement
- Deferred management fee: 20-30%
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fees apply (vary by unit)
- Extra costs: Utilities excluded
- Capital gain: Depends on ORA terms
- Capital loss: Depends on ORA terms
- Current listings: Not available
- Minimum age of entry: 70+
Summerset at Aotea (Summerset), Porirua
Summerset at Aotea offers modern, low-maintenance living with views of the Belmont Hills and easy access to Porirua’s shops and transport.
Who’s it ideal for
Retirees wanting modern, resort-style independent living close to Porirua shopping and transport, with access to Summerset’s national care network.
Facilities and activities
- Pool table
- Resident bar
- Exercise room
- Indoor swimming pool & spa
- Barbecue facilities
- Resident workshop
- Lounge with a large screen TV
- Library
- Hair salon
- Recreational bowling green
- Computer with internet access
- Piano
- Organised outings and activities
- Courtesy van
- Café
- Playground
Services and care
Summerset offers independent living plus care services, with a rest-home and respite care on site.
Accommodation options
- 2-bedroom villa (or 2-bedroom with study)
- 2-3 bedroom apartments
- Double bedroom serviced apartments
Cost and contract
- Contract model: Licence / Occupational Right Agreement
- Deferred management fee: 25%
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fees apply and vary by unit
- Extra costs: Utilities excluded
- Capital gain: Depends on ORA terms
- Capital loss: Depends on ORA terms
- Current listings: Not available
- Minimum age of entry: 70+
Summerset on the Landing (Summerset), Kenepuru
Opened in 2021, Summerset on the Landing is located in Kenepuru Landing, a modern and well-connected subdivision in Porirua just north of Wellington. The village is close to local shops, cafés, and Kenepuru Hospital, and features landscaped surroundings with scenic views. It also earned the 2021 Property Council NZ Award of Excellence.
Who’s it ideal for
Ideal for retirees wanting a contemporary, low-maintenance lifestyle within easy reach of Wellington City. It’s particularly appealing to independent residents who value quality facilities and modern design.
It’s also pet-friendly, so perfect if you're looking to move in with your furry friend.
Facilities and activities
- Indoor swimming pool
- Exercise room
- Recreational bowling green
- Hair salon
- Resident bar and lounge with a large screen TV
- Barbecue facilities and outdoor entertaining spaces
- Resident workshop
- Library
- Pool table
- Regular social events
- Fitness classes and hobby groups
Services and care
Summerset on the Landing offers a full continuum of care on-site, including serviced apartments, rest home-level care, and a memory care centre for residents with dementia. The care centre provides 24/7 clinical support, and staff are trained to deliver personalised assistance that adapts as residents’ needs change.
Accommodation options
- Villas: 2-3-bedroom options with private gardens and garages.
- Cottages: 1-2-bedroom options designed for easy living.
- Apartments: 1-3-bedroom modern layouts with balconies or patios.
- Serviced apartments: Compact 1-bedroom units with meals and cleaning available.
- Care centre rooms: Full residential care with 24-hour nursing support.
- Memory care apartments: Purpose-built for residents requiring dementia care.
Cost and contract
- Contract model: ORA / Licence to Occupy
- Deferred management fee: 30% of the entry price, capped after 6 years
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fee applies for village services and upkeep; amount varies
- Extra costs: Power, phone, internet, and personal services are not included
- Capital gain: Retained by the village operator
- Capital loss: Absorbed by the operator, not the resident
- Current listings: 1-bedroom serviced apartment from NZ$430,000, 3-bedroom villa from NZ$843,750
- Minimum age of entry: 70 years
Kāpiti Village (Metlifecare), Paraparaumu
Set within an 18-hectare woodland and lake setting, Kāpiti Village by Metlifecare offers a tranquil, bush-clad retirement community close to the beach and Paraparaumu’s town amenities. Removed from the rush of city life, it embraces a relaxed, nature-focused lifestyle.
Who’s it ideal for
- Perfect for retirees who value serenity, open space, and a slower pace. Residents can enjoy walking trails, native gardens, and easy beach access nearby.
- As part of Metlifecare’s nationwide network, residents also benefit from professional management and access to wider care options when needed.
- It suits independent individuals or couples seeking peace of mind with the support of an established operator.
Services and care
While the primary focus is on independent homes, Metlifecare’s structure means that residents have access to support from a large operator that includes care.
Accommodation options
- Townhouses: 2-3 bedroom townhouse/villa options
- Apartments: 1, 2 and 3-bedroom modern apartments, many with access to grounds and views
- Serviced apartments: (where available) with optional meal/cleaning services
Cost and contract
- Contract model: ORA / Licence to Occupy
- Deferred management fee: Not disclosed
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fee applies for village services and upkeep; amount varies
- Extra costs: Power, phone, internet, and personal services are not included
- Capital gain: Retained by the village operator
- Capital loss: Absorbed by the operator, not the resident
- Current listings: Not available
- Minimum age of entry: 70 years
Kāpiti Retirement Trust (Sevenoaks, Midlands, Muriwai Court), Paraparaumu
The Kāpiti Retirement Trust is a local charitable organisation operating three retirement villages on the Kāpiti Coast, namely Sevenoaks, Midlands Gardens, and Muriwai Court. Each offers independent living villas and apartments alongside on-site aged-care services. Deeply rooted in the community, the Trust provides a warm, community-focused alternative to commercial retirement chains, set in a relaxed seaside location.
Who’s it ideal for
A great choice for retirees who value local management, transparency, and genuine community connection. It’s especially suited to those seeking independent living with opportunities to take part in local events and trust-led initiatives.
Facilities and activities
- Fully-equipped kitchens
- TV/entertainment
- Dance floor
- WiFi
- Pool table
- Library
- Outdoor bowling green (Midlands Gardens)
- Petanque & croquet (Sevenoaks)
- Indoor heated swimming pool (Sevenoaks)
- Regular social activities
Services and care
With a strong emphasis on continuity of care and local governance, the Trust provides a full range of support options. Residents can choose from independent living villas and apartments through to comprehensive aged-care services at The Lodge (Sevenoaks), which offers rest home, hospital-level, and secure dementia care.
Accommodation options
- Townhouses: 2–3 bedroom villas
- Apartments: Studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom apartments
- Independent living villas: Duplex villas at Muriwai Court
- Care centre rooms: Licensed care suites in The Lodge and dementia care beds
Cost and contract
- Contract model: Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) / Licence to Occupy
- Deferred management fee: 20% of the amount paid is retained, with 80% returned on resale.
- Maintenance fees: Weekly fee applies
- Extra costs: Utilities, personal services, phone/internet not included
- Capital gain: For the Trust: Residents receive 80% on exit (20% retained)
- Capital loss: Absorbed in accordance with ORA terms.
- Current listings: Available on request
- Minimum age of entry: Typically 70
Make your move into a Wellington retirement village run smoothly
Choosing the right retirement village is no small decision, but Wellington offers plenty of great options across the region. From the city to the Hutt Valley and Kāpiti Coast, you’ll find modern apartments with easy access to cafés, public transport, and coastal walks, plus on-site care and support to suit your needs.
If you’ve already chosen your village and are getting ready for moving day, Wise Move is your go-to moving service provider to make your transition seamless. Through the platform, you can compare vetted, affordable movers in the region, review quotes and customer feedback, and book the best Wellington moving team with confidence.
To make sure you’re fully prepared, check out our Wellington moving checklist and relocation guide for step-by-step tips on planning, packing, and settling in.
Your movers can handle everything from packing to transport, so you can focus on enjoying your new home and community.
Choosing the right retirement village is no small decision, but Wellington offers plenty of great options across the region. From the city to the Hutt Valley and Kāpiti Coast, you’ll find modern apartments with easy access to cafés, public transport, and coastal walks, plus on-site care and support to suit your needs.
