How to Choose the Right Retirement Village in New Zealand?
Your guide to finding a community that fits your lifestyle, values, and future plans.
1. Begin with the Lifestyle You Want—Not Just the Address
Retirement is an opportunity to shape your lifestyle around what truly matters to you. Before choosing a location, think about how you want to spend your days. Are you drawn to a coastal setting with space to walk and reflect? Do you prefer a lively urban village near shops, galleries, and cafés? Or perhaps you’d like to be near family, with easy access to healthcare?
New Zealand offers a wide variety of retirement village locations, from beachside to bush-clad hills, regional hubs to suburban neighbourhoods—each offering its own rhythm and charm.
New Zealand offers a wide variety of retirement village locations, from beachside to bush-clad hills, regional hubs to suburban neighbourhoods—each offering its own rhythm and charm.
Tip: Visit multiple villages in different regions. Spend time in the local area and picture yourself living there year-round.
Qestral Sites
: Coastal View in Nelson offers panoramic sea views and close proximity to Tahunanui Beach. Alpine View and Burlington Village in Christchurch place you near golf courses, local shops, and the arts culture of the city.Banbury Park is located in leafy Halswell, with access to parks and reserves. Ashbury Heights in Whangārei is set on a peaceful hilltop yet remains connected to town amenities. Exploring a range of retirement villages across New Zealand helps you see what's possible.
2. Understand the Levels of Care Available (Now and Later)
Even if you're active and independent today, it’s important to consider future care needs. The best retirement villages offer a continuum of care—so you can remain within the same supportive community as your needs evolve.
Questions to ask:
- Does the village include rest home, hospital, or dementia care?
- Can you transition between living styles without moving far?
- How are care plans personalised?
At Qestral villages, residents benefit from integrated care centres, with 24/7 support available if and when it’s needed. This offers peace of mind—without compromising your independence today.
3. Consider the Social and Wellness Lifestyle on Offer
Staying socially and physically active is key to a fulfilling retirement. Look for villages with not only great amenities, but also a calendar of activities that match your interests and energy.
Think about: Do you want to join walking groups, attend talks, or try yoga or Tai Chi? Is there a space for hobbies like art, reading, or gardening? How often do events and excursions happen?
Many villages in New Zealand now go beyond bingo nights. For example, Qestral’s TRILife wellness programme includes everything from pool-based fitness to guided meditation, while creative residents enjoy Sip ‘n’ Paint evenings, model boat clubs, and local excursions.
4. Evaluate Financial Transparency and Peace of Mind
Understanding the financial structure of a retirement village is essential. Ask detailed questions, and make sure you understand the entry cost, service fees, and exit arrangements.
Checklist:
- Are the weekly fees fixed or subject to increase?
- What refund or exit policies are in place?
- What are financial guarantees or cooling-off periods?
Qestral offers fixed weekly service fees and a 90-day change-of-mind guarantee—providing clarity and confidence. Always consult with an independent advisor before signing.
5. Visit in Person—and Trust What You Feel
No website can tell you what a place feels like. Visiting a retirement village allows you to meet staff, observe interactions, and explore shared spaces like gardens, cafés, or libraries.
On your visit, ask yourself:
- Do residents seem genuinely happy and engaged?
- Is the environment calm, welcoming, and well-maintained?
- Can you see yourself living here—not just comfortably, but joyfully?
6. Don't Forget the Little Details
Consider:
- Is the village pet-friendly?
- Are transport and local shuttles available?
- Can you personalise your home or apartment?
In Qestral villages, residents can bring pets (with approval), customise their living space, and enjoy secure environments with landscaped gardens and walking tracks.
7. Summary: Retirement Living on Your Terms
Finding the right retirement village in New Zealand is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about choosing a place that enhances your lifestyle, supports your independence, and feels like home.
Take the time to explore different regions, ask thoughtful questions, and seek out communities that align with who you are and how you want to live. Whether it's in the hills of Whangārei, the coast of Nelson, or the vibrant suburbs of Christchurch, there's a village that fits your future.Qestral is just one example of how modern retirement villages are evolving to support comfort, care, and connection—on your terms.
Keep Reading
Choosing a retirement village is about finding the right lifestyle, financial fit, and level of care to meet your needs now and in the future. Explore more of Qestral’s resources or speak to our team for personalised tour.

By Laura Moffett
•
August 1, 2025
We’re proud to announce that Burlington won Best in Category and Excellence, for New Zealand Aged Care and Retirement Villages, for their “Pavilion” - in the 2025 New Zealand Property Council Awards at the Spark Arena in Auckland. The Property Council Awards are presented for outstanding property projects, developments or substantive refurbishments across New Zealand. The judges said, "Burlington Village is a vibrant community hub designed to enhance social engagement, wellbeing, and inclusivity. Inspired by Singapore's Raffles, the two-storey Pavilion village features accessible design, level entryways, and movable walls for flexible use. It has a library, a restaurant, a bakery and coffee shop, movie theatre, wellness centre and a pool all within an easy walking distance. It’s like being on a permanent, and lux, holiday!" Earlier in the year, Qestral won the prestigious 2025 Eldercare Innovation Award for its TRILife Wellness Programme at the 2025 World Ageing Festival in Singapore, - attended by more than 6,000 delegates from over 50 countries. Qestral is constantly refurbishing its model – seeking excellence in healthcare security, personal relationships and activities, and individual architecture. These awards tell us that the team is on track with our product.
By krutikk18
•
May 13, 2025
If you're dreaming of a retirement that blends natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a relaxed pace of life, look no further than Nelson. Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson is renowned for its sunny climate, stunning landscapes, and welcoming community. It’s no wonder that more and more retirees are choosing to call this picturesque region home.

By krutikk18
•
May 13, 2025
Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down, but for many, it’s just the beginning of a more enriching, intellectually fulfilling life. Free from the nine-to-five, this new chapter offers space to explore fresh interests, pick up old passions, and finally pursue those “someday” goals. Whether it’s learning to speak Italian, joining a philosophy group, or diving into family genealogy, today’s retirees are proving that curiosity doesn’t retire.

By krutikk18
•
May 13, 2025
There’s a quiet magic in tending to something that grows. For many retirees, gardening isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifeline to wellness, creativity, and connection. Whether nurturing native blooms or harvesting a basket of homegrown herbs, the act of gardening continues to bring peace and purpose well into later life.

By krutikk18
•
May 13, 2025
Let’s be honest—making new friends as an adult isn’t always easy. And after 65? It can feel downright daunting. The routines are different, the social circles have shifted, and if you’ve just moved into a new place—especially a retirement village—you might find yourself wondering: Where do I even start?

By krutikk18
•
May 13, 2025
Dementia. It’s one of those words that can feel heavy the moment it enters the conversation. For many families, it begins subtly—an occasional forgetful moment, a lost word, a misplaced item—and slowly, the picture sharpens into something more serious. If someone you love is starting to show signs, or has just been diagnosed, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate it blind.
Contact Us
(03) 983 1100
Ground Floor, 148 Victoria Street, Christchurch, 8013
P.O. Box 13206,
Christchurch, 8140
Reception Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed
Contact Us
Thank you for contacting us.We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message.Please try again later.