Lock Up and Leave: How Village Life Makes Travel in Retirement Easier

Retirement should be about freedom-whether that means exploring new destinations, escaping to warmer climates, or taking that long-awaited cruise. But for many, the hassle of maintaining a home while away can hold them back. What if you could travel without worrying about security, upkeep, or returning to a pile of unread mail?

In our vibrant villages, that’s exactly the lifestyle we offer. With a secure, well-maintained home base, you can simply pack your bags and go, knowing everything will be taken care of while you're away.

Travel Without Worry-Everything is Taken Care Of

One of the biggest challenges of travel is leaving your home unattended. Will the gardens become overgrown? Will mail pile up? What if there’s a storm or an unexpected repair? At Qestral, these worries disappear. Our dedicated team manages all maintenance and security, so you can focus on the journey ahead.

Whether you're enjoying a café in Paris, road-tripping through New Zealand, or escaping winter in the Gold Coast, your home will be safe, secure, and exactly as you left it when you return. No house sitters, no last-minute checklists-just complete peace of mind.

Travel Clubs and Shared Adventures

Traveling alone can feel daunting, but with our Travel Club, you don’t have to. Many of our residents join the Travel Club, turning each trip into a shared adventure. Whether it’s a local getaway or even an overseas experience, there’s always an opportunity to explore with like-minded friends.

An Unforgettable Experience: The World of Wearable Art Show

For residents of Alpine View, a recent trip to Wellington’s World of Wearable Art (WoW) show was an experience to remember. Excitement filled the air as they arrived in the capital, ready for an evening of creativity and spectacle.

The theatre buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed and the stage came to life with dazzling costumes, movement, and colour. Gasps of awe filled the audience as each design surpassed the last in imagination and artistry. For many, it was more than just a show-it was a reminder of the joy of new experiences and the thrill of adventure.

Afterward, over dinner at a waterfront restaurant, conversation flowed effortlessly. Favourite moments were relived, plans for future trips took shape, and friendships deepened. This is what travel at Qestral is all about-sharing unforgettable moments, knowing that home is safe and waiting for your return.

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

With Qestral, travel becomes effortless. Your home remains secure, your community supports you, and every adventure is within reach. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a world tour, you can embrace the freedom to explore without a second thought.

Are you ready to experience a true “lock up and leave” lifestyle? Discover the possibilities at Qestral and start planning your next journey today.

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Where Art Meets Lifestyle: Discover the Sculpture Trail at Alpine View

By Dylan Beardsley • December 6, 2025

At Alpine View Lifestyle Village, nestled in the cultural heart of Christchurch’s vibrant northeast, beauty doesn't just bloom in the gardens - it stands tall in steel, wood, and imagination. Welcome to the Alpine View Sculpture Trail: a meandering, open-air gallery where every turn reveals a new tale, a fresh perspective, or a playful surprise. This is no ordinary village walk. It's a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of discovery - a trail that blends art and landscape into one immersive, uplifting experience. As part of a welcoming retirement village known for its connection to retirement communities and peaceful retirement living, the trail enhances daily life in a meaningful way. Let’s take a stroll, shall we? Begin at the Clubhouse: Racing Legends and Sun Guns The trail begins at the beating heart of Alpine View - the Clubhouse on Mt Lodge Drive - where community life thrives and conversation flows as freely as the coffee, reflecting the warmth often found in thoughtfully designed retirement homes and retirement houses within a modern retirement village. First stop: Ron Rutherford, a tribute by Ian Lamont to the fearless 1961 South Island Beach Car Racing Champion. Captured in steel, the piece pulses with nostalgia and momentum - an ode to both grit and glory. Nearby, you’ll find Sun Gun by Roy McDougall - a former star of Sculpture on the Peninsula that now shines permanently at Alpine View. Its form seems to harness the sun itself, radiating energy and artistic boldness. And then there’s the Rearing Horse by Southland sculptor Roderick Hall. Crafted from driftwood, this majestic creature - raw, natural, and intricately detailed - embodies the spirit of freedom. A true showstopper, it draws admiration from every angle. Metal, Memory, and Motion: Porter Heights Drive As you wander down Porter Heights Drive, the theme of transformation emerges in a manner that mirrors the thoughtful planning seen in a continuing care retirement community . Here stands Steam, a piece by Gary Baynes that reimagines an old hot water cylinder salvaged from Alpine View’s original care centre, built in 1992. It’s industrial and poetic - a quiet homage to the past with an eye on the future. Just beside it is the enigmatic Vintage Ride. Its creator remains unknown, but its presence speaks volumes. Half relic, half riddle, it invites smiles and speculation in equal measure. Aoraki Drive: Songs, Legends, and Swinging Men Skirting the serene pond along Aoraki Drive, art meets music and myth, adding to the charm residents experience as part of relaxed retirement living. Nobody Takes Me Seriously, by Bryn Jones, captures the wit and spirit of the 1980 Split Enz song it’s named after. Playful and kinetic, it’s a tribute to Kiwi culture, music, and motion. Nearby, Water Reeds - another Gary Baynes creation - sways gently in the breeze, echoing the movement of real reeds. Commissioned by Qestral, it’s not just a sculpture; it’s kinetic poetry, engaging both eye and ear. Then, there's Kupe’s Waka ‘Matahorua’, a symbolic piece honouring Kupe, the legendary Polynesian navigator believed to have discovered Aotearoa. Though its sculptor is unknown, the mana it holds is unmistakable. Dobson Place: Where Science Meets Sentiment On Dobson Place, ideas take shape in steel. Opposites Attract, another work by Gary Baynes, is inspired by both Coulomb’s Law of physics and Plato’s philosophy. A sculptural metaphor, it reminds us that connection - like magnetism - often defies logic but feels undeniably right, much like the sense of community shared throughout retirement communities. Trail Highlights for the Art Lover 15+ installations dotted across gardens, courtyards, ponds, and village paths Works by celebrated New Zealand artists, including Gary Baynes, Roy McDougall, and Bryn Jones Sculptures crafted from salvaged steel, native wood, corten, driftwood, and industrial materials Themes of motion, memory, history, heritage, and joy Fully integrated into the village’s architectural and landscape design for a seamless, immersive experience that enriches retirement homes and retirement houses within the community Why the Sculpture Trail Matters The Alpine View Sculpture Trail reflects Qestral’s commitment to wellness and enrichment. It’s part of the wider TRILife philosophy - encouraging movement, mindfulness, and moments of inspiration. For many residents, the trail becomes a favourite walking route within one of Christchurch’s most welcoming retirement communities. For others, it’s a talking point with visiting family, a sketching spot for hobbyists, or simply a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate. Plan Your Visit Whether you’re a resident, a guest, or someone curious about joining the Qestral lifestyle or exploring retirement living options within a thoughtfully designed retirement village , the Alpine View Sculpture Trail is the perfect reason to pop by. Pick up a map at The Lodge. Take your time. Let art guide your steps and let the trail surprise you.