Qestral Innovation: Effortless Living Through Smart Design

At Qestral, we believe retirement should be filled with ease, joy, and beautiful moments not paperwork, waiting in line, or clunky processes. That’s why our commitment to innovation isn’t about chasing the latest gadgets. It’s about designing quietly, intentionally, and constantly around you.
Our goal is simple:
Make daily life feel effortless.
Not by what you notice, but by what you don’t.

It Started with a Line Out the Door

Our activity calendars have always been brimming with life—morning yoga, coastal outings, creative workshops, wellness talks. But as our events grew in popularity, so did the lines to book them. Residents began arriving early each month just to secure a spot. Those who came later often missed out. And our activities team spent days managing bookings.
That wasn’t good enough. So, we asked a better question: How do we give residents more controlwithout the queue, the pressure, or the paperwork?
We looked at off-the-shelf booking systems. None were simple or intuitive enough. So we built our own. Qestral became the first retirement village operator in New Zealand to create a custom-designed activity booking app tailored specifically for residents.
With just a few taps, you can now book your favourite class—or reserve a spot for your partner. No forms, no fuss.
What started as a booking tool quickly became something more. Today, the Kindly Communications App is your digital companion. From checking event schedules and messaging the team to logging a maintenance request or saying hello to a friend from book club it’s all right there in your pocket.

Designed for Peace of Mind, Not Intrusion

Our innovations aren’t just about convenience. They’re also about supporting independence with quiet, reliable systems that protect your peace of mind.
Years ago, we tested every fall detection and wellness alert system we could find. Some were wildly overcomplicated. Others were unreliable. One system even triggered false alarms after residents stayed up late socialising confusing a hangover for a health emergency.
And the biggest issue? Most systems were wireless, and as anyone who’s experienced a dropped WiFi signal knows that’s not good enough for an emergency.
So, once again, we created something better from the ground up. Literally.
Today, every Qestral home is connected via underground fibre infrastructure. This quiet but powerful network supports a wellness alert and home security system that’s monitored 24/7 and built for resilience. It’s robust, discreet, and integrated from the day you move in.
Many villages retrofit safety systems. At Qestral, we build them into the foundation.

Reimagining Clinical Care

Our approach to care follows the same principle: if it doesn’t meet our standards, we’ll build something that does.
Off-the-shelf aged care software lacked the detail, flexibility, and accountability our clinical teams needed. So we brought together clinical leaders, software developers, and care specialists to design an in-house platform from scratch.
The result? A system that can track early warning signs of illness, monitor prescribing trends, ensure timely clinical reviews, and alert our teams in real-time to high-risk events.
It’s highly technical behind the scenes but for residents, it simply means better care. More personalized. More proactive. More human.
Qestral is one of only two retirement operators in the country to invest in this level of bespoke clinical software. Because when it comes to your wellbeing, we don’t compromise.

Looking Ahead: Innovation Isn’t Slowing Down It’s Just Getting Smarter

While we’ve made great strides in how retirement living feels today, we know the future has even more to offer and we’re excited to explore it.
As technologies like AI, robotics, and smart systems continue to evolve, so too will the opportunities to improve comfort, safety, and independence in village life. At Qestral, we’re keeping a close eye and an open mind.
In fact, in early 2024, we ran an in-house R&D project that led to the creation of New Zealand’s first AI kiosks in a retirement village. His name was Nigel—a talking assistant residents could interact with.
Nigel was helpful and often hilariously unpredictable. Think activity updates turning into baking tips. But even with his occasional quirks, he gave us a genuine glimpse into what’s possible.
Nigel hasn’t quite met the Qestral standard for everyday use. He was charming, but not always reliable and at Qestral, we don’t do gimmicks.
However, he offered something valuable: a glimpse into what’s coming next.

So if you’re looking for a retirement village that’s always asking “what’s next?” a place where innovation quietly supports your freedom, comfort, and peace of mind then you’re already in the right place.

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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.