A directory of belonging

Find a community near you

Places where community is built into where you live — not another club to visit, but somewhere the people around you are part of daily life. Monasteries that welcome guests, cohousing, co-ops, ecovillages, seniors villages, and neighbourhoods that actually function. Start where you are.

All types Monasteries & religious staysCohousingEcovillagesHousing co-operativesColiving & share housesIntentional communitiesLive-in care communitiesSeniors villagesCommunity-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Compiled with AI, checked by nobody yet. These are starting points, gathered for Canterbury — real places as far as we know, but details change. Verify with a phone call before you set your heart or drive across the state.

Live-in care communities

Aldwins House

Linwood, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Aldwins House offers comprehensive aged care services, including rest home and hospital level care, in a supportive community setting. They focus on providing a warm and caring environment for residents requiring assistance.

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Live-in care communities

Bethesda Care Centre

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Bethesda Care Centre offers a compassionate and supportive environment for residents requiring rest home and hospital-level care. It emphasizes a community feel, encouraging social interaction and personalized care.

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Live-in care communities

Cashmere Heights Home & Hospital

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Cashmere Heights offers a caring community for individuals requiring residential care, including hospital and rest home level services. The facility aims to provide a comfortable and supportive living environment with professional care.

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Live-in care communities

Hōhepa Canterbury

Halswell, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Part of the Hōhepa network inspired by Rudolf Steiner, providing homes and meaningful work for adults with intellectual disabilities. Residents, staff and volunteers share gardening, crafts and community life on its Christchurch site.

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Live-in care communities

Parklands Care Home

Parklands, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Parklands Care Home provides a range of care options for seniors, including rest home and dementia care. The facility is designed to offer a comfortable and engaging environment with dedicated staff.

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Live-in care communities

Rosebank Residential Care

Ashburton · Ashburton District Council

Rosebank Residential Care provides a warm and secure home for elderly residents needing various levels of care, from rest home to dementia care. The facility promotes a friendly community atmosphere with engaging activities.

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Live-in care communities

The Princess Margaret Hospital Campus

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

While primarily a hospital, the Princess Margaret Campus includes long-term care facilities that foster a community among residents and staff. It provides a structured environment with medical support and social engagement.

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Live-in care communities

Windsorcare Home & Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Windsorcare Home & Village provides comprehensive care and independent living options within a welcoming community setting. It focuses on resident well-being and offers various levels of support.

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Housing co-operatives

Peterborough Housing Co-operative

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

A central-city housing co-operative dating from the 1980s, one of New Zealand's few enduring urban housing co-ops. Its members jointly own and manage their homes, welcoming people keen on affordable, democratic inner-city living.

Intentional communities

Bethel Christian Camp

Hoon Hay · Christchurch City Council

Bethel Christian Camp is a community-focused organisation that offers residential opportunities for those involved in its ministry and programs. It provides a supportive environment centered around Christian values and fellowship.

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Intentional communities

Rangimarie Community

Pigeon Bay · Canterbury

Rangimarie Community is a small, rural intentional community dedicated to simple living and environmental stewardship. Members share responsibilities and enjoy a connection to nature.

Intentional communities

Te Whare Roimata

Christchurch Central · Christchurch City Council

Te Whare Roimata is a community house and urban marae offering a place of belonging and support for local residents. It fosters a strong sense of community through shared meals, activities, and a focus on social justice.

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Intentional communities

The Commonground

Little River · Canterbury

The Commonground is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared resources. Residents collaborate on various projects, fostering a close-knit and supportive environment.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Project Lyttelton

Lyttelton · Christchurch City Council

A celebrated grassroots community organisation running a timebank, farmers market, community gardens and festivals in the port town of Lyttelton. It welcomes everyone who wants to help build a resilient, connected local neighbourhood.

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Seniors villages

Alpine View Lifestyle Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Alpine View Lifestyle Village provides a vibrant and secure community for retirees, offering modern homes and extensive facilities. It encourages an active lifestyle with opportunities for social interaction and shared interests among residents.

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Seniors villages

Amberley Lifestyle Village

Amberley · Hurunui District Council

This village in the charming town of Amberley provides a relaxed rural setting for active seniors. It fosters a strong sense of community with shared amenities and social opportunities.

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Seniors villages

Archer Village

Riccarton, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Archer Village offers independent living for seniors in a supportive community environment. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and amenities designed to foster connection and well-being.

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Seniors villages

Arvida Park Lane

Riccarton · Christchurch City Council

Arvida Park Lane provides a premium retirement living experience with a focus on comfort, care, and community. Residents enjoy well-appointed accommodations and a vibrant social calendar.

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Seniors villages

Ashburton Retirement Village

Ashburton · Ashburton District Council

Ashburton Retirement Village is a welcoming community designed for seniors seeking an active and engaging lifestyle. Residents enjoy a variety of social opportunities and well-appointed homes.

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Seniors villages

Elmswood Retirement Village

Fendalton, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Elmswood Retirement Village offers a premium living experience for seniors in a beautiful garden setting. The village promotes an active lifestyle with numerous facilities and social opportunities for its residents.

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Seniors villages

Highfield Lifecare & Village

Timaru · Timaru District Council

Highfield Lifecare & Village provides a continuum of care options within a supportive community environment. It offers independent living units alongside comprehensive care services for peace of mind.

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Seniors villages

Lady Isaac Village

Harewood, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Lady Isaac Village offers a vibrant retirement living experience with a focus on community and well-being. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and social activities designed to foster connection and an active lifestyle.

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Seniors villages

Lady Wigram Retirement Village

Wigram · Christchurch City Council

Lady Wigram Retirement Village offers modern, comfortable living for seniors with a focus on community and convenience. Residents benefit from a range of facilities and a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

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Seniors villages

Lincoln Village

Lincoln · Selwyn District Council

Lincoln Village offers modern and comfortable retirement living in a picturesque setting. Residents benefit from a friendly community atmosphere and convenient access to local amenities.

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Seniors villages

Merivale Retirement Village

Merivale, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Merivale Retirement Village provides a vibrant community for retirees with various accommodation options. It focuses on creating a friendly atmosphere where residents can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind.

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Seniors villages

Ohoka Village

Ohoka · Canterbury

Ohoka Village offers a peaceful and secure retirement living experience with a range of independent living options. Residents enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere with various social activities and amenities.

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Seniors villages

Park Lane Retirement Village

Riccarton, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Park Lane Retirement Village offers modern and comfortable living for retirees in a convenient Riccarton location. The village promotes an active and social lifestyle with various facilities and resident-led activities.

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Seniors villages

Parkwood Retirement Village

Rangiora · Canterbury

Parkwood Retirement Village offers a welcoming environment for seniors seeking independent living or assisted care. The village promotes an active lifestyle with numerous facilities and events.

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Seniors villages

Quail Ridge Country Club

Kaiapoi · Waimakariri District Council

Quail Ridge Country Club offers a vibrant and active lifestyle for seniors, featuring a range of amenities and social opportunities. Residents enjoy beautifully designed homes and a strong sense of community.

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Seniors villages

Rangiora Life Care Village

Rangiora · Waimakariri District Council

Rangiora Life Care Village offers a range of independent living options for seniors, fostering a supportive and engaging community environment. Residents can enjoy various social activities and amenities designed to promote well-being and connection.

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Seniors villages

Rosewood Lifecare & Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Rosewood Lifecare & Village provides a continuum of care and independent living options within a friendly community setting. It focuses on creating a supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence and enjoy social connections.

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Seniors villages

Russley Village

Russley, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Russley Village is a well-established retirement community offering a range of living options and comprehensive care services. Residents benefit from beautiful surroundings and a strong sense of community through shared interests and events.

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Seniors villages

Southbrook Retirement Village

Rangiora · Waimakariri District Council

Southbrook Retirement Village provides a peaceful and secure environment for retirees in Rangiora. Residents benefit from well-maintained grounds and a strong sense of community.

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Seniors villages

St Albans Retirement Village

St Albans, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

St Albans Retirement Village offers a peaceful and friendly environment for seniors in a central Christchurch location. It provides a range of independent living units and a supportive community atmosphere.

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Seniors villages

Sumner Retirement Village

Sumner · Christchurch City Council

Nestled in the scenic coastal suburb of Sumner, this village provides a peaceful and engaging community for retirees. It offers independent living with access to various social activities and support services.

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Seniors villages

Sumner Village

Sumner, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Sumner Village provides a supportive and engaging environment for seniors, nestled in the heart of the Sumner community. It offers independent living options with access to care services and a variety of social opportunities.

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Seniors villages

Terrace View Retirement Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Terrace View Retirement Village offers modern, comfortable living for seniors in a picturesque setting. The village fosters a friendly atmosphere with shared facilities and organized events.

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Seniors villages

The Croft Retirement Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

The Croft Retirement Village offers a vibrant community for seniors with a range of living options and amenities. Residents enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for social engagement and activities.

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Seniors villages

The Enliven Presbyterian Support Villages

Various in Canterbury · Various

Enliven operates several retirement villages across Canterbury, providing independent living and care options within supportive communities. These villages focus on well-being and offer a range of social activities for residents.

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Seniors villages

The Maples Lifecare & Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

The Maples provides comprehensive care and independent living options within a supportive village environment. It offers a peaceful setting with various activities to foster resident well-being and connection.

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Seniors villages

The Oaks at Papanui

Papanui · Canterbury

The Oaks at Papanui provides modern retirement living with a focus on comfort and community. Residents benefit from a range of services and opportunities for social engagement.

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Seniors villages

The Oaks at Rangiora

Rangiora · Waimakariri District Council

Offering a welcoming environment in Rangiora, this village provides independent living options for seniors. It focuses on creating a supportive community where residents can thrive.

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Seniors villages

The Oaks on Marshland

Marshland, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

The Oaks on Marshland provides a contemporary and welcoming retirement village experience with a focus on independent living. It offers modern homes and a community centre for social gatherings and activities.

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Seniors villages

The Oaks Retirement Village

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

The Oaks Retirement Village offers a welcoming community for independent seniors, featuring comfortable living spaces and a range of services. Residents benefit from a supportive atmosphere and opportunities to participate in village events and activities.

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Seniors villages

The Palms Retirement Village

Shirley · Christchurch City Council

Located conveniently near The Palms shopping centre, this village offers comfortable living and a friendly community atmosphere. Residents benefit from a range of facilities and a supportive team.

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Seniors villages

The Village at Wigram Skies

Wigram · Christchurch City Council

This modern retirement village offers a vibrant community for seniors with a range of living options and amenities. Residents can enjoy an active and social lifestyle within a supportive environment.

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Seniors villages

The Village Palms

Shirley, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

The Village Palms offers a vibrant retirement living experience with a focus on community and well-being. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and social activities designed to foster connection and an active lifestyle.

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Seniors villages

The Village Palms Retirement Village

Shirley · Christchurch City Council

The Village Palms offers a welcoming and secure environment for retirement living, with a variety of housing options and amenities. It fosters a sense of belonging through shared activities and resident support.

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Seniors villages

Waimea Village

Kaiapoi · Waimakariri District Council

Waimea Village provides a peaceful and supportive environment for independent senior living. It features well-maintained homes and communal facilities that encourage social interaction among residents.

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Seniors villages

Westmar Senior Living

Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Westmar Senior Living offers independent living apartments designed for comfort and convenience. It promotes an active lifestyle with opportunities for social interaction among residents.

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Seniors villages

Westwood Retirement Village

Harewood · Christchurch City Council

Situated in a quiet part of Christchurch, Westwood Retirement Village offers a tranquil and secure environment for its residents. It provides a range of living options and a vibrant community spirit.

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Seniors villages

Woodcote Retirement Village

Hornby, Christchurch · Christchurch City Council

Woodcote Retirement Village provides a welcoming and secure environment for independent senior living. Residents benefit from a strong sense of community and access to a variety of services and activities.

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The other path

Nothing near you? Start one — smaller than you think.

If your state's list is thin, that's not a dead end; it's the reason this project exists. Three friends on one street is already a community. The guide walks you through the whole path.

Start a community — the guide Create or join a group Register your interest

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