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 Southland — 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

Aspiring Enliven Care Centre

Wanaka · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Aspiring Enliven Care Centre provides comprehensive residential care services in a supportive environment. It focuses on promoting well-being and a sense of community among its residents.

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Live-in care communities

Clutha Views Lifecare

Balclutha · Clutha District Council

While technically just outside Southland, Clutha Views Lifecare serves the wider South Otago/Southland region with comprehensive care options. It provides a supportive community for seniors needing various levels of assistance.

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Live-in care communities

Donovan Residential Care

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Donovan Residential Care provides comprehensive care services in a welcoming community setting. They focus on individualised care plans and creating a vibrant atmosphere for residents.

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Live-in care communities

Enliven Presbyterian Support Otago

Dunedin · Dunedin City Council

Enliven offers various residential care options and retirement villages across Otago, focusing on holistic well-being and community engagement. They provide a supportive environment where residents can thrive and connect.

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Live-in care communities

Montecillo Veterans Home & Hospital

Dunedin · Dunedin City Council

Montecillo provides dedicated care and accommodation for veterans and their families in a supportive community setting. It offers a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of its residents.

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Live-in care communities

Oakwood Rest Home & Village

Gore · Gore District Council

Oakwood provides comprehensive rest home care and independent living options for seniors. It fosters a warm and caring community for its residents.

Live-in care communities

Rose Lodge

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Rose Lodge offers a warm and friendly environment for residents requiring rest home and hospital level care. The facility emphasizes a person-centred approach to care, ensuring comfort and dignity.

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Live-in care communities

Southland Hospital Residential Care

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

This facility offers long-term residential care for individuals requiring ongoing support and medical assistance. It provides a safe and structured living environment.

Live-in care communities

The Homestead Invercargill

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

The Homestead provides a supportive and caring environment for residents requiring various levels of assistance. It offers a range of services designed to promote well-being and a sense of community among its residents.

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Live-in care communities

Walmsley House

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Walmsley House offers a comfortable and secure living option for individuals needing residential care. Residents benefit from dedicated staff and a program of activities that foster social connection.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Bluff Community

Bluff · Invercargill City Council

Bluff, New Zealand's southernmost town, has a unique maritime character and a resilient community. Its residents share a strong connection to the sea and local heritage, often gathering for town events.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Clifton

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Clifton is a well-established residential suburb in Invercargill known for its strong local community feel and family-friendly atmosphere. It features local parks and schools, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Donovan Park

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Donovan Park is a well-established residential area known for its strong local community spirit. Residents often engage in neighbourhood activities and support networks.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Edendale Community

Edendale · Southland District Council

Edendale is a vibrant rural community with a strong sense of local identity, often centered around its dairy industry. The town offers various community facilities and events that bring residents together.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Kihikihi

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Kihikihi is a residential suburb in Invercargill with a growing sense of community among its residents. It offers a mix of housing and local amenities.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Lake Hayes Estate

Lake Hayes, Queenstown · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Lake Hayes Estate is a well-established residential area known for its strong community spirit and family-friendly environment. It features local parks, walking trails, and community events that foster neighbourly connections.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Lake Hayes Estate Community

Lake Hayes Estate · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Lake Hayes Estate is a popular residential area known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit. Residents enjoy local parks, walking trails, and community events.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Lumsden Community

Lumsden · Southland District Council

Lumsden is a welcoming rural service town in Northern Southland, known for its friendly atmosphere and community involvement. Local groups and events contribute to a strong sense of belonging among residents.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Mataura Community

Mataura · Gore District Council

Mataura is a historic town on the banks of the Mataura River, fostering a close-knit community spirit. Residents benefit from local amenities and participate in various community-led initiatives.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Ocean Beach Road Community

Bluff · Southland District Council

This tight-knit neighbourhood in Bluff is known for its strong local connections and community events. Residents often collaborate on local projects and support each other, fostering a genuine sense of belonging.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Ohai Community

Ohai · Southland District Council

Ohai is a small, historic mining town known for its resilient and supportive community. Residents share a rich heritage and a strong bond, often participating in local clubs and activities.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Otautau Community

Otautau · Southland District Council

Otautau is a rural service town with a strong sense of community spirit and local pride. It offers a friendly environment where residents actively participate in local events and initiatives.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Rees Street Apartments

Queenstown · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Located in the heart of Queenstown, Rees Street Apartments offer a vibrant urban living experience. Residents benefit from proximity to amenities and a strong sense of place within the town center.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Remarkables Park

Frankton · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Remarkables Park is a master-planned community offering a mix of residential, retail, and commercial spaces. It fosters a community feel with convenient access to services and recreational opportunities.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Riverton/Aparima Community

Riverton · Southland District Council

Riverton is a historic coastal town with a vibrant community spirit, evident in its active local groups and shared cultural spaces. The community frequently organises events that bring residents together, celebrating their unique heritage and environment.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Shotover Country

Frankton, Queenstown · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Shotover Country is a rapidly growing residential community designed with a focus on modern living and local amenities. It provides a welcoming atmosphere with schools, parks, and local shops contributing to a convenient lifestyle.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

South Alive

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

An award-winning urban regeneration trust run by residents of South Invercargill, with community gardens, a pantry, events and neighbourhood projects. Everyone in the south city is welcome to pitch in and help their neighbourhood flourish.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

Oban, Stewart Island · Southland District Council

Stewart Island / Rakiura offers a unique island community experience, where residents share a deep connection to nature and a supportive, close-knit lifestyle. The small population fosters strong social bonds and collective participation in island life.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Te Anau Community

Te Anau · Southland District Council

The Te Anau community is a close-knit town serving as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Residents benefit from a strong local identity and shared appreciation for the natural surroundings.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Windsor

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Windsor is a desirable residential area in Invercargill, characterized by its tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. The neighbourhood boasts a strong community spirit, with local shops and amenities contributing to its appeal.

Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Winton Community

Winton · Southland District Council

Winton is a thriving rural service town known for its friendly atmosphere and active community organisations. Residents benefit from numerous clubs, events, and shared facilities that encourage social interaction and mutual support.

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Community-strong neighbourhoods & councils

Wyndham Community

Wyndham · Southland District Council

Wyndham is a small, friendly rural town known for its strong community spirit and local events. Residents actively participate in various clubs and initiatives, fostering a close-knit environment.

Seniors villages

Alexandra Lifestyle Village

Alexandra · Central Otago District Council

Alexandra Lifestyle Village offers modern, independent living for over 55s in a picturesque setting. The village promotes an active and social lifestyle with shared facilities and community events.

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Seniors villages

Arrowtown Lifestyle Retirement Village

Arrowtown, Queenstown · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

This village provides premium retirement living in the historic town of Arrowtown, offering a blend of independence and support. Residents benefit from beautifully designed homes and a close-knit community with access to local charm.

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Seniors villages

Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village

Wanaka · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

While technically just outside the Southland region, Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village serves many from the wider southern area, offering modern villas and apartments with a focus on active independent living. It provides a vibrant community with various facilities and social opportunities for its residents.

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Seniors villages

Fiordland Retirement Village

Te Anau · Southland District Council

This retirement village offers a supportive and engaging environment for seniors in the picturesque Fiordland region. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and amenities designed to foster community and well-being.

Seniors villages

Frankton Village

Frankton, Queenstown · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Frankton Village offers independent living for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and amenities designed for a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.

Seniors villages

Gladstone Retirement Village

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Gladstone Retirement Village offers independent living units and serviced apartments for seniors in a supportive community environment. Residents can enjoy a range of social activities and amenities designed for a comfortable lifestyle.

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Seniors villages

Golden View Lifestyle Village

Cromwell · Central Otago District Council

Golden View Lifestyle Village offers independent living for seniors in a picturesque setting. Residents enjoy a vibrant community with various social activities and amenities.

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Seniors villages

Gracelands Community

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Gracelands Community provides a range of care options for seniors, including independent living and assisted living services. It focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment where residents can thrive.

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Seniors villages

Longwood Lifestyle Village

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Longwood Lifestyle Village offers independent living for seniors in a supportive community environment. Residents enjoy modern villas and a range of social activities and amenities.

Seniors villages

Parklands Retirement Village

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Parklands Retirement Village provides a vibrant community for retirees with various accommodation options. It focuses on fostering an active and engaging lifestyle for its residents.

Seniors villages

Peacehaven Village

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Peacehaven Village provides comprehensive care and community living options for seniors in Invercargill. It offers a variety of services and social opportunities, promoting an active and connected lifestyle for its residents.

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Seniors villages

Queenstown Country Club

Frankton, Queenstown · Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Queenstown Country Club offers luxurious retirement living with stunning views and a wide array of facilities. It fosters an active and social community, providing residents with a high quality of life and comprehensive care options.

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Seniors villages

Ranui Apartments

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Ranui Apartments offer independent living for seniors in a supportive environment. Residents enjoy modern amenities and a sense of community within the complex.

Seniors villages

Rowena Jackson Retirement Village

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Rowena Jackson Retirement Village is a modern facility offering independent living and care options for seniors in Invercargill. The village fosters a strong sense of community through its diverse activities and shared spaces, encouraging residents to connect and thrive.

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Seniors villages

Terrace View Retirement Village

Invercargill · Invercargill City Council

Terrace View Retirement Village offers a range of independent living options and care services for seniors in a supportive environment. Residents enjoy a vibrant community with various social activities and amenities.

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Seniors villages

Windsor Park Care Home & Retirement Village

Gore · Gore District Council

Windsor Park provides a welcoming community for seniors with both independent living units and comprehensive care services. It fosters a friendly atmosphere where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

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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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