Of all the attractions and opportunities on offer in Tauranga, ‘retirement villages’ would have to be the one category that most appropriately symbolises the emphasis of this website – ‘Best of Tauranga’.
Whilst local businesses continue to work towards meeting the various amenity demands of a rapidly growing population, retirement villages is one box on the ‘amenity checklist’ that has been comprehensively ticked off .
Well before the arrival of young beach-going enthusiasts, the Tauranga sub-region (including Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and outlying towns) was reknown as the ideal, tranquil location for people to retire, relax and fully enjoy the ‘fruits’ from their working careers.
Over 30 retirement villages are evenly scattered throughout the sub-region, all within a 20-30 minute drive of each other. They offer everything from basic life care to luxurious lifestyle environments, whether it be next to the beach, in the heart of the city or amidst country-like surroundings.
Often labelled the ‘lifestyle capital’ of New Zealand, Tauranga offers idyllic sea-side beauty, a vibrant, yet relaxed pace and record-breaking sunshine hours that are the envy of the majority of the country. Why wouldn’t you want to retire here!
Villages have practically phased out the traditional concept of ‘retirement rest homes’, leaning more towards resort-like establishments, including villas, apartments, studios, townhouses and units. You can live independently or pay for any additional services you may require.
One of the most established and appealing retirement villages in the region is Metlifecare Greenwood Park. This Welcome Bay ‘lifestyle’ establishment is set on 17 hectares of land and includes over 200 units. Some of the facilities found here include a hairdressing salon, licensed restaurant, putting and bowling green, chapel, cinema, art room, as well as petanque and woodwork rooms. Much like your own home, you have the freedom of growing your own vege garden or even running your own home business.
Further west of Greenwood Park is Pyes Pa-based Althorp Village and its adjoining 90-bed hospital. This privately owned resort-type establishment is set on over 10 hectares and amidst park and orchard-like surroundings. It boasts up to 131 residences offering a choice of villas, duplexes, town houses and apartments. The heated indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, movie theatre, library, tennis court, practice golf putting green and outdoor entertainment area are just some of the amenities available to all residents. Althorp Village offers some of the most comprehensive services offered by any of the local retirement villages.
If your lifestyle preference is living near the water, there are a handful of villages that will cater to your needs. Metlifecare has Bayswater and Somervale at Mt Maunganui as well as Avenues in Tauranga, which is exquisitely set on the edge of Tauranga Harbour and next to the city centre’s ever popular Memorial Park. Ocean Shores is also based at the Mount and just 5 minutes walk to the beach. It offers the latest in lifestyle amenities (also mentioned above), including a 200 seat restaurant. The latest sea-side facility to be added to the area is Vision Papamoa. It also has plenty to keep one active and even allows dogs on-site.
Away from the water and the hustle and bustle of city living is privately owned and operated Carmel Country Estate. This six hectare Ohauiti village has 136 villas and six apartments, most of which have been built since 2000.
One of the few retirement villages that stem from the traditional ‘rest home’ era is Matua Lifecare. It was originally set up as a rest home and hospital but it later expanded its offerings to include units, apartments and studios. Nursing staff are readily available for all of its residents in what is one of the more cost-effective retirement village options in the area.
A diverse range of retirement villages are available right throughout the Tauranga sub-region so it’s just a matter of pinning down the one that caters best to your lifestyle preferences and overall requirements. Which ever one you choose, village life is a great way to meet like-minded people and to utilise an array of facilities and activities that lie practically just a door step away.
Researched and written by Dave Manville
