The charm of The Village Palms

Discover Christchurch’s hidden gem, Metlifecare’s The Village Palms – a boutique village that brings a fresh, modern approach to retirement living.

Nestled within beautifully landscaped grounds and charming garden courtyards, The Village Palms offers a blend of modern elegance and comfort that feels more akin to a luxury hotel.

“Most people don’t realise we are a retirement village at first glance. Being a relatively young village in an area with a lot of older villages, we’re proud to offer something modern and distinctive,” says Village Manager, Nicki Brown.

Home to a small community of retirees, The Village Palms is all about connection. “We’re not a sprawling village with hundreds of residents. We’re a close-knit community where neighbours quickly become friends, and those friends soon feel like family. Everyone looks out for each other, which creates a real sense of safety and belonging - that’s what makes us so special.”

From delightful dining areas and engaging social spaces, to a luxurious lounge, hair salon, movie viewing area and wine bar, every detail has been designed for comfort and convenience. With a social calendar full of all the activities you’d expect, such as bowls, Mahjong, Bingo, Tai Chi, and Happy Hour, making new friends is easy, and you may even reconnect with some old ones too.

“Many of our residents grew up in the local area or went to school nearby, so coming back feels familiar, like coming home,” says Nicki.

This strong sense of community extends beyond the village gates. Residents are actively involved in the local community, with regular visits from schools, parent groups, and local performers, creating a lively atmosphere.

Thoughtfully designed one-bedroom apartments and open-plan studios are bright, airy, full of modern amenities and spacious living areas – perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation. Plus, with a premium care home on site, residents can rest easy knowing that additional support is available if their needs change (subject to availability).

Conveniently located in the heart of Shirley, just 10 minutes from central Christchurch and a short stroll from The Palms shopping centre, The Village Palms has everything you need right on your doorstep. And with a bus stop just outside, getting around couldn’t be easier.

Since becoming part of the Metlifecare family in 2022, The Village Palms has a new lease on life, backed by a passionate and dedicated team – many of whom have been here since the village first opened.

“I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built here,” Nicki says. “From our residents to our staff, everyone is treated like family. We’re not just a retirement village – we’re a home.”