the life
Whether you are looking for a home for new beginnings or opportunities to cherish every moment, we’re here to support your next move –because you deserve it!
Founded in 1997, with a vision of creating a home-like haven for retirees, Summerset has evolved into a trusted name in providing exceptional living experiences. And with over 37 resort-style villages across New Zealand and expanding into Australia, we’re dedicated to providing a supportive community where our residents are celebrated and empowered to live a great retirement lifestyle.
Summerset is here to support you to make the years ahead enjoyable – and we understand that looks different for everyone. Whether that is relaxing and taking time to smell the roses, socialising and celebrating, spending quality time with family, travelling with the peace of mind that your home is secure, engaging in activities and learning new skills or making new friends.
We support you in living the life you choose, free from worries about security and house maintenance. Additionally, we can assist with chores, allowing you to prioritise how you spend your time. That’s why the most common sentiment expressed by residents is, “I wish I had done this sooner!”
You can select the style of home that suits you best now – knowing that with Summerset’s continuum of care you’ll have options and facilities should you need them.* This means you can feel reassured knowing that we prioritise your well-being, and with our experience and knowledge we can offer you supported living or the flexibility to transition to care seamlessly if needed, and when the time is right**.
With our recent and ongoing awards there are even more reasons to choose Summerset. We’ve been voted by New Zealanders as the winners of the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award in 2024 and 2025, and highly commended as a Trusted Brand for six consecutive years. Additionally, we won the 2023 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Award. Plus, with our simple terms and a 90-day money-back guarantee, you can make the transition with confidence.
In a Summerset village, you get to enjoy the vast benefits of living in a resort-like environment, with the peace of mind of living in a warm and friendly community, so that you’ll feel completely at home.
* Subject to
Refreshingly modern, reassuringly Summerset
Summerset believes in everything retired living can be. We have always been an energetic, optimistic force for change in the retirement sector. Everything about the way we organise our villages has been designed to put you first.
Clear and transparent terms, with guarantees
• Our terms are clear and easy to understand
• No hidden costs, no refurbishment fees for fair wear and tear, no administration or marketing fees when you leave the village
• One licence payment to pay and a low deferred management fee of up to 25% (unless otherwise agreed)
• 90-day money-back guarantee for your independent living home or serviced apartment. Some terms and conditions apply.
Professional care onsite if you require it
• Most of our villages include a continuum of care, from independent living homes to serviced apartments, through to a quality care centre
• Staff onsite 24/7 once the village centre is completed, meaning you’re assured of a response if you need to use your call bell system
• Some of our villages have specialist memory care centres that enable those living with dementia to lead active, positive lives
• Should your needs change, you have priority access to transfers to the care centre (subject to availability and eligibility criteria) so you can stay in the community you love. It is uncommon that there is not availability when residents need it
Ease of transfer within the village
• Should you transfer between homes, no further capital outlay is usually required
• As a resident, you have priority over nonresidents to transfer to the care centre (subject to availability and eligibility criteria)
Experienced and trusted
• We have been operating retirement villages and aged care centres since 1997
• 37 resort style villages and growing
• Over 8,700 residents call Summerset home
• We’ve been voted by New Zealanders as the winners of Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards (2024 and 2025), and highly commended as a Trusted Brand for six consecutive years
Continue making the most of every day
A very real sense of community
Friendships matter at every age. We all enjoy the company of others and the chance to share stories and good times together. At Summerset, everything we do is designed to help you feel truly at home as you start the next chapter of your life. Do the things you’ve always enjoyed, discover new hobbies and interests, or use the time you now have to return to doing something that you care about.
“I have been here nearly six years and still love every minute. The staff and residents are a very happy, friendly bunch and there are many more activities that I can ever hope to participate in.”
Pat, Resident Summerset at Wigram, Christchurch
Summerset communities are so successful because people come together to form vibrant neighbourhoods. Our villages are filled with kindness, companionship and laughter. Your home is here. You have real friends here.
If you like to stay closer to home, stay in and do what you enjoy – cook, entertain, go for a walk; or choose from a full calendar of activities and events organised by your onsite activities coordinator. Whether it is taking up a challenge on the bowling green, exercising more or being part of a village dance or craft group, Summerset’s facilities are there to enjoy.
If you prefer to travel, you can lock up your villa or apartment and take a trip, knowing that your home is secure and we are keeping an eye on things. And if you just like to get out and about and enjoy the company of others, you’ll find most things you’re looking for within a short distance.
VILLLAGE FACILITIES
Facilities are available once the village centre is open and they can vary between villages.
Café
Lounge with large-screen TV
Residents’ bar
Library with computer and internet access
Hair and beauty salon
Exercise room
Recreational bowling green
Swimming pool and/or spa pool
Barbeque
Communal vegetable gardens
Residents’ workshop
Piano
Pool table
Organised activities and outings
Movie theatre
Health practitioners who visit the village from time-to-time
Your home, your way
The choices are yours
There’s so much living to do after you retire, and we want you to make the most of it. Start by choosing a home that’s right for you and your needs. Our villages offer a wide range of homes with lovely streetscapes, so you can pick a place you’ll be proud of.
If you want to put your own stamp on your new home, go right ahead. Bring the things that are most important to you, such as favourite pictures, belongings and furniture. Paint the interior walls the colours you like. Add your own decor. Nothing feels more like home than all the touches of familiarity you love. We just ask that if you make changes you return your home to its original state when you leave.
Got a pet? Bring them too. We want you to have days filled with companionship and fun. To make sure your new home suits them too, just check with the village manager first.
If you’re a gardener, like many Summerset residents, almost all our villas and cottages have their own garden. You can tend to it yourself and even add your own touches to make it feel more you, or we can do take care of the gardens and keep everything looking neat and tidy.
For most people, friends and family are a huge focus of their retired life. You’re welcome to have your friends and family and the grandkids to visit or for short stays; just check with the village manager if you would like them to stay longer.
When you come to live in one of our villages, you can bring along things that matter to you and stay in touch with everyone who means the world to you. From the resident workshop to village activities or enjoying drinks with friends, every day can be filled with life, laughter, friendship and the fulfilment that comes with getting things done. You’re not on your own, you’re among friends and free to enjoy life.
A helping hand if you need it
A range of care
A villa, apartment or cottage is perfect if you’re confident living independently. A serviced apartment is ideal if you want to retain your independence but need a little support, which we can provide with one of our service packages.
At Summerset you have the peace of mind that, if your needs change, we can support you with additional services as you need them. Our modern and spacious care centre will suit you if you’re finding it harder to get around or if you need higher levels of care, including rest home or hospital-level care.
Our 24/7 onsite care centre staff are trained professionals. Their passion for the quality of care they provide is reflected in the consistently high results of around 95% received in care resident satisfaction surveys.
Our care centres include diversional therapists, who plan engaging activities and programmes for our residents.
As well-established leaders in dementia care, Summerset’s memory care centres are designed using international research and best practices to enhance residents’ wellbeing and provide the best quality of life for those living with dementia.
Our memory care centres provide modern and comfortable accommodation, which enables residents to continue to lead active, positive lives in a safe, secure and homely environment.
In fact, we are one of the first retirement village operators in New Zealand to be officially recognised by Alzheimers New Zealand as a Dementia Friendly organisation.
A number of our villages across the country have memory care centres.
“The carers are just wonderful. They pop in and have a little chat. I do appreciate that.”
We’re proud to be Dementia Friendly
Thousands of people call Summerset home
You can have confidence in your decision
People trust Summerset because they like what we stand for.
Here are eight reasons why we believe you should have confidence in your decision.
1 Flourishing communities
We have adopted a continuous listening approach to drive improvements important to residents. They are surveyed regularly on village life to understand what is and isn’t working.
2 Personal security
You can come and go knowing your home is safe and secure; whether you go away for a day, a weekend, a month or more. With a Summerset home, you can just lock and leave. And while you are enjoying village life, you can be rest assured that the call bell system is monitored onsite 24/7 once the village centre is complete. The majority of our villages are fully fenced with remote-access after hours.
3 You can move in or between villages
We have a leading transfer policy from independent living to care with no capital outlay required. Our continuum of care model means you have first priority to move between homes if your needs change (subject to availability and eligibility criteria).
4 You always have options
From our Summerset Sure guarantee, through to our continuum of care, we keep things as open as possible. And if you need other forms of care, you can change homes, add services or even move between villages (subject to availability and eligibility) with no capital outlay usually required.
5 You know what you’re getting
There are no surprises when you come to live in one of our villages. Our terms are clear and transparent, and there are no hidden costs. Everything’s out in the open.
6 We’ve done this for a long time Summerset has been building and running retirement villages with care centres since 1997. We’re experienced, proven and stable.
7 We strive to set the bar high
Everything we do is to the best of our abilities. We develop our villages based on Lifemark™ principles, and all our villages are Lifemark™ audited for accreditation and are accessibility
approved. We are accredited as a Dementia Friendly organisation and are proud to be the first retirement village operator in New Zealand to be Toitū carbonzero™ certified. As we are a member of the Retirement Villages Association (RVA), you can be confident that all our practices are in accordance with the law.
8 We’re prepared if disaster strikes
We have a leading disaster policy where if we cannot rebuild your home or are not able to offer a transfer to another home, we will pay the greater of either the fair market price of your home prior to the disaster or the licence price of your home in full, with no deferred management fee deducted.
We want to make choosing the Summerset life as clear-cut, straightforward and reassuring as possible. Giving you peace of mind is very important to us.
Modern homes for active lives
We offer you a range of home options specifically designed for those over 70. Our homes combine a modern look and feel with comfortable finishes and all the amenities expected today.
“We’ve made instant friends; there is a real sense of community here.”
RAEWYN, RESIDENT AT SUMMERSET AT HERITAGE PARK
From tapware to bathrooms and paint finishes to flooring, our designers have carefully thought through all the details to ensure your home is warm and welcoming.
However, if you want to change the decor, go right ahead – it’s your home after all. We just ask that you return it to its original state when you leave.
Also, you need not worry about the maintenance of your home. You can leave that to us.
All our homes are designed with accessibility in mind. You can move through your home and the village freely, whatever your level of mobility, and every home includes a full range of features with your safety and security in mind.
• Call bell systems in your home are monitored onsite 24/7 once the care centre is complete.
• Extra-wide hallways, slip-resistant flooring and bathrooms with easy-to-enter showers and grab rails add safety and reassurance
• All switches, power sockets and door handles are easy to reach
• Handles on doors and drawers are easy to use
• All our villages include secure fencing, after-hours gates and staff onsite for that reassuring sense of security
Summerset offers you a continuum of care. This means that should your needs change and you need to move into a serviced apartment or the care centre you can, though this is subject to availability and eligibility criteria. It is infrequent that when a resident needs to transfer to care there is not immediate availability.
Your choice of contemporary homes
Our villas, cottages and townhouses are perfect for those who want to live independently.
Summerset villages are designed to suit various lifestyles, enabling you to enjoy a home that suits you perfectly. We offer convenience and freedom, with modern designs, smart bathrooms, and up-to-date features.
Features generally include:
• Single-level homes designed to maximise the sun
• Internal-access garage or dedicated car park
• Your choice of two or three bedrooms
• One or two stunning bathrooms, finished to the highest level and with safety features
• Outdoor living where you can relax
• Stunning modern finishes
• Wide range of inclusions
• Walk-in wardrobes
Make the most of apartment living
With great views across the village and surrounds, there is a lot to enjoy about apartment living.
Our modern open-plan apartments are available in a choice of one, two or three bedrooms. They are designed for views, with ceilings higher than standard to provide a lovely sense of space and light.
Generous balconies and patios give you views over your village or the local area. Our apartments come with a carpark and many also have a storage locker for extra storage.
With apartments finished to the highest quality, you will enjoy your new lifestyle.
Features generally include:
• A choice of one, two or three bedrooms
• Modern bathrooms, finished to the highest level and with safety features
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Generous storage
• Balconies or patios
• Stunning modern finishes
• Carpark and storage locker
Generous serviced apartments with help on hand
If you need assistance, our serviced apartments come with some dayto-day help.
Conveniently situated with easy access to the village facilities and village life, our serviced apartments are tailored to uphold your independence.
Our serviced apartments come with essential service packages, ensuring tasks such as laundry and cooking are taken care of. We require you to maintain a service package that best suits your preferences, empowering you to fully embrace village life and prioritise what matters to you most.
Features include:
• Warm, modern apartment built to the highest standard
• Large double bedroom
• Spacious open-plan living area with kitchenette
• Fridge-freezer
• Ensuite bathroom
• Storage
• Outdoor patio or balcony (varies across villages)
Costs that make sense and represent real value
Our terms are clear and easy to understand
We’ve kept everything straightforward, with no hidden costs, so you know exactly where you stand.
When you come to live in one of our villas, cottages, apartments or serviced apartments, you pay a licence payment, a low deferred management fee of up to 25% (unless otherwise agreed) and weekly fees. There are no other hidden or future costs such as marketing or refurbishment costs (other than damage beyond fair wear and tear) to worry about.
The only other costs you will incur are your own living costs, costs for individual services that we may provide you, and an administration fee if you choose to transfer to a different home. The transfer administration fee does not apply if you transfer to a higher level of care within the same village, such as from a villa or apartment to a serviced apartment or the care centre. The weekly fee and the deferred management fee stops when you permanently vacate your home.
This is what you get for your fees:
• A gorgeous home
• Stunning resort-style facilities once the village centre is open
• The comfort of knowing your property is secure
• Invitations to events, outings and happy hour
• The opportunity to become part of our vibrant community
• Financial surety — you know exactly what you’re getting
• Peace of mind knowing that there are care facilities on site once the care centre is open.
• Freedom from worry about home maintenance — we’ll do all this for you
• Gardening done for you (if you choose)
• Staff who are onsite and available 24/7 once the care centre is complete
• Priority transfer on availability
Our cost model has three parts:
1
Before you move in
You pay:
• A deposit of $3,000
• Your licence payment
2 While you’re living in the village
You pay:
• A weekly fee
• Fees for extra services or packages
• Your own personal contents insurance, power, internet and phone bills. Note: In a serviced apartment your power is included in your weekly fee.
3 When you leave
You receive:
• Your repayment, which is the licence payment you paid when you moved in, less the deferred management fee and any outstanding charges.
If you decide that a Summerset life is not for you, you can activate your Summerset Sure guarantee. This means if you decide 90 days after moving into your Summerset independent living home or serviced apartment that Summerset isn’t right for you, we’ll refund your licensed payment without deducting the deferred management fee (some conditions apply).
This is what makes Summerset special
All up, you’ll find that life in a Summerset village is a life that you define. You have everything you need, including a beautiful and welcoming home, a busy community, lots of activities, and the freedom to come and go as you wish. You’ll be set up for whatever lies ahead, with great services, caring staff, a range of facilities, and a clear and transparent financial arrangement.
Many others
Money-back guarantee
Responsibility for weekly fees
No further capital payments
Your home comes with our Summerset Sure 90 day guarantee. This means if you decide 90 days after moving into your Summerset independent living home or serviced apartment that Summerset isn’t right for you, we’ll refund your ingoing contribution without deducting the deferred management fee (some conditions apply)
You stop paying weekly fees as soon as you permanently vacate your home and return your keys
If you transfer from a villa or cottage to a serviced apartment and it costs more than the equity in your current home, you won’t have to make a capital payment
There is no money-back guarantee; once you’ve bought, you’re committed
Home security
No costs when selling your home
Call bell system response
You may continue paying weekly fees
If you transfer to a serviced apartment and it costs more than the equity in your current home, you will have to pay the capital difference there and then
The majority of our villages are gated and locked overnight, with card access Villages may not be gated and secure overnight
There are no charges, other than for refurbishment for damage beyond fair wear and tear
Once the care centre is fully constructed, we have staff onsite 24/7 to respond to you any time you use your call bell system
You may have to pay for a range of things, including refurbishments, marketing and other costs
Call bell systems are outsourced and monitored offsite. Staff may not be available to assist
Summerset
“All the residents are friendly and the staff are so caring, just as if they’re like your own family. Any problem you have, they are always willing to help you personally.”
ROSALIE & RON, RESIDENTS AT SUMMERSET AT
HERITAGE PARK
“Moving here, in all honesty, it’s been so far above expectations – it’s incredible.”
RESIDENT AT SUMMERSET AT MONTEREY PARK
BRIAN,
No doubt, you’ve got questions
Making a move to one of our villages is a big decision, and of course there are areas where you’ll want more details. These are the things we get asked about the most. If you have any other questions, please just ask your Sales Manager.
General
Q: Is there a minimum age to live in a Summerset retirement village?
A: We require our residents to be 70 years or older.
Q: What do you do about security at night?
A: Once the village is completed, we’ll have staff onsite 24 hours a day, every day. You also have call bell systems in your home should you need them.
Q: Can my family and friends come and stay?
A: Of course. Your family and friends are welcome to stay in your home. Just check with the Village Manager first if they will be staying more than two weeks, just so that we know who’s in the village. Your visitors can use the parking in the village.
Q: What levels of care do you offer?
A: We offer a continuum of care in most of our villages, from individual services and service packages to rest home and hospitallevel care. Some of our villages also provide rest home-level dementia care (subject to availability and eligibilty).
Q: Can I bring my pet with me?
A: We welcome pets because they are a part of your family. But to make sure that your pets will be comfortable and that your new home will be suitable for them, please check first with your Village Manager
Q: Is there space for my car?
A: Most of our villas, cottages and apartments have either a garage or allocated car park.
Q: Who do I talk to if I’m worried about something?
A: We want you to love living in your village. For any concerns you are encouraged to bring these to team members and Village Managers If a matter was serious, we have a formal complaints procedure. We also hold regular meetings with residents to talk through any issues which you are welcome to attend
Transferring between homes
Q: Can I move between homes within the village?
A: Absolutely. Our continuum of care model means you have first priority to move between homes if your needs change (subject to availability and eligibilty).
Q: Do I have to pay anything to transfer?
A: You don’t have to make any capital outlay to move between an independent home and a serviced apartment, memory care apartment or care suite within the same village. Ask your Sales Manager for more information about this. A transfer administration fee of 2% of the licence price for your new home will apply if you choose to transfer between homes of the same type (e.g. serviced apartment to serviced apartment). However, the transfer administration fee does not apply if you transfer to a higher level of care within the same village, such as from a villa or apartment to a serviced apartment or the care centre.
Q: How do I transfer to the care centre in the village?
A: The first step is to talk to the Care Centre Manager. They can assess the level of care you require and recommend accommodation options or services, answer questions and help you through the next steps.
Financial
Q: What happens when I sign my Occupation Right Agreement?
A: You pay the balance of the licence payment after you sign the Occupation Right Agreement, which settles the purchase of the licence to occupy for your home. You do this before you take possession and move in.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after moving in?
A: If you decide that a Summerset life is not for you, you can activate your Summerset Sure guarantee. This means you have:
• 30 days to decide if your memory care apartment, or care suite is right for you; or
• 90 days to decide if your independent living home or serviced apartment is right for you.
If you’re unhappy with your decision (other than for health reasons), we will refund your licence payment in full. Some conditions apply
Q: What happens with capital gains and losses?
A: There are no capital gains or losses. When you purchase your home with us, you’re not buying the building or the title to any land. Instead, you’re buying a right to occupy your home for your lifetime or until your Occupation Right Agreement is terminated. When someone else buys the home, we set the price for them based on market conditions, meaning you neither gain nor lose capital in that transaction.
Q: How are my rights protected?
A: Your lifetime right to occupy and your repayment sum are secured by way of a firstranking mortgage, which Public Trust, our Statutory Supervisor, has over the assets of the village. In addition to the mortgage, a memorial has been placed on the title to the village to protect your right to continue to live in your home, whatever happens to us. That means your rights to continue to live in your home and to receive your repayment sum are always protected
Q: Do I need to pay to refurbish my home and to market it when I move out?
A: No. We cover these costs. You will only be responsible for refurbishment costs if the damage is beyond fair wear and tear.
Q: Who pays to maintain the village?
A: We meet all the costs to maintain the village and facilities.
Q: What happens when I leave?
A: Leaving can be a difficult time for everyone, and we want to support you as much as possible. That’s why your weekly fee stops as soon as you permanently vacate your home. We undertake marketing and resale of your home once you’ve left. When you leave you will receive your repayment sum (which is your licence to occupy payment, less the deferred management fee and any outstanding charges).
Come
and see for yourself
We aim to make sure you have the right home for your needs and situation, that you have the right level of care available now and in case you need it in the future, and that the village you choose is one where you can make the most of the Summerset life.
Having helped thousands of people decide that Summerset is right for them and their family, we have some top pointers on how to make a decision you’re comfortable with:
• Talk this over with people who care about you
• Get independent advice from a lawyer, preferably one with experience in retirement villages, so that you fully understand your contract
• Make a list of the things you’re looking for, now and in the years ahead
• Talk to the sales manager about living in a Summerset village
Above all, please come and see us. Spend some time at our villages. Have a coffee in the café and talk to our residents. Check out our facilities. Have a chat to our team. We’re proud of what we offer, and we’re happy to share the Summerset feeling with you. We think it’s very special.
And remember, there’s always the reassurance of our Summerset Sure guarantee.*
* Terms and conditions apply
Our villages
New Zealand
Northland
Summerset Mount Denby
Auckland
Summerset by the Park
Summerset Falls
Summerset Half Moon Bay
Summerset at Heritage Park
Summerset at Karaka
Summerset Milldale
Summerset Belmont
Summerset at Monterey Park
Summerset St Johns
Waikato
Summerset by the Lake
Summerset Cambridge
Summerset down the Lane
Summerset Rototuna
Bay of Plenty
Summerset by the Dunes
Summerset by the Sea
Summerset Rotorua
Hawke’s Bay
Summerset in the Bay
Summerset Mission Hills
Summerset in the Orchard
Summerset in the Vines
Summerset Palms
Taranaki
Summerset Mountain View
Summerset at Pohutukawa Place
Manawatū – Wanganui
Summerset by the Ranges
Summerset in the River City
Summerset Kelvin Grove
Summerset on Summerhill
Wellington
Summerset at Aotea
Summerset at the Course
Summerset Boulcott
Summerset on the Coast
Summerset on the Landing
Summerset Waikanae
Summerset Otaihanga
Summerset Cashmere Oaks
Nelson – Tasman
Summerset in the Sun
Summerset Richmond Ranges
Marlborough
Summerset Blenheim
Canterbury
Summerset at Avonhead
Summerset at Wigram
Summerset on Cavendish
Summerset Prebbleton
Summerset Rangiora
Summerset Rolleston
Otago
Summerset at Bishopscourt
Summerset Mosgiel
Australia
Cranbourne North Torquay
Mernda Chirnside Park
Oakleigh South Craigieburn Drysdale
Mernda
Torquay
Chirnside Park
Craigieburn
Cranbourne North Oakleigh South
MELBOURNE
Drysdale