Development of Wānaka’s newest retirement village set to begin

Metlifecare has been given the go-ahead to build a premium retirement village on its Wānaka site following the approval of resource consent by Queenstown Lakes District Council.

The company will invest around $200m in transforming the 5.42-hectare site, located within the Three Parks development at Lake Wānaka.

Once complete, the village will be home to approximately 150 residents and will provide a range of accommodation options, including around 95 independent living villas and 30 premium care suites.

Metlifecare Senior Development Manager, Michelle van Kampen, who is overseeing the project, says receiving the green light to develop this site is a significant step towards intended construction at one of New Zealand’s most desirable locations.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the choice of Metlifecare’s premium retirement living to this thriving and rapidly growing community. Wānaka is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and access to some of Aotearoa’s best outdoor and alpine activities which our future residents will have at their front doorstep.

“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting journey, so we’re eager to start progressing with the detailed design phase. Our vision is to create a unique village that offers the perfect balance of tranquillity, community, and outdoor splendour.”

Earthworks for the first stage of the project, which will include the construction of the first 30 two-and-three-bedroom villas, are due to start later this year. Metlifecare looks forward to welcoming its first residents into the village in 2026.

Stage two will follow shortly after and will see the construction of the main amenities building and care home, with expected completion in 2027.

“We’ll be engaging high-end architectural and landscape designers to create beautiful buildings and outdoor areas that will honour their natural surroundings and maximise the site’s expansive views across to Mount Iron to the northeast and Cardrona Valley and mountains to the west.

“The village will include all the premium facilities Metlifecare residents have come to expect, including café and dining areas, indoor/outdoor flow for socialising, a library, and a health and wellness spa with a heated indoor swimming pool, spa, and gym facilities. It’s just a short stroll to Wānaka Golf Course plus residents also have the added convenience of the Three Parks recreational and retail complex nearby,” says Michelle.

The acquisition of this Wānaka site in April 2022 marked Metlifecare’s entry back into the South Island as part of its overall five-year growth strategy which includes expanding its geographical footprint across the country and increasing its volume of aged residential care offering.

Since 2022, the company has purchased two premium retirement villages in Christchurch (Merivale Village and The Village Palms), and more recently acquired Springlands Lifestyle Village in Blenheim. All three premium retirement villages have existing onsite care homes.

ENDS

Register your interest at www.wanakaretirement.co.nz