# 2026 — Summerset — Web Capture — Retirement Living Options

**Source URL:** https://www.summerset.co.nz
**Publisher/Organisation:** Summerset Group Holdings
**Date accessed:** June 2026
**Folder/category:** 14 Provider Brochures
**Source type:** Web capture / Provider brochure
**NZ-specific:** Yes
**Reliability rating:** High (major NZX-listed provider, publicly available information)

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## Why This Source Matters

Summerset is one of New Zealand's largest and fastest-growing retirement village operators, with over 38 villages nationwide and a strong reputation for quality. As an NZX-listed company (SUM), Summerset's offerings, financial health, and expansion plans are publicly reported. Understanding their living and care options helps older New Zealanders and their families compare what different providers offer when making one of the most significant decisions in later life.

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## About Summerset

| Field                  | Detail                                                                                   |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Founded**            | 1995                                                                                     |
| **Headquarters**       | Auckland, New Zealand                                                                    |
| **Listed**             | NZX (SUM)                                                                                |
| **Villages**           | 38+ villages across New Zealand                                                          |
| **Target demographic** | People aged 70+                                                                          |
| **Brand promise**      | "Love the life you choose"                                                               |
| **Awards**             | 2026 NZ Reader's Digest Trusted Brands winner — Aged Care & Retirement Villages category |
| **Recognition**        | "New Zealand's most trusted aged care and retirement village brand"                      |

Summerset's philosophy centres on choice and flexibility — residents can choose how active or relaxed they want their retirement to be, with the security of knowing care is available if needed.

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## Living and Care Options

### 1. Independent Living (Villas, Townhouses, Apartments)

| Aspect           | Description                                                                                                                    |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Villas**       | Standalone 1–3 bedroom homes with private gardens; maximum independence                                                        |
| **Townhouses**   | Multi-level homes, often with garages; more space                                                                              |
| **Apartments**   | Lock-up-and-leave living; minimal maintenance                                                                                  |
| **Key features** | Full use of village amenities (clubhouses, pools, bowling greens, community gardens); social events; maintenance-free exterior |
| **Who it's for** | Active retirees who want to downsize without sacrificing quality of life                                                       |

### 2. Serviced Apartments (Assisted Living)

| Aspect                | Description                                                        |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **What it is**        | Apartments with additional support services                        |
| **Services included** | Chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, laundry                         |
| **Care available**    | Personal care support as needs change                              |
| **Who it's for**      | Residents who need some daily assistance but not full nursing care |

### 3. Care Centres (Rest Home, Hospital, Dementia)

| Aspect             | Description                                                  |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Rest Home Care** | 24-hour supervision, personal care, nursing oversight        |
| **Hospital Care**  | Registered nursing care for complex medical needs            |
| **Dementia Care**  | Specialist secure units with trained staff                   |
| **All levels**     | Available within many Summerset villages — continuum of care |

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## Village Network (Regional Coverage)

| Region                 | Villages                                             |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Auckland**           | 7 villages + developments underway                   |
| **Northland**          | Summerset Mount Denby                                |
| **Waikato**            | Village(s) available                                 |
| **Bay of Plenty**      | 2 existing villages                                  |
| **Taranaki**           | Village(s) available                                 |
| **Hawke's Bay**        | Village(s) available                                 |
| **Manawatu-Whanganui** | Village(s) available                                 |
| **Wellington**         | Village(s) available                                 |
| **Nelson-Tasman**      | Summerset Richmond Ranges, Summerset in the Sun      |
| **Marlborough**        | Summerset Blenheim                                   |
| **Canterbury**         | Multiple villages (vineyards, coastlines, mountains) |
| **Otago**              | Village(s) in Dunedin area                           |

Summerset continues to expand, with new villages in development across several regions.

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## Continuum of Care Model

Like other major providers, Summerset offers a continuum of care approach:

1. **Move in** to independent living (villa, townhouse, or apartment)
2. **Transition** to serviced apartments if additional support is needed
3. **Access** rest home, hospital, or dementia care as health needs increase
4. **Stay** within the Summerset community throughout

This means residents and their families have certainty that care needs will be met without having to relocate to a different provider.

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## Resident Experience

Summerset emphasises resident stories and testimonials, featuring real residents who share their experiences of:

- Downsizing and simplifying life
- Building new friendships and community connections
- Enjoying an active lifestyle with amenities on hand
- Finding peace of mind knowing care is available if needed

Recent resident stories highlight themes of gaining a new life rather than losing independence.

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## Information and Tours

| Resource                  | How to Access             |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| **Free information pack** | Request via website       |
| **Open days & events**    | Nationwide — book online  |
| **Virtual tours**         | Online for many villages  |
| **In-person visits**      | By appointment            |
| **Summerset Scene**       | Resident stories magazine |

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## Contact Information

| Method               | Details                                                         |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Website**          | https://www.summerset.co.nz                                     |
| **Events**           | https://www.summerset.co.nz/about-us/events/                    |
| **Information pack** | https://www.summerset.co.nz/contact-us/get-an-information-pack/ |

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## Key Facts Summary

- ✅ 38+ villages across New Zealand — one of the largest networks
- ✅ NZX-listed (SUM) — publicly accountable financial reporting
- ✅ 2026 Reader's Digest Trusted Brands award winner
- ✅ Range of living options: villas, townhouses, apartments, serviced apartments
- ✅ Full care continuum: rest home, hospital, dementia care
- ✅ Strong focus on resident choice and lifestyle flexibility
- ✅ Free information packs and nationwide open days
- ✅ Expanding with new villages under development

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## Practical Use Cases

- An active retiree looking for a villa in a regional centre uses this guide to understand Summerset's offerings
- A family compares Summerset's 38-village network against other providers when choosing a location near family
- Someone evaluating providers uses Summerset's award recognition as a quality indicator
- A resident considering downsizing reads about the continuum of care model for future planning

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## Related Files

- `14_Provider_Brochures/2026 - Ryman Healthcare - Web Capture - Care Options Guide.md`
- `14_Provider_Brochures/2026 - Bupa NZ - Web Capture - Care Home Services.md`
- `03_Retirement_Villages/2026 - Retirement Commission - Topic Map - Retirement Village Rights Complaints and Reform.md`
- `11_Market_and_Industry_Reports/2025 - Metlifecare - Annual Report.pdf`

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_Part of the NZ Seniors Knowledge Base_
_Captured: June 2026_
