During the warmer months, Arvida communities love to gather around the barbecue for a bit of classic Kiwi cuisine. It’s a great way to catch up with friends and get some fresh air.

You don’t have to be an experienced bowler to give it your best shot. Almost anyone can play bowls, a game famous for its competitive camaraderie.

Many of our newer communities have an on-site café. We encourage interested residents to get involved and help the café operators.

There’s more to croquet than knocking a ball through some hoops. It’s a strategic game that’s enjoyed at many of our communities. Whether you’ve played before or are a croquet newbie, this is a pastime known for laughs and fierce competition.

Cycling Without Age is a worldwide organisation that puts piloted bicycle trishaws into the community to benefit those who can’t bike by themselves. Several Arvida communities have trishaws available, which are pedalled by local volunteers.

Find out more about this global organisation

Many Arvida communities have shared dining areas with attractive, comfortable dining furniture.

Part of healthy ageing is maintaining muscle mass and cardio fitness. It’s so much easier when you have qualified instructors and specialised equipment.

Many Arvida communities have a hair and beauty salon that looks after both ladies and gents. Our stylists are talented and friendly, so you’ll look forward to your regular appointment.

Most Arvida communities have a bar or socialising area where you can enjoy your favourite tipple with friends and meet new residents of the community.

All Arvida communities have spaces for creative fun and discovery. We ask our residents what they want to do, then help to make it happen.

As a resident of an Arvida community, you won’t have to spend money on reading material. There will be a community library full of new and donated books and magazines. Some libraries have a computer for online reading too.

Arvida’s Park Lane community in Christchurch has New Zealand’s first Arvida Good Friends, Living Well centre. Open to the public as well as residents, it includes a gym, fitness classes, a heated indoor pool, café and health-related services. More Living Well centres are in the pipeline.

When you’d rather watch TV with friends, our communities have TV lounges for a shared viewing experience. Bring your own snacks!

If there’s a purpose-built movie room or cinema at your Arvida community, a night at the flicks is free! Find out what your friends want to see and ask our people to make it happen.

Petanque, aka boules, involves throwing metal balls at a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (jack). It’s an easy game for novices to learn and can be played on grass or gravel. Many of our communities have an area for petanque.

You’ll notice that ‘piano’ is listed as a feature for many of our communities. We take care to keep these beautiful instruments in tune, so that residents can rediscover the pleasure of making music. Adept grandchildren are welcome to perform too!

Socialising around the pool table is an option at many Arvida communities. Aside from fun, playing pool is good for staying active, burning calories, stretching the body and challenging the mind.

A number of Arvida communities have a bar where residents can regularly catch up with each other over a cool beverage or two. Happy hours and themed cocktail events are part of the fun.

Some of our communities have a workshop space where there are tools and materials for residents who love to create, solve problems and restore things. Workshops are a great place to hang out with your mates while you get things done.

While every Arvida community has professional gardeners, we love it when residents want to get involved with maintaining flower beds and pruning shrubs.

Relaxing in hot water eases aches and pains, helping you to sleep better. That’s why many Arvida Living Well communities have a spa.

Many of our communities have heated indoor pools for all-year-round exercise. It’s great to take the weight off your feet and work on your swimming style.

If the Arvida community you’re interested in has a table tennis table, you can look forward to dusting off your ping pong skills. This game is excellent for keeping your brain sharp.

Every Arvida Living Well community has a van for outings. Some excursions are for shopping; others are just for fun.

Raised vegetable gardens are an opportunity to collaborate with other gardeners in your Arvida community. Together, you’ll grow great things.