Village opening today

Work is nearly complete at the new $8.5 million Wanaka Retirement Village, which will be officially opened by Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden today.

Builders from Breens Construction have finished their work at the 22-home village and landscapers have been laying the lawns, planting trees and completing paving this week.

Several residents moved into their new homes last weekend.

Seven of the 14 two-bedroom villas and two of eight apartments have sold, Presbyterian Support Services chief executive Gillian Bremner said.

The village is for older people who want to live independently from Elmslie House Rest Home and Hospital but with the security of knowing assistance is close at hand if needed, Ms Bremner said.

Today's 2pm opening ceremony at 7 Meadowstone Dr will feature the unveiling of a time capsule by the mayor and an afternoon tea.