Skip to content
All articles

Affordable unique gifts and delicious homemade baking

Christmas markets originated in Germany but they have now spread all over the world, including New Zealand. These festive markets, adorned with twinkling lights and decorated stalls, offer a magical atmosphere where the spirit of Christmas comes alive. Real Living villages adopted this tradition a few years ago and every year the markets keep growing with more stalls and an increase in visitors.

At Pakuranga Park the residents gather at the beginning of December for a very successful market that includes homemade Christmas cakes, holiday cards, knitted garments, toys and handcrafted candles. It’s a great opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts at affordable prices, with the added satisfaction of knowing they originate from a local source or even a neighbour.

This jewellery stand featured some enchanting Christmas brooches that brought delight to the residents.

One of the most popular stalls at Pakuranga Park’s market is always Grandma Jenkins Fruit Cakes, with owner Pauline baking delicious Christmas cakes using her grandmother’s special recipe. Residents have the opportunity to try the cake before purchasing it and Pauline also offers gluten-free cakes.

The market also has lots of stalls for Real Living’s residents who would like to sell their handcrafted gifts and homemade cards. Over the past weeks, some have dedicated all their free time to knitting garments or fashioning unique presents, tailored for both children and those young at heart.

Pakuranga Park’s Christmas market is not only a great opportunity to check off items from the shopping list but also the perfect chance to socialize with family and friends. With its lovely Christmas decorations and festive lights, the market fosters a sense of togetherness and allows residents to share in the joy of giving.

If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Sylvie on 027 314 5767 or email sylvie.borrett@realliving.co.nz

Latest articles

All News
Bowls and new friendships
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
07 July 2025

Bowls and new friendships

What makes a retirement village truly special? It’s the sense of community that grows within its walls. At Remuera Gardens, our newly opened Avenue Apartments are seamlessly connected by a vibrant hub featuring a bowling green and the Pavilion—the social heart of the village, where friends come together to enjoy a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!) and share good company. Every Wednesday, residents gather for a friendly game of bowls on the green—a tradition that captures the spirit of village life. Want to experience it for yourself?
Read more
Pink with Purpose at Real Living
Pakuranga Park
News
Pakuranga Park
News
18 June 2025

Pink with Purpose at Real Living

When it comes to supporting a good cause, our residents have hearts of gold! The Pakuranga Park Social Club recently hosted a Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, raising a sparkling total $2,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. The village was awash in a cheerful sea of pink—from the delicious treats to the residents’ vibrant outfits. But the best part? The joyful laughter and sense of community that filled the room as friends came together to support such an important cause.
Read more
"It was exactly what we were looking for"
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
06 June 2025

"It was exactly what we were looking for"

It’s not every day you find a home that ticks all the boxes—but that’s exactly what happened to John and Veronica, two of the very first residents at The Avenue Apartments in Remuera. “We’ve never looked back and are loving our new lifestyle in our independent apartment,” they say with a big smile, relaxing in their spacious and sun-filled living area.
Read more