New Zealand

OUR VENUE

Just a forty minute drive from Auckland, our home for 9 days will be at a lovely rustic retreat centre nestled in the forest. We are bordered by a small river on one side, thick native bushland all around and located only a short drive from the wild and stunningly beautiful West Coast beach of Te Henga.

Enjoy vast garden surrounds, trails into the bush, freshwater running, unpolluted fresh air , starry skies and saltwater a short distance away. This little gem is a paradise found, embedded deeply in natures elements. In the garden you can enjoy the wood-fired sauna and outdoor spa.

Rooms are on a twin share basis, with limited single supplements available. Shared bathrooms only. Simple, clean and comfortable with a selection of communal relaxing areas, both inside and out.

YOGA

Two sessions of yoga will be shared per day. Depending on our program of side trips, on some days this may revert to one. A full rest day will be enjoyed on day 4. We have a lovely yoga room to practice in, a mediation shala tucked away in the bush and we will also take the opportunity for some practices in our natural, stunning surrounds. Sessions will be lead by Fiona Galloway, founder of Wild Awake and Yoga Blu Australia, together with Sue Byrne of Yoga Byrne, Perth.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience between them, you can rest assured you are in safe hands. Learn more about Fiona and Sue on the ‘About Us’ page here.

HEALING

MASSAGE AND NATURAL THERAPIES
To deepen and enhance your retreating experience, local therapists will be on hand to support you with healing and rejuvenating treatments including massage, energy work and natural beauty. One complimentary massage (1hr) is included in the retreat package. Other treatments are at the expense of guests. Details and prices of treatments available will be available closer to the retreat in order to support you in planning your therapy experience.

FOOD

Nourish yourself with wholesome, vegetarian meals prepared in our retreat kitchen by experienced wholefoods cooks and created from local, fresh organic ingredients. Tea, coffee & fruits will also be available daily.

One lunch and one dinner will be enjoyed together off-site. Venues to be decided when we arrive.

DAY 1 – AUCKLAND TO THE WAITEKERES

Meet in Auckland City late morning (time & location TBC) to travel together to our retreat venue. We will stop for lunch and a cuppa along the way (cost is guest responsibility) before arriving at our home base at 2pm for check-in. Time to settle in and enjoy a juice or herbal tea, get to know the property before a late afternoon yoga session. Dinner together will be followed by a yoga nidra practice before drifting off into dreamland t rest our travelling bodies in preparation for the days of adventures ahead.

DAY 2 – 8 (Except Day 5 – please see below)

6:45-9am – morning yoga, pranayama, meditation (led by Sue)
9:15am – breakfast
10am – a variety of choices will be schedules (including complete relaxation!) Please check the list below.
1pm – wholesome, vegetarian lunch (One lunch will be enjoyed together off-site).
2pm – free range or afternoon excursion to get the blood flowing
4:30-6:30pm – afternoon yin or restorative yoga (led by Fiona)
7pm – dinner* (On the evening of Day 4 we will enjoy this at an outside venue)
Evening – time to connect, rest, share a movie on occasion, or simply ‘just be’.

DAY 5 – FREE RANGE DAY

Following our evening out, Day 5 is a ‘free range’ day to organise and do as you wish. A group excursion can be organised  or you may choose to simply relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. We will discuss this together and make a suitable plan for everyone.

DAY 9 – FINAL RETREAT DAY – Return to Auckland

6:45-8:30am – morning yoga
8:45am – breakfast
10am – Check-out
10:30am – Depart for our journey back to Auckland City.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS that will be incorporated into the program

– a selection of short hikes of varying degrees of difficulty, length… and stunning-ness!!
– group excursions to nearby natural ‘hot spots’
– regular trips to Te Henga/Bethells Beach for some sandy toes, salty dips and beach combing. We can also enjoy a yoga or meditation session or two here in ‘nature’s studio’.
– massages, healing & beauty treatments will be available to book onsite
– enjoy the creek for a refreshing dip then jump in the sizzling sauna (feel alive!)
– soak in the garden spa in the sunshine or eve under the stars

A final retreat program will be sent out closer to our journey and incorporate all these goodies and offerings. Timing will be subject to change with weather and necessary adjustments.

GETTING THERE

Please arrange flights from your home country to Auckland. A group transfer departing and returning to Auckland City will be arranged and details provided closer to departure.

OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

FITNESS
A moderate level of fitness is recommended in order to get the most out of this experience, as there will be opportunities for hiking, exploring the local outdoors and being significantly active – in addition to the restoration benefits of yoga. However, ultimately what you would like to get out of the retreat and how you approach this is entirely up to you.