Mana Retreat Centre

Community Meditation
2024-10-01 17:00 - 18:15, 2024-11-05 17:00 - 18:15, 2024-12-03 17:00 - 18:15 (Pacific/Auckland) | Mana Retreat Centre, 608 Manaia Road, State Highway 25, RD1, Coromandel, 3581, New Zealand
Come along and join Amrit each month for Community Meditation.
Together we will practise simple meditation techniques, supported by yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises) and walking meditation, in the serene environment at Mana.
5.00pm – 6pm in the octagon, first Tuesday of each month
(6th August, 3rd September, 1st October, 5th November, 3rd December)
By Koha. No bookings required.
All are Welcome.

Winter Break
2025-06-23 08:00 - 2025-07-31 17:00
The centre will then be closed for our winter break from June 23 – July 28.
During this time, we won’t be receiving any visitors.
For any urgent enquiries please contact be@manaretreat.com.

Mid Winter Relaxation Retreat with Jessica Dziwulska
2025-08-01 16:00 - 2025-08-04 14:00
MID WINTER RELAXATION RETREAT
With Jessica Dziwulska
August 1-4 (3 nights)
Jessica’s annual mid Winter relaxation retreat (now in it’s 12th year) always delivers a beautiful weekend – The intention is to create space to reconnect, turn inward and rest your body, mind and soul.
Mid Winter is a potent time to look inward, solidify dreams and directions and sow seeds for possibilities to flourish.
What to expect:
The daily schedule includes active yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, gentle movement practices, guided relaxation techniques, self inquiry and time in nature. Three days of deliciousness!
Mana Retreat Centre is a place of deep healing, the food is nourishing, fresh and prepared with love and the staff are dedicated to their vision for a place of community, peace and wellness. Mana is always a healing, welcoming and wonderful place to be!
The perfect gift to yourself, the perfect Mid Winter reset.

Your Retreat Includes:

3 nights of accommodation
Deliciously nourishing vegetarian meals
Daily yoga and movement schedule
An experienced and dedicated facilitator to guide and support you throughout the weekend
Accommodation in single, twin share or quad share rooms available.

BOOKINGS
To find out more or book your spot please contact Jessica on info@brighterlife.nz
PRICES FROM $750-$990
Single rooms are available, but limited and often fill quickly. Otherwise rooms are twin or quad share and prices reflect this.

Your Facilitator:
JESSICA DZIWULSKA
Jessica is deeply passionate about yoga, dance, creativity, and mindful movement as pathways to a richer, more fulfilling experience of being human. With over 25 years of experience in health, wellness, and fitness, she brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and authenticity to her work. Known for her inclusive, compassionate facilitation and her ability to connect deeply and authentically, Jessica creates spaces that are both joyful and profoundly supportive.
Her extensive training spans yoga, somatics, conscious dance, therapeutic movement, and the expressive arts. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Dance Movement Therapy, Jessica has also recently completed a 300-hour Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Advanced Facilitator training. Trauma sensitivity is at the heart of her approach, ensuring that her offerings are grounded in care, safety, and understanding.
Jessica’s journey is one of navigating the complexities of modern life—parenting, running a business, living with anxiety, and embracing the transitions of peri-menopause. She understands that the path to wellness is deeply personal and unique for everyone.

“As someone who has walked my own winding road, I am passionate about supporting others on their journeys. Whether you’re seeking stillness, strength, or a deeper connection to yourself, my goal is to provide tools, guidance, and encouragement as you discover and shape your own path to wellness.”

RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY
NEW ZEALAND BASED RETREATS: Deposits on NZ based retreats are $200NZ and are non-refundable. If you cancel your place on one of our New Zealand based retreats 2 months or more beforehand, you will be refunded in full LESS your deposit. This covers costs incurred due to bookings made on your behalf, administration fees and potential loss of income. Cancellations made within 2 months of the retreat are non refundable UNLESS your spot can be filled by someone else. If your spot is filled you will receive back all payments you have made EXCEPT for your deposit, which in non-refundable.

August Relax and Wellness Weekend with the Mana Team
2025-08-08 16:00 - 2025-08-10 14:00
Join us for a Relax and Wellness Weekend Retreat at Mana
2 nights accommodation & delicious vegetarian meals
Are you looking for an affordable getaway to unwind from the pace of life? Catch your breath at a Mana Relaxation Weekend, where you can experience recreation in a way that supports your wellness and well-being. An opportunity to rest and replenish with an optional daily schedule designed to cultivate relaxation.
Mana is the most beautiful tranquil place to visit that allows you to step away from life for a bit. The staff are so warm & welcoming, the food so nourishing & delicious! Thank you so so much for sharing it with so many of us. I’ve been a number of times now & will continue to return!
Driving in Mana Retreat Centre you really do feel like you’re leaving the hustle and bustle behind to be enveloped by the earth. They make you feel looked after, well-fed, relaxed and supported.
Non-judgmental, quiet and contemplative sanctuary, in the most beautiful location.

What is included?

Two nights of accommodation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner – wholesome vegetarian cuisine
Beginners Qi Gong, Meditation and Yoga classes
Plenty of time to relax, read, walk in nature, have a sauna, bush bath or massage

(please note massage appointments are an additional charge and require booking in advance, schedule may change).

Inspired to see more? Watch our Relax and Wellness Video here.

Introducing
Your Teachers
Amrit Saraswati
Amrit is a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and meditation. She completed her first yoga teacher training with Ashram Yoga in 2012 and has been learning, deepening and sharing traditional yoga practices in various retreat Centre’s around New Zealand for the last decade.
She has been involved with the Silent Meditations Retreat for the last 10 years and is passionate about the transformation and growth it inspires in people. She teaches with compassion, authenticity and humility. Her calm and concise teaching allows people to go deep within themselves and have their own unique experience.

Hedwig Bakker
Hedwig grew up in the Netherlands, was trained as a teacher physical education and worked as an outdoor instructor for 15 years until she left the Netherlands in 2000. Initially she travelled overseas, then lived in India and Nepal for nine years where she engaged in Buddhist teachings & retreats and several charity projects. Hedwig has been practicing meditation for over two decades and has been leading meditation classes, courses and retreats since 2004. She is also a certified Holden Qi Gong teacher and leads all kinds of Qi Gong events. These many years of personal practice and leading retreats & courses have resulted in a richness of experience and a genuine joy in sharing and guiding others in meditation & movement practice.
Hedwig’s courses & classes are universal and suitable for people from all walks of life. Her approach is joyful, gentle, practical, and with a sense of lightness and humour.

Secure your spot with us.

Hormonal Harmony Retreat: Understanding, Empowering, and Celebrating Change
2025-08-12 14:00 - 2025-08-14 14:00
Hormonal Harmony Retreat: Understanding, Empowering, and Celebrating Change
With Marie Tamatea
August 12-14, 2025
“Let’s honour and celebrate the hormonal changes we experience, embracing the wisdom they bring”

What to expect
Daily yoga, workshops including breath-work, essential oils, as well as a women’s health workshop run by registered nurse and registered naturopath who has been involved in healthcare for nearly 30 years. Diving into the science to gain a deeper understanding of our hormones, we can release fear and negativity surrounding this life transition.
Together, we’ll learn how to embrace these changes with confidence, balance, and vitality as we step into the next chapter of life.

Daily Schedule
Tuesday 12th August
2pm: Arrive
2.30pm Vinyasa Yoga Flow
3.30pm Welcome Circle
6.00pm Dinner
7.30pm Yin Yoga
8.30-11pm Sauna Available
Wednesday 13th August
07.30am Yoga Flow
08.30am Breakfast
10.30am Women’s Health & Hormones workshop
1.00pm Lunch
3.30pm Osho Meditation in the Sanctuary
6.00pm Dinner
7.30pm Essential Oils Workshop
8.30-11pm Sauna available
Thursday 14th August
07.30 Yoga Flow
08.30am Breakfast
10.30am Somatic Breathwork
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Closing Circle
2.00pm Depart

Costs:
Prices Starting from:
$600 per person including Tuition, all meals and use of facilities

Introducing
Your Teacher
Marie Tamatea
As a registered nurse for 28 years with a focus on natural medicine for the past 16 years, I am passionate about health.
My aim is to empower you to bring balance back into your life. As a registered naturopath, I am passionate about getting to the root cause of imbalance and safely guiding you on your path to wellness.
Marie’s Facebook: https://finebalancenaturop.wixsite.com/yogaadventures?

Bookings:

For bookings please visit this link:
https://events.humanitix.com/hormone-harmony-retreat
For more information please contact Marie at finebalancenaturopath@gmail.com

Shiatsu Retreat
2025-08-15 15:00 - 2025-08-17 14:00
Shiatsu Retreat
August, 15th-17th, 2025
Please find the details for this retreat below

Release, Replenish, Restore with Fiona Liu
2025-08-21 16:00 - 2025-08-24 14:00
RELEASE REPLENISH RESTORE – A fascia release and yoga retreat
With Fiona Liu
August 21st – 24th, 2025

Join Fiona for a 3-day transformational wellness retreat at the tranquil Mana Retreat Centre, Coromandel.
This Release, Replenish, Restore retreat is designed to release deep-seated tension, replenish energy, and restore fascia health. We combine myofascial release, yin yoga, and mindfulness to help you move freely and feel revitalised and rejuvenated.
All meals are prepared for you, nurturing yoga and meditation sessions, forests to explore and lots of relaxation time, connect back into nature and back into you.

What to expect
Somatic Movement & Breathwork – Gentle movement focusing on fascial release and breath practices to improve mobility and reawaken your fascia’s natural elasticity.
Myofascial Release – Gentle self-massage techniques using therapy balls and hands-on guidance to soften tight areas, improve tissue hydration, and ease discomfort.
Yin Yoga – Long-held, supported postures to release tension and restore nervous system balance and invite deeper relaxation.
Meditation & Stillness – Guided meditations to quiet the mind and cultivate inner awareness.
Nature & Deep Rest – Space to reconnect with yourself in a breathtaking natural setting, allowing for full-body replenishment.

Is This Retreat for You?
This retreat is for you if you want to feel more at ease in your body, move with greater freedom, and cultivate a deeper connection to self-care.

It’s especially beneficial if you:
Experience stiffness, body aches, or reduced mobility.
Feel the effects of stress, tension, or burnout in your body.
Want to improve posture, circulation, and energy levels.
Crave time for deep rest and replenishment.

What’s included:

Sauna
*Optional massage
Walks to waterfalls and expansive views
Hiking to Tara Sanctuary and labyrinth
Library

Set in the peaceful sanctuary of Mana Retreat Centre, this retreat offers a gentle yet profound journey toward renewed vitality and well-being.

Pricing Options:
($60 extra for ensuite)
Shared room: $975
Single room: $1,075
Email Fiona to reserve your spot for the Release Replenish Restore yoga retreat:
Email: hello@mindfullyyin.com
Ph: 0212548511

Your Teacher
Fiona Liu
Fiona has been dedicating herself to teaching yoga for over 15 years and leading yoga retreats for over a decade. It is a joyful continuing journey of perfecting her craft.
Once a yoga studio owner, now a mother of two young girls, Fiona is grateful that she has the tools to meet herself each day, as not only a mother, wife, or business owner, but also as her own self. The ongoing self-inquiry of yoga allows her to look deep inside and be clear of what she needs on and off the mat to care for herself and those around her.
Her unique and comprehensive training experience both in NZ and overseas with renowned international teachers, completion of over 1000 hours of yoga teacher training including mindfulness meditation, myofascial release, somatic awareness and Yin Yoga, has helped her transform the lives of many.
Her mission is to support you to discover and connect to their own authentic self, so you can be mindful and be at ease in each and every moment.
With her deep understanding about yoga, fascia, traditional Chinese medicine and mindfulness, she has crafted the most nurturing retreat for you.

Alive - Open Floor Dance & Yoga with Sacha Paddy and Neal Ghoshal
2025-08-29 16:00 - 2025-08-31 14:00
Alive – A Spring Open Floor Dance and Yoga Retreat
August 29th – 31st
With Sacha Paddy and Neal Ghoshal

What to expect
This weekend with the guiding lights of Open Floor Dance and Yoga, we will move, dance, connect, rest and reflect supported by the beauty of the land at Mana Retreat.
We will feel into our innate aliveness and let this open pathways to move into our life with refreshed vitality, depth and joy. Both the yoga and dance practices are open to all those with a willingness to move and explore.

Meet your teachers
Sacha Paddy has been teaching conscious dance for over 15 years and is a certified teacher of both open floor and 5 rhythms dance practices. She holds a heartfelt compassionate, fun, and welcoming space in which to explore life-themes through your dance and movement.

Neal has been practicing Yoga for over twenty years and teaching since 2003. He sees Yoga as a guide to restoring our place and understanding of who we are and how we can live peacefully, happily and fulfilled. Neal’s teaching focuses on exploring and refining natural movement and alignment principles – learning to embody these principles in a way that takes our spiritual practice into our everyday lives.
“My aim in teaching is to create a safe and inviting space in which to learn and discover Yoga as a balance between effort and effortlessness, structural alignment and organic fluidity, mindfulness and spontaneity. Ultimately, the practice of Yoga leads us to a place where we may respond to life’s challenges with ease in our breath and body, with wise choices, and with heartful kindness.

Please visit: www.sacredmoves.com for offerings and inspirations in Open Floor Movement Practice and 5 Rhythms Dance New Zealand.

ReWILD for Men Retreat with Jaime Howell
2025-09-05 12:00 - 2025-09-07 14:00
ReWILD for Men
September, 5th-7th, 2025
With Jaime Howell

A weekend for men offered by men who are curious to embody the map to wholeness (as described by Bill Plotkin). Using mythology, ritual, movement, music and nature we will embody the resources of the four archetypes of human wholeness, namely; The Wild Indigenous one, Soul Muse; Sacred fool/trickster/innocent, and the Nurturing Generative Adult.
The four facets of wholeness are powerful resources. Each archetype has a gift. Some men will benefit from reconnecting with their wildness, it will help them to reclaim their power and find freedom outside of conformity. Others are hungry for the creativity that can come when connecting to the muse, the mytho-poetic conversation with Soul. Others will gain resources to support the inner generative adult. We work with the understanding that it is our wounding where our gifts live.
Our communities need men who are doing the inner work to mature their relationship to their egos so they may be in service to life.
This work/play/exploration happens with the support of others using the arts and nature to inspire wholeness.

What to expect
This is a weekend for men who are ready to move beyond their comfortable self to nudge the possibilities that exist when men show up with courage, care and curiosity.
This course could also be considered a professional development opportunity for men who work with men of all ages (including boys) who want to do the inner work to understand the development needs of each life stage. See the map on the home page (www.centreforthegreatturning.org) Bill Plotkin 8 life stages.
This retreat is about growing self-awareness; learning to feel, and asking for support by mentors and communities of men. We will lean into mythology to help us reconnect the inner child with the resources of an instinctive and creative adult who is generative and in touch with their Soul.
If you want to know if this retreat is for you, we suggest you watch this video and soon you will know.
https://youtu.be/S25UKlLq5m8?si=2TlA40KBZj_BcOn6

Introducing
Your Facilitators
Jaime Howell
Jaime has been directing the Tracks rites of passage programme for 15 years. He has studied extensively with Animas valley and is the NZ producer for their events in New Zealand. Jaime is a long-standing member of a mens group in the South Island. He has organised and guided men’s events, weekend gatherings, men dances for hundreds of men and long guided residential retreats.
Jaime is motivated to develop maps and inquiries that support the flowering of human creativity, wisdom and care for the generations of all life to come. He supports men in particular to awaken their ecological self, the innate sense of belonging to the natural world. Jaime has a Masters Degree in Education, he is a wild poet, a student of mythology and plays a mean blues guitar. He lives in community, and knows that the sacred and the ordinary are both necessary. A friend to shadow, bruised and bumped with a heart still open. A recent new father and peaceful warrior to bring the right kind of trouble to a world waking up.
Les Grey
Les began doing specifically Mens work in 1980 with the For Men collective, conducting a number of workshops around the north island. With that collective in 1984 he co-convened the first national hui to address men’s violence to women and children. He went on to be one of the pioneers of Stopping Violence group programs, serving on the national executive committee founding Men for Nonviolence and in turn serving as convenor of that committee. Les was known to the Karaka Tribe and Jim Horton of the Tui Community in Golden Bay. Les has a long association with the Essentially Men community, serving as a trustee and as an Elder in the Pathways to Manhood programme. Within that context, he developed a 7 day Pathways to Elderhood programme. Currently, Les regularly attends EM events and co-facilitates an annual Old Blokes gathering.
This is a new generation of men’s work…it will be safe enough, involve your whole body/mind/soul, nature, music, movement and myth.

Bookings
Scholarship and Early bird discounts available visit the website www.centreforthegreatturning.org
Booking page link
https://events.humanitix.com/rewild-for-men

Queries and questions – if you are not sure if this retreat is for you, please send your questions to:
Jaime
jaimeopeningminds@gmail.com
02102644351

Yoga Retreat with Juliet Forch
2025-09-12 16:00 - 2025-09-14 14:00
The Magic of Yoga is in the Experience
With Juliet Forch
September 12th – 14th 2025

What to expect
During this Retreat we give to ourselves the opportunity to immerse fully in the experience. This weekend of Yoga will include: Active morning practices exploring movement; balanced with Restorative Yoga sessions; meditation and Yoga Nidra. The Yoga practice is multilevel with progressions offered – making it suitable for Beginners to those with years of practice. We will also Experience friendship; walks; body therapy sessions; and delicious vegetarian food.
The retreat begins at Mana from 4pm to give you time to settle in. The Yoga Retreat begins with dinner at 6pm on Friday. It concludes on Sunday with lunch at 12pm.

Introducing
Your Teacher
Juliet has studied yoga since 1990. In 2000 she established the Papakura Yoga Centre where she is the principal teacher. For more information about Juliet please visit: www.papakurayoga.co.nz

Download Retreat flyer +
Limited scholarships available. If financial hardship is an issue please contact Mana or Juliet. Cancellations prior to August 5th will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee. Cancellations after August 5th will be refunded if your place can be filled from the waiting list.

Mindful Self Compassion with Anna Friis and Mara Elwood
2025-09-15 16:00 - 2025-09-20 14:00
5 day Mindful Self-Compassion Retreat.
With Anna Friis and Mara Elwood
September 15th – 20th, 2025
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to enhance emotional wellbeing. MSC, developed by Drs Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer, uses meditations, exercises, and experiential activities to help us become less critical of ourselves and more open to all that life has to offer. We learn to become our own best ally and friend.
Self-compassion can be learned by anyone. It’s a courageous mental attitude that stands up to harm, including the tendency towards self-criticism, isolation, and rumination when things go wrong. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, forgive ourselves, and respond to ourselves and others with care and respect.
Rapidly expanding research has demonstrated that self-compassion enhances emotional well-being, reduces anxiety, depression and stress, increases motivation, and improves personal relationships.

This retreat includes:

The full MSC Programme taught over 5 days(fulfilling the pre-requisite for MSC Teacher Training)
Delicious meals
Exclusive use of Mana Retreat Center and facilities, including spa treatments
Yoga and Qigong classes
Optional evening activities with the creative arts to extend the learning of the day.

Tuition Cost: $800 early bird fee until May 30th, 2025 and a $900 thereafter. Accommodation and meals additional.
Bookings are now available below.

Working with you has changed the most important relationship in my life .. the relationship with myself. For that, I am truly grateful. – Vanessa
You are both absolute gems … this is the most mind-blowingly wonderful, life-changing investment I have ever been lucky enough to participate in.”- Margot

Introducing
The Teaching Team
Dr Anna Friis PhD Anna is a health psychologist working in private practice in Auckland New Zealand, with a particular focus on mindfulness and compassion-oriented therapy. Following a high-paced corporate career, she has a particular interest in helping people find balance, ease and joy within their lives and workplaces. Anna has a PhD in Health Psychology from the University of Auckland, during which she created new scientific knowledge of the mental and physical health effects of self-compassion among diabetes patients. Her work has been published in several leading endocrinology journals. She is a certified teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion and speaks regularly on this topic at conferences and workshops throughout New Zealand. Anna’s Website >>>
Mara Elwood, MA CAT, AThR is a creative arts therapist with a private practice in Island bay, Wellington. She has been a mindfulness practitioner for over 20 years and has taught and worked with all ages. She is a certified teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and leads courses and intensive retreats. Mara has experience with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Transcendental Meditation, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy (FOAT), Nature-Based Expressive Arts, Soul Collage, Open Studio Process (OSP) and Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI). Mara calls herself an insatiable creative and loves to upcycle in the art she produces.
Mara offers regular creative practice sessions online for wellbeing and for exploring aspects of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion with creativity. She also brings her MSC and creative arts practice and training together for deepening the MSC learning during the retreats she leads. No artistic skill or training is required, and all materials are supplied.
Mara’s Website>>
Mara’s Instagram>>

Special note: We wish to offer two subsidised scholarship places each retreat. Please enquire for more information.

September Relax and Wellness Weekend
2025-09-26 16:00 - 2025-09-28 14:00

Auslansoul Yoga Retreat with Irene Holub
2025-09-28 16:00 - 2025-10-03 14:00
Auslansoul Yoga Retreat
With Irene Holub
September 28th – October 3rd, 2025

Join us for a restorative week in Aortearoa, the land of the long white cloud, where you can pause, deeply rest, and reset. Surrounded by natural beauty, embrace stillness, mindfulness, and the space to reflect, re-balance, and re-connect with yourself.

Whats included
Your retreat includes:

Yoga/Meditation (2x daily)
Yogi Talks
Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation)
Time to rest and connect in nature
Use of Sauna and Bush Bath
Delicious vegetarian cuisine (caters for Gluten free, Dairy free and Vegan)
Art breaks
Deaf cultural space

Introducing
Your Teacher
Irene Holub is a Deaf Auslan Art/Yoga Therapist, NAATI translator, counsellor, and artist passionate about creating, learning, and sharing yoga and art. She is the founder of Auslansoul, a Deaf-led wellbeing and counselling service that is culturally inclusive and accessible to the Deaf community. Irene offers yoga classes in Vinyasa, SlowFlow, Restorative, and Yin Yoga, incorporating Pranayama, Meditation, and the Eight Limbs of Yoga philosophy. Her classes, suitable for all levels, are taught in Auslan and are open to both Deaf and Auslan-learning participants

Bookings
To register your interest, please email Irene and she will send you a $500 deposit (non-refundable), application form and detailed information about the retreat.
Early bird $100 reduced if paid in full before April 30th, 2025. Final payment due June 30th, 2025.
Some expenses for the yoga retreat mayu be reimbursed under NDIS.
Contact Irene for more information: ireneholub@gmail.com or SMS 0409610044.
Namaste, Irene and Paula x

Sing Your Heart Out with Tony Backhouse
2025-10-03 16:00 - 2025-10-05 16:00
Join Tony Backhouse (BA, Mus), one of the leaders in Australasian a cappella movement for this inspiring and uplifting singing workshop.

About Tony
Tony Backhouse founded Australia’s foremost a cappella gospel choir Café of the Gate of Salvation in 1986 and directed it for 21 years. He arranged and composed the bulk of their repertoire and still writes music regularly for them. He founded a cappella choir the Honeybees and has directed and sung with the reclusive male a cappella group the Heavenly Light Quartet since 1996. In demand for his inspiring teaching style, Tony has run more than 2000 vocal workshops throughout the world for the public, for festivals, schools, universities, churches, organisation’s and corporate training events.

What others have said about Tony

“He is quite simply the finest vocal arranger” Tim Finn
Tony Backhouse has been, and continues to be, a major influence on music in Sydney and beyond. The a cappella revival is almost entirely due to him – Roi Colbert, New Zealand Listener
Tony Backhouse’s voice can be heard several times on The Cafe of the Gate of Salvation and each time he manages to cleverly shape otherwise simple melodic lines. He’s very effective at blending into the ensemble and then appearing again, wrapping around notes, gliding above the sopranos, growling between the tenors and baritones. Few ensemble leaders have as clear an understanding of their group’s sonic spectrum, and how their voice fits within as a soloist – Martin Wesley-Smith, composer, Australia
Tony Backhouse delivered a fun-filled and spirit-filled workshop. He knows his stuff and teaches it in the true oral tradition, creating a wonderful learning experience for professional and beginner singers alike. I had a great time singing and I learned lots. A get-down, joyful, funky weekend! – Brian Tate, Music Director, City Soul Choir, Vancouver

For more information about Tony Backhouse, please visit https://www.tonybackhouse.com/
Tickets are live December 20th, 2024.

Release, Rest & Rejuvenate with Stella Goetz
2025-10-10 16:00 - 2025-10-12 14:00
Release, Rest & Rejuvenate – A Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga Retreat
October, 10th-12th, 2025
with Stella Goetz

What to expect
This weekend retreat is designed for you to explore various Mindfulness practices, including Yoga, Meditation, and workshops that promote self-reflection and personal growth. With the stunning views of the Coromandel and delicious meals we provide space for you to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this retreat is a great way to deepen your practice, connect and resource deeply.

Bookings
Bookings for this retreat are made directly through Stella – please email: be@stellayoga.co.nz

Cosmic Doorway
2025-10-13 16:00 - 2025-10-19 14:00
Join 4 amazing facilitators over 7 days to explore, grow and expand, deepen connection with self and divine. We will flow with sound, language of light transmissions, quantum templates and codes, sound instruments, meditation, dance, breath, oils, movement.
We will experience gentle and practical methods to move through our personal and planetary transitions as well as connect with the natural and profound energies and ancient songs of the area we are so blessed to be in. We will link our physical embodiment with our multi-dimensional fields, our galactic and universal selves, and remove barriers between worlds.
We will learn to deepen and trust in our connections and further our psychic presence on earth. We will prepare in the now, for the next now and the next and the next, eternally evolving and ‘being’.
This will be a unique and profound time to join in circle for both self and the collective.

Introducing
The Teaching Team

Victoria is a Visionary and Channel, who for 20 years has been a divine Blueprinter and multi-dimensional sound translator and linguist in the Language of Light. She is the creator of a wholly channeled ‘Living Sound-Light Systems’, a new and unique quantum system & modality of transformation through 5th dimension and beyond. Victoria is an intuitive artist-blueprinter and facilitates groups around the world in various techniques and has been facilitating & teaching the Munay-Ki Rites (ancient Incan rites) for over 14 years.

Jasz is a bestselling author and an international speaker. She is the co-founder of “Ishiki” and The Senses Therapy. Jasz supports people to heal and transform their life. Since 2016, she has facilitated transformative journeys for many people who have not only regained their energy and vitality but also taken their life to the next level.

Lu Sin is a bestselling author and an international speaker. She is the co-founder of “Ishiki” and The Senses Therapy. Lu Sin guides individuals to tap into the healing power of their body via yoga or any forms of movement, and breathing practices in one’s capacity. She helps her students to explore their unique ways of healing practice with clarity. “Fuel your life with Ishiki, source answer from within.”

David, husband and partner with Victoria spent his first 20 years in New Zealand. He is a Podiatrist and connects people to their ancient song lines through their sacred soul feet. As a musician, he tunes into the energies to guide and activate multi-dimensional frequencies, with crystal singing bowls. He is a teacher of the Munay-Ki Rites. David will be running sessions that will assist your activation and connection to body, mind, and nature during the retreat.
For further information about the programme and facilitators please go here: https://www.victoriawebby.com/event/the-joy-of-life-aotearoa-retreat-2025/
Victoria +61438165297 or thecosmicdoorway@live.com

Medical Mindfulness - Private Event
2025-10-22 16:00 - 2025-10-24 14:00
Medical Mindfulness – A 3-day retreat exploring mindfulness for healthcare professionals.
For more information visit: http://www.bopdhb.govt.nz
Or email: Kendall Crossen – Kendall.Crossen@bopdhb.govt.nz

Spring Coming Home To Yourself with the Mana Team
2025-10-24 16:00 - 2025-10-27 14:00
Time to Pause
Are you ready to stop the clock, pause, take a deep breath and find your inner peace?
Time to Explore
Explore and experience a variety of different practices and classes throughout the weekend.
Time to Replenish
Let go of your list of things-to-do, and restore balance to your mind, body and soul.

Coming Home to Yourself
Coming Home is about coming home to yourself, meeting yourself just as you are, with kindness, pausing, exhaling, and resting. This organic, home-grown retreat is hosted and held by the team here at Mana. We provide a caring environment and a daily schedule with a variety of sessions available for all levels of experience from gentle yoga, conscious dance movement to sound healing, encouraging you to deepen your own personal practice or try something new.
Mana is the most beautiful tranquil place to visit that allows you to step away from life for a bit. The staff are so warm & welcoming, the food so nourishing & delicious! Thank you so so much for sharing it with so many of us. I’ve been a number of times now & will continue to return!
A stunning, beautifully nourished environment, thanks to all the hard work of those that tended to the land, food, and practices that created such a safe, nurturing, healing space for me to be free to attend to myself. The facilitators were wise and present and really supported connection.
A beautiful, transformational and restful weekend spent at mana. The food, people and schedule were all so great, thank you!

What’s included?

Three nights accommodation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner – wholesome vegetarian cuisine.
A daily schedule to restore balance to your mind, body and soul.

(please note that the schedule is subject to change and massage appointments are an additional charge and require booking in advance).

Introducing
The Teaching Team

Amrit Saraswati is a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and meditation. She completed her first yoga teacher training in 2012 and has been learning, deepening and sharing traditional yoga practices in various retreat centres around New Zealand for the last decade. She teaches with compassion, authenticity and humility. Her calm and concise teaching allows people to go deep within themselves and have their own unique experience.
Hedwig Bakker grew up in the Netherlands, was trained as a teacher physical education and worked as an outdoor instructor for 15 years until she left the Netherlands in 2000. Initially she travelled overseas, then lived in India and Nepal for nine years where she engaged in Buddhist teachings & retreats and several charity projects.
Hedwig has been practicing meditation for over two decades and has been leading meditation classes, courses and retreats since 2004. She is also a certified Holden Qi Gong teacher and leads all kinds of Qi Gong events. These many years of personal practice and leading retreats & courses have resulted in a richness of experience and a genuine joy in sharing and guiding others in meditation & movement practice. Hedwig’s courses & classes are universal and suitable for people from all walks of life. Her approach is joyful, gentle, practical, and with a sense of lightness and humour.

Bookings are now available.
Join us with friends, family or just yourself for a rejuvenating and nourishing weekend, giving back to yourself.

Humming with Karla Brodie
2025-10-31 13:00 - 2025-11-02 14:00
Join Karla for a weekend of regenerative movement practices, Restorative Yoga and wander walking – complemented by nourishing and seasonal food and the land that is Mana.

Travelling to your Humming Retreat
As the coast road between Thames and Coromandel will be closed for up to seven days from 29 October onwards.
Here are some options to make your journey smooth and enjoyable for getting to your retreat:

East Coast Drive: You can still arrive on Friday by travelling along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula via Tairua and Whitianga. This drive takes about four hours from Auckland.

Auckland to Coromandel Ferry: The ferry will be running again from 24 October and arrives at the Coromandel Peninsula on Friday evening at 6.45 pm. While it doesn’t perfectly align with our lunchtime start on Friday, it’s an option.

Arriving on Thursday: For a more leisurely start, you’re warmly invited to arrive on Thursday afternoon. The additional cost for the extra night, including a light supper on Thursday evening and breakfast on Friday morning, is $100 for shared accommodation and $130 for single accommodation. Karla will offering additional sessions.

If you’d like to arrive on Thursday, please let us know. The additional cost can be paid on arrival.
If you are planning to arrive on Friday you are welcome to arrive and settle in to your accommodation from 11.30 am. Lunch will be served at 1 pm, and the first session will start at 4 pm.

Introducing
Your Teacher
Intuitive, honest, attentive, creative, joyful and full of expression — there’s something about Karla that speaks directly to your insides, and suddenly you realise you have a newfound conversation with your inner world as well as you gain a deeper understanding of balanced posture and integrated movement.
Karla is an experienced Yoga and movement teacher and teacher trainer who has taught throughout Auckland for over 20 years, specialising in Restorative Yoga. She has facilitated weekend retreats at Mana since 2006. Karla is inspired to share the practice of Yoga to enhance awareness of breath, movement and conscious rest in everyday life.
See more about Karla here >>>

What others have to say
“It was such a delightful and restorative weekend, so full of wisdom and a sense of fun which led to many insights and much joy for me!” – Helen Dodd
“Karla has the most generous spirit and creative mind. She guides you to commune with complex topics through an intricate knitting together of narratives, images, sounds, and movement. Generosity and acceptance were touchstones of the experience. I can’t wait to spend more time with Karla and continue learning and growing.”- Emily Trent
“I attended Karlas Humming retreat and it was life changing for me. It reminded me of the things I truly cherished in life. I came away refreshed and full of life. I didn’t know a lot about restorative yoga but am now a big fan of it. I have changed my morning yoga routine to ensure that helping my body into a restful state is top priority.” – Helen Russo

For more information contact Karla: +64 21 964252 | karlabrodie.co.nz

3 Day Silent Meditation Retreat with Amrit Saraswati and Scott Connor
2025-11-06 16:00 - 2025-11-09 14:00
Join Amrit and Scott for an inner journey to discover the beauty of silence and explore the Self through various yogic techniques and meditation practices.
The retreat will be held at the stunning Mana Retreat Centre, which is nestled in the luxuriant bush covered hills of the Coromandel with views out over the sea and islands. The warm, welcoming, natural atmosphere supports individual learning and renewal.

The Yogic Way of Meditation
Contrary to what many people think, meditation is not passive nor is it about having an empty mind. Instead, it is about self-exploration and allowing our innermost being to express itself.
In this yogic tradition, we utilise breath awareness, mantras (sacred sounds), charkas (energy centres) and energy pathways to develop subtle awareness and penetrate the deeper layers of our mind.
Rather than viewing our thoughts and emotions as distractions, we work with what is and embrace the total spectrum of our inner experience with self-compassion and kindness. This eventually leads us to discover our true nature – the treasure within.

The Programme
We offer a well-structured programme that creates balance between stillness and movement. Each day is woven together by:
– Sitting and Walking Meditation
– Hatha Yoga (asana, pranayama, mudra and bandha)
– Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation)
– Chanting
– Group Discussions
– Time to rest and connect with nature
– Use of Sauna and Bush Bath
The retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.

Silence
Silence, a spiritual practice in itself, enables us to internalise and supports a deeper kind of nourishment. In a silent and meditative environment, the body relaxes, awareness sharpens, and space opens for hidden impressions to release and insights to develop. Silence allows us to slow down and be truly present with our senses and the world around us.
Silence will be observed from Friday until the end of the retreat. You will have opportunities to ask questions and share your experience during group discussions.

What others say about this retreat:
“Every person I met at the retreat had some need for tender care. And the land, the staff, the teachers and the teaching shared, do just that. They create the conditions for you to open up to healing.” – Francesca Bacci
“The structure of the meditation retreat was a well thought out balance between movement and stillness which allowed for a smooth transition from daily life into peacefulness and relaxation.” – Fay
“Silent Meditation Retreats have been more healing and revealing than any other ‘personal growth initiative’ I have undertaken…Each retreat has strengthened the relationship with myself.” – Sarah

Introducing
The Teaching Team
Amrit Saraswati

Amrit is a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and meditation. She completed her first yoga teacher training with Ashram Yoga in 2012 and has been learning, deepening and sharing traditional yoga practices in various retreat centre’s around New Zealand for the last decade.
She has been offering Silent Meditations Retreats for the last 10 years and is passionate about the transformation and growth it inspires in people. She teaches with compassion, authenticity and humility. Her calm and concise teaching allows people to go deep within themselves and have their own unique experience.

For any enquiries, please get in touch with Amrit at 108hariaum@gmail.com

Private
2025-11-11 08:00 - 17:00

November Relax and Wellness Weekend
2025-11-14 16:00 - 2025-11-16 14:00

The Perceptual Journey Continues Study & Retreat
2025-11-21 11:00 - 2025-11-24 14:00
We warmly invite you to our weekend course The Perceptual Journey Continues, with the blessing and guidance of Robyn and Manuela we are offering this course at Mana.
Over the weekend we will explore how perception shifts in ourselves help us treat in the River of Life, building confidence in your abilities and able to take this confidence back into your clinic, but also how the support of the River of Life can support your own wellbeing day to day.
Over the weekend there will also be time for reflection and rest.
The course will be worth 20 hours of CPD and take a similar approach as that which you have experienced in the past with both theory and practical elements.
Start 12noon Friday 21st November
Finish 1pm Monday 24th November
Facilitators
The Perceptual Studies Group
Ross Payn, Debbie & Jerry Ryan, Angela Procter and Rory Tope
A little bit about us, together we have over 135 years osteopathic experience in private practice, we have all completed the IX Phases with Robyn and Manuela (Rory completed his phases with Jim Jealous). We are dedicated to supporting osteopaths on their biodynamic journey, preserving and growing the legacy left to us all by our elders.
To book your study place if you haven’t already please email
( note a prerequisite for this weekend is that you have previously attended studies with Robyn and Manuela).
And book your Mana accommodation directly here

Qi Gong Retreat with Hedwig
2025-11-28 16:00 - 2025-12-01 14:00
Qi Gong Retreat with Hedwig
28 November, 4pm – 1 December, 2pm

A 3-day retreat to explore the Blue Dragon style of Qi Gong
Blue Dragon Qi Gong is an elegant and graceful practice combining stretching, warmups, breathing, and flowing exercises. The movements are inspired by dragon-like motions and emphasize stretches and flows to encourage optimal Qi flow through the meridians.
By learning the Blue Dragon routine, you will nourish your internal organs, accelerate physical healing, increase vitality, flexibility and inner strength while deepening your knowledge and practice of Qi Gong.
What is Blue Dragon?
The Blue Dragon is also a mythical figure and archetype embodying certain inner qualities we can enhance within ourselves. Sometimes these qualities are not integrated, or we don’t have access to that inner resource.
The color blue represents both water and sky, symbolizing the vastness and openness of the heavens and the fluidity, adaptability, reflection, depth, and cohesiveness of water.
And so, the qualities related to Blue Dragon that we will be practicing and exploring through breathwork, meditation and movement are strength-resilience, inner wisdom-reflection, spaciousness, calmness-tranquility and fluidity.
The dragon has so very much to teach us and when we dive into this particular style of Qi Gong it gives us an opportunity to delve deeper into our own innate, untapped power and potential.
We all have a tremendous amount of energy within us and sometimes all this energy is dormant like a dragon within us, waiting to be released and explored.
Ultimately, Qi Gong is a practice for life. The intention is that when we cultivate and strengthen these qualities and principles through our practice, we can embody and express them in daily life. This is very empowering!

What other people had to say
It was awesome practicing with you and having such a loving shared experience.
It was such an amazing experience, you are brilliant.
I love this truly awesome practice. Hedwig is a wonderful teacher and this practice is absolutely supreme, it fills my cup every time I do it.
You offer such an incredible gift in service to the well-being of others…. you are an inspiration to me.

What to expect
Learn a dynamic Blue Dragon Standing Routine and a gentle Blue Dragon Seated Moving Meditation
Practice indoors and out in nature
Feel inspired and empowered through tuning into the qualities of the Blue Dragon
Enjoy the beauty and magic of Mana with its expansive views, peaceful setting, wonderful walks, delicious organic food, and supportive staff.
Please note that some parts of this retreat will be conducted in silence

Daily Schedule

Your Teacher

Hedwig grew up in the Netherlands, was trained as a teacher physical education and worked as an outdoor instructor for 15 years until she left the Netherlands in 2000. Initially she travelled overseas, then lived in India and Nepal for nine years where she engaged in Buddhist teachings & retreats and several charity projects.
Hedwig has been practicing meditation for over two decades and has been leading meditation classes, courses and retreats since 2004. She is also a certified Holden Qi Gong teacher and leads all kinds of Qi Gong events. These many years of personal practice and leading retreats & courses have resulted in a richness of experience and a genuine joy in sharing and guiding others in meditation & movement practice.

This retreat is suitable for all skill levels: those new to Qi Gong as well as those with previous experience.
For more information, contact Hedwig at qigonghedwig@gmail.com
For an impression of the practice, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@QiGongwithHedwig or https://www.facebook.com/qi.gong.with.hedwig

Repotted Retreat with Lisa O'Neill
2025-12-02 11:00 - 2025-12-04 14:00
A transformative three-day journey to restore your energy, explore your potential, and design your next chapter.

For more information and bookings visit: https://www.lisaoneill.co.nz/repotted-retreat

December Relax and Wellness Weekend with the Mana Team
2025-12-05 16:00 - 2025-12-07 14:00

Summer Working Bee
2025-12-12 16:00 - 2025-12-14 14:00
Our Solstice Working Bees are such a great part of our schedule. It is a lovely opportunity to come together as a community and share in our combined energy and skills to work on the land, in the gardens and around the buildings. Most of the work is outdoors and there is always a need for a team in the kitchen. After all our hard work together we also have a wonderful celebration of the Solstice together.
Your Working Bee includes..

The weekend is a wonderful exchange of your love and energy for two nights shared accommodation, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, meet new friends, be a part of a community and work on lots of fun projects.

Weekend schedule:
Friday
4pm-6pm Arrive, settle-in, assign work
6pm-7pm Dinner and connecting (6pm Blessing)
7pm Welcome circle
Saturday
7am-7.30am Light stretch in Octagon
7.30am-8.30am Breakfast, clean-up, be dressed and ready for work
8.55am-9.30am Circle – listening to Bells (Octagon)
9.30am-11.30am WORK
11.30am-12pm Morning tea picnics (out on site)
12pm-1.30pm WORK
1.30pm-2.30pm Lunch
2.30pm-4pm WORK
5pm-6pm Dinner
6pm Seasonal ritual – this may be outside (wrap up warm)
9pm Quiet and rest
Sunday
7am-7.30am Light stretch in Octagon
7.30am-8.30am Breakfast, clean-up, be dressed, pack up rooms and be ready for work
8.55am-9.30am Circle for all – listening to Bells (Octagon)
9.30am-12 noon WORK and clean-up
12 noon Closing Gratitude Circle and finger food dining room

Summer Rest Time for Mana
2025-12-15 08:00 - 2026-01-04 17:00
