This 7-day retreat will be an opportunity to turn inwards while also enjoying time immersed in nature and with others from our special community. We will focus on developing practice-based understanding while also having plenty of time to rejuvenate. Our last retreat for the year and the timing allows for replenishment and gives an energy boost before the end-of-year busyness.

This retreat is for Iyengar yoga students of all levels who have the intention to develop their practice in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Located at the foothills of the Southern Alps and overlooking the Tasman Valley, Wangapeka is a beautiful part of New Zealand to experience. This established retreat centre is infused with a palpable sense of peace, with an atmosphere that has an immediate calming effect on both body and mind.

We practise in the beautiful Whare meditation hall and share meals and community time in the comfortable, welcoming main lodge. On cooler days the woodburners are often lit, adding warmth and charm. Cabins, rooms and huts are dotted throughout the extensive grounds, alongside delightful gardens that invite wandering and pause.

What makes Wangapeka especially unique is the opportunity (should you choose), for quiet, solitude and reflective time, while being fully immersed in the serene natural environment. At the same time, there is space for warm, easy connection with fellow yogis, perhaps sharing conversation on the couches or enjoying sunshine on the lodge porches. It truly feels like the best of both worlds, and yogis consistently leave feeling refreshed and genuinely rebalanced, physically, emotionally and mentally.

Many visitors comment on Wangapeka’s peaceful and healing atmosphere. This is undoubtedly influenced by the natural beauty of the land and the depth of meditation that has taken place here over decades. Perhaps even more significantly, it reflects the care and generosity of the many people who have given from the heart to create a place intended to be of benefit to all beings.

Yoga
We begin the day with breakfast followed by our three hour morning session which will include walking and sitting meditation and two (or more) hours of asana practice. The two hour afternoon sessions have a quieter focus which will include inversions, hip openers, forward bends, pranayama (mindful breathing practices) and restorative asana. Our Wangapeka Retreats tend to have a more reflective quieter feel than some of our other retreats and an evening sit will be part of the schedule.

Between practice sessions there will plenty of time for resting, exploring the beautiful walking tracks or spending time by the river (maybe swimming!).

Meals
Delicious, healthy, vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner meals each day . Filtered water, coffee, a wide range of teas, a fruit basket and snacks are provided throughout the retreat.

Accommodation
Six nights’ single accommodation in cabins, rooms and huts.

Note, Tessa will arrange the shuttle between Nelson Airport and Wangapeka. This cost is additional and will be charged to you at cost price (likely $150 return).

Please contact Tessa to book, register your interest, or if you have further enquiries.

Terms and conditions of booking: The deposit secures your place on the retreat and is non-refundable. 50% of the full retreat price is due by 15 May 2026 and the balance of the retreat is due in full 12 weeks before the retreat starts. Cancellations within 12 weeks of the retreat cannot be refunded unless I find someone else to take your place.

Booking is taken as acceptance of these conditions.