with
Daniel Burgess-Milne & Jaime Howell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Young Adults Retreat – cancelled
YAR provides the opportunity for young adults (18–35) to come together to learn and deepen the craft of meditation. The Young Adult Retreat offers a friendly introduction to a universal nature-based meditation retreat at an affordable price. One of the aspirations of the retreat is to build connections amongst young people throughout Aotearoa.
Our primary exploration will be a meditation on breathing, supported by explorative art, connecting with nature, group processing, and conscious movement/dance. Periods of silence and reflective time will allow you to connect with your own inner wisdom. Guidance is available both for learning to meditate and for developing an established practice.
The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre provides a wilderness environment—surrounded by mountains, trees and river. We eat from the organic garden, walk mountain paths, and take time to connect with the local environment.
In the Buddhist spirit of dana, the teachings are offered freely. Participants bring cash to make an offering.
For questions, contact course manager Dan: [email protected]
Daniel Burgess-Milne has been studying Buddhadharma since 2012 and has received teachings from various teachers including Tarchin Hearn, Bonni Ross and Lama Mark Webber. He has been both a participant and facilitator of Young Adult’s Retreats and has a background working in mental health with youth. Dan has a passion for understanding insight through a contemporary lens, and finding new concepts and methods for exploring timeless wisdom in a modern world.
Jaime Howell is a founder of The Centre for the Great Turning. He has been developing and delivering wilderness rites of passage journeys that include myth, meditation and conscious movement. He has a Masters in Education and over fifteen years exploring meditation and mindfulness with people of all ages. Jaime is a facilitator and Director for the Rites of Passage Foundation.
The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.
Accommodation is included in the price of the retreat, with all rooms being comfortable and well-appointed with single beds and electric heating. Shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located close to all rooms.
All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.
This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.
The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.
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