Facilities

The whare at Wangapeka, a rustic wooden building nestled in native bush

Te Whare Wānanga The Teaching Space

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 is has a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley.

Whare kai Main Hall

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.

The white stupa at Wangapeka, encircled by trees and prayer flags

Pakota Rangimārie o te Ao World Peace Pagoda

New Zealand’s first pagoda (stupa) was built here in 1981 by the Burmese monk U Thila Wunta. He modelled it after the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon (Yangon). It is beautifully maintained and the Burmese community in Nelson donated the tile work surrounding it.

Te Tapawaru The Octagon

Yes it has an octagonal shape. This purpose built wooden structure has big windows and carpeted floor. It is used for teaching smaller groups, bodywork and meditating as well. It is a handy distance away from the main hall.

Ngā Rūma Runga Upper Accommodation Rooms

There are eight single rooms in the accommodation block that is adjacent to the main hall. The rooms are compact and have a comfortable single bed and electric heating.

Ngā Rūma Raro Lower Accommodation Rooms

There are three rooms in the lower accommodation block, which is a short walk from the Main Hall. The rooms have two beds, with the option of two more beds being available as bunk beds (handy for families). These rooms have electric heating.

Omahu Hut is a 20 minute walk from the car park, up a sometimes steep and uneven path through the forest, but you will be rewarded with unparalleled views and the comfort of our newest cabin. With inside shower, cooking facilities, wood burning stove, single bed, small deck, and outside long-drop loo.

Namgyal Hut is a rustic characterful hut, situated a 15 minute walk from the carpark. The path is uneven and steep in places. Fantastic views from the sun-room, plus gas heater, a small and basic kitchen, and outside long-drop loo.

Sky Dancer Hut is where most of our visiting teachers stay. A 10 minute walk from the car park, it has a small deck with stunning views across the valley, a kitchen and inside shower, single bed and wood burning stove.

Ngā Whare Motuhake Self Contained Cabins

We a number of self contained retreat cabins which are available year round for personal retreats. Whether you want to rest, meditate, write your memoirs or just enjoy sunrises and birdsong, consider coming to Wangapeka when you want time away.

All retreat cabins offer total privacy and stunning views. Facilities are basic but comfortable, and offer a genuine retreat experience in nature. Fall asleep with just the sound of the wind and the owls.

Te Nohoanga Aroha Dāna Vihāra

Dāna Vihāra — the abiding of generosity. This is our dedicated accommodation for the volunteers who give their time and energy to support the centre. Named with guidance from Bonni Ross, the space serves long-term and short-term volunteers, service community members, and solo retreatants. It has its own ablution block, and a shared kitchen is being developed so volunteers can prepare their own meals on site.