The Great Mother Retreat: Back to Her Embrace

To register for a retreat or programme, participants must complete the online registration form or contact our office directly. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

• All fees are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

• A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

• Full payment is due at least one week prior to the start date unless otherwise arranged.

• We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and other specified payment method

Dana is the practice of generosity, a gift freely given with no strings attached. In keeping with ancient wisdom traditions, the facilitators offer their teaching freely, and no fee for their facilitation is included in the course costs. The retreat fee covers accommodation, meals, and course resources, but not compensation for the teachers.

You are warmly invited to offer Dana as a gesture of appreciation and support for the teachings and those who share them. This is an offering from the heart, given according to your means and circumstances. There is no expected amount—Dana is about generosity of spirit rather than a prescribed fee.

Traditionally, Dana is offered at the beginning of the retreat by placing an envelope in the Dana bowl or box. However, there are many ways to express generosity, and if you'd like to explore other forms of Dana, please feel free to ask.

If cost is a barrier to your participation, Wangapeka has a Sangha Support Fund available, and you are welcome to apply for assistance to attend. If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to participate, please contact the course manager to discuss possible options.

If cost is a barrier to your participation we encourage you to consider applying for sangha support. Funds have been donated to Wangapeka to offer support for people who want to attend retreats and are unable to afford it. Sangha Support is for accommodation costs only and up to a maximum of 50% of those costs. More info can be found on our costs page. To apply contact the Wangapeka Office Caretaker [email protected].

Please remember to bring sufficient cash to cover your dana to the teacher (if you are attending a group retreat).

• Bedding (pillow, pillowcase & 2 blankets are provided)

• Towel

• Personal items, toiletries, medication

• Alarm clock

• Torch (with spare batteries)

• Easy slip-on shoes as all shoes are left outside buildings

• Raincoat and/or umbrella

Winter

• Hot-water bottle

• Extra bedding

• Warm clothing

Summer

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Sun hat

• Swimming gear

• Be in reasonably sound physical health — Retreat days involve sitting, walking, and communal chores, so a baseline of physical wellbeing helps you participate fully and avoid strain.

• Be in reasonably stable mental and emotional health — Intensive silence and self-reflection can surface difficult emotions, so retreat is best entered from a settled rather than a fragile state.

• Disclose any medical or mental-health conditions in advance — Letting the course manager know beforehand allows us to support you appropriately and ensures the retreat setting is right for you.

• Bring and manage your own medication — Having an adequate supply of any prescribed medication, and a plan for taking it, keeps you well without relying on facilities we cannot guarantee on-site.

• Ease off stimulants before you arrive — Gradually reducing caffeine, nicotine, and sugar in the days beforehand softens the withdrawal and restlessness that can otherwise dominate your first days.

• Wind down work and digital commitments — Tying up loose ends and stepping back from devices before arrival lets you arrive present, rather than mentally still at your desk.

• Arrange your affairs at home — Sorting childcare, pets, bills, and responsibilities in advance frees you from nagging distractions and the pull to break your retreat.

• Come rested rather than depleted — Arriving already exhausted makes it harder to settle, so try to catch up on sleep and avoid arriving straight from a demanding period.

• Set a gentle, realistic intention — Holding a soft sense of why you're coming, without rigid expectations, gives your practice direction while leaving room for whatever actually unfolds.

• Prepare for silence and simplicity — Knowing in advance that much of the retreat is quiet, unentertained, and routine helps you meet the stillness with curiosity rather than resistance.

• Be willing to work with discomfort — Physical aches, boredom, and restlessness are a normal part of retreat, and a readiness to sit with them is itself part of the practice.

• Approach it with openness and humility — Coming ready to follow the schedule, receive guidance, and let go of being "in charge" allows the retreat structure to do its supportive work.

• Plan a soft re-entry into daily life — Leaving a clear day or two before returning to work and full commitments lets you carry the retreat's calm back gently, rather than jolting straight into busyness and losing its benefit.

The Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre is located about an hour and a half drive SW of Nelson, New Zealand. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps it, overlooks the beautiful Wangapeka River.

If you require transport advice or assistance or, please let us know when you register.

During your stay at the Centre you are invited to abide by five precepts of skilful living:

1. to refrain from harming others

2. to refrain from stealing

3. to refrain from sensual misconduct

4. to refrain from unskillful speech

5. to refrain from taking substances that cloud the mind and hide the openness of the heart

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we are happy to offer a refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before the start date.

If a person cancels within the month before the course starts:

• The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for another retreat within 6 months

• Fees paid are fully refunded if cancellation is at least a week before the course starts

If a person cancels within the week before the course starts:

• The deposit is non-refundable

• If cancellation is due to illness, all fees paid are fully refundable on request

• If cancellation is for any other reason, 50% of fees paid are refundable on request

If a person leaves the course for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness, death in the family) during a retreat:

• The deposit is non-refundable

• 50% of the balance of any fees paid for the missed days are refundable on request

• If a person leaves the course for any other reason, no refunds will be provided

In the rare event that Wangapeka cancels a course:

• All deposits and fees paid will be fully refunded, or

• Participants may choose to transfer their payment to another course within 12 months