Waihoanga Retreat Site Visit

The Archway of Trees

After a brief drive from Waikanae Train station Vanya and I approached the Waihoanga Retreat space for a site visit.

It had been a few years since either of us had been there, It was a total joy to be exploring on a beautiful summer day this great environment and very hard to keep in mind that we're going to be there in winter.

For the romantics who have never been out in the Otaki Gorge before, you will experience this wonderful tunnel of trees, this is the invitation inwards to the beginning and at the end of the road you cross a single lane bridge and then you have arrived at our retreat space tucked on the riverbank under the hills.

Workspaces

There are some glorious workspaces and characters are afoot at Waihoanga Retreat. This will be made very cozy by winter and lovely fires and all of the workspaces. There are additional hot water bottles on site and heaters in rooms. Preparation is key for the camp in situation, bring your slippers and big cozy jerseys or shawl.

Our main working lounge: is shoes off and food free, so bring a hearty pair of socks if you get cold feet. It has a very sacred space feel about it and is fully equipped with a whiteboard, digital tv and ample space to connect in.

The Yurt: is a great space for singing and creating movement as a collective, when you first discover it peaking through the tree’s it will bring you such joy, being in it and singing the yurt will double down on this experience.
The beauty of the yurt is it is also a sacred space but collectively as a group we will have to work together with our voices to be kind and moderate sound in this space as it bounces straight off the roof and back to you. It will be a great space to experience the push and pull and creating texture as you move about the space.

Smaller group spaces: There are several smaller group spaces throughout our space, some that are shared or common space and some that are within the accommodation part of the space. This will be good for smaller discussions and deepening relationships with each other over the weekend.

Plenty of spaces to work both inside and out. As you can see by most photos there are fireplaces and things to make you feel at home. But if you have those things that take your retreating to the next level we invite you to keep this in mind when packing. Hot water bottles, cell phone chargers, easy slip on and off shoes, good socks, a good jumper or shawl, a raincoat. You know the weather is unpredictable.

Accommodation

There is a total of 30 live-in spaces available at Waihoanga, when you register we are asking about preferences for sleeping and food.

Here are a few insights into cabins and share spaces onsite. The Lead In Committee will do their best to accommodate everyone’s needs.

After our visit onsite we noticed a few stairs, uneven ground and ladders to top bunks.

If you are not feeling the vibe of top bunks, stairs are a challenge, let us know we will do our best to accommodate requests. claire at songleadersnetwork.aotearoa@gmail.com

Retreat

We know that this is going to be a wonderful place to retreat and relax over Matariki Weekend, with workshops held by outstanding leadership from within our community starting to align like Matariki stars, we will be spoilt with nurture and nature in this lovely place with this amazing community of Song Leaders that we have.

Our Lead In’s have often been described as a great way to fill your cup. To play, experience co-leadership, stretch your legs in areas you might not have before. To learn new songs and gather resources, develop closer bonds with colleagues, deepen connections with other leaders, rest amongst knowledgeable company. Let loose your voice as a singer rather than a leader. Be in query. Be witnessed or be supported to be brave.

If you would like to join us at Matariki Lead In 2024 you can buy tickets here.