Cromwell, Central Otago
Previous Yoga Retreats
This site showcases previous Ebb and Flow Yoga (Great Barrier Island Yoga School) Yoga Retreats on Great Barrier Island. Details about upcoming Yoga Retreats can be found here (click here for upcoming Retreats). Feel free to contact Julie for more details about upcoming Retreats and to discuss what form of Yoga Retreat/Workshop would be ideal for you (click here to contact Julie).
YOGA and TRAMPING RETREAT
29 February - 6 March 2020
Glenfern Sanctuary, Port Fitzroy
Great Barrier Island
LIMITED to 8
From $1460 twin share
Phone: 09 4290 322 or Contact Form (click here)
I invite you to join me for an inspirational, all-inclusive 6 night Yoga, Tramping and Restore Retreat on Aotea, Great Barrier Island.
Come and explore this beautiful island by foot and on the water. Marvel at the stunning scenery, vibrant birdlife and calming effect of the native bush. Aotea is really nature at her best.
Every morning will begin with meditation and a slow flowing yoga practice, followed by a hearty breakfast. During the day you can join the days tramp or opt to simply enjoy relaxing at Glenfern Sanctuary. At the end of most days we gather for a deeply relaxing Restorative Yoga class before sharing a delicious, locally produced dinner. After dinner unwind with Yoga Nidra (a guided, lying down meditation).
On offer will be a challenging tramp from Port Fitzroy to Mt Hobson, Aotea's highest point at 627 metres. Feel like you're on top of the world, taking in the 360 degree panorama view of the Coromandel Peninsular and the Poor Knights Islands and out to Auckland. Another day we'll follow Warren's Track, a gently graded climb, to a waterfall where we can enjoy a refreshing swim. Sarah will also lead us through the Sanctuary's tracks and share the Trust's visions of a predator-free environment and how they are managing this status. We may even be lucky enough to see the nest of a takoketai (black petrel) before they fledge and begin their journey to South America. An invigorating tramp along the Forest Road and onto the Tramline Track leads us into Whangaparapara on another day, for a well-deserved late lunch at Great Barrier Lodge. Enjoy the beautiful view of Whangaparapara Harbour before we board the Sundancer, captained by Chris Olivier for our special return journey to Port Fitzroy by boat. Seeing Aotea from the water will allow us to appreciate the ruggedness and beauty of the island. By this stage we may be enjoying the sunset on the water.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but all tramping activities are optional. The tramp along the Forest Road will be over a number of hours, but if preferred, transfer via road may be available at your own or shared cost.
Daily tramping timetables may change due to the weather conditions. We are at Mother Nature's beck and call.
Not included: Airfares to and from the island and travel insurance
Example of daily schedule (subject to change):
6.30am Morning meditation and yoga
8.15am Breakfast
9-10am Daily tramp, or relax at Sanctuary
1pm Share a delicious picnic lunch along the trail
5pm Restorative yoga
7pm Delicious home-cooked dinner
8.30pm Yoga Nidra or Yoga-inspired movie
Noble Silence will be observed until breakfast
More about the yoga
Our yoga class will be held indoors or if weather permits on the croquet lawn. In the morning we'll begin with seated meditation before moving through gentle warm up sequences with breath awareness, to holding postures where we'll build strength, stability and alignment. Variations will be offered, so all levels of experience and physical conditions are welcomed. Yoga props are supplied and their use is encouraged! The props will be used during our afternoon restorative class to allow us to rest deeply in order to renew our energy.
More about tramping
Aotea offers up to 20 tramping (hiking) tracks, all of varying degrees of difficulty. We will be only touching on a couple of those tracks. This retreat is about allowing yourself time to soak up the beautiful sights and sounds of the native bush. The tracks are well trodden and include lots of ups and down! Be warned...there are lots of steps leading up to Mt Hobson from Kaiaraara Bay. Bring walking poles for support if needed. Good quality tramping boots are recommended.
More about Glenfern Sanctuary
Glenfern Sanctuary is a predator controlled, regenerating native forest, committed to creating a safe haven for our island's native species. We'll be staying in Fitzroy House, one of the oldest homesteads on Great Barrier Island, built in 1901. Fitzroy House is surrounded by mature gardens and lawns and overlooks majestic Port Fitzroy. Glenfern Sanctuary was the vision of Tony and Mal Bouzaid. Today it is an Auckland Regional Park managed by a charitable trust.
Arrival day
We will meet in Claris for our transfer to Glenfern Sanctuary at approximately 2pm. Upon arrival there will be time to settle in, acquaint yourself with your home for the next 6 days, before rolling out your mat for our opening circle and first restorative yoga class at 5pm.
Departure day
Our last day ends after our early morning yoga class and farewell breakfast. Estimated time of departure to Claris will be 10am.
Extra nights accommodation
Let me know at the time of booking if you would like to stay longer on the island - either pre or post retreat .You may choose to stay in another location to enjoy other aspects of Aotea.
How to get to Aotea, Great Barrier Island
It is only a 30 minute flight from Auckland Domestic Airport Terminal, flying either with Barrier Air or Fly My Sky. Alternatively, SeaLink offer a ferry service from Downtown Auckland on specific days.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Upon registration a $500 deposit will be required with full payment due by 29 January 2020.
Your day will look like this -
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7am – 9am meditation and pranayama, followed by our morning yoga asana designed to awaken and energize
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9am breakfast
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Free time do something….or nothing. Consider a massage, walk along a beach or in the bush, soak in natural hot springs, read, journal or simply rest
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1pm lunch
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Free time go for a swim, have a massage, enjoy art/craft therapy or simply rest
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4.30pm–6pm afternoon practice of yin or restorative yoga to relax and unwind
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6.30pm dinner
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7.30pm evening program or unwinding time
To express your interest and for further details, please call me on 09 4290 322 or use the contact form below to get in touch.