All aboard: THe retreat for families

easter weekend 2026, April 3 - 7
- The Farm, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand -

All Aboard! This Easter, bring the whole family for a long weekend of mindfulness and movement. Set at The Farm, near Northland’s beautiful Whangaruru Harbour, this is a retreat designed with parents in mind. Parents deserve meditation as well, and it’s so hard to find that time and space when you’re managing a busy family. So while you dive into meditation, yoga and Dharma talks, experienced child minders and babysitters will be on hand to look after the little ones. We want to give you the freedom to really settle into the retreat program.

The Farm is the perfect balance of stillness and adventure for the whole family. From exploring the 1,000 hectares of rolling farmland, native bush and nearby beaches, to bike trails, horse riding, relaxing in the sauna and even fishing spots for dad (bring the boat if you want, why not!?), the whole family will be looked after here. Options for accommodation include private cabins, dorms or camping and the retreat is fully catered.

Whether you’re new to meditation or an old hand, this four-night retreat is a chance to reconnect with yourself, your family, and your practice.

What to Expect

A full program of meditation and yoga for adults, as well as sessions for kids, including bedtime meditation.
Child minding and baby sitting during session times as required.
Meditation instruction and lessons. If you’ve never meditated before, don't worry, you’ll be walked through step by step.
Daily talks on meditation, spiritual living, mental health and Dharma (Buddhist philosophy)
Kids sound journeys
Three meals a day, tea and coffee and fruit.
Meditation and yoga equipment is all supplied.
Nightly saunas in The Farm's purpose built earthen sauna.
Opportunities for bike riding, horse trekking, bush walks and other outdoor activities.

Accommodation options

The Farms boasts a range of comfortable accomodation options including private cabins, dorms and lots of room for camping. Whatever your family situation, we'll find an accommodation option to suit. Please get in touch to discuss your family's needs and we'll work out something that suits.

Available are:

1 x Double cabin with adjacent bunk room and ensuite (suitable for up to four people)
2 x Double cabins with an additional single bed (suitable for up to three people)
4 x Double cabins without additional beds (suitable for two people)
2 x Four bed dorm rooms (bunks)
An additional loft space with four single beds
Unlimited camping!

Costs

cabin

Dorm

Camping

Adults

Kids

(under xx years)

- The Farm -

6:30-8:00am

7:00-9:00am

9:00am

10:00am-12:00pm

12:30pm

2:00-3:00pm

3:00-3:30pm

4:00-6:00pm

7:00pm

After dinner

Morning meditation and yoga

Breakfast

Meditation teaching and focus session

Dharma talk and meditation

Lunch

Adults yoga

Kids yoga or sound journey

Double meditation

Dinner

Sauna, relax and socialise. Kids bedtime meditation

Common questions

Who is the retreat for?

The whole family! Whether you are an established meditator or not, whether you want to take part in the sessions or just go biking and fishing. If you're a single or couple without kids don't worry, the door is open for you as well.

Do I need to know how to meditate already?

Nope, not necessary. I will give you all the instruction you need.

What sort of meditation is taught and practiced through the retreat?

Meditations circle around Anapanasati (breath awareness), Vipassana (body awareness) and Metta-Bhavana (loving-kindness) techniques.

What's the food situation?

This retreat is fully catered with breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as tea, coffee and fruit provided. Breakfast and lunch spreads will be prepared for retreat attendees each day. Dinners will be communal with the wider Farm community. There will be some chipping in with dishes and tidying up. You will need to bring your own snacks and drinks. Please convey any dietary restrictions you or your family members have on booking.

Is bedding provided?

Cabins and dorm beds come with linen and blankets. If you're camping you'll need to bring your own bedding.

What meditation equipment is provided?

You'll get a mat, and as many cushions and blankets as you need. Chairs are also available. You are welcome to bring equipment from home (so long as it doesn't impose on other meditators).

What other activities are available around The Farm?

Horse riding and trekking

Mountain bike and motor cross tracks

Bush walks (The Farm is adjacent to Russell State Forest and close to the Whanagamumu and Cape Brett track network).

Surfing at Elliot's Beach (10 min drive)

Swimming at Taupuri Bay (5 min drive) and Bland Bay (10 min drive)

Got a critical gear list?

Yep:

Warm clothes
Easy to slip on shoes or gumboots
Rain coat or umbrella
Torch
Additional meditation equipment (optional)
Slippers (optional)
Journal/writing equipment (optional)
Snacks (optional)

Where is The Farm?

The Farm is located 1 hour north of Whangārei, along the coastal Russell Road (approximately 40 mins from the turn-off at Whakapara on SH1). It's approximately 3-3.5 hours north of Auckland. Get in touch if you want help organising car pooling or a ride.