%20(1).png){kind=small}
All Aboard: The Easter Retreat
Easter Weekend 2026, April 3rd - 7th
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, yet 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 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. Pair this with activities designed to help introduce children and developing adults to the internal environment, as well as connect with nature, and we have ourselves a retreat for the whole family.
The Farm, Whangaruru, Northland
This retreat will be the perfect balance of stillness and adventure. From meditation and yoga to exploring the 1,000 hectares of rolling farmland, native bush and nearby beaches, to bike trails, horse riding, surfing, relaxing in the sauna and even to fishing spots for dad (bring the boat if you want, why not!?), there are options to keep everyone happy. 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.
An Average Day on Retreat
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
Accommodation Options
The Farms hosts an eclectic range of comfortable accomodation options including private cabins, dorms and room for camping. Prices are per room for cabins and per person for camping and dorm beds. The cost is inclusive of three meals per day and all scheduled retreat events. Non-scheduled activities like horse trekking and massages are additional. If you'd like to discuss you family's needs before booking please email hello@meditatewithfletch.co.nz. Most dietary requirements can be catered for.
Double
1 double bed
$1,800
Put the kids in a tent and have the enjoyment of this cosy, comfy cabin to yourselves.
Camping
Per person
$800
Get right in with Northland nature. There are plenty of campsites on property to suit your family's needs.
Family Triple
1 double bed, 1 single bed
$2,500
Cosy cabin for three people. A great option for a couple and single child. There are just two of these cabins available.
Dorm Beds
1 single bunk bed
$850
A single bed in four and six person shared dorms inside the main farm building.
Farm Resident
Per person
Get in touch for prices
For people already living or working at the farm. Costs vary depending on catering requirements.
The Farm
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 discuss 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)
Fishing (bring your own gear)
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.