Upcoming events
Winter Solstice Forest Bathing
Step gently into the quiet embrace of midwinter as the longest night draws near.
This guided Forest Bathing experience is an invitation to slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with nature in a deeper, more intimate way. Together, we will move softly through the land, noticing the textures, scents, and subtle rhythms of the season, allowing the forest to gently guide us back to ourselves.
Along the way, you will be invited to listen, feel, and reflect, uncovering a sense of calm, clarity, and connection.
We will close our time together with a warming tea, lovingly prepared from edible plants gathered along the journey, a nourishing gift from the forest to warm both body and spirit.
Held on the beautiful grounds of Sanctuary Retreat, surrounded by open meadows and established trees.
Guided by Hannah McQuilkan, qualified Medical Herbalist, certified Forest Therapy Guide, and Shamanic Practitioner.
Please bring warm layers, a rain jacket, and something soft to sit on.
Arrive on time, as we will begin together.
Places are limited.
$15 from each ticket supports the Good Food, Bright Minds initiative.
Date: Sunday 21st June, 2026
Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm
Investment: $45
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The Giving Table - Winter Warmth
This June, The Giving Table will be raising funds for Good Food, Bright Minds to help purchase warm pyjamas for local children this winter
Join us for a beautiful community morning where pre-loved clothing finds a new home while helping support a meaningful local cause.
Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of affordable fashion donated by others in our community. Most items will be just $5, with all proceeds going toward purchasing pyjamas for local children through Good Food, Bright Minds.
There’ll be morning tea, connection, conversation, and the simple joy of coming together for something good.
Together, we can turn the clothes we no longer need into warmth, comfort and care for local children this winter ✨
Date: Sunday 28th June, 2026
Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm
Investment : $15
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The Thursday Exhale
A Thursday morning space to set the week down. Regulate, soften and release before the weekend begins.
To unclench your jaw
To drop your shoulders
To come back to your body
Be guided by Jane Whyte from the Whyte Connection.
Emotion Coach and Integrative Wellbeing Guide
Set in the beautiful studio at Sanctuary Retreat
Date: Thursday July, 2026
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am
Investment: $30
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Sanctuary Sound
A small, intimate sound experience held at Sanctuary
A space to pause, soften, and create capacity for whatever life brings.
You will be guided to slow things right down, settling into stillness as sound and frequency move gently through the body, inviting a deeper sense of calm, ease, and quiet within.
Think warmth, softness, and space to fully relax.
You will be lying comfortably in the studio, wrapped in blankets, held by sound, with nothing to do and nowhere else to be. You are welcome to bring extra layers or a blanket if you love being extra cosy.
You will leave feeling softer, clearer, and more present, with a quiet sense of steadiness you can carry into your day, your relationships, and the world around you.
Intentionally limited to a small group to allow space, comfort, and a more personal experience
Date: Saturday July, 2026
Time: 2.00pm to 3.30pm
Investment: $45
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The Giving Table
For our community, from the heart of Sanctuary.
A gentle morning of tea, conversation, community and an inspiring speaker.
Held every month, all proceeds from donations will go straight to "Good Food, Bright Minds", a community initiative between Sanctuary Retreat and Cafe Queen, Waiuku to feed 50 school children breakfast every week.
It's about connection, generosity and belonging, a way to give back while sharing warmth and good company.
If your heart sings while you are reading this please make sure that you come and support this cause. This is a koha based event with a suggested donation of $10 or more. All funds will go directly to Good Food, Bright Minds.
Your generosity helps nourish young minds and hearts. Thank you for giving what you can.
We would love to have you here and be part of this project. We need you.
Warmly,
Lisa