Flow Into Freedom Retreat
"ko au te awa, ko te awa ki au"
I am the river and the river is me
featuring a
Transformational Sweatlodge
Nau Mai Haere Mai
To A Transformational Retreat
Nestled in the heart of nature at Waihōanga Retreat Centre, this immersive experience invites you to reconnect deeply with yourself and the land. Through the ancient power of the sweat lodge, the heart-opening essence of cacao, and the profound release of breathwork and movement we create a space for healing, renewal, and transformation.
The Sacred Sweat Lodge — The Womb of Mother Earth
A Gateway to Rebirth
At the core of this retreat sits the sweat lodge, an ancient purification ritual practiced for centuries from our brothers and sisters of the First Nations. The sacred ceremony allows you to release physical, emotional, and energetic blockages through deep heat, breath, and intention. The lodge sits beside the river, offering the perfect contrast—intense heat followed by an invigorating cold plunge in the flowing waters of te awa o Ōtaki.. This practice fosters clarity, resilience, and a profound connection to wairua ~ (wai = water, rua = two. Meaning where body and spirit meet)
Benefits of the Sweat Lodge Experience:
• Detoxify the body through deep sweating
• Release emotional burdens and stagnant energy
• Cultivate mental clarity and spiritual insight
• Strengthen resilience through contrast therapy (heat + cold river immersion)
• Connect with nature, inner wisdom and community
What's included
Step into a sacred space of deep healing, connection, and renewal. This all-inclusive retreat at Waihōanga Retreat Centre offers a powerful blend of ancient and modern wellness practices, all set in the lush, tranquil landscape of Ōtaki.
All Inclusive $850 per person
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Two Daily Yoga Sessions – A combination of dynamic, grounding, and restorative yoga, including Pū ĀIO yoga, through a Te Ao Māori lens, Vinyasa and Yin.
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Soma Breathwork & Cacao Ceremony – A guided heart-opening cacao ceremony paired with Soma breathwork, fused with a Te Mauri o te Hā visualisation, transported with puoro, traditional Māori instruments to prepare for the sweat lodge, deepening your connection to self and spirit.
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Sweat Lodge Experience – A powerful purification ritual guided by an experienced facilitator, combining deep heat therapy, intention setting, and cold river immersion.
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Cold River Immersion – A refreshing contrast therapy practice to regulate the nervous system, enhance circulation, and awaken the senses.
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Pranayama & Meditation Practices – Daily breathing techniques and meditations to calm the mind, increase vitality, and cultivate presence.
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Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Kai – Vibrant, nourishing meals crafted to support your body throughout this transformational journey.
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Sound Healing Therapy Sessions – A deeply immersive experience using harmonic frequencies, singing bowls, and soundscapes.
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Shared Accommodation – Women share with women, men share with men, and we can accommodate couples and private group bookings
The Space
Waihōanga Retreat Centre
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Tucked away in the lush greenery Waihōanga Retreat Centre offers a tranquil sanctuary for deep rest and transformation.
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Beautiful Yurt: Some of our nourishing offerings will be held in this sacred space.
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Shared Accommodation: Comfortable, cozy, and designed for connection and rest.
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Riverside Location: Wake up to the sound of birdsong and the soothing flow of the river.
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Nourishing Kai: Indulge in vibrant, plant-based, and gluten-free meals crafted to nourish and sustain you throughout this powerful journey.
You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop
~ Rumi