Come help and enjoy yoga, meditation, deep wisdom & nature in NZ!

United States

3

My experience at the Center was positive due to my relationship with the other volunteers, and the beautiful location. However, there were concerning issues with some of the residents, including a mental health episode by one resident that I lived with, which negatively impacted my experience. Yoga classes are also not guaranteed, and are run by other volunteers. I frankly have nothing positive to say about the owners of this the Center. They never bothered to learn my name, and I felt their intention was to get as much free labor with as little effort into our experience as possible.

5 months ago

United States

3

The positives of this experience were definitely the connections I made with other volunteers and the beautiful surrounding nature. However, this is not a yoga the Center as advertised. Yoga is not guaranteed. The owners also often put us in dangerous work conditions and had us work in direct sun for 6 hours a day doing hard land maintenance. There is no free pick or drop off (except on Tuesdays) and will cost you a total of $100. If you come on a work day you must make up that day before leaving or pay $90. Also, two of the resident's had severe mental health episodes while living close to us.

5 months ago

Argentina

1

It was definetely not what we expected. We were supposed to stay there three weeks and we only stayed for three days. There were no yoga and meditation classes we could attend to. They only provided us with security equipments when we asked for it, while cutting wood. It seemed more like a cult than a normal place. It gets ghard to get out of there, but if you feel uncomfortable, leave. The working environment was harsh and not easy-going. There are crazy people living there and manipulative behaviours towards volunteers. If you are looking for spiritual experience, this is not the place.

5 months ago

Germany

3

My time as a volunteer was a dividing experience. The other volunteers were incredible, and the moments we shared will always stay in my heart. However, some residents were a bit sketchy, and depending on your room, you might have to use a communal bathroom and shower that isn't cleaned regularly. Unfortunately, some people never learned proper bathroom etiquette (and it wasn't the volunteers). No classes were held while I was there, and I wasn't informed about the work cycle, which led to them asking me for $45 to stay an extra night. There are better places, but also worse ones.

6 months ago

France

2

The good part of my experience is not related to the host but to the volunteers, the jam sessions and the nature. The management talked me into taking a drug when I was not in a state to refuse, l had a 36 hours bad trip, only the volunteers where there for me. The residents are NOT trustworthy. Some people (residents&management) are dirty, dishonest, egocentric, disrespectful and dangerously irresponsible and individualistic. Both of the owners are particularly unkind, strict and greedy. No bathroom, no proper tab, not cleaned every week. No lesson during my stay, I have been scammed.

6 months ago

savitri replied

We are a drug free, and alcohol free retreat center. We focus on yoga, meditation, health and well-being. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Aida went down to the beach off property to do drugs at a party. She came back to us unable to fuction at her job to fulfill her work duties. It took lots of people to nurse her which was hard on many people. We did everything we could but end of the day we cant control what an adult does off site. Very sad to have seen this happen. SE

Canada

4

My partner Kyle & I stayed for 3 weeks - here are our ups & downs! Ups: - met AMAZING people & had some of the most fun days of our lives - had lots of time to explore the breathtaking property, such a gift Downs: - there were no classes running during our stay, which we felt was a huge part of the exchange & was the main reason we were drawn to the Center in the first place - the owners expect volunteers to perform tasks with “awareness, care, and love”, but don't embody these traits themselves Overall, we're so grateful for the experience & the wonderful souls we met <3

6 months ago

Netherlands

4

The people at the Center are lovely, Hema and the other volunteers welcomed me with open arms. The work is simple and hours are well respected. I can recommend to anyone who is looking for a peacefull place in nature.

7 months ago

United States

5

My experience volunteering at the Center was one that I'll never forget. The property is a paradise, the work is straightforward, and the people are second to none. Thank you to Hema and all of the other residents and volunteers I had the opportunity to spend time with. I loved how the work was bunched into 3-day chunks, leaving 4 days of the week free for relaxing or exploring the stunning surrounding beauty. Highly recommended! Thank you!

7 months ago

Italy

5

We spent one month at the Center with a wonderful group of international travellers, residents and a great management team (Leticia, Helena, Louisa and Alli). As a couple, we stayed in a private room and mainly worked as gardeners and did some cleaning of the facilities as well. ASTONISHING nature surrounds this place from every corner: the houses oversee the Karekare beach, and two big waterfalls are close to the property. We joined several yoga and meditation classes at the temple, always surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere.

8 months ago

India

5

The Center is truly a wonderful place to volunteer, the work is well organised and I had plenty of time off to explore the landscape. Karekare beach and waterfall is not to be missed! Iv met a lot of lovely volunteers here and one generous resident (Hema) who creats heart warming and delicious lunches for us all to enjoy and share together. Iv had such a great time here and didn't want to leave, so I extended my stay for a further two week! I'm so very grateful to be here

8 months ago

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