COROMANDEL 5-DAY MINDFULNESS RETREAT
A Gentle Reset for Your Mind, Body and Heart
Five Days Away From the Noise. Five Days Closer to Yourself.
4th to 9th of April 2027
With Eric Chagnon and Kovido Maddick
Te Moata Retreat Centre, Coromandel Peninsula
You Don't Need To Push Harder.
You Need Space.
Space to breathe.
Space to think.
Space to rest.
Space to feel yourself again.
Perhaps you've been carrying stress for months.
Perhaps you've been giving your energy to everyone else.
Perhaps you've become so accustomed to feeling tired, busy or overwhelmed that you've forgotten what it feels like to be fully present and at ease.
Many of the people who come to our retreats are not looking to become different people.
They simply want to feel like themselves again.
You May Recognise Yourself Here
Many people join our retreats because:
They are exhausted from constantly being "on"
They are recovering from burnout
They are navigating a difficult life transition
They feel disconnected from themselves
They have spent years looking after everyone except themselves
Their stress levels have become normal, even though they know they're carrying too much
They feel lonely despite being surrounded by people
They are searching for meaning, direction or purpose
They want genuine connection instead of surface-level interactions
They want a break from habits that leave them feeling depleted
You do not need to be in crisis. You do not need meditation experience. You do not need to have everything figured out. You simply need to arrive.
Imagine Leaving Feeling...
Calm
Not because your challenges disappeared.
Because your nervous system finally had the opportunity to settle.
Clear
With more perspective on what truly matters.
Connected
To yourself. To nature. To a community of thoughtful and caring people.
Renewed
With greater resilience, energy and trust in your ability to navigate life.
Hopeful
Remembering that meaning, joy and connection are still available to you.
This is the transformation participants consistently describe after our retreats.
Not from life.
Just from the things we've come to rely on to get through it.
Many of us spend our days moving from one source of stimulation to the next.
Checking our phones.
Scrolling social media.
Answering messages.
Watching another episode.
Pouring another drink.
Sometimes What We Need Most Is A Break
For the duration of the retreat, we invite participants into a simpler rhythm of life.
Alcohol-free
Nourishing vegetarian meals
Limited phone use to support presence and connection
Daily time outdoors
Meaningful conversations
Space for reflection and recovery
Many participants tell us that they arrive feeling hesitant about putting their phones away or stepping back from their usual routines.
A few days later, they often wonder why they don't do it more often.
What emerges is rarely deprivation.
It is relief.
Online shopping.
Eating on the run.
Filling every quiet moment with something.
None of these habits are inherently wrong.
Most begin as understandable attempts to cope with stress, loneliness, uncertainty or exhaustion.
Yet over time, they can leave us feeling more scattered, less present, and increasingly disconnected from ourselves.
This retreat offers something that has become surprisingly rare:
Five days without needing to reach for the next distraction
Not through rules. Not through discipline. Through support. Nature. Stillness. Conversation. Connection. Good food. Rest.
The land itself encourages a different pace.
Birdsong replaces notifications.
Forest replaces traffic.
Silence replaces urgency.
The beauty of Te Moata is not just something you observe.
It becomes part of the retreat experience.
For five days, this sanctuary becomes our home.
A Sanctuary in the Heart of the Coromandel
Nestled among native forest in the hills above Tairua, Te Moata Retreat Centre is a sanctuary for people and a sanctuary for nature. It offers peaceful natural surroundings, sacred spaces, walking tracks, accommodation immersed in native bush, and a purpose-built meditation hall. [temoata.org]
Why This Retreat Is Different
Many retreats focus on relaxation.
Others focus on meditation.
Our intention is something broader.
We create conditions for genuine restoration.
A place where people can rest deeply, reconnect with themselves and experience the healing effects of community, nature and mindful awareness.
Small Group Experience
Participant numbers are intentionally limited.
This creates intimacy, psychological safety and meaningful connection.
Experienced Teachers
Kovido and Eric bring decades of meditation practice, teaching experience and personal life experience.
Individual Support
Participants have opportunities for one-on-one conversations with the teachers.
Genuine Human Connection
Many people arrive feeling isolated in their struggles.
Again and again, they discover they are not alone.
Time To Slow Down
Perhaps the greatest luxury of all.
No rush.
No performance.
No pressure to achieve.
Simply time to be.
What You Will Experience
Guided Mindfulness Meditation
Accessible meditation practices suitable for complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Walking Meditation
Bringing awareness into movement while exploring Te Moata's beautiful surroundings.
Group Dialogues
Honest conversations that help us understand ourselves and connect more deeply with others.
Mindful Movement
Gentle movement practices to reconnect body and mind.
Time In Nature
Forest walks, outdoor meditation, reflection and moments of wonder.
Personal Reflection
Journaling, contemplation and spacious free time integrated throughout the retreat.
One-On-One Interviews
Optional individual meetings with Eric or Kovido.
Rest
The ingredient modern life often provides too little of.
Is This Retreat For You?
This retreat may be a good fit if:
✓ You are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted
✓ You are recovering from burnout
✓ You are seeking more balance in your life
✓ You feel disconnected from yourself
✓ You want practical mindfulness skills you can bring home
✓ You value time in nature
✓ You are ready to step away from constant stimulation
✓ You long for deeper connection and meaningful conversation
✓ You are asking bigger questions about what matters most
You do not need previous meditation experience.
You simply need a willingness to slow down and be present.
Meet Your Teachers
Kovido Maddick
Kovido has over 40 years’ experience in mindfulness and meditation and spent 10 years training as a Buddhist Monk, in the Thai Forest Tradition, under Ajahn Sumedho.
He has been teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programmes since 1996. He is a certified teacher and coach with Mindfulness Works. He was also a co-facilitator of the Dunedin Men’s group and a Hakomi Graduate.
Although his training is primarily Buddhist he is very eclectic, drawing on the wisdom of many different traditions and contemporary teachers including Rumi, Osho, Ajahn Chah, Ram Dass, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Jeff Foster and Thich Naht Hanh. Probably his greatest teachers have been his two foster children, Mason and Savannah, who could take him from love, joy, delight to rage and frustration and despair on a daily basis.
For many many years, Kovido tried to get enlightened, improve himself, get better at meditation but constantly failed. Gradually his focus has changed to more self-acceptance, trusting his own intuition and being with life as it is on this wonder-full and mysterious journey as a human being.
Recently he walked the 800km Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route in Northern Spain, which has greatly affected his attitude to meditation practice and life.
"It fulfilled my needs. Kovido's approach was calming, informative and made people feel safe."
Heinke, Dunedin
"It was an exceptionally valuable experience. The pace of the morning was just right and Kovido's teaching was excellent. It was a very peaceful morning and a very gentle way to feeling good about yourself and your place in the world."
Liz O. Dunedin
Eric Chagnon
Eric’s exploration of meditation and mysticism formally began more than 20 years ago when he joined the Rosicrucian Order AMORC. He has kept an ongoing meditation practice through co-raising a family and having a corporate career. His discovery and immersion into mindfulness meditation culminated in obtaining a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certificate from renowned instructors Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.
Eric brings his whole self into his teachings. Drawing from his public speaking and leadership experiences, and from his learnings from Tara and Jack, he connects with his students at their levels. His simple, calm and patient delivery is effective and instills a sense of safety and trust among students.
Eric, the instructor, was superb. His own calmness, presence, and focus were inspiring. His tone of voice was calm and very inviting, making each session a pleasure to attend. I learned so much from him and always looked forward to each session. I am keen to continue taking more courses with him in the future. -Marcia B., course participant
Eric, you are a star. Your manner, your knowledge and your whole approach adds value to the experience. -Ken D., Nature Walk and Meditation participant
Timetable
6:30am Sunrise Movement Ritual, Yoga Nidra meditation
7:30am Hearty vegetarian breakfast
8:30am Mindful Mahi, Guided meditation, walking meditation, meditation Q&A
12 pm Delicious vegetarian lunch, free time
3:30pm Dialogue meditations and discussions, group activities
5 pm Light Meal
7 pm Evening activities, group check-in, etc.
Costs for the 5 nights, 6-day retreat
Choose your accommodation option Three options are available. Each option begins with the same $500 deposit.
Pay the deposit to secure your place This payment is non‑refundable and confirms your registration.
Receive your invoice for the remaining balance After paying the deposit, you’ll be emailed the balance amount and payment details.
Pay the full balance by 28 February 2027 The remaining amount is non‑refundable after 28 February 2027.
Early Bird pricing ends 15 December 2026 Book and pay your deposit before this date to access the reduced rate.
Individual Cubicle, Early Bird Rate $1,995
One bed in an individual cubicle in the Centre, each with a window and a curtain for privacy. Half are in a loft accessed by ladders (indicate any preference in the form at the next step). Shared toilets and showers.
Single Room, Early Bird Rate $2,195
One bed in a single room in the Centre. Shared toilets and showers.
Private Cabin, Early Bird Rate $2,195
One bed in a private cabin. Short walk to the Centre. Shared compostable toilets. Showers in the Centre.
What is Included
Accommodation for 5 nights in serene nature setting
All food and meals - nourishing vegetarian cuisine
Daily guided meditations and mindfulness sessions
Trauma-informed talks and teachings
One-on-one teacher consultations
Personal journal and materials
Post-retreat community support
FAQ
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Absolutely. Many retreats have endless sitting meditation, and little talking, and that can be very hard for beginners. However we will have a mixture of sitting and walking, silence and talking which makes it easier. There will also be regular instructions and question times.
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Definitely . Because we will have a mix of silence and talking, sitting meditation and active meditations it is really appropriate for bringing balance in our daily lives and to enhance the factors of skillful speech, action and livelihood.
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If you’re planning to drive, Tairua is easily accessible from several major cities. The drive from Auckland takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, while it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tauranga. Follow State Highway 25 and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
By Shuttle
Go-Kiwi operates 7 days a week and runs a daily shuttle from downtown Auckland and Auckland airport through Tairua and on to Whitianga. They will drop you off and pick you up at the beginning Paul Road, 15 minutes North of Tairua.
For more information on schedules: Go Kiwi
For more details and options, please consult Te Moata’s website.
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Yoga Nidra is an ancient meditation, done lying down, passing mindfulness through the body in a gentle and curious way, which leads to deep relaxation and /or sleep.
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Everybody has to pay a deposit of $500 which is not refundable. Upon paying the initial deposit, participants will receive a pay link with the remaining balance.The balance is to be paid by 28 February 2027. If you would like to pay the balance in two or three installments, please contact Eric.
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Please contact the organizers to discuss.
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The meals will be delicious vegetarian, with vegan/gluten free options, prepared by Te Moata’s own chefs.
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You will need to bring: Linens (unless flying in - linen available for hire in this case. Clothes and shoes/ boots for outdoors and indoors. Torch. Toiletries. Also bring something of significance to you to put on the shrine ie a picture, statue, small object, etc.
Any Questions?
We would love to help. Please fill in the required information and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are real people! We would also be more than happy if you called us to have a chat about the retreat: Kovido - 027 357 2884.