A Mindfulness Dunedin Retreat

Mid-Winter 5-Day Meditation Retreat: Slowing Down, Coming to Rest

27th of June to 2nd of July 2025

With Kovido Maddick and Eric Chagnon, Mindfulness Meditation Certified Teachers

At River Ridge Retreat, in The Catlins

As we approach the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice, we move our retreat off the coast to one of New Zealand’s most peaceful areas: The Catlins, nature’s paradise.

Situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush native bush, stunning ridges, bird life and a crystal-clear river, the River Ridge Retreat is the Southernmost retreat in the World. Just over one hour from Dunedin Airport, 3 hours from Queenstown, and less than 2 hours from Invercargill.

When you join our 5-day retreat, you experience

Deep sense of calm

In a beautiful, quiet natural setting, with times for silence, relaxation and reflection.

Learning

Guided by experienced teachers, learning meditation and mindfulness techniques

Connection

Reconnecting with your true self, and creating meaningful connections with others through discovery activities

Previous Partipants Have Said

  • "What a beautiful, nurturing experience the retreat was. Our facilitators Kovido, Eric and Sally brought their special warmth and care, and provided a safe space for our small, mixed group..."

    Leonie H., Dunedin

  • "I took part in the 5 day retreat...I have learned so much and released so much, taking the step back into everyday life felt very achievable and in a better head space. Honestly the best week of my life. My journey has only just begun."

    Hannah S., Dunedin

  • "The Autumn Equinox Retreat was great - there was a good mix of meditation/mindfulness practice and theory delivered by three very warm and friendly facilitators in Eric, Kovido and Sally..."

    Bill C., Dunedin

  • "I could never have imagined that within a mere 48 hours I would have formed strong connections with the people I was blessed to be on the retreat with, feel so emotionally regulated and secure, and leave with the knowledge that the path to my future lay in trusting myself."

    Erin G., Christchurch

Our instructors

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 whose courses he has taught for 10 years. He is co-facilitator of the Dunedin Men’s group and is a Hakomi Graduate. Full Bio

Eric Chagnon

Eric’s exploration of meditation and mysticism began more than 30 years ago. 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 now teaches mindfulness meditation in Dunedin, through a variety of courses, retreats, and nature walks. Full Bio

What you do on the retreat

Meditate

Under the guidance of certified teachers, practice guided mindfulness meditations 3 to 5 times a day. This practice helps you become more aware of each moment’s experience and fully live the life that is here, now.

Group Activities

Every day, you spend time in Group Dialogues, sharing about experiences, making sense of things, connecting with other people, remembering what makes us human. There are also various movement activities.

Time outside

Every day, weather permitting, we will be spending some much-needed winter outdoor time. Sunrise rituals, mindful movements, meditation, we tune in to nature and receive its regulating benefits. And come back inside to a hot cup of tea in a warm and cozy lounge.

Free time

Rest, nap, walk by the river, journal, draw, this is an important time, daily, for processing and recovery.

Jonathan Green
"Create a sanctuary within yourself, and you will always carry a place of refuge wherever you go."

Sleeping

River Ridge Retreat is set in a tranquil natural setting, and it is their mission to accommodate groups for weddings, holidays, and retreat. This allows us to offer a variety of sleeping arrangements. From sharing a room with 2 other people to having your own private room, find the option that suits you best.

Eating

We strive to hire the best cooks for our retreats! We received a unanimous 5-star rating for the food served at our last retreat on Quarantine Island. Food is vegetarian and prepared on-site. We can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions.

Costs for the 5-day retreat*

Shared bedroom with 2 other people: $1,850 pp. Early bird (before 13th of June): $1,675 pp.

Private bedroom, shared bath: $2,250 pp. Early bird (before 13th of June): $1,975 pp.

Deluxe self-contained studio for 2 people: $3,600

*A $500 non-refundable deposit is required upon registration. Registration through Eventbrite.

What is included

  • Accommodation for 5 nights

  • All food and meals

  • All instructions

  • A journal with pens and pencils

  • An invitation to join our local fortnightly-meeting meditation group

Past participant Erin G., Christchurch

“I could never have imagined that within a mere 48 hours I would have formed strong connections with the people I was blessed to be on the retreat with, feel so emotionally regulated and secure, and leave with the knowledge that the path to my future lay in trusting myself.

Eric, Kovido and Sally created such a wonderful environment of trust and respect that I was very sad to leave and wished I had signed up for the whole 5 days. 
The meditation and mindfulness sessions were really accessible, particularly for someone like me who did not have a lot of practice. 

The cooking was AMAZING, my full compliments to Sally for her incredibly nourishing food which felt like being loved on a whole new level, and the location was simply perfect. 

I can't wait for the next one!”