Peace, Love, and Tranquility.

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? I recommend retreating deep into the Reikorangi Valley, outside of Wellington City, North Island, New Zealand

Imagine stillness, fresh clean air, quiet and tranquillity. Ngatiawa River Monastery can give you just that. Ngatiawa is my home away from home. They’re my people. My uterus after my hysterectomy is buried in the land which is part of a Maori tradition by giving back to the land that holds you in time of hardship.

Imagine a train ride that’s the beginnings of a peaceful time. Sitting back, watching the countryside, lakes and mountains as you pass through little coastal towns along the Kapiti Coast. As the train flashes “ Next Station Waikane” You get your bags together and feeling a sense of peace leaving the hustle and bustle of city life.

You get off the train and are greeted with warm smiles and friendly hugs. You're driven up into the valley, past greenery and over river bridges. The conversation is kept light with the interest of getting to know you as your driven deeper into the valley. You're getting closer towards peace, love and tranquillity as the landscape becomes cleaner, greener, the air is fresh (a contrast from the smokey, busy city that you're used to). A little way into the journey through the valley your eyes are drawn to a driveway full of pink blossom trees in full bloom.

As you drive down the driveway into land there are various cabins, where all the people who work hard keeping Ngatiawa presentable call home. The grounds are clean and immaculately kept. For visitors like you, scattered around the land are gardens which are beautifully kept surrounding this retreat centre for you to explore.

You're taken into the main dining, kitchen area, which I would call the hub if you’re an extrovert like me, it’s the place! You're welcomed in with warm smiles and friendly hugs from all who live there as well as the sound of children squealing and excited playing on the tramp. You're offered a cup of tea and feel very welcome. A place of love and care for others.

Whenever I go there the aroma of freshly baked sourdough catches my nostrils gives off a sense of “I’m Home”.

Ngatiawa River Monastery is a monastic community founded in 2009 practising in prayer and hospitality. The Monastery was founded by pioneering visionaries Justin and Jenny Duckworth alongside Tarsh Te Rure who were working alongside the marginalised and homeless people in Wellington City, New Zealand. After a few years of journeying alongside these people, they felt a need for a space where these people could make good choices and live a healthy and holistic lifestyle. To do this they purchased the Ngatiawa Campsite from the Presbyterian Church. The Monastery has existed for over 14 years and continues to evolve. Ngatiawa offers the invitation for people to come and receive their hospitality, with the option of joining in daily prayer rhythms.

In their words, Ngatiawa says:

“In our beautiful and peaceful setting, we offer respite, rest, refreshment and retreat, and for some who wish it an opportunity to explore another way of living.”

This is the perfect retreat center. The people and the hospitality they offer are awesome (maybe I’m biased? They are family). You will feel their warmth from when you're welcomed as you are picked up from the train to the light conversation in the car and vast amount of home baking and the hearty meals they offer in the kitchen dining area. The people living at the Ngatiawa make time and effort to get to know you with great hospitality. They will have a coffee or cup of tea with you and meal times are a good time of connecting with people. Lunch and dinner would always be prepared, the table set up and everyone helps out but doesn't have to if they can't. A bell is rung to let guests know lunch or dinner is ready. During the days I stayed there I valued sitting in the kitchen feeling the warmth of people chatting, chopping vegetables, including you in conversations and connecting with the family of two children playing with blocks or jumping on the tramp. I loved sitting out on the deck connecting with Gemma, married to Stuart, who had long thick hair tied back in a messy bun. She is thin and tall with several tattoos randomly scattered over her arms and is one of the young women that works around the kitchen, keeping the grounds looking welcoming. She cares for the children and always makes time to connect with you.

To book a “Home away from Home” retreat head to

ngatiawabookings@gmail.com