Private Retreat | Mahamudra Centre

Private Retreats at Mahamudra Centre

Stillness. Simplicity. Space to reconnect.

Why Take a Personal Retreat?

Retreat offers a rare opportunity to pause the busyness of life and turn inward.
Away from distractions, our hearts begin to settle, and the mind naturally clears — revealing a quiet wisdom that’s always been there.

As Lama Zopa Rinpoche reminds us:

“The real meaning of retreat is to protect the mind — to separate it from delusion and to develop inner peace.”

Whether your wish is to deepen your meditation, reconnect with purpose, or simply rest and breathe, retreat allows space for transformation.
At Mahamudra Centre, the land itself supports this — peaceful, expansive, and blessed by decades of practice.

Here, silence is not emptiness — it’s presence.

Guided Mini Retreats

For those seeking rest, renewal, and a gentle introduction to meditation.

Our guided mini retreats are self-paced yet lightly structured stays that can be booked anytime a hut is available.
They are designed for those new to retreating or meditation — or anyone needing time to pause, recharge, and realign.

Each retreat includes private accommodation in one of our self-contained huts, two guided meditation sessions, and a suggested daily rhythm for rest and reflection.

Introduction to Meditation Retreat

A gentle introduction to meditation and retreat life.
You’ll have a light structure to follow, guided sessions, and plenty of quiet time to explore your own rhythm.

Includes:

2 guided meditation sessions (morning and evening on the full day)
Suggested daily schedule for personal practice, reading, and rest
Optional check-in for questions or guidance
Private accommodation in a self-contained hut

Ideal for: Those new to meditation or looking to re-establish a steady daily practice in a supportive setting.

Weekend Reset Retreat

A short, restorative stay to slow down and reconnect.
Spend your days in nature, join two guided meditations with one of our senior students, and take time for journaling, reflection, or simply being.

Includes:

2 guided meditation sessions (morning and evening on the full day)
Reflection prompts and mindfulness exercises
Optional short check-in for questions or guidance
Private accommodation in a self-contained hut

Ideal for: Anyone seeking a peaceful reset — a chance to unwind and renew clarity.

Self-Structured Retreats for Experienced Practitioners

For those ready to deepen their practice in solitude.

For experienced practitioners, Mahamudra Centre offers the opportunity to enter into silent, self-guided retreat for as long as needed.
Our simple, self-contained huts provide the quiet, privacy, and natural beauty that support sustained meditation and study.

This is a space to go deeper — supported by the blessings of lineage, and the stillness of the land itself.

Retreat Requirements

To ensure a supportive and beneficial experience, we ask that retreatants:

Have an established daily practice such as meditation or Buddhist sadhana.
Have the support of a teacher or senior student to help set up and complete the retreat.
Be comfortable spending extended periods alone without phone or internet use.
Be clear about the type and structure of their retreat before arrival, and bring all needed texts or recordings.
Have the mental and physical stability to manage challenges that may arise (e.g. emotional or physical discomfort).
Commit to maintaining ethical discipline and observing silence during the retreat.
Observe the Five Precepts during the entire stay.

“The very least meaning of retreat is to retreat away from non-virtue — the cause of suffering.”
— Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Food & Supplies

Each retreat hut includes a small but proper kitchen setup with cooking facilities, fridge, and utensils, allowing you to prepare your own meals during your stay.

While Mahamudra Centre does not provide cooked meals, we’re happy to help you arrange groceries in several convenient ways:

Centre staff can shop locally at Four Square Coromandel on your behalf before or during your retreat.
You may also order online via Pak’nSave Thames click & collect, which can be delivered to Coromandel in collaboration with the Coromandel Taxi service.

We recommend planning simple, wholesome meals that support the rhythm of retreat and are easy to prepare in your hut’s kitchen.

Travel & Practical Information

Getting Here:
Mahamudra Centre is located near Colville, at the northern tip of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

By car: 3.5–4.5 hours from Auckland Airport.
By ferry: From Downtown Auckland to Coromandel Town (2 hours), then 30-minute drive to the Centre.
By bus: Limited service to Thames — we recommend hiring a car if possible.

Visas:
International visitors from most countries can stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa for up to 3 months.

Please check the New Zealand Immigration website for up-to-date visa requirements.

Coming on Retreat

Retreat is not an escape — it’s a return.
A return to presence, to stillness, to the essence of what truly matters.
Whether you come for a few days or a few months, Mahamudra offers the space to rest, reflect, and rediscover the quiet joy of simply being.