Events
Leigh Marsden offers a variety of transformative retreat experiences in the picturesque South Canterbury region. Designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul, our retreats combine yoga, breathwork, meditation, vegan cuisine, and immersion in nature to help you connect with your inner landscape, recharge, and find balance.
Retreat Offerings
Evening Retreats
Join us for rejuvenating evening retreats, perfect for unwinding after a long day and reconnecting with yourself through gentle yoga, calming breathwork, and meditation under the stars.
Overnight/Weekend Retreats
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with our overnight and weekend retreats. Indulge in a comprehensive wellness experience, including extended yoga sessions, deep breathwork practices, silent meditations, wholesome vegan cuisine, and opportunities for reflection and connection.
Day Retreats
Immerse yourself in a full day of self-care and rejuvenation with our day retreats. Experience a blend of yoga practices, breathwork sessions, guided meditations, and nourishing vegan meals amidst the tranquil beauty of nature.
Silent Retreats
Leigh has a special passion for silent retreats and is proud to offer budget-conscious silent retreats in Peel Forest, NZ. Please note that bookings for our 2024 silent retreats are now closed.
2025 retreat bookings are now open
Upcoming Events
Standing Poses - Intensive Workshop
Workshop Date:
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Saturday, 29th March 2025
Time:
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9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost:
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$95 per person
Location:
Leigh Marsden Holistic Health Studio, 144 Stafford Street
Workshop Includes:
Join Leigh for a special 3-hour workshop dedicated to mastering the foundations of Hatha yoga standing poses. In this in-depth session, we will explore key poses with detailed reference to B.K.S. Iyengar’s classic text, Light on Yoga. You’ll learn to practice each pose with precision, including traditional Iyengar transitions into and out of the poses.
Participants will receive written references and an exclusive video to support continued practice at home. This workshop is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of standing poses (including balance poses) and gain knowledge that will inform your practice for years to come.
Peel Forest Day Retreat
Retreat Date:
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21st February 2025
Location:
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Eco Lodge, Peel Forest
Time:
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9am - 5pm
Cost:
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$120 per person
Experience Includes:
Immerse yourself in this restorative day that includes: Walking Meditation, Yoga, Forest Bathing, Cacao Ceremony, Sound Bath, and nourishing plant-based lunch.
Women's Evening Retreats 2025
Retreat Dates:
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15th or 16th April 2025
Time:
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6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost:
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$80 per person
Experience Includes:
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Enjoy deep silence and relaxation as you rotate through:
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Hydrotherapy spa
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Traditional wood-fired sauna
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Relaxing breathwork and sound bath
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End the evening with a delightful supper and live guitar music.
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Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat May 2025
Retreat Dates:
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9 - 11 May 2025
Location:
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Koru Lodge, Spencer Park (Christchurch)
Time:
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1pm, 9th May - 9am, 11th August 2025
Cost:
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$195 per person
Experience Includes:
Enjoy a budget- friendly retreat with deep silence and a variety of activities including seated and walking meditations, yoga, and plant-based meals amidst nature.
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2 nights of shared accommodation
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5 plant-based meals (gluten-free options available)
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4 yoga and breathwork sessions (suitable for all levels)
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1 guided walking meditation
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2 guided seated meditations
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Temple Gong Meditation
Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat August 2025
Retreat Dates:
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8 - 10 August 2025
Location:
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Koru Lodge, Spencer Park (Christchurch)
Time:
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1pm, 8th August - 9am, 10th August 2025
Cost:
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$195 per person
Experience Includes:
Enjoy a budget -friendly retreat with deep silence and a variety of activities including seated and walking meditations, yoga, and plant-based meals amidst nature.
-
2 nights of shared accommodation
-
5 plant-based meals (gluten-free options available)
-
4 yoga and breathwork sessions (suitable for all levels)
-
1 guided walking meditation
-
2 guided seated meditations
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Temple Gong Meditation
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What should I bring to a retreat?We recommend bringing comfortable yoga attire, a yoga mat, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, any personal items or medications you may need, and an open mind ready for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Are accommodations provided for overnight/weekend retreats?Yes, accommodations are included for overnight and weekend retreats. We provide comfortable lodging options amidst the beauty of nature to ensure a peaceful and restful stay.
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Is prior yoga experience required to attend a retreat?No, our retreats are suitable for practitioners of all levels, including beginners. Our experienced instructors tailor the sessions to accommodate various skill levels, ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported.
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Can dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated?Absolutely! We understand the importance of nourishing your body with wholesome meals. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or preferences when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
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What is the cancellation policy for retreat bookings?Our cancellation policy varies depending on the retreat type and duration. Please refer to the specific retreat details or contact us for more information about our cancellation policy.
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How do I book a retreat?To book a retreat, simply contact us through our website or email us at us at leigh.marsden@gmail.com. Our friendly team will assist you in choosing the right retreat for you and guide you through the booking process.
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Are payment plans available for retreat bookings?Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for select retreats. Contact us to inquire about payment plan options and availability for your desired retreat.
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Can I attend a retreat alone, or do I need to come with a group?You are welcome to attend our retreats solo or with a group of friends or family members. Our retreats provide a supportive and inclusive environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate new friendships.
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What can I expect when it's over?Take it slow after class. You are welcome to spend a few minutes to ground yourself and slowly get up with gentle stretches. Feel free to discuss your experience with others or myself but do not feel obligated to do so if you don't want to. As you go home, some people may feel more energized and creative, while others can feel just about ready for bed. Expect the vibrations to still be working 24 to 48 hours after the session
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Are pets allowed at the retreats?As much as we love furry friends, we typically do not allow pets at our retreats to ensure the comfort and well-being of all participants.
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What do I do?You can sit or lie down as you relax while listening to the music and feel the vibrations
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What do I wear?Anything comfortable and warm
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Do I need to bring anything?Mats, blankets and cushions will be provided for each session but you are welcome to bring anything else that can help you relax such as an eye mask or your favourite pillow.
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Can I bring my kids or baby to the group sessions?The group sessions are not suitable for young children or babies. First is because of safety. The sessions have limited space for them to move around and there will be various instruments in the room. Secondly, this is a group session where people come to relax and your child / baby may be a distraction to everyone else. Third, the sound may be too much for young and sensitive ears.
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Do we have to do introductions?No. As soon as everyone has arrived we can dive right into the session.
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Do we have to share our experience?No. This is not a sharing circle so don't feel obligated to share any of your person experience after the session.
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What if I start to feel emotional during a session?This is a safe space for everyone to feel free to express whatever emotions come up during the session. As the body starts to relax we can release stress through tears, so feel free to let them happen. Feeling emotions is normal as the vibrations work through your body and clear blockages. Breath through it and let it pass. You might not notice anything in during the session but then feel the shift 2-3 days later.
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What if I fall asleep? Will I still get the benefits?Yes. It is okay to take this time to fall asleep. The body will still be affected by the vibrations and you can even experience a deeper result.
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What can I expect?Each session is a 1 hour long guided meditation where you will hear various instruments and feel different vibrations to lead you into deep relaxation and healing. No two sessions will be alike as Jezer will use his experience and intuition to guide. During the session everyone will have their own experience. Some common things you can expect to feel are deep relaxation, time slowing down, mental clarity, seeing shapes and or colours.
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What if I can't relax?Even if your mind doesn't fully shut off, the healing benefits will still be taking place. It can take a few sessions to get use to it and to let go. Additionally, what we are trying to let go of can become heightened during the session. It will get easier.
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Who can go to a sound healing session?Everyone is welcome but as this is a group session people above 18 is recommended. If you have any metal or electric implants it is not recommend to come as the vibrations can affect you differently or even mess with you device. If you are unsure please send a message and we can get back to you. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please send us a message and we can better inform you. Please make contact to discuss your situation if you have heart conditions, PTSD, or mental health issues.
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What if I'm not comfortable in a group?Each persons experience is unique to them. This is a judgement free zone where everyone is welcome. If you have any questions please send us a message, or speak with Jezer before the class starts. 1:1 sessions also available.