Events
We offer a range of transformative retreat experiences in the South Canterbury/Canterbury region, NZ.
Designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul, our retreats combine yoga, qigong, breathwork, meditation, plant-based cuisine, and time in nature to help you connect with your inner landscape, recharge, and find balance. We offer affordable silent retreat options for those looking to unplug and deeply rest.
Would you like to join an event or retreat? Please email: hello@leighmarsdenyoga.com
Upcoming Events
Leigh Marsden Holistic Health is proud to present 2 special events in April with star guest ANNA VAN RIEL
Vocalise with Freedom
Retreat Dates:
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Sunday, 19th April, 10am - 12pm
Location:
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Leigh Marsden Holistic Health, 144 Stafford St, Timaru
Cost:
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$20
Experience Includes:
Understand the mechanics of your vocal instrument to access freedom and joy.
Join vocal practitioner Anna van Riel for a dynamic 2hr vocal workshop. Build a vocal toolbox that will set you up for success as we sing together in parts.
With special voice coach Anna Van Riel and speech & language therapist Leigh Marsden.
Folk, Jazz and Blues
Retreat Dates:
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Saturday, 18th March, 7pm - 9pm
Location:
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Leigh Marsden Holistic Health, 144 Stafford St, Timaru
Cost:
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$20
Experience Includes:
Join Anna for the launch of her 7th studio album "Wooden Leg". Anna brings you a collection of feel-good, vintage jazz, blues and folk.
Women's Evening Retreat
at Naked Soul Space
Retreat Dates:
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Wednesday 8th April, 6.30pm - 9pm
Location:
Cost:
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$80
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ltd availability, please contact us to enquire
Experience Includes:
A mini-retreat to pause and relax in silence,
enjoying breathwork, sauna, spa & supper.
Rotate around hydrotherapy spa, traditional wood-fired sauna,
and relaxing breathwork & sound bath.
End with supper and live music.
Greenstone Retreat
with Leigh Marsden
Retreat Dates & Cost:
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10 – 12 April 2026, 2 nights
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$525 all inclusive, 15% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking ($78.75)
Location:
Experience Includes:
Join Leigh Marsden, alongside guest instructors Jezer Hines and Kate Hawkins, for a deeply restorative silent retreat held in the natural beauty of the West Coast. Set among forest and open skies, Greenstone Retreat in Kumara offers a rare and nourishing space to slow down, turn inward, and rest deeply.
This weekend retreat (Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April 2026) is guided by highly experienced silent retreat facilitator Leigh Marsden. You will be gently supported into extended periods of silence, with clear structure, guidance, and care throughout. The retreat includes a conscious break from technology, creating space for the nervous system to settle and awareness to deepen.
What to expect:
Silence is held as a supportive and grounding container, rather than something rigid or austere. Days are spacious and carefully paced, with practices designed to support rest, clarity, and reconnection with yourself.
The retreat includes:
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Guided yoga practices suitable for a range of bodies
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Seated and lying guided meditations
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Restorative sound bath
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Optional massage sessions (additional cost)
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Time for rest, reflection, gentle walking, and simply being
What's included:
• 5 nourishing plant-based meals
• Shared accommodation at Greenstone Retreat
• Camping option available (please enquire)
• All guided practices and retreat facilitation
This retreat is ideal for those seeking deep rest, nervous system regulation, and meaningful time away from noise, screens, and everyday demands. No prior retreat or meditation experience is required.
Places are limited to preserve the quiet, intimate nature of the weekend.
Trauma-Informed Yoga
Autumn Day Retreat
Retreat Dates:
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Sunday 26th April, 9am - 4pm
Location:
Cost:
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$160, Payment plan available.
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15% non-refundable deposit required to secure your place.
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Limited to 12 participants maximum.
Experience Includes:
Join us for a nourishing and insightful day retreat dedicated to healing, awareness, and nervous system care.
Facilitated by experienced trauma-informed yoga providers Leigh Marsden and Trauma Therapist Amanda Webber, this retreat offers a safe, supportive space to deepen your understanding of trauma-informed practice, with both learning and embodied experience.
What's included:
• Practical advice and simple, accessible tools to regulate the nervous system, especially during times of stress and pressure.
• An exploration of the pillars of trauma-informed yoga: choice, empowerment, safety, trust, and connection, each paired with guided practice.
• Discussion of the polyvagal theory and how it helps us understand trauma, healing, and resilience.
• Wellbeing session, identifying your personal values and how best to live by them. Creation of a 'wellbeing toolkit' to take home.
• Guided relaxation and a gentle sound bath to support deep rest.
• Mindfulness walk with yoga session in nature (suitable for all levels).
• Morning tea, including cafe-made hot drink.
• A nourishing gift bag to take home, including journal & pen.
This retreat is suitable for those who are curious about trauma-informed yoga, whether for personal healing, professional development, or both. No prior yoga experience necessary. A great way to deepen an existing practice.
Ts & Cs
Full refund available up to 3 weeks prior to the retreat. Places transferable to another participant but not refundable or transferable to another event within 3 weeks of the retreat. 15% non-refundable deposit required to secure your place.
Peel Forest Silent Retreat
Retreat Dates & Cost:
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7th to 10th May 2026 (NOW FULLY BOOKED,please email to go on standby), 3 nights, $560 all inclusive, 15% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking ($84)
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14th - 18th October 2026, 4 nights, $745 all inclusive, 15% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking ($112)
Location:
Experience Includes:
A rare and beautiful opportunity to unplug from the noise of daily life and turn inward.
Join experienced silent retreat facilitator, Leigh Marsden, in Deep Silence. No phones, no small talk, just the gentle rhythm of breath, movement, and presence. With daily yoga, qigong, walking meditation among ancient trees, and evening meditation, this retreat is an invitation to reconnect with your inner wisdom. Best suited to those who have some experience in extended periods of silence.
What's included:
• Daily morning yoga and afternoon qigong
• Daily walking meditation in the forest
• Evening meditations for deep inner connection
• All meals. Delicious, plant-based, and lovingly prepared
• Shared bunk-style accommodation (men and women housed separately)
• Support and guidance in Deep Silence
Please note: Guests will spend the entire duration of the stay in Deep Silence on this retreat. Deep Silence includes refraining from speaking, eye contact, reading, writing notes, or any other form of external communication. While the benefits of Deep Silence can be profound, this practice is not suitable for everyone. Please make contact to discuss if extended periods in Deep Silence are right for you.
Women's Silent Retreat
at Spencer Park, Christchurch
Retreat Dates:
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6th to 9th August 2026
Location:
Location:
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$380, payment plans available
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.
What's included:
• 3 nights of shared accommodation (bunk-style)
• Plant-based meals (gluten-free options available)
• Yoga and breathwork sessions (suitable for all levels)
• Guided meditations - seated/walking
• Temple Gong Meditation
• Support and guidance in Deep Silence
Please note: Guests will spend the entire duration of the stay in Deep Silence on this retreat. Deep Silence includes refraining from speaking, eye contact, reading, writing notes, or any other form of external communication. While the benefits of Deep Silence can be profound, this practice is not suitable for everyone. Please make contact to discuss if extended periods in Deep Silence are right for you.