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
Breathwork Journey:
Breathe into Spring
Facilitator: Leigh Marsden
Co-facilitator/Music: Jezer Hines
Retreat Dates & Cost:
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12th September; 1 - 5pm
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$90 per person
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Final payment due 2 weeks prior to the event, 29th August
Location:
Experience Includes:
A breathwork journey is a powerful opportunity to release stress, to express emotion fully, and experience an intensity of Being. Many people experience profound spiritual connection and realization of oneness with all during breathwork journey and afterwards.
How does it work?
Within a safe, warm, comfortable and supported environment, participants engage in a prolonged period of Continuous Circular breathing, an intentional breathing pattern that temporarily lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood, increasing alertness while activating both the autonomic nervous system and areas of the brain involved in emotion and self-awareness.
Within a safe environment and with guided support, this can reduce habitual patterns of muscular tension, increase awareness of internal sensations, and allow emotions to be experienced and processed. Some people experience inner spaciousness, presence, gratitude, and peace. Some gain new perspectives on life, with deeper sense of connection to life and others. Others feel a renewed sense of values and intuition. Everyone's experience is unique.
Music is an integral part of the Breathwork Journey, providing a supportive backdrop that helps guide the experience. Carefully selected live & recorded music mirrors the natural rhythm of the session, building energy during the active breathing phase before gradually transitioning to slower, more reflective phases as the body settles. Music can help participants stay engaged with their breath, support emotional expression, deepen relaxation, and create a sense of safety throughout the journey.
Breathwork Journey is not suitable for everyone. A thorough screening process is important before participation. Maximum participant numbers will apply, to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all.
Peel Forest Silent Retreat
Retreat Dates & Cost:
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14th - 18th October 2026, 4 nights, $745 all inclusive, 15% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking ($112), Currently 2 spots left
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13th - 16th May 2027, 4 nights, $745 all inclusive, 15% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking ($112)
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13th - 17th October 2027, 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.
Trauma-Informed Yoga
Spring Day Retreat
Retreat Dates:
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8th November, 9am - 4pm
Location:
Cost:
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$160, Payment plan available.
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15% ($24) 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.