Events
We offer a range of transformative retreats, events and workshops in South Canterbury, 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
Trauma-Informed Yoga
8-week Programme
Retreat Dates & Cost:
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Saturdays 1.30pm: 19 & 26 September, 3,10, 24 October, 7, 21, 28 November.
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$180
Location:
Programme Information:
Across eight weeks, we use gentle movement, breathing, grounding and body awareness to develop greater connection with the body and practical skills for nervous-system regulation. This is not a conventional yoga class, but a very particular, progressive skills development programme.
It may be particularly beneficial for people experiencing:
• anxiety, chronic stress or overwhelm
• PTSD or the ongoing effects of trauma
• feeling constantly on edge or unable to switch off
• freeze, shutdown or disconnection from the body
• difficulty recognising or trusting body signals
• persistent physical tension or bracing
• difficulty feeling comfortable in conventional exercise or yoga environments
This is a progressive course. Each week builds upon the work that came before it. For that reason, this is not a drop-in class.
When you enrol, you are making a commitment to the full course, including short home practices between sessions. The home practice is an important part of consolidating what we explore together and allowing skills and confidence to develop over time.
Full Moon Women's Circle
Retreat Dates:
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Sunday 27th September, 6pm - 9pm
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Limited to 12 women. A minimum of 8 is needed for the circle to proceed.
Location:
Contribution:
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$44
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To Book Email: lisamawellbeing@gmail.com
The Intention:
This circle is a held space for women to gather under the full moon - to practise presence, to be seen and heard,
and to strengthen trust within ourselves. We come together in service of connection, empowerment and
community.
What We Will Share:
Arrival & Ceremonial Cacao
We begin with a cup of ceremonial cacao. This is a gentle, heart-opening way to settle the body and mind into
arrival and meditation, and mark the transition into the evening.
Inner Nature Cards, Inner Nature Cards can be a powerful yet simple tool to help you notice and listen to your own inner
experience. With them you can practice awareness of your body’s wisdom, and track sensations, emotions, and
uncover the needs that lie beneath feelings, offering a wide range of words that have been thoughtfully
curated. Each card features a unique and evocative image from Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural landscape
offering a visual connection to the essence of the word.
Explore Herbs & Create Your Own Herbal Pouch
A selection of intentionally chosen dried herbs will be provided. Each plant carries traditional properties and
energetic symbolism. Intuitively you will create your own herbal pouch crafting it with your personal intention.
Conscious Communication Practice
Drawing on the awareness cultivated with the Inner Nature Cards, we will practise 1:1 active listening and
reflecting using a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) inspired structure. This is a simple, respectful way of
speaking and hearing one another that builds trust, presence and clearer connection - skills that can translate
into everyday life.
Journaling Invitation
Bring your own journal if you wish, to capture insights, intentions, or anything that wants to be written down
throughout this evening.
Optional: Shared Altar of Lineage & Protection
You are warmly invited to bring (two) small items if you wish: one that connects you to a female ancestor and
one that represents a female of the future generation.
We will place them together on a shared altar as a quiet act of protection, gratitude and continuity.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes, a journal if you like, and (optional) your altar items. Everything else (mats,
bolsters, blankets, pillows) is provided.
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, price TBC
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13th - 17th October 2027, 4 nights, price TBC
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.