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
Breathe Better: 3-Week Series with Leigh
Retreat Dates:
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Saturdays 14, 21, 28 February, 1.30 - 2.30pm
Location:
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Leigh Marsden Holistic Health, 144 Stafford St, Timaru
Cost:
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$80
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Includes 3 x 1-hour sessions in the studio, detailed home practice guidelines, text check-ins from Leigh (if desired).
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Min/max class sizes apply (Max 10)
Experience Includes:
This focused 3-week training with Breathwork coach, Leigh, will take you beyond the basics of relaxation and into practices that build strength, capacity, and resilience in your breathing.
What you’ll train & explore:
Week 1: Awareness & Belly Breathing. Reprogramme old habits and master the foundation of powerful breathing.
Week 2: Recovering Breath Volume. Expand lung capacity and reclaim full breath after the flu season.
Week 3: Integration & Balance. Energising and regulating practices that challenge you to step outside your comfort zone in a safe, supportive environment.
Participants should expect to dedicate 20 - 30 minutes daily at home for the duration of the course to retrain breathing patterns for long-term benefit.
Suitable for anyone wanting to upgrade how they breathe.
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.
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.
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.