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
New Moon Dances
Retreat Dates:
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Saturday 07 November and Saturday 05 December, 5.30 – 6.30pm
Location:
Contribution:
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$10
The Offering:
Move with the rhythm of the new moon, a gentle time of dance, reflection and readying for the new month ahead.
An opportunity to move organically (no choreography), enjoy the inviting, eclectic dance music, focus inwards, and release stress. No experience needed. Gentle guidance, zero expectations.
Dance works from who we are, from the inside out, led by breath, reconnecting the music and movement within us, a powerful vehicle of joy and integration.
Simple ceremony to open and close, with lots of dancing in between.
From Kerry-Ann: "Dance is my "yes" in life and I offer myself as a dance guide to share this with you. The exploration and practice of dance gives us all the resources we need for life; physical, emotional & spiritual dimensions."
Trauma-Informed Yoga
8-week Programme
Retreat Dates:
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Term 1 in 2027
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First session Saturday 13th February, final Saturday 10th April, consecutive weeks aside from Easter weekend.
Location:
Cost:
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$192, Payment plan available.
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
No previous yoga experience or particular level of fitness or flexibility is required.
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.
Peel Forest Silent Retreat
Retreat Dates & Cost:
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13th - 16th May 2027, 3 nights, $621 all inclusive
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13th - 17th October 2027, 4 nights, $828 all inclusive
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.