Brief quotes and testimonials from recent Guests:
I am resting in the memory of Mana's embrace.
Softly, easily and with such deep gratitude.
Each year I come, weary, soul battered.
My heart walled up behind strong battlements,
And then each year I am surprised!
Surrounded by love, wisdom and beauty.
Manifest everywhere. How can this be?
And yet it is. I trust it now and know
that for all the harm we humans do,
in fear, anger or greed;
there is another way of being.
And we can choose.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.
lots of love to everyone there,
Deb after the inspiring annual Easter Retreat
with Stephanie Dowrick 2011
"In Mana you bring out the best of yourself" Apr 2011 Monica
"I will always come here and leave feeling brand new" Apr 2011 Tanya
"Mana is a beautiful place to be, to relax, re-energize, and to be away from our busy city lives and to take in our amazing native animals and trees" Apr 2011 Josephine
"A place to truly centre and be your true self" Apr 2011
"I came looking for peace and found it at Mana" Apr 2011 Monique
"The closest experience of paradise I think I've ever had - spiritual and physical" Jan 2011 Melinda
Here is what people say about Mana and their experiences:
For me staying at Mana is soul reviving. It’s not just being on the mountain with its wonderful energy, walking all the bush trails or soaking up the peace of the Sanctuary. It’s also in the warmth 
of the Mana staff who make you feel so welcome, and oh the glorious food! Beautiful, fresh, nourishing and delicious meals that always inspire me to go home and make colourful fragrant salads!
Karen, Personal-change Coach & Trainer, Auckland 2009
I had the great pleasure of visiting your breathtaking retreat centre about seven or eight years ago when I was touring in NZ for several weeks. (I'm from the States--New York State, in the rural Catskills/ mid-Hudson Valley region.) Visiting the Tara Sanctuary was one of the peak aesthetic moments of my life: magnificent. (Cantor) Robert Michael Esformes
Louise Chasteau, a long-time visitor to Mana says:"being at Mana is like taking a deep breath, and feeling the melting sense of relaxation that comes from slow releasing exhale. Every time I've visited Mana I've experienced a peace and stillness that's been wonderfully restorative for my sprit"
I would just like to say Thank You for an amazing ‘Relaxation’ weekend. I had a memorable time at Mana retreat. I very much loved the nutritious food. The meals were delicious and I enjoyed thecompany! Thanks for your warm welcome on Friday. I am grateful that you went that extra mile to ensure my room was perfect for me. Many Thanks for making sure I had a wonderful stay and creating a family feel within the group. I will definitely spread good news around and will be back again very soon.
Emily Gan. November 2008
I spent a few days at Mana retreat to attend the Yoga retreat. I wanted to thank you very much for a most wonderful visit. Mana retreat is a real dream come true. I have just got my photos back and it has just reminded me of how divine everything was. Specially loved the Meditation Platform and the hammock. Also wonderful food, and very pleasant Wwoofers. I know that all of this does not just 'happen'. Your organisation behind the scenes makes a beautiful place in a wonderful location really special. I will be back again sometime. Soon, I hope.
Janet Statham, Australia. April 2008
Thank you to you and all the staff at Mana for making our stay so special. Your hospitality, friendliness and willingness to go the extra mile added to the very special energy of the retreat and was so much appreciated. And what a beautiful, special place. Thank you for allowing us to share your space; it was indeed a privilege.
Viv Kennedy, Queenstown. October 2007
Thank you for your kindness and such a deeply peaceful and 'allowing' stay with you.
Both Linda and I were incredibly tired and you all provided just the right presence and environment for us to catch our breaths. So, many, greatly sincere thank-you's.
Yolanda Cholmondeley-Smith. January 2007
Go here to read an AA Directions article about a recent Yoga Course held at Mana.
