F. A. Q. – Frequently Asked Questions
There are two sections: for Retreatants and for Visitors
For Retreatants
How do I pay a retreat fee, accommodation or make other payment to Te Moata? How about if I am making a payment from overseas? How do I make a donation?
We use one account for all payments. Please direct credit to: Te Moata Charitable Trust 12-3044-0422743-00.
Please put your name and what the payment is for in the reference boxes. Emailing us is also a good idea if you have made a deposit. Donations are tax deductible so let us know so we can produce a receipt for you. Email Paul at retreat@temoata.org
International payment info: Swift code ASBBNZ2A Te Moata Charitable Trust, Hunters Plaza, Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand. We do not have EFTPOS on the premises so any payment made while here need to be cash or a cheque. When special diets and upgraded accommodation is confirmed, these can be pre-paid online.
What is the accommodation like for retreatants and how is it allocated?
Rooms for retreatants are mainly single cubicles with windows and curtains for privacy. The cubicle spaces are contained within two large rooms that have lofts accessed by a ladder. These spaces are heated by rnewly installed radiators. The rooms are usually allocated by gender but not always. We usually allocate the loft cubicles to the youngest on the retreat. We supply pillows and all mattresses have a covering. The bathrooms are shared.
A limited number of single rooms/double rooms/cottages/cabins are available ( see link below) and these can be requested on the registration form or by contacting the retreat teacher if they are taking registrations. These requests are listed and prioritised when a retreatant has paid in full.
*Please note: self contained cottage accommodation surcharges increased in May 2023. All accommodation options and new rates are here.
Self contained cottages can be viewed on this page. Scroll down to see Earth Hut and Phoenix Cottage.
Once the number of requests for single rooms have been reached – it will be noted on the website page for that retreat. However we do not allocate single rooms/cabins/cottages until just prior to the retreat as single rooms are allocated firstly for teachers; then for those with medical / mobility reasons and to those over the age of 70, and then by retreatant request. Retreatants requesting to share rooms/cottages are prioritised when appropriate. Once rooms and cabins have been allocated we let you know, around 2 weeks/10 days before the retreat starts or when the retreat is full. We advise what size of linen to bring then too.
We ask all retreatants to bring their own bedding, (sheets, pillowslips, duvet, towels) as we have a limited supply of solar power to run a washing machine to do large quantities of washing.
If you are travelling to us in a plane or cannot bring your own linen, you can hire bedding which includes a duvet, blanket, sheets, pillowslip, towel and flannel. These can be hired for a fee of $25.00 and pre-paid online.
Retreatants are requested to pre-pay by direct credit into Te Moata’s bank account once their upgraded accommodation, bedding and special diets has been confirmed.
I am unsure about a vegetarian diet – what can I expect?
Te Moata employs a French Pâtisserie chef who cooks delicious vegetarian meals for retreats. The menu is wide and varied, and non-vegetarians often comment that they do not miss their usual foods. All meals are served buffet style. Breakfast includes a wide range of fruit, cereals, milks, yoghurt, and toasts. Fruit and vegetables are sourced from our own gardens whenever possible.
Teachers can choose between vegetarian or fully plant-based retreat menu’s.
I am Vegan/Gluten Free/Food allergy – can I have a special diet?
Our special diets now only cater for Vegan, Gluten free and severe food allergies. If you have a severe allergy please email us to discuss to make sure the chef can provide for this requirement. All special diet needs must be notified in advance.
A surcharge of $10 a day applies to catering for special diets. The fee is mainly for the time it takes the chef to individually prepare meals.
Instead of paying the surcharge some people choose to be selective about what they eat and for example, bring their own bread. We always have a range of salads and options for breakfast, and many dishes are gluten free or fully plant-based. All our desserts are dairy free.
What should I bring to a retreat?
- Single or Queen sheets and duvet ( according to your accommodation, you will be emailed if you need to bring Queen sheets ) or sleeping bag, and pillowcase, towels, and hot water bottle in winter – we have some.
- Torch and spare batteries, slip on shoes/sandals/jandals are essential, warm indoor slippers/socks and personal belongings. Earplugs can be useful, as well as an alarm clock, so you aren’t reliant on a cell phone if you are in a cabin or hut. We use a gong as a wake up bell, but if you are a very sound sleeper or are using ear plugs, you may need more of a wake up.
- Warm comfortable, casual clothes, jacket/raincoat and stout walking shoes/boots if you intend going on a bush hike.
- All footwear and walking poles to be used in the Te Moata bush must be scrubbed to protect our Kauri trees from the Kauri die-back fungus, no matter where you have come from. Your boots/shoes and poles should look brand new!
- Gentle biodegradable shampoos/soaps (e.g. ecostore) to protect our ‘worm-erator’ system.
- Yoga mat and meditation cushion (some are available), shawl or blanket for the meditation room, and for walking the labyrinth.
- Nylon outdoor clothing that is noisy upon moving is not suitable for meditation retreats, nor are highly perfumed toiletries.
If I forget stuff when I leave after a retreat will you post it to me?
Yes we can but there is a handling fee of $25 plus postage for this service.
Do you have orientation Information for retreatants?
Yes, you can read it here.
What is Dana? How much Dana should I give?
The Te Moata registration fee for meditation retreats covers food and accommodation. Meditation Teachers fees are not set and consist entirely of Dana.
Dana (meaning generosity or giving) is an integral part of Buddhist practice inviting each individual to develop their own capacity to be generous according to their means.
Dana contributions can be given at the end of the retreat. As there is no Eftpos at Te Moata, Dana payments need to be by cheque, cash or online.
We invite you also to contribute Dana for Te Moata’s ongoing costs.
What is your cancellation policy?
From January 2022 we have a new cancellation policy: For cancellation earlier than 2 weeks before your course or retreat begins, a full refund less an administrator fee of 10 % (up to $50) will be made. In the final 2 weeks period 20% (up to $100) admin fee applies. If a retreat is cancelled due to COVID-19 lock-downs fees are fully refunded.
We fully understand that cancellation may be unavoidable, however a percentage charge for administration is necessary to cover even part of the costs incurred by late cancellations.
What are the benefits and requirements of silent retreats?
Silent retreats in any tradition take the energy you use for external communication and channel it inward. Prolonged silence supports you to recharge from the stresses of daily life, but the practice and intention of silence goes beyond relaxation. Outward silence shines a light on parts of your inner life you don’t usually experience, encouraging you to acknowledge and process even your most uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
Teachers explain the commitment to silence as part of their teachings and the directions for practice are followed by retreatants, service team and managers during the retreat.
If it is necessary to speak, it is done discreetly and usually whispered. People are advised to leave computers at home and their cell phones in their cars as a commitment to dropping into silence.
Is an intensive silent retreat appropriate for me at this time?
An intensive silent retreat can be a positive and life transforming experience. At the same time, meditation practice can be strenuous and requires stability of physical and psychological health.
If you have recently experienced considerable trauma, significant depression or anxiety, or are currently experiencing PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), a silent retreat may not be appropriate for you at this time in your life. A therapist can help you assess whether it’s best to wait a while before silently retreating, or you can discuss your situation with the retreat facilitator if you are unsure.
Can I speak with a teacher while on retreat?
Although retreats are conducted in silence, there are usually scheduled times for retreatants to speak with teachers and ask questions about meditation practice. Resident managers are also available to speak to during retreats to ensure retreatants are comfortable and have their needs met.
I heard you are off the grid? How does that work for retreatants?
Yes, we are off the grid and use solar power as a source of electricity. We use gas and firewood for water heating and cooking. The wood-fired ‘boiler’ provides hot water for the kitchen and showers. It runs 24 hours a day when retreats are on. Our delicious drinking water comes straight from a spring and is filtered at source, and at the centre. All taps are safe to drink from except at the remote huts, where water needs to be boiled.
Do you have a laundry service?
Retreatants wash clothes by hand in buckets and tubs in the Centre bathrooms if they are on long retreats. We provide environmentally friendly laundry products, so to not harm worms in our sewerage system. There is a mangle behind the shared women’s space and a clothes line behind the glass house. Nearly dry washing can be finished off on the racks hoisted up to the ceiling in the boiler room.
We charge $20 to supply linen as we have one solar powered washing machine and do not have the capacity to do large amounts of washing. When sun is in short supply we need to use a laundromat, and the linen fee contributes to those costs.
Can I use my cell phone?
We are situated in a remote valley, so there is limited cell phone reception unless you have a ‘Spark’ or ‘Skinny’ account. For other providers, retreatants need to walk to the top of the drive. Outlets for charging phones can be found in the corner of the carpeted room at the centre. During retreats the centre area is a ‘no cell phone area’ and except for the duty managers, phones must be turned off or ideally left in your car.
Do you have Wifi?
The ‘centre’ does not have wifi, nor does the woofers cottage or Earth Hut. Phoenix Cottage, the Sun hut and Nanouk Cottage ( for teachers) has wifi.
What if my family needs to get hold of me?
Family can use the manager’s cells phone numbers to use in emergencies.
Is there spare time on retreats to do other things?
Longer retreats usually have plenty of time allocated to explore Te Moata. There is time to reflect, walk the Labyrinth, hike in the bush, swim in the stream, discover the waterfalls and visit remote huts.
Shorter retreats usually have a fuller schedule and retreatants are kept busy.
How far is Tairua?
Tairua is usually a 12-minute drive away except at Christmas, New Year and public holidays when the traffic is much denser than usual and there may be queues. Tairua has an info centre, supermarket, gas station, post shop, pharmacy, library with free ( and after-hours) wifi, laundromat, a range of great restaurants and cafes as well as a number of other boutique stores.
Who are the resident managers and how do I contact them?
OFFICE: Paul 027 2777620 retreat@temoata.org
Anna-Lena 027 699 2734 anna-lena@temoata.org
For information about Te Moata’s trust and shareholders please see https://temoata.org/about-us/
How do I get there?
Where can I park?
Some cars are permitted to park near the Centre depending on where your accommodation is. Most cars however need to be parked on Paul Road at the top of the driveway, after luggage has been dropped off.
For Visitors
Do you offer accommodation when retreats are not scheduled?
Yes, we do. We have 2 remote huts and 3 nearby cottages that are self contained and can be booked between retreats. Over the winter period these cottages are available for weeks at a time. Please visit our accommodation page for more details:
Three of our cottage are occasionally listed on AirBnB between retreats, and can be booked instantly. Available dates are listed 1-2 months a head of time.
Air BnB Earth Hut or Phoenix Cottage
Do you have any regular meditation sessions open to the public?
Our community of locals, volunteers and guests now gather on WEDNESDAY nights for Sangha – (please note this has changed from Thursdays). We start at 6pm with a 40 minute meditation, have a shared silent meal, a reading and introductions followed by discussion and finish by socialising over a cup of tea. If you would like to come and are on not on our mailing list please email to make sure Sangha is being held that week. During our busy retreat season Sangha may be deferred. Please bring a plate of food to share.
Would you like to be on the Sangha email group? If so, please email retreat@temoata.org
I hear Te Moata has a number of sacred sites?
Yes we do. Images and a brief overview of the sites can be found here: https://temoata.org/te-moata/
How can I access the labyrinth? Where can I find more detailed information about Te Moata’s sacred sites, the labyrinth and how to walk it?
If you would like time to walk the labyrinth you can contact us and request a time. There is a charge for group bookings. If you would like extended access you can book on AirB&B and stay in a cottage or register to visit on a retreat.
For more detailed information about our sacred sites please click here.
If you had a question that was not answered here please email Paul retreat@temoata.org and he will add it! Many thanks