Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre

I am a resident at the date of this post but will be moving out soon. I wish I had read the reviews here and on Trip Advisor before moving in.The place itself is well located and has a bunch of great people, however, unfortunately there are a few residents who disturb the peace (seemingly with impunity) and act in ways contrary to the claimed values of this place. I have tried unsuccessfully to resolve this with upper-management but was told I should leave.

Rooms appeared clean but tired and shabby. Showers, toilets and kitchen facilities in a separate area.Fine if you're just looking for a cheap place to sleep, close to the motorway and shopping facilities.

I was Woofer at Kawai Purapura while on working holiday in NZ for about two months in 2013. I liked it so much that when I found a temporary job nearby, I decided to stay as a short-term resident for another two months. I still dream of going back and hope one day I can.As a Woofer, the volunteer hours were more than fair, with plenty of time off and a great sense of camaraderie with the rest of the crew. Yes, living conditions were a little rustic, but by no means roughing it. As a temporary resident (permanent residents paid less if I remember) and as a guest, the prices were a little expensive, but I can't imagine it is cheap to maintain such a space. I felt that KP tried to make the unique events they held affordable which balanced out overnight prices.My favorite event at KP was their Voices of the Earth Festival, in particular the Maori healing workshops. The grounds of the retreat center were beautiful. The surrounding neighborhood was also very accessible. I enjoyed how laid back everyone was, Woofers and residents alike. There were a lot of insightful, fun, and creative people that, combined with the peace of the environment, made KP one of the fondest memories of my time in NZ.

I do NOT recommend this place.My partner and I stayed there for long-term stay. They did not have a room for long term when we went there. But Manager Nicky said the room is available soon, until then we can use another room. And we agree and paid for 2 weeks in advance. ($295 for 1 week)But after 1 week, general manager Paul called us and said we have to move out asap. We have already paid total 2 weeks.Then my partner went to Nicky and talked with her. Nicky said, she can provide another room, but have to pay more than $700 a week.We do not want to take any other mistake, so we moved out.Room is a bit dusty and smelly.

Do not stay here. It is filled with weirdos and aggressive people. I had to call the police because a female resident attacked me and another woman and then she claimed we were all racist (I am part Fijian so I guess she missed that). She was not kicked out - just moved away from us. She then revved her car at me and was basically threatening to run me over when she was picking up her stuff from around our room. The rooms are also extremely overpriced and dusty and unclean. There is random furniture just strewn around the place. This place is not peaceful. It’s very much like what most spiritual retreats claim to offer - but then you realise it’s just a business and a scam and you’re being ripped off.

Fecility was nice, staff were kind. We enjoyed time there with kids, but one lady kept asking us if we knew it was a private property. Me and my friends felt quite offended though I wasn't sure if it was a racism or just being super exclusive. Because of her, I felt like I was in somewhere I shouldn't be which was really uncomfortable. I don't know who that lady was, but please make sure that short term visitors are also customers who has a right to stay there and not to be judged&shunned by random people.

I worked here for a weekend doing around the 15 hours a day of making coffee for rude hippies during a festival, no breaks. I never got paid for the 30+ hours I worked (wages were discussed beforehand). Staff were rude and weird, we didn’t even get fed! The one time I ate that whole weekend it was a singular potato. Should’ve been thankful but seeing what the office staff got fed? Nah. Do not work here, don’t volunteer here. I can only imagine what they put their volunteers through.

Booked through AA Expedia because of free cancellation . #72579244374860. Couldn't cancel on website so rang retreat. No answer and nobody replied to my messages. They charged me and I can't get a refund, not having any luck from Expedia . Received an email message thanking me for staying even though I didn't go? I don't recommend, very disappointed. AA shouldn't be recommending this place.