Retreats

Next Retreat: 14-16 November 2025

At Pōhatu Farm we are passionate about reviving the connection with rural life.

Spend a weekend with us among wide-open spaces and breathtaking views, the perfect chance to unwind and reconnect with the land, the sea, and yourself.

Our Reconnection Wellness Retreats

At Pōhatu Farm, our Reconnection Retreats, designed in collaboration with Michelle Meredith Health, offer a break from the pace, pressure, and predictability of everyday life, allowing you to reset and recharge in a deeply meaningful way.

Set at Riversdale Beach, our retreats provide the perfect environment for reflection, renewal, and reconnection. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to nurture your well-being, ensuring a truly transformative experience.

Over the course of two nights, you’ll enjoy comfortable beachfront twin-share accommodation, a beautifully catered menu by local favourite, the Homewood Storeroom, and take part in an intentionally crafted programme that could include:

  • Restorative breathwork and meditation

  • Beachfront yoga or pilates

  • Sea immersion therapy

  • Personalised aromatherapy consultation

  • Guided farm hike

  • Stress and nervous system support

  • A gourmet Farm-to-Table menu, with a focus on local produce and producers

  • Massage (optional) 

  • If you're after something a little less wellness-focused, we can also arrange a range of local hands-on experiences, including: 

    • e-Bike Farm Tours 

    • Local coffee roasting masterclass

    • Paint and sip with a renowned local artist 

    • Doughnut making class

    • Cocktail making class

    • Award winning local chocolate tasting workshop

    • Sheep milking demonstration and product tasting at local farm

Retreat OPTIONS + Pricing

We offer two retreat formats on select weekends throughout the year:

  • Where individuals, couples or friends can join and connect with like-minded others.

    These retreats have a set structure curated by your facilitators. Individuals are welcome to opt out of activities that they don’t feel comfortable participating in.

  • Private retreats that can be booked by a group of friends or a team (minimum numbers apply). 

    You will have more flexibility around the weekend itinerary and we will work together to curate the perfect weekend of reconnection.

Our retreats are $1,400 per person twin-share which includes accommodation, activities and food throughout the weekend.

Monthly payment plans are also available.

We look forward to welcoming you to a weekend of renewal, inviting you to breathe deeply, move mindfully, and rediscover your connection to the land, the sea and yourself.

Upcoming Retreat Dates

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of renewal, rest, and reconnection on the stunning Wairarapa Coast.

Be the first to hear about our next round of Reconnection Retreats:

  • Open retreats are being held in February and May 2026 (dates TBC)

  • Private retreats will be held in March 2026 (date TBC)

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Michelle – Clinical Nutritionist & Retreat Co-Host

Hi, I’m Michelle! I live at Riversdale Beach with my husband, daughter, and fur baby Nala.

I’m a registered clinical nutritionist and a coach focused on nervous system healing and hormone health. I'm passionate about helping women heal from burnout, hormonal imbalances, and emotional exhaustion - so they can come home to themselves.

I blend science and soul—integrating functional nutrition, lifestyle support, nervous system regulation, feminine energetics, breathwork, and subconscious healing (hypnosis, NLP, manifestation tools).

My approach is holistic, intuitive, and rooted in lived experience, deep compassion, and the belief that when a woman feels safe and nourished in her body, every area of her life begins to thrive.

@michellemeredithhealth

Julia – Retreat Co-Host

Welcome! I’m Julia, owner of Pōhatu Farm and Mum of four, based at beautiful Riversdale Beach.

After careers in advertising, marketing, and wealth management in Hong Kong and Melbourne, my husband Tom and I returned to his family sheep and beef farm to pursue a life more rooted in nature and community.

In December 2024, we launched our agritourism venture at Pōhatu Farm. We now feel incredibly privileged to host guests seeking to reconnect with the land, rural life, and themselves.

Drawing on my experience in advertising, marketing, and event coordination, I love working with Michelle to bring like-minded people together to pause, reflect, and recharge in this truly special setting. 

A sample weekend itinerary

  • Friday

    Welcome platter and drinks

    Aromatherapy oil consultation

    Sunset meditation and intention setting

    Massage (optional) 

    Dinner featuring local ingredients

  • Saturday

    Morning beach walk/sea immersion/sunrise stretch 

    Wholesome breakfast 

    Guided farm walk with packed lunch 

    Massage (optional) 

    Nervous system wind down breathwork

    Farm to table fire pit dinner

  • Sunday

    Sunrise yoga

    Nourishing breakfast 

    Closing circle with journalling

FAQs

  • Our retreats take place at Riversdale Beach - 45 minutes from Masterton, and two hours from Wellington or Palmerston North airports.

  • The retreats are co-hosted by Julia (owner of Pōhatu Farm) and Michelle (a clinical nutritionist focused on nervous system and hormone health). They also bring in external local partners to facilitate sessions and experiences.

  • We run two types of retreats throughout the year.

    Our Open retreats are open to anyone to join and you will spend the weekend participating in a set itinerary with other like-minded individuals.

    Our Private retreats are available for groups of friends, co-workers or teams who are able to personalise the weekend to suit their preferences.

    • Comfortable twin-share accommodation for two nights (all linen and towels provided)

    • Generous farm-to-table meals and nourishing snacks prepared for you throughout the weekend

    • Restorative breathwork sessions

    • Beachfront yoga or pilates

    • Sea immersion therapy

    • Aromatherapy oil consultation

    • Guided farm hike

  • Each day includes a blend of mindful movement, nourishing meals, relaxation, and connection with nature.

    Activities range from yoga and sea immersion to storytelling by the fire, and more.

  • We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, swimwear (for sea immersion), walking shoes, a journal, and any personal items you may need.

    A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.

    All towels and linen are provided.

  • Work or anything that keeps you tethered you to stress.

    Expectations - come with an open mind and let the retreat unfold naturally.

  • Riversdale Beach has a moderate climate throughout the year, but being by the coast can cause some chilly winds!

    In November you can expect:

    • Mild, pleasant spring days with highs nearing 18 °C

    • Cooler evenings and mornings, averaging around 13 °C

    • Some wind along the coastline - please bring clothing layers

Thank you for your interest in joining us on a Pōhatu Farm Reconnection Retreat, we’re delighted you’re considering a retreat with us. 

Please complete the form to help us tailor your experience. The information you provide ensures we can create a retreat that aligns with your needs and intentions.