Retreat Venues

Nazareth

Our retreat house is called Nazareth , as Nazareth was the home of the Holy Family, the place where Jesus was nurtured and taught. It was here too the Mary pondered so many things in her heart. At our Nazareth , we provide a place of gentle silence and stillness so that our visitors too may take time out to ponder and reflect.

The community established Nazareth in 2001 as a Centre for Catholic faith and spirituality. The house is set on 85 acres of rural countryside with views of Lake Wairarapa and the Rimutaka range. Bush and country walks are close by.

Nazareth is one hour’s drive from Wellington and ten minutes from Featherston Township .

Nazareth retreat house comprises :-

• 7 bedrooms, sleeping a total of 20 people.
• Large lounge and dining area
• Bedding etc available
• Two bathrooms and toilets
• Extensive Gardens

Self Contained Flat

 There is a self contained flat available for those wanting to make a private retreat. This comprises a large bedroom, private bathroom and lounge. It is connected to the Chapel via a walkway.

Chapel

Our Chapel is available for all retreatants to use. A great place to sit and pray quietly or to share in a group liturgy. The chapel can seat up to 50 people.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a large disused old peoples home that the community has purchased in Ekethuna. We intend to develop it as an expanded retreat facility for those school groups and other Christian organisations whose needs for time and space in which to pause, reflect and refocus are so pressing.

This facility has 20 bedrooms, large lounge, meeting rooms, large kitchen and dining areas and is disabled friendly with wide hallways and wheelchair access bathrooms and toilets. The building is furnished and can be used in Ekethuna but the community’s goal is to move it from its present site in Ekethuna to our community at Cross Creek.