Well, 'What do you know?" New Zealand, Wairarapa to be more specific has its own Assisi. Assisi Gardens above Te Kopi Rd., Gladstone have been developed from scratch by Andrew & Cec Buchanan over the past 15 years. This magnificent, secluded, rural, retreat has been lovingly planted, landscaped, developed and maintained so well that it has become a garden of national significance - see NZ Gardens Trust. 

I wandered in unplanned  early August 2015 while filling in time whilst in the Wairarapa. The drive in takes one to 225m ASL. At this height there is a definite micro climate for this garden tucked away in the Gladstone hills. The garden is open and accessible to the public daily, year round. There is access for buses and the venue is used for weddings and other functions. Large Marquees can be erected on a flat area adjacent the lower olive groves. The Lookout offers a wonderful panoramic view towards the residence and the southern Wairarapa. The walkway through the gardens (see diagram) took me around 40 mins. with a few stops. This definitely is walking to be savoured and approached meditatively.

I came away thinking what a wonderful place for Retreat - perhaps a day retreat, but perhaps arrangements could be made with the owners for something more substantial in the nature of Retreat! This place is full of serendipity.

Terry Alve
7 August 2015

Opening Hours and Tariffs
Open all year from 8.30am
Entry by appointment
Adults $10

Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 23 Te Kopi Rd, Te Whanga
Phone: 06 3727661
Email: assisinz@orcon.net.nz

Demand for spaces in the annual SGM Wellington 4 Day and Weekend Retreats 11-15 September 2015 has been so high that registrations have closed today. 

Organisers have opened up another Option to cater for any who would like to Retreat with us from 2:30pm Sun. 13 Sept. to 2:30pm Tues 15th Sept. 7 spaces are available.. This is a directed retreat during which participants may choose to keep silence for some or all of the time. Retreat directors are: Maureen Lamb, Helen Tripp and Terry Alve. 

For $225 you will get access to a very comfortable room for yourself, full catering with a midday dinner, Sunday evening worship in the Chapel, Mon & Tues group devotional time, spiritual direction for 30-40 mins on Monday & Tuesday, and the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings, including a visit to the Sister Aubert Visitor Centre.

For more information click on the link below.