Craig Whisker

The annual winter residential psychodrama retreat at Tauhara is a source of personal and professional development, self-reflection, closeness to nature, refreshment, and good company. In August 2026 it will be held over 6 days so participants wanting to work with the psychodramatic method for an extended
period can do so. Options to attend for one of two shorter periods are also available.
No previous psychodrama experience is required.
Psychodrama is a group method where scenarios from our lives are creatively explored using dramatic enactments. Old patterns of coping with life are recognised as a means of survival, and new responses that lead to greater confidence and satisfaction are developed by increasing our spontaneity in relation to self, significant others, and everyday situations.
The Tauhara Retreat Centre has hosted psychodrama events since the 1980s and its charm and tranquillity support mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual restoration, and creative expression.

All 6 Days:
2pm Tuesday 11 August – 4pm Sunday 16 August 2026

Two Shorter Periods:
2pm Tuesday 11 August – 1pm Friday 14 August
or
6pm Friday 14 August – 4pm Sunday 16th August

You can specify your choice on the online registration form

The Tauhara Retreat Centre is located in Acacia Bay, a 12-minute drive from Taupo’s town centre. The 5-hectare site overlooks Lake Taupo and offers a rejuvenating environment with bush walks, water features, and a quiet sanctuary area. The main group room has large windows, is carpeted, and features a hearty wood burner. You are encouraged to bring comfortable indoor clothes and footwear, outdoor apparel for exploring the local surroundings, and togs for the thermal pools in Taupo. Also see http://www.tauharacentre.org.nz

AccommodationStandard accommodation is provided in two-person carpeted and heated rooms with separate
shared bathroom facilities for women and men. All bedding and towels are supplied by Tauhara. Additional
accommodation options are available for a surcharge and include the solo use of a standard bedroom, a fully selfcontained two-bedroom unit (one queen bed and two single beds), a ‘remote’ chalet with lake views for one person
or a couple (one queen-size bed), two caravans, or a powered site for your own campervan. (See the online
registration form for surcharge prices and to make a reservation.)

Standard accommodation is provided in two-person carpeted and heated rooms with separate shared bathroom facilities for women and men. All bedding and towels are supplied by Tauhara. Additional accommodation options are available for a surcharge and include the solo use of a standard bedroom, a fully self-contained two-bedroom unit (one queen bed and two single beds), a ‘remote’ chalet with lake views for one person or a couple (one queen-size bed), two caravans, or a powered site for your own campervan. (See the online registration form for surcharge prices and to make a reservation).

All catering from dinner on Tuesday through to lunch on Sunday, including breakfasts, morning teas, lunches, and dinners, is prepared onsite by the Centre’s kitchen team. The food menu offers delicious home cooked vegetarian or meat buffet-style meals. Preference for meat, vegetarian, gluten-free, or diary-free foods can be noted on the online registration form. There are ‘special diet’ surcharges for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or keto meals from Tues-Fri and Fri-Sun respectively (see online registration form for costings).

During the retreat there will be two 1.5-hour group sessions each morning, two 1.5-hour group sessions each afternoon (except on Friday), and one 2-hour group session each evening. There will be an extended lunch break of 2.5 hours each day to allow for relaxation or recreation such as walking to the lake, visiting local thermal pools in Taupo, reading or resting.

The winter retreat is a collaborative event open to anyone. The fee for attendance varies according to a participant’s annual income so that a wider range of people can participate. The fee provides for your use of Tauhara’s facilities, an extensive programme of psychodrama sessions, home-cooked meals throughout each day, and various onsite accommodation options.