$The image depicts a serene forest path leading to a wooden cabin, flanked by lush greenery and ferns, with a staircase ascending to the cabin\'s entrance.$

See all photos

(11)

Join us at our Buddhist retreat center near Thames, New Zealand

New Zealand
Last activity : 14 Sep 2026

Profile information

Host rating

100 %
Last replied

14 Sep 2026
Reply rate

100.0 %

Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback

26
Email verified

Badges (3)

Give the gift of Workaway

Find your perfect host

New Zealand

(45)

Join a family creating a self-sufficient bush paradise near Taipa, New Zealand

France

(3)

Be in contact with animals and nature at our old farmhouse near Vannes, France

Norway

(16)

Animal lovers welcome to join us in Nordfjord, Norway

Canada

Learn about permaculture techniques and spend time outdoors near Algonquin Park, Canada

The image depicts a white house with a red railing, situated on a grassy hill with a rock wall and vibrant pink flowers in the foreground.

Chile

(38)

Help out with our bungalows & in the household on Easter Island, Chile

Denmark

(2)

A family of music lovers in a beautiful organic and biodynamic farm in the countryside of Fyn, Denmark

Australia

(2)

Off grid living in Jackeys Marsh, Tasmania, Australia

Italy

(10)

Help with family and farming projects in Rodì Milici, Sicily, Italy

Portugal

(2)

Garden and home help in a small village in Pacos de Vilharigues, Portugal

Portugal

Seeking medium-long term neighbours: Visit our beautiful little home located in the peaceful mountains of Alentejo, Portugal

View the full host list

Availability

2026

Min stay requested: at least a week

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What's this?

Details

Description

Volunteers Retreats:
30 October-7 November 2026
9 April - 17 April 2027
30 October - 6 November 2027

We regret that we are unable to host Workawayers at other times.

‘Land of beautiful vision’ is a Triratna Buddhist Retreat Centre located on the Coromandel peninsula in Aotearoa, New Zealand. It is situated on 80 hectares of rugged native forest where we maintain an off-grid eco facility. This is home to a small community of individually practising Buddhists who manage the Centre and land for group and solitary retreats.

Our Volunteers Retreats, during which we welcome up to 25 volunteers from our wider sangha and from Workaway to join us on the land, allow us to experience a period of delightfully expanded community and the wonderful feeling of sharing our practice. We especially welcome those who wish to learn more about meditation and the Dharma. Volunteers are invited to live and work alongside members of the Buddhist community - all tasks will be carried out together; bush walks, river swims and shrine room sessions provide plenty of time to connect; and meals are shared in our communal living spaces. The land also invites connection, and we encourage visitors to enjoy our spacious and natural riches- an opportunity to connect both without and within.

Daily Programme
Some timings are approximate. Work hours are flexible according to individual needs.
7:00 Meditation session
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Morning meeting
10:00-12:30 Morning work session
12:30 Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 Afternoon work session
5:00 Meditation session
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Meditation session
Types of help and learning opportunities

Help with Eco Projects

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Help around the house

Light maintenance
Interests

Vegetarian or vegan

Van life

Sustainability

Self development

Pets

LGBTQ

Events & social

Culture

Charity work

Plant care

Cooking & food

Carpentry

Gardening

Animals

Camping

Water sports

Mountain

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Yoga / Wellness

Nature
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

...

...

What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

The Volunteer Retreats offer opportunity for daily meditation, Buddhist ritual and Dharma discussions. We therefore prefer volunteers who are interested in exploring Buddhism or deepening an existing practice.
Registered charity

This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).
Help

Tasks needing to be done may include producing firewood, gardening, painting, cleaning, forest regeneration and trail maintenance.
Languages spoken

English: Fluent
Accommodation

We offer various accommodation options, including single or shared rooms, caravan, camping or van parking. We provide vegan meals.
What else ...

This place is a 90 minute drive from Auckland and 10 minutes from the rural town of Thames, the gateway to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Thames is served by Intercity buses from Auckland and Tauranga. During the retreat there are many tracks and two rivers to explore on the land, as well as use of our library and meditation halls. Before or after the retreat you may wish to visit the beaches, walk the long-distance tramping trails with DOC accommodation cabins, or ride the Hauraki Rail Cycling Trail.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans

This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?

More than two
This host charges a fee
read more
Why does Workaway allow some hosts to charge a fee?

Workaway provides opportunities for non-monetary cultural exchanges where hosts provide food and accommodation in return for help from Workawayers. In some exceptional cases, a small fee/ donation request (typically no more than 5 dollars per day) may be approved for hosts such as registered charities with a history of positive volunteer feedback. Any fee must directly go to the charity and can only be used to cover the volunteers' food costs. This will be clearly marked on the host's listing.

Listings by agents, "middle-men" or projects that appear to profit from a volunteer's stay are strictly prohibited. Any fees must be discussed and approved in advance by the Workaway team.

10 USD to cover the cost of food

Host ref number: 662495799887

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (11)

25 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Isabel & Farkas) for host

I arrived here curious about Buddhism and its practice but I didn’t expect to find such kindness and warmth from everyone in the community. The retreat lasted one week, we did different kind of jobs ( in the bush or maintenance), we meditated, ate delicious vegan food, discussed about dharma, swam in the river, kept silence during the nights and … read more

(Excellent )

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Isabel & Farkas)

We loved having Isa join us for our Volunteers Retreat. She was energetic and enthusiastic in engaging with all work tasks, a warm and friendly presence, and engaged deeply with our Buddhist practices. We enjoyed hearing her stories from her travels around the world!

(Excellent )

14 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Amélie) for host

This stay was absolutly amazing! From the moment I arrived everyone was so welcoming and I never felt out of place.
Working in this incredible nature is truly a gift! After weeding, painting or other types of work you could take a swim in the nearby river and afterwards drink a warm cup of tea - what more could you want to finish off work?
Before … read more

(Excellent )

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Amélie)

We loved having Amélie on our Volunteers Retreat. She is gentle, kind and genuine. She is a very hard worker, always looking for what else needs to be done as soon as she has completed her task, and willing to get stuck into anything. She also engaged deeply with our practices of meditation and silence.

(Excellent )

13 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Rita) for host

This retreat was honestly(!) one of the best experiences of my life. It felt incredibly grounding and healing, and I left with a deep sense of calm and clarity.

The environment was very structured, which I really appreciated. There was a strong focus on communication, and everything felt intentional and well-organized. The people were all … read more

(Excellent )

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Rita)

We loved having Rita on our Volunteers Retreat. She completed work tasks with enthusiasm and care, was a warm and welcome presence in our community, and engaged deeply with our practices of meditation and silence. She is strong, reliable, friendly and mature.

(Excellent )

View all 11 feedbacks

Photos

Show all photos

$The image depicts a serene forest path leading to a wooden cabin, flanked by lush greenery and ferns, with a staircase ascending to the cabin\'s entrance.$

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

25 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Isabel & Farkas) for host

(Excellent)

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Isabel & Farkas)

(Excellent)

14 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Amélie) for host

(Excellent)

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Amélie)

(Excellent)

13 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Rita) for host

(Excellent)

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Rita)

(Excellent)

13 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (ENRIQUE & Ignacio)

We loved having Kike on our Volunteers Retreat. He is a very easy, friendly presence, as well as a hard worker who is strong and willing. He fit right into our community with ease.

(Excellent)

12 Apr 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

Hannah was a pleasure to have on our Volunteers Retreat. She engaged enthusiastically with our schedule and was generally a kind, friendly and mature presence.

(Excellent)

12 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host

I had such a profound, precious and spectacular time at this Workaway. Words can’t really describe how special it felt. The team here was so warm and welcoming, and the other volunteers here (some are from Workaway but most are involved with Buddhist groups across New Zealand) were all such brilliant, fun and kind people. It was super easy to take … read more

(Excellent)

21 Nov 2025

Left by Workawayer (John) for host

Had the most wonderful time here! I quite liked the morning and evening meditations, the rewarding work thoughout the day, and the great food. I had a very memorable and meaningful experience here, and can defiantly recommend it to anyone.

(Excellent)

14 Nov 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (John)

John was very helpful and willing to do any task assigned to him. He was a friendly and positive addition to our community on our Volunteers Work Retreat.

(Excellent)

16 Nov 2025

Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Shaun) for host

I had a lovely time here. The community was friendly and kind, and I learned some new skills with construction and wood splitting!

(Excellent)

14 Nov 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica & Shaun)

Jess engaged with all aspects of our Volunteers Work Retreat. She was a gentle and thoughtful presence and a hard worker.

(Excellent)

14 Nov 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)

Lisa was a pleasure to have at our Volunteers Work Retreat. She showed a positive attitude to physical work and problem solving. She also worked well as a member of a team.

(Excellent)

13 Nov 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Elodie)

Elodie was a pleasure to have at our Buddhist Retreat Centre Volunteers Retreat. She is a thoughtful and kind person who is consistent in her work efforts and willing to get the job done. We wish her the best and can strongly recommend her as a willing worker and a beautiful presence!

(Excellent)

8 Nov 2025

Left by Workawayer (Elodie) for host

I spent five wonderful days at the retreat. It was truly a beautiful experience that I recommend to anyone who enjoys meditation. Everyone was so kind and supportive, and I left the retreat feeling grounded and with beautiful memories. Thank you to all the members!

(Excellent)

19 Apr 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Eilidh)

Eilidh is a fun and friendly person to be with. She is also talented and a willing worker. She enjoyed painting window frames for us and did a good job. She is musical and improvised on her wooden flute for the Community each evening. I have enjoyed getting to know her very much.

(Excellent)

19 Apr 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Elena)

Elena was delightful company and a good team worker. She has carpentry skills which she put to excellent use. She was willing and enthusiastic in her work all week and participated fully in all other aspects of the retreat.

(Excellent)

17 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer (Elena) for host

I had an incredible time at this place!! The days were packed and the setup isn't like other workaway experiences I've had/heard about (but this was a great thing!). Each day we got up at 6:30 and had an hour meditation at 7, then breakfast followed by a work meeting laying out plans for the day. We'd work from about 10-1, break for lunch for an … read more

(Excellent)

29 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host

I am so grateful to have had the chance to come to this Buddhist center which is guided by such pure and wonderful souls 🪷.
When I arrived I was very stressed because it was my first workaway and my first big trip alone, and whether it was the hosts or the other volunteers they all reassured me and accompanied me so that I felt more at peace.
It … read more

(Excellent)

13 Oct 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)

Lisa arrived direct from France and was eager to help out immeditely despite her exhaustion. During the ten days she was with us on the (Buddhist Retreat Centre) Volunteers Retreat, she engaged fully with the programme, learned new skills quickly, worked hard and thoroughly, and got along well with team mates. She tackled heavy outdoor jobs … read more

(Excellent)

15 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer (Luka) for host

The second i arrived, i felt as welcomed as if id been there before. I never felt excluded or alien because I knew nothing about buddhism. I learnt so much about buddhism but also life in general. Everyone in this community had so many stories and lessons to tell.
The work was really well balanced and overall fun and more importantly very varied. … read more

(Excellent)

13 Oct 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Luka)

Luka spent a week with the Buddhist Community helping to clear gorse and other weeds, maintain walking tracks, and split firewood at our off-grid retreat centre. Luka's bright energy, willingness to work hard - both independently and in a team - and thoughtful behaviour and communication was appreciated by everyone. He completed all tasks with … read more

(Excellent)

14 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer (Océane) for host

This volunteering is a real opportuny to learn from incredible people and to (re)discover your inner self. I am so happy for this week together and, insipred by the Dharma, I Hope we can meet soon again 🌞

(Excellent)

13 Oct 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Océane)

Oceane is multi-talented and very good company. She brought to the Volunteers Retreat abundant energy, enthusiasm and expertise, as well as initiative and a caring interest in other people. In addition to completing heavy outdoor tasks each day, such as clearing gorse and log-splitting, she also offered her services preparing delicious vegan … read more

(Excellent)

13 Oct 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (imsimpl)

im worked hard physically, both independently and as part of a team. He was kind and helpful and tried to avoid imposing in any way on others. He has many stories to tell of his life experiences and seeks to be generous with his skills.

(Good)

To leave feedback make sure you are logged in & your account is online

Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in New Zealand Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Oceania Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Waikato Community New Zealand Last minute Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in New Zealand

Join us at our Buddhist retreat center near Thames, New Zealand

Profile information

Host rating

Last replied

Reply rate

Feedback

Email verified

Badges (3)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Interests

UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Registered charity

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Space for parking camper vans

How many Workawayers can stay?

This host charges a fee

Why does Workaway allow some hosts to charge a fee?

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (11)

Photos

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback