Wintering, West Coast Style 2026

Last winter we closed Greenstone Retreat for six weeks and headed to the other side of the world, travelling to visit family and see what was happening in South West England. It was a wonderful break and a chance to completely switch off from the responsibility of running a small business for a while.

This year felt different. With rising fuel costs and a good dose of global uncertainty in the air, staying closer to home and finding the beauty in my own backyard became more important than ever.

Mastering the Mini Break

So that became the mantra for our 2026 wintering on the coast, mastering the mini break. Instead of a full closure, we’ve been closing Tuesday to Friday each week from June through August. This meant we could keep offering our retreat accommodation while also growing what’s on offer in the yoga studio to support the wellbeing of our local West Coast community.

Each week has brought yoga and breathwork, with monthly soul circles, dances and meditation on offer too, giving locals plenty of options, plus a few extras for our weekend guests to enjoy too.

A Few Favourite West Coast Wintering Spots

Mastering the mini break has meant plenty of time exploring closer to home too. I gathered a few friends for a visit to Lake Kaniere for some breathwork and a mini retreat. One brave friend enjoyed a dip in the freezing lake – amazing for the immune system and washing off any winter sluggishness.

Another weekend was spent on the coast road near Punakaiki, about an hour north of Kumara, taking in Fox River and Charleston along the way. Stops included the stunning Coal Creek Falls at Runanga, currently one of my favourite walks on the Coast. A favourite closer to home, the Gentle Annie Track by the Taramakau River (not to be confused with Gentle Annie’s campground north of Westport). This walk starts on the north side of the Taramakau River off State Highway 6, crosses the walking and cycling bridge, then meanders down the side of the river to the beach and the old Scout den. It has lovely views and is properly off the beaten track, since it isn’t on the maps and there’s no sign. Well behaved dogs are welcome. If you have two cars, park one at Serpentine Beach and enjoy the roughly ninety minute, undulating walk created by the amazing Kumara Junction community, or chat to us and we can arrange a drop off.

Wellbeing Practices That Carry Me Through Winter

Personal practices have made a real difference to how this winter has felt. Through July I did seven sun salutations a day as part of my own yoga practice, in support of our Duty Manager Portia’s fundraiser for Women’s Refuge. She set herself the challenge of doing something “seven” related every day for the month, walking 7km in all weathers, every single day, and raised an incredible $2,275 for a wonderful cause. Showing up on my mat each day for her kept me motivated, and it ended up inspiring quite a few classes along the way too.

I’ve also been enjoying yin yoga in front of the fire as part of my own personal practice, a lovely way to slow down and rest. My latest habit is jumping on the spot for a minute or more each day. It’s great for bone density, lymphatic drainage, emotional and somatic release, ankle and leg strength, and a bit of cardio besides. It really is the little things that count. Daily dog walks, journalling, and enjoying whatever the frozen garden has managed to produce have all been so healing on many levels. I’ve also loved being able to catch up properly with friends over the slow season.

What has your wellbeing practice looked like this winter, and how is it changing as you move into spring?

Looking Ahead to Spring

As the days start to get longer, we’re in big planning mode here. Vegetable gardens, upcoming retreats and the EVOLve Wellbeing Market (22/11/26), with workshops, stalls, music, food and more. Mark your diaries, and book in for a few days to stay, or organise some friends for a fun weekend away.

For now, the fruit trees are getting pruned, garden beds are being tidied, and a few last minute mini breaks are being squeezed in. The weather has been fantastic this winter too, really mild, sunny and calm, which has made all the outdoor jobs that much easier. A big thank you to Steve, who has been a great support keeping the maintenance on our older buildings under control, and continues to keep things running and improving around the place. I wish you all a beautiful transition between the seasons.